This merger continues to pay off for investors

Article Excerpt

In April 2020, our long-time favourite United Technologies merged with rival Raytheon. The deal cut the company’s exposure to cyclical commercial airline customers, and freed up more cash for dividends and share buybacks. RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORP. $99 is a buy. The company (New York symbol RTX; Conservative-Growth Payer Portfolio; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 1.5 billion; Market cap: $148.5 billion; Dividend yield: 2.2%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.rtx.com) is a leading maker of commercial aircraft equipment, electronic systems for military aircraft and radar systems, and guided missiles. The company took its current form on April 3, 2020, with the all-stock merger of United Technologies Corp. and Raytheon Co. It also spun off its Otis (elevator) and Carrier (heating and air conditioning equipment) businesses as separate firms. Raytheon is now raising its quarterly dividend by 7.8% with the June 2022 payment. Investors will then receive $0.55 a share instead of $0.51. The new annual rate of $2.20 yields 2.2%. The company’s stock has gained over 50% since…