GE(GE)2025-05-06 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GE Aerospace reported adjusted revenue of 1.7 billion [10] - Free cash flow rose by 6 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, achieving a total shareholder return of 65% in 2024, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Industrials Index [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aftermarket services segment accounted for approximately 70% of total revenue, highlighting its importance to the company's financial health [10] - Orders for more than 4,600 engines were secured in 2024, with significant commitments from major airlines and defense sectors [11] - The LEAP engine program is a key growth driver, with aftermarket capacity expanded by 40% in 2024 and enhancements expected to double its time on wing performance [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial services backlog stands at over 75 billion annual US trade surplus [40] - Supply chain constraints were identified as a challenge, particularly related to 15 priority supplier sites, but improvements were made to increase material input by 26% in the second half of 2024 [15][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on service and readiness, with a strategy that emphasizes operational efficiency and customer satisfaction [13] - GE Aerospace plans to invest over 3 billion annually in R&D to advance technologies that will shape the future of flight, including open fan engines and hypersonics [48][49] - The integration of engineering and supply chain teams into a new technology and operations organization aims to enhance collaboration and accelerate problem-solving [16][46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering another strong year in 2025, supported by a robust start and a significant commercial services backlog [17] - The company is navigating macroeconomic uncertainties while focusing on sustainable improvements to meet demand in 2025 [46] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining investments in key priorities despite the challenges posed by heightened tariffs [41][42] Other Important Information - The company has a diversified fleet of preferred platforms across narrow body and defense sectors, which enhances its competitive advantage [18] - GE Aerospace's commitment to safety, quality, delivery, and cost remains a core principle guiding its operations [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are your current and future views on the administration's tariffs as it applies to GE Aerospace growth and supplies to and from other countries? - Management supports the administration's focus on American competitiveness and plans to invest 1 billion in US manufacturing while hiring 5,000 workers [40] - Heightened tariffs are expected to result in additional costs, but the company is taking actions to offset these impacts, estimating a reduction of incremental costs to $500 million in 2025 [41][42] Question: What were factors in 2024 that limited revenue growth for commercial engines and services in the company overall? - While total company revenue was up double digits, supply chain and material constraints were significant challenges, particularly from priority suppliers [44] - The company is reorganizing teams to improve transparency and stability with suppliers, aiming for increased output in 2025 [46] Question: What technologies is the company most excited about? - The company is investing in technologies that will shape next-generation aviation, including RISE technologies for commercial aerospace and advanced engines for defense [48][49]