New York, Jan 24, 2026, 14:16 ET — The market has shut down for the day.
GE Aerospace shares slid 0.4% on Friday, closing at $293.87, extending losses into a second straight day after a steep 7.4% plunge on Thursday. The stock has now fallen about 9.6% over the last five trading sessions heading into the weekend.
The pullback followed GE’s release of its fourth-quarter results and 2026 outlook, which leaned heavily on a still-robust aftermarket—the parts and maintenance segment supporting engines in service—as airlines hold onto planes longer amid delivery delays. GE forecast adjusted profit for 2026 between $7.10 and $7.40 per share, just shy of the $7.11 analysts had anticipated, and said adjusted revenue is expected to rise in the low double digits. Shares had surged nearly 4% in premarket trading after the report.
GE’s fourth-quarter orders surged 74% to $27 billion, with adjusted revenue up 20% at $11.9 billion. CEO H. Lawrence Culp Jr. pointed out that free cash flow—cash left after capital spending—“exceeded 100%” of conversion in 2025. He also flagged a backlog approaching $190 billion. GE Aerospace
The company disclosed its quarterly and full-year 2025 results on Thursday, posting the report and supporting documents on its investor relations site.
Culp, speaking to Reuters in Chicago, rejected airline accusations that engine makers are using shortages and long repair queues to hike prices. “We invest heavily in technology,” he said, citing about $3 billion a year in R&D. GE is rolling out durability upgrades for its LEAP engines, built by CFM International—a joint venture with Safran and the sole engine supplier for Boeing’s 737 MAX. Regulators approved a durability kit for the LEAP‑1A late last year to extend “time on wing,” meaning longer intervals between shop visits. Bain & Company puts turnaround times for new engines at around 150% above pre-pandemic levels. Culp noted: “At the end of the day, the airlines are the ultimate customer.” Reuters
Analysts rushed to call the post-earnings drop a valuation reset rather than a change in the engine cycle. UBS bumped its price target up to $374 from $368, keeping a Buy rating intact. RBC Capital held firm with its Outperform rating and $355 target after the report.
On Monday, investors are grappling with a crucial question: will the recent selloff stall, or is it just the start of deeper position trimming after a year marked by tight expectations? Traders are closely watching analyst updates and fresh airline remarks on maintenance expenses and repair delays for any hints.
Downside risks linger: ongoing supply-chain problems or airlines pushing maintenance expenses could squeeze margins, even with steady demand. A sharper decline in global travel would hit the profitable service segment that investors are betting will stay resilient.
The Federal Reserve’s meeting scheduled for Jan. 27-28, with a policy announcement due on Jan. 28, is shaping up as the next key event to influence risk appetite.
