Defense Stocks Hit New Highs Amid Energy Sector Rally
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 20 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Defense Stocks Surge: GE Aerospace, Huntington Ingalls, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and RTX have all reached new all-time highs, with Lockheed Martin rising 14% in the past month, reflecting strong market confidence in increased defense spending.
- Energy Sector Rally: Energy stocks like APA Corp, Baker Hughes, and ConocoPhillips have hit new highs, with Baker Hughes up 37% in 2026, indicating optimistic expectations for a recovery in energy demand.
- Microsoft Insider Buying: Microsoft director John Stanton purchased 5,000 shares for about $2 million, marking one of the largest insider buys in nearly 20 years, despite the stock being down 28% since July 31, suggesting insider confidence in a future rebound.
- Economic Data Expectations: The U.S. GDP is expected to grow by 2.5% in the fourth quarter, with personal income data also due, as economists forecast a 0.2% increase, which could influence market sentiment and lead to stock market volatility.
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Analyst Views on GE
Wall Street analysts forecast GE stock price to rise
9 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
0 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 304.130
Low
275.00
Averages
345.67
High
386.00
Current: 304.130
Low
275.00
Averages
345.67
High
386.00
About GE
General Electric Company, doing business as GE Aerospace, is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems company. The Company has an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines. The Company operates through two segments: Commercial Engines & Services and Defense & Propulsion Technologies. The Commercial Engines & Services segment designs, develops, manufactures and services jet engines for commercial airframes, as well as business aviation and aeroderivative applications. Its services include maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of engines and the sale of spare parts and offers services under a variety of arrangements. The Defense & Propulsion Technologies segment provides defense engines and critical aircraft systems and consists of its Defense & Systems and Propulsion & Additive Technologies businesses. Its portfolio of brands includes Avio Aero, Unison, Dowty Propellers and Colibrium Additive.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
GE Aerospace Stock Rises 2.6% in Premarket Trading Following Strong Q1 Results
- Stock Performance: Aerospace shares increased by 2.6% in pre-market trading following the release of Q1 results.
- Earnings Report: The Q1 results exceeded market expectations, contributing to the rise in share prices.
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Comparison with Estimates: The initial revenue estimate for the sector was $10.72 billion, indicating a significant increase in expected earnings.
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GE Aerospace Reports Q1 Adjusted EPS of $1.86, Exceeding IBES Estimate of $1.60
- Earnings Overview: The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the aerospace sector is reported at USD 1.86.
- Comparison with Estimates: This figure exceeds the Ibes estimate, which was USD 1.6.
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GE Aerospace Reports Q1 Adjusted Revenue of $11.6 Billion, Exceeding IBES Estimate of $10.7 Billion
- Quarterly Revenue Comparison: GEAEROSPACE reported adjusted revenue of USD 11.6 billion for Q1, significantly higher than IBESE's estimate of USD 10.718 billion.
- Financial Performance Insight: The revenue figures indicate a strong performance by GEAEROSPACE, exceeding market expectations.
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GE Aerospace Reports Q1 Continuing EPS of $1.83
Economic Performance: The report indicates a continuing economic expansion with a GDP growth rate of 1.83% in the first quarter.
Sector Analysis: Various sectors are contributing to the growth, with notable performance in aerospace and technology industries.
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GE Aerospace Reports Q1 Revenue of $12.4 Billion
- Company Overview: GEAEROSPACE reported a revenue of USD 12,400 million for the first quarter.
- Financial Performance: The revenue figure indicates a strong financial performance in the aerospace sector for the quarter.
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GE Aerospace Stock Rises 2.6% in Premarket Trading Following Strong Q1 Results
- Stock Performance: Aerospace shares increased by 2.6% in pre-market trading following the release of Q1 results.
- Earnings Report: The Q1 results exceeded market expectations, contributing to the rise in share prices.
See More
GE Aerospace Reports Q1 Adjusted Revenue of $11.6 Billion, Exceeding IBES Estimate of $10.72 Billion
Financial Overview: The aerospace sector is projected to generate revenue of $11.6 billion in Q1, surpassing previous estimates.
Comparison with Estimates: The initial revenue estimate for the sector was $10.72 billion, indicating a significant increase in expected earnings.
See More
GE Aerospace Reports Q1 Adjusted EPS of $1.86, Exceeding IBES Estimate of $1.60
- Earnings Overview: The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the aerospace sector is reported at USD 1.86.
- Comparison with Estimates: This figure exceeds the Ibes estimate, which was USD 1.6.
See More
GE Aerospace Reports Q1 Adjusted Revenue of $11.6 Billion, Exceeding IBES Estimate of $10.7 Billion
- Quarterly Revenue Comparison: GEAEROSPACE reported adjusted revenue of USD 11.6 billion for Q1, significantly higher than IBESE's estimate of USD 10.718 billion.
- Financial Performance Insight: The revenue figures indicate a strong performance by GEAEROSPACE, exceeding market expectations.
See More
GE Aerospace Reports Q1 Continuing EPS of $1.83
Economic Performance: The report indicates a continuing economic expansion with a GDP growth rate of 1.83% in the first quarter.
Sector Analysis: Various sectors are contributing to the growth, with notable performance in aerospace and technology industries.
See More
GE Aerospace Reports Q1 Revenue of $12.4 Billion
- Company Overview: GEAEROSPACE reported a revenue of USD 12,400 million for the first quarter.
- Financial Performance: The revenue figure indicates a strong financial performance in the aerospace sector for the quarter.
See More
