Trillion-Dollar Market Leader to Emerge from Aerospace and Defense Sector Within 5 Years, According to Citi

GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) is one of the best growth stocks to buy in 2026. On December 11, Citi initiated coverage of GE Aerospace with a Buy rating and $386 price target. This decision was made as Citi launched coverage on the aerospace and defense sector and predicted that current industry megatrends would lead to a trillion-dollar market cap leader (potentially GE Aerospace) within half a decade.

Earlier on December 4, Susquehanna also initiated coverage of GE Aerospace with a Positive rating and $350 price target. According to the firm, the company maintains a dominant global presence, powering 75% of all commercial flights through its proprietary engines and its CFM International joint venture with Safran. The company boasts a massive installed base of more than 45,000 commercial and 25,000 military engines, with both segments currently expanding at mid-single-digit rates.

In other news, on December 10, GE Aerospace announced that it secured orders to supply eight LM2500 marine gas turbine engines to power the US Navy’s newest Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. These engines will be installed on the future USS Intrepid (DDG 145) and USS Robert Kerrey (DDG 146), with each vessel requiring four turbines for its propulsion system. This contract reinforces the LM2500’s status as the primary mover for the Arleigh Burke class, which has served as the core of the US Navy’s surface fleet for over 30 years.

GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) designs and produces commercial and defense aircraft engines, integrated engine components, electric power, and mechanical aircraft systems. The company operates through two segments: Commercial Engines & Services and Defense & Propulsion Technologies.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.