GE AerospaceOperating profit rose 18% but margin contracted 200 bps due to cost increases; mixed earnings report.

GE Aerospace reported an 18% year-over-year increase in operating profit to $2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2026, while its operating profit margin contracted 200 basis points to 21.8% due to growth investments and inflation. Cost of sales surged 32% to $7.9 billion, selling, general and administrative expenses rose 23.7% to $1.08 billion, and research and development spending increased 22.6% to $440 million. The company expects full-year operating profit between $9.85 billion and $10.25 billion, representing 10.4% growth at the midpoint, driven by more than 15% growth in LEAP engine deliveries and strong aftermarket demand. Among peers, RTX Corporation expanded its adjusted operating margin by 60 basis points to 13.7%, while Textron's gross margin fell 100 basis points to 17.8%. GE Aerospace shares have gained 16.8% over the past three months, outperforming the industry's 4.4% decline, and the stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
GE AerospaceOperating profit rose 18% but margin contracted 200 bps due to cost increases; mixed earnings report.
RTX Corporation
Textron Inc