Is GE Aerospace Stock Still a Buy After Earnings?
GE Aerospace stock is higher Thursday after the industrial firm topped analysts' fourth-quarter expectations and issued a strong full-year outlook. Here's what you need to know.


GE Aerospace (GE) stock surged Thursday after the global aerospace company beat top- and bottom-line expectations for its fourth quarter and issued a strong outlook for 2025.
In the three months ending December 31, GE's revenue increased 15.6% year over year to $9.9 billion. Its earnings per share (EPS) more than doubled from the year-ago period to $1.32.
"GE Aerospace delivered a strong finish to 2024 given robust demand for our services and products with fourth quarter orders up 46%, EPS more than doubling, and free cash flow increasing over 20%," said GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp in a statement. "Our performance capped off a monumental first year as a standalone company with $1.7 billion of profit growth and $1.3 billion of free cash flow growth."

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The results topped analysts' expectations. Wall Street was anticipating revenue of $9.5 billion and earnings of $1.04 per share, according to Investor's Business Daily.
For the full fiscal year, GE said it expects to achieve revenue growth in the low-double-digit percentages from 2024 and EPS in the range of $5.10 to $5.45, ahead of analysts' expectations of 11% revenue growth and earnings of about $5.23 per share.
"Looking to 2025, we expect double-digit revenue and EPS growth with greater than 100% free cash flow conversion," Culp said. "Guided by Flight Deck, our proprietary lean operating model, I'm confident in our ability to accelerate output and deliver for our customers."
Is GE stock a buy, sell or hold?
GE Aerospace has generated a total return (price appreciation plus dividends) of 81% over the trailing 12 months vs 27% for the S&P 500. And Wall Street is still very bullish on the industrial stock.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for GE stock is $208.60, representing implied upside of over 4% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is a Strong Buy.
Financial services firm Bernstein has an Outperform rating (equivalent to a Buy) and $209 price target on the large-cap stock.
"We continue to expect GE to benefit from favorable demand trends for both aftermarket and original equipment," wrote Bernstein analyst Douglas Harned in a January 19 note. However, he does note risks facing the company, which include the potential for slowed growth in the high-margin aftermarket and global airline overcapacity.
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
Are You a Retirement Millionaire Too Scared To Spend?
If you are too scared to spend money in retirement, you may be saddled with regret. Here are three ways to safely enjoy your sizable retirement nest egg.
By Donna Fuscaldo Published
-
U.S. Treasury to Eliminate Paper Checks: What It Means for Tax Refunds, Social Security
Treasury President Trump signed an executive order forcing the federal government to phase out paper check disbursements by the fall.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Seven Questions to Ask When Evaluating Personal Loan Options
Taking out a personal loan too hastily could lock you into unfavorable terms with an untrustworthy lender. Ask these questions before signing anything.
By David Kimball Published
-
How Much Does Being Rich Matter in Retirement?
After a certain point, having more money in retirement won't make you any happier, new research shows. Instead, physical health, a sense of purpose, and a minimal amount of non-mortgage debt are more relevant.
By Christy Bieber Published
-
The Three Biggest Fears Keeping Retirees Up at Night
Here are the steps you can take to put those fears to rest and retire with confidence so you can relax and enjoy the life you've planned.
By Pam Krueger Published
-
What Can a Donor-Advised Fund Do for You? (A Lot)
DAFs and private foundations go about helping charities (and those who donate) in different ways. Each comes with its own benefits and restrictions to navigate.
By Julia Chu Published
-
Estate Planning When You Have International Assets
Estate planning gets tricky when you have assets and/or beneficiaries outside the U.S. To avoid costly inheritance mistakes, it pays to understand the basics.
By Kelsey M. Simasko, Esq. Published
-
Microsoft Stock: Innovation Spurs Its 100,000% Return
Microsoft's ability to recognize the "next big thing" has allowed sales – and its share price – to grow exponentially over the years.
By Louis Navellier Published
-
Three Essential Estate Planning Steps to Protect Your Nest Egg
After dedicating years to building your wealth and securing your future, make sure your assets are protected and your loved ones are provided for in the future.
By Nicole Farbo, CFP® Published
-
Is Chasing the American Dream Ruining Your Financial Life?
Too many people focus on visible affluence as a marker of success. Here's how to avoid succumbing to the pressure and driving yourself into debt.
By Anthony Martin Published