General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) Q4 2025 Earnings call January 22, 2026 07:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsRahul Ghai - CFODouglas Harned - Managing DirectorMyles Walton - Managing DirectorScott Deuschle - A&D Equity Research DirectorGavin Parsons - Director of Aerospace and Defense Equity ResearchJohn Godyn - Managing DirectorNoah Poponak - Managing DirectorBlaire Shoor - Head of Investor RelationsSeth Seifman - Executive DirectorLarry Culp - Chairman and CEOConference Call ParticipantsRon Epstein - Senior ...

General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) Q4 2025 Earnings call January 22, 2026 07:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsRahul Ghai - CFODouglas Harned - Managing DirectorMyles Walton - Managing DirectorScott Deuschle - A&D Equity Research DirectorGavin Parsons - Director of Aerospace and Defense Equity ResearchJohn Godyn - Managing DirectorNoah Poponak - Managing DirectorBlaire Shoor - Head of Investor RelationsSeth Seifman - Executive DirectorLarry Culp - Chairman and CEOConference Call ParticipantsRon Epstein - Senior ...

Company Overview - GE Aerospace, formerly General Electric Company, is a leading designer, developer, and producer of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for military, commercial, and business aircraft [11] - The company is recognized for its aero-derivative gas turbines for marine applications and has a strong focus on product upgrades and innovation [11] - GE Aerospace operates globally, with a presence in the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, offering a wide range of products and services [11] Investment Ratings - GE is currently rated 3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, indicating a neutral outlook [12] - The company has a VGM Score of B, suggesting a balanced investment profile [12] Momentum and Earnings Estimates - GE has a Momentum Style Score of A, with shares increasing by 3% over the past four weeks, indicating positive price momentum [12] - For fiscal 2025, five analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising by $0.30 to $6.17 per share [12] - GE has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of +19.1%, reflecting strong performance relative to expectations [12] Investment Consideration - With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, GE Aerospace is recommended for investors' consideration [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP net income of $1.2 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $6.98 for Q3 2025, driven by strong gains on sale and insurance recoveries [5][17] - Adjusted net income was $865 million, with a record adjusted EPS of $4.97, leading to an increase in full-year EPS guidance to $13.70 [5][21] - The company generated significant excess capital, resulting in a leverage ratio of 2.1 to 1 and a strong liquidity position with total sources of liquidity at approximately $22 billion [20][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aircraft leasing segment saw utilization rates exceeding 99%, with a healthy extension rate of approximately 85% for used aircraft transactions [5][6] - The company sold 32 owned assets for total sales revenue of $1.5 billion, resulting in a gain on sale of $332 million and an unlevered gain on sale margin of 28% [17][18] - The engine business continues to deepen relationships with OEMs and airlines, highlighted by a seven-year agreement with GE Aerospace for lease pool management services [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand for widebody aircraft remains high, with a 100% extension rate for widebody transactions, indicating robust market conditions [6][8] - The company is taking back 27 aircraft from Spirit Airlines, which will incur downtime and engine shop visit costs, impacting fourth-quarter guidance [8][19] - The overall market environment for aircraft leasing and sales continues to be strong, with expectations for over $3 billion in sales for the full year [18][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes disciplined capital deployment, focusing on accretive opportunities and maintaining a strong balance sheet [12][68] - AerCap is actively participating in M&A discussions and is open to consolidation in the industry, viewing it as a positive for shareholders [33][34] - The company has negotiated over 200 aircraft acquisitions since 2021, indicating a proactive approach to fleet management and market positioning [54][68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident about the business outlook, citing strong demand for both new and used aircraft driven by the need to retire older models [25][26] - The company expects continued strong performance in the aircraft leasing market, with a favorable supply-demand imbalance projected to last through the end of the decade [36][39] - Management acknowledged potential challenges from geopolitical factors but believes long-term fleet planning by airlines will mitigate short-term impacts [76] Other Important Information - The company has committed approximately $10 billion to engines through its two engine divisions since closing the GECAS transaction [10] - The company returned $981 million to shareholders through share repurchases in Q3, marking a quarterly record for open market purchases [14][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on U.S. industry consolidation - Management sees limited room for further consolidation in the U.S. market but acknowledges strong demand for new technology aircraft as older models are retired [25][26] Question: Margin progression and yield improvement - Management indicated that net spread increased to 8%, the highest since 2019, with expectations for continued positive impacts from new deliveries [27][28] Question: Comments on Air Lease proxy and strategic bidding - Management supports industry consolidation and emphasizes discipline in M&A discussions to avoid diluting shareholder value [32][34] Question: Outlook for A220 market - Management noted challenges with the A220's engine durability but remains optimistic about its future if improvements are made [61][62] Question: Capital allocation and sale-leaseback opportunities - Management highlighted the importance of pursuing accretive transactions and maintaining a focus on shareholder returns [68][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew 26% to $11.3 billion, with operating profit also up 26% to $2.3 billion, driven by strong deliveries across aftermarket, original equipment (OE), and defense [6][19] - Earnings per share (EPS) increased 44% to $1.66, supported by higher operating profit, a lower tax rate, and a reduced share count [20][30] - Free cash flow reached $2.4 billion, up 30% with over 130% conversion [20][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Commercial Engines and Services (CES), orders were up 5%, with services orders up 32% and equipment orders down 42% due to timing [22] - CES revenue grew 27%, with services revenue up 28% and internal shop visit revenue up 33% [22][24] - In Defense and Propulsion Technologies (DPT), revenue grew 26%, with engines volume up 83% year over year [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total orders increased 2% in the third quarter, with year-to-date orders up 13% and services orders up 31% [5] - The total DPT backlog reached $19 billion, up $1.5 billion year over year [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its operational model, Flight Deck, to improve delivery and meet robust customer demand [4][7] - Investments in LEAP durability and next-generation technologies are prioritized to deliver value to customers [6][15] - The company is raising its full-year guidance across the board, expecting revenue growth in the high teens and CES growth in the low 20s [28][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong demand for services and products, with a significant backlog of approximately $175 billion [7][8] - The company is optimistic about its trajectory entering 2026, with expectations for continued growth and improved operational performance [30][32] Other Important Information - The company is investing nearly $1 billion in its supply chain to expand capacity [12] - The LEAP third-party maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) network is growing rapidly, with external shop visits up roughly twofold [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Services outperformance and sequential step down in Q4 - Management noted strong services growth driven by improved material availability and increased work scopes, with expectations for a seasonal step down in Q4 due to typical demand patterns [37][41] Question: LEAP services margin outlook - Confidence in achieving LEAP services margin targets by 2028 is based on ongoing improvements in supply chain performance and operational efficiencies [46][50] Question: Capital deployment and M&A considerations - The company maintains a balanced capital allocation approach, prioritizing reinvestment in the business and returning capital to shareholders while remaining open to strategic M&A opportunities [53][57] Question: Spare parts performance and drivers - Spare parts growth is attributed to pent-up demand, increased work scopes, and improved material availability, with expectations for continued growth in 2026 [61][66] Question: 2026 revenue growth and margin expectations - The environment for 2026 appears better than previously expected, with projected revenue growth and profit growth, although not at the same levels as 2025 [69][72] Question: Defense business and R&D insights - The defense business is leveraging commercial experience to enhance development cycles and sustainment models, with significant investments in next-generation platforms [79][82] Question: Durability of LEAP-1A blade - Initial performance of the LEAP-1A durability kit is promising, with expectations for a multi-year rollout across the installed base [86][88] Question: Supply chain material availability improvements - Improvements in supply chain material availability are the result of cumulative efforts and collaboration with suppliers, focusing on problem-solving and operational efficiency [92][95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the third quarter was $11.3 billion, up 26% year-over-year, with operating profit also increasing by 26% to $2.3 billion [15][19] - Earnings per share (EPS) grew 44% to $1.66, driven by increased operating profit, a lower tax rate, and a reduced share count [15][19] - Free cash flow reached $2.4 billion, up 30%, with over 130% conversion from earnings [15][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Commercial Engines and Services (CES), orders were up 5%, with services orders increasing by 32% and equipment orders down 42% due to timing [17][19] - CES revenue grew 27%, with services revenue up 28% and internal shop visit revenue up 33% [17][19] - In Defense and Propulsion Technologies (DPT), revenue grew 26%, with engine volume up 83% year-over-year [19][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date, orders increased by 13%, with services orders up 31% [4] - The total DPT backlog is at $19 billion, up $1.5 billion year-over-year [19] - The company expects to grow LEAP deliveries more than 20% for the full year, up from a prior outlook of 15% to 20% [7][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its FlightDeck operating model to improve delivery and meet customer demand [3][5] - Investments in LEAP durability and next-generation technologies are prioritized to deliver value to customers [10][12] - The company is committed to expanding its supply chain capacity, investing nearly $1 billion to support growth [9][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong demand for services and products, raising full-year guidance across the board [5][19] - The company anticipates continued growth in commercial services and engine deliveries, with a positive outlook for 2026 [20][56] - Management highlighted the importance of addressing supply chain challenges and improving material availability [78] Other Important Information - The company has secured significant commitments from major airlines, including Korean Air and Cathay Pacific, for its engines [12][13] - The company is actively working on next-generation engine technologies, including the GE9X and RISE program [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the services performance and factors driving it? - Management noted that improved material availability and increased work scopes contributed to strong services growth, with expectations for continued demand [28][30] Question: What gives confidence in the LEAP services margin outlook? - Management highlighted ongoing improvements in supply chain performance and operational efficiencies as key factors supporting the margin outlook [34][36] Question: How does the company balance capital deployment and share repurchase? - Management stated that the capital allocation approach remains balanced, focusing on reinvestment in the business while returning capital to shareholders [41][42] Question: What is the outlook for 2026, particularly regarding CES revenue growth? - Management indicated a positive outlook for 2026, expecting solid revenue growth driven by an increasing installed base and higher shop visit demand [55][56]

Financial Performance Highlights - GE Aerospace's adjusted revenue increased by 26% year-over-year in Q3 2025, driven by strong services and engine output[9] - Adjusted EPS grew by 44% year-over-year in Q3 2025[9] - Free cash flow increased by 30% year-over-year in Q3 2025[9] - Commercial Engines & Services (CES) saw a 28% increase in revenue and a 35% increase in total profit year-over-year[9] - Defense & Propulsion Technologies (DPT) experienced a 26% increase in revenue and a 75% increase in profit[9] Operational Performance - Commercial services revenue increased by 28% year-over-year[13] - Engine deliveries increased by 41% year-over-year[13] - Defense engine deliveries increased significantly by 83% year-over-year[14] Guidance and Outlook - The company is raising its full-year 2025 guidance across the board[9] - Adjusted revenue growth is now expected to be in the high-teens percentage range[31] - Adjusted EPS is projected to be between $600 and $620[31] - Free cash flow is expected to be between $71 billion and $73 billion[31]

Core Insights - GE Aerospace stock has increased by over 65% from April 18, 2025, to October 15, 2025, driven by strong operational performance and a positive outlook [1] - The company's P/E multiple experienced a significant change of 42.6%, indicating a shift in investor sentiment and valuation [3] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, GE Aerospace reported total revenue of $11.0 billion, a 21% year-over-year increase, and adjusted EPS of $1.66, up 38% [5] - Free cash flow nearly doubled to $2.1 billion, prompting the company to raise its full-year 2025 guidance and outlook for operating profit and free cash flow through 2028 [5] Strategic Developments - GE Aerospace secured substantial new engine commitments, including a landmark deal with Qatar Airways for over 400 GE9X and GEnx engines, contributing to a backlog of approximately $175 billion by the end of Q2 2025 [5] - The company is addressing supply chain constraints and enhancing capacity through strategic initiatives, including a nearly $1 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and technology [5] Market Sentiment - Analyst sentiment is predominantly positive, with multiple firms reiterating "buy" or "outperform" ratings and raising price targets for GE Aerospace shares following strong financial results [9] - The U.S. government has allowed GE Aerospace to resume shipments of jet engines to China's COMAC, opening new business growth opportunities [9]

Core Insights - GE Aerospace has signed an extended services contract with Silk Way West Airlines to maintain its operational fleet of Boeing aircraft, covering various engine types including GE90-115B, GEnx-2B, and GE9X [1][9] Group 1: Contract Details - The contract includes maintenance for six GE90-115B-equipped 777 Freighters, five GEnx-2B-powered 747-8 Freighters, and four GE9X-equipped 777-8 Freighters [1] - This deal reinforces the long-standing collaboration between GE Aerospace and Silk Way West Airlines, which has a strong GE-powered fleet [3][9] Group 2: Engine Performance and Impact - The GEnx engine family has completed over 62 million flight hours, with more than 3,600 engines currently in service and backlog [2][9] - The GE9X engine offers a 10% improvement in specific fuel consumption compared to its predecessor, enhancing operational efficiency for the airline [2] Group 3: Market Position and Financial Performance - GE Aerospace holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), benefiting from a growing installed base and increased utilization of engine platforms due to strong demand in commercial and defense sectors [5] - In the last three months, GE's shares have increased by 21.6%, outperforming the industry growth of 7.1% [6]

Core Viewpoint - GE Aerospace has shown remarkable stock performance, increasing from approximately $100 in early 2024 to around $270, representing a 2.7x increase, driven by a strategic focus on aerospace, strong service business, debt reduction, and high demand for LEAP engines [2] Growth Drivers - Potential for the stock to double again to over $500, supported by several factors [3] - Significant capital investment of about $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing for 2025, nearly double last year's commitment, aimed at expanding capacity [5] - Plans to scale LEAP engine production to deliver 2,500 engines by 2028, sufficient for over 1,000 aircraft [5] - Recovery in global air travel and fleet modernization, particularly in emerging markets, is expected to sustain demand [5] - Growth in commercial services revenue, which has higher margins than original equipment, with a backlog exceeding $175 billion [5] - Technological advancements such as XA100, GE9X, and the RISE program position the company for leadership in sustainable aviation [5] - Increased global defense spending may boost military aerospace demand, with NATO members urged to increase defense budgets [5] - Operating margins have consistently expanded, currently at 19.1%, comparable to the S&P 500's 18.8% [5] Valuation Scenarios - GE's guidance suggests adjusted EPS of $8.40 by 2028, with potential to exceed $9.20 per share, up from $4.60 in 2024 [4] - Conservative scenario (P/E 30x) targets a price of $280, indicating limited upside [4] - Base case scenario (P/E 40x) targets a price of $370, reflecting about 40% upside [9] - Optimistic scenario (P/E 55x) targets a price of over $500, indicating nearly 2x upside [9] Conclusion - GE Aerospace is positioned as a compelling growth story with clear catalysts for expansion, supported by a focused strategy and strong market positions [6]