GE rides aviation boom to lift 2023 profit forecast
By Rajesh Kumar Singh and Abhijith Ganapavaram
(Reuters) -General Electric Co on Tuesday raised its full-year profit outlook after quarterly earnings topped Wall Street estimates on robust demand for jet engine spare parts and services from airlines looking to cash in on surging air travel.
The company's shares were up about 6% at $116.44 in morning trade.
CEO Larry Culp in an interview said the company has not seen any signs of softening in demand despite rising interest rates.
«We feel very good about the demand that we see broadly,» he said.
A faster-than-expected recovery in aviation from pandemic lows has lifted results of engine makers as shortages of commercial planes have forced airlines to use old jets for longer, boosting demand for lucrative aftermarket services.
GE's aerospace unit, which makes engines for jets of Boeing (NYSE:BA) Co and Airbus, posted double-digit growth in orders, revenue and operating profit from a year earlier. Its services revenue was up 31% in the second quarter from a year ago. Services accounted for 70% of the unit's revenue last year.
The company also reported growth in deliveries of LEAP engines, which it produces in a joint venture with France's Safran (EPA:SAF).
Culp said while supply-chain constraints are improving, the company needs to do more to keep up with «unprecedented» production ramp-up at Boeing and Airbus. He reaffirmed the company's forecast to deliver 1,700 LEAP engine units this year.
GE is also seeing a moderation in cost pressures, he said. Its aerospace unit will carry out a price increase for parts in August, Culp added.
The Boston-based industrial conglomerate now expects 2023 adjusted profit per share of $2.10 to $2.30, compared with its previous forecast of
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