Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) reported earnings on Oct. 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Raytheon missed slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue dropped slightly and GAAP earnings per share increased.

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
Raytheon booked revenue of $6.05 billion. The 17 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see a top line of $6.16 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 1.4% lower than the prior-year quarter's $6.13 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $1.51. The 18 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $1.28 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.51 for Q3 were 5.6% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.43 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 22.4%, 110 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 13.0%, 120 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 8.3%, 10 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $6.48 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.32.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $24.54 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.33.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Raytheon is hold, with an average price target of $55.63.

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