Uncharted Equities: RTX's Mega Contract and the Self-Driving Shakeout

This week, I'm told that a significant shakeout is unfolding behind the scenes among a basket of under-the-radar US equities. From a defense contractor securing mega-contracts to the final chapter of a once-hyped self-driving startup, this represents the most significant divergence in this non-consensus group so far this year.

RTX (RTX.US)

I'm told that RTX's aerospace and defense units are firing on all cylinders. In August 2026, its Raytheon subsidiary landed a massive USD 22.9 billion contract to accelerate Tomahawk cruise missile production for the US Navy. Meanwhile, Collins Aerospace successfully completed altitude testing for the F-35's next-generation power and thermal management system. According to people familiar with the matter, following a strong Q2 2026 revenue of USD 24.71 billion, the company raised its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to between USD 7.10 and USD 7.25, driving recent resilient stock performance.

Vista Energy (VIST.US)

The Latin American independent oil and gas producer is catching the eye of heavyweight capital. Billionaire Peter Thiel reportedly snapped up a 1% stake in the company in August 2026, sparking market intrigue. Operations at the Vaca Muerta shale play are ramping up, pushing Q2 2026 total production up 32% year-over-year and boosting revenue by 89% to USD 1.15 billion. Wall Street analysts are now targeting a more than 180% explosion in its full-year EPS for 2026.

Chubb (CB.US)

At global insurance giant Chubb, shareholder returns remain the dominant theme. In May 2026, shareholders approved a 33rd consecutive annual dividend increase and authorized a new USD 7.5 billion stock repurchase program. I'm told that its consolidated net premiums written grew 3.6% to USD 14.7 billion in Q2 2026, with core operating income surging over 18%. This robust cash generation continues to provide a solid buffer amid broader market volatility.

Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM.US)

The precious metals streaming firm is also riding a wave of record-breaking figures. Wheaton posted an all-time high Q2 2026 revenue of USD 929 million—a massive 85% jump year-over-year—and a net income of USD 543 million. Fueled by these results and higher realized prices, management hiked the quarterly dividend by 18%. I'm hearing that institutions are particularly optimistic about its streaming pipeline and its USD 1.4 billion in operating cash flow generated in the first half of the year.

Aeluma (ALMU.US)

In the semiconductor photonics space, Aeluma just received a major lifeline. In late July 2026, the company signed a proposed memorandum of terms with the US Department of Commerce for up to USD 30 million in funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. While its Q3 fiscal 2026 revenue stood at just USD 1.2 million with ongoing net losses, the injection of government backing and a revamped management team could serve as crucial catalysts later this year.

Luminar Technologies (LAZR.US)

In stark contrast to the growth seen elsewhere, autonomous driving sensor maker Luminar has reached the end of the road. After losing a pivotal contract with Volvo, the company completed its liquidation plan and canceled all equity interests in April 2026. Its core lidar and semiconductor businesses have been spun off and sold. Over the past year, its OTC-traded stock plunged nearly 100%, serving as a harsh reality check for the once-feverish autonomous tech sector.

Breakwave Tanker Shipping ETF (BWET.US)

Finally, geopolitical tensions are breeding extreme market moves. BWET, which tracks crude oil tanker freight futures, posted staggering returns, surging over 800% year-to-date. This was almost entirely driven by freight rate spikes linked to chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. However, insiders warn that this war-premium-fueled rally could reverse rapidly upon any geopolitical de-escalation, exacerbated by the ETF's hefty 3.5% expense ratio.

Also

• APPX (APPX.US): The company's business integration moves are currently under wraps, with updates expected before the next earnings cycle.
• FLKR (FLKR.US): Insiders reveal that the company is quietly restructuring its core market strategy.
• ORBS (ORBS.US): Management is set to provide an updated strategic outlook later this quarter.

This article does not constitute investment advice.