Strength in Defense & Propulsion Unit Drives GE Aerospace: Can It Sustain?

Core Insights - GE Aerospace is experiencing strong growth in its Defense & Propulsion Technologies segment, driven by increased demand for propulsion and additive technologies, critical aircraft systems, and aftermarket services in the defense sector [1] Group 1: Company Performance - In 2025, GE Aerospace secured a $5 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force for F110 engines, parts, and support services as part of a Foreign Military Sales program [2] - The Defense & Propulsion Technologies business saw revenues increase by 11% year over year, with orders growing by 19% [3][7] - For 2026, GE expects adjusted revenues from the defense and propulsion technologies unit to grow in the mid-to-high single-digit range [3][7] Group 2: Market Dynamics - Rising U.S. and international defense budgets, along with heightened geopolitical tensions, are expected to positively impact GE Aerospace's performance in the coming quarters [3] - The company has successfully tested the T901 engine on a Black Hawk helicopter and completed the design review for the new XA102 engine [2] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Howmet Aerospace Inc. reported a 20% year-over-year revenue increase in its defense aerospace market, which accounted for 17% of its total sales [4] - RTX Corporation is experiencing solid bookings and backlog levels, with expectations for robust growth in its defense business [5] Group 4: Valuation and Estimates - GE Aerospace shares have increased by 17.5% over the past six months, outperforming the industry growth of 11.2% [6] - The company is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 41.57X, above the industry average of 32.67X [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GE's earnings for 2026 and 2027 has been rising over the past 60 days [9]