On Wednesday, JPMorgan reiterated its Overweight rating for General Electric stock (NYSE:GE), emphasizing the company's potential for sales and earnings growth. The positive outlook is attributed to the LEAP engine's contribution to the company's financial targets, which include an operating profit growth to $10 billion by 2028.
This growth is expected to be driven by the Commercial Engines and Services (CES) and Defense Propulsion and Technologies (DPT) segments.
General Electric's management has confirmed their financial goals as previously outlined, with the LEAP engine playing a crucial role in profit growth, anticipated to approach the level of the CFM56 engine by 2028.
The company's projections are based on the assumption that CFM56 shop visits will decrease gradually after 2025, but revenue will be sustained by pricing and work scope. Additionally, if new aircraft production is delayed, CFM56 activity could remain high for an extended period.
The company also anticipates some pressure on the CFM56 margin rate due to an increase in used serviceable material (USM). However, these margin headwinds are expected to lessen after 2024. For the year 2024, General Electric forecasts a stable Aerospace margin rate, similar to previous estimates.
Within its segments, a decrease in the CES margin rate is projected due to a mix of factors, including a higher ratio of engine deliveries for new aircraft, increased R&D, and the production ramp-up of the new GE9X engine. Conversely, the DPT segment is likely to balance out the CES margin challenges through supply chain improvements, execution, and a reduction in certain investments from a high level in 2023.
Looking beyond 2024, management anticipates margin expansion in both the CES and DPT segments. The LEAP engine is expected to become a more significant tailwind for CES, and while R&D expenses are projected to increase, they should not surpass sales growth. In terms of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), management has a selective approach, considering targets that align strategically, operationally, and financially.
General Electric aims to potentially invest over $2 billion annually in M&A but will remain focused on strategically sensible areas rather than becoming a fully diversified aerospace supplier. If suitable acquisition targets or valuations are not available, the company plans to continue returning capital to shareholders, as it is currently doing with the majority of its cash.
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