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Bae Systems (BAESY)
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BAE Systems plc ADR (BAESY) AI Stock Analysis

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BAESY

BAE Systems plc ADR

(OTC:BAESY)

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Outperform 72 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
$129.00
â–²(29.10% Upside)
Action:UpgradedDate:02/20/26
The score is driven primarily by solid underlying financial performance and a strong technical uptrend, reinforced by a constructive earnings-call outlook supported by record backlog and guidance for continued growth. The main constraints are valuation (high P/E) and some financial quality concerns around rising debt and cash-flow/margin variability.
Positive Factors
Record backlog
A record GBP 84bn backlog (≈3x sales) and ~GBP 260bn pipeline provide durable multi-year revenue visibility tied to long-term government procurement. This structural backlog underpins steady production, high contract renewal probability and predictable forward revenue for 2–6+ months horizon.
Strong cash generation & balance sheet
Consistent positive free cash flow and a meaningful net-debt reduction (net debt/EBITDA ~0.9x ex-lease) plus a Moody's A3 upgrade materially improve financial flexibility. This supports sustained capex, R&D funding, shareholder returns and optionality for M&A without jeopardizing core operations.
Large R&D and capacity investment
Substantial, sustained investment in self-funded R&D and expanded production footprint, including major U.S. capacity, strengthens long-term competitive advantage. These investments improve product pipeline, support higher-margin programs and enable execution on elevated backlog over multiple years.
Negative Factors
Rising total debt
Material increase in total debt into 2024–25 reduces headroom for cyclical stress and limits optionality versus prior years. Higher absolute leverage can constrain capital allocation during downturns and raises sensitivity to interest costs and covenant constraints despite acceptable debt/equity metrics for the sector.
Cash-flow timing volatility
Dependence on customer advance receipts and lumpy collections causes uneven operating cash flow and forces conservative guidance that excludes advances. This timing volatility complicates multi-year planning, can depress reported FCF in certain years and raises working-capital and liquidity management risk.
Low early-stage maritime margins
Large, early-stage maritime and submarine programs carry below-par margins and execution risk, dragging consolidated profitability until program maturation. Such projects are multi-year and expose the company to cost overruns, schedule delays and lower near-term margin sustainability in a key revenue segment.

BAE Systems plc ADR (BAESY) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

BAE Systems plc ADR Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBAE Systems plc provides defense, aerospace, and security solutions worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Electronic Systems, Cyber & Intelligence, Platforms & Services (US), Air, and Maritime. The Electronic Systems segment offers electronic warfare systems, navigation systems, electro-optical sensors, military and commercial digital engine and flight controls, precision guidance and seeker solutions, military communication systems and data links, persistent surveillance systems, space electronics, and electric drive propulsion systems. The Cyber & Intelligence segment provides solutions to modernize, maintain, and test cyber-harden aircraft, radars, missile systems, and mission applications that detect and deter threats to national security; systems engineering, integration, and sustainment services for critical weapons systems, C5ISR, and cyber security; and solutions and services to intelligence and federal/civilian agencies. It also offers data intelligence solutions to defend against national-scale threats, protect their networks, and data against attacks; security and intelligence solutions to the United Kingdom government and allied international governments; anti-fraud and regulatory compliance solutions; and enterprise-level data and digital services. The Platforms & Services (US) segment manufactures combat vehicles, weapons, and munitions, as well as provides ship repair services and the management of government-owned munitions facilities. The Air segment develops, manufactures, upgrades, and supports combat and jet trainer aircraft. The Maritime segment designs, manufactures, and supports surface ships, submarines, torpedoes, radars, and command and combat systems; and supplies naval gun systems. It also supplies naval weapon systems, missile launchers, and precision munitions. The company was founded in 1970 and is based in Farnborough, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyBAE Systems generates revenue primarily through the sale of defense and security products and services to government and commercial customers. The company operates through several key segments, including Electronic Systems, Platforms & Services, and Cyber & Intelligence, each contributing to its overall revenue. Major revenue streams include contracts for military aircraft, naval ships, and land vehicles, as well as electronic systems and cybersecurity solutions. BAE Systems often secures long-term contracts with governments, which provide a stable revenue base. Strategic partnerships with other defense contractors, government agencies, and international allies also enhance its earnings potential, allowing for collaborative projects and shared technology development.

BAE Systems plc ADR Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 18, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jul 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call presented a strong operational and financial performance in 2025: record sales, double-digit EBIT growth, robust order intake (GBP 37bn) and an all-time backlog (GBP 84bn), supported by heavy investment in R&D and capacity and a strengthened balance sheet. Key growth engines (P&S, Air, ES and MBDA) demonstrated notable momentum and management provided constructive guidance for 2026 (sales +7% to +9%; EBIT +9% to +11%). Principal risks highlighted were cash-flow timing volatility driven by customer advances, higher expected tax rates, and lower early-stage maritime margins. On balance the positives—in particular high-quality backlog, margin expansion, strong free cash conversion in 2025 and continued strategic investment—outweigh the operational and timing headwinds.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Group Sales and Organic Growth
Group sales reached GBP 30.7 billion in 2025, up 10% year-on-year (organic growth ~9%), marking a record year of revenue for the company.
Underlying EBIT and Margin Expansion
Underlying EBIT rose to GBP 3.3 billion, up 12% year-on-year. Group margin expanded to 10.8%, a 20 basis-point improvement in 2025 and ~100 basis points of expansion over the last five years.
Strong Order Intake and Historic Backlog
Order intake was GBP 37 billion with a book-to-bill of 1.2. Order backlog increased to a record GBP 84 billion (~3x annual sales). Including incumbent program positions the company cites ~GBP 260 billion of visibility (~9x annual sales).
High Cash Generation and Strong Balance Sheet
Operating cash flow was GBP 2.8 billion and free cash flow GBP 2.2 billion (above guidance). Net debt fell ~22% to GBP 3.8 billion; net debt to EBITDA (ex-lease) ~0.9x. Moody's upgraded the rating to A3.
Sector-Level Outperformance
Platforms & Services led growth with sales of GBP 5.0 billion (+17%). Maritime grew 11% to GBP 6.8 billion, Air rose 9% to GBP 9.3 billion, Electronic Systems rose 8%, and Cyber & Intelligence contributed (sales +2%). P&S EBIT increased ~30% to GBP 576 million; ES margin reached 15.4%.
MBDA Momentum and Capacity Investment
MBDA order intake accelerated from ~EUR 4 billion/yr pre-2021 to ~EUR 13 billion/yr since 2021. MBDA backlog rose ~150% to EUR 44 billion (7.5x annual revenue), and MBDA revenue is up 37% over four years to EUR 5.8 billion (CAGR ~8%). Significant capacity and production investments underway to fulfill elevated backlog.
Record Investment in R&D, CapEx and U.S. Capacity Expansion
Self-funded R&D and CapEx combined were the highest ever in 2025. Self-funded R&D up substantially (self-funded R&D programs up ~70% since 2020). CapEx was ~GBP 1 billion in 2025 and over GBP 4 billion invested since 2020. The U.S. portfolio invested >USD 4 billion since 2020, workforce up ~14% and footprint expanded by >2 million sq ft.
Disciplined Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns
Dividend increased 10% for FY2025 (dividends covered ~2x by underlying earnings) and the company has retired ~9% of ordinary shares since 2021. Management targets >GBP 6 billion free cash over 2026-28 (including expected advances unwind) and retains flexibility for M&A and buybacks.
Negative Updates
Cash Flow Variability Related to Customer Advances
Operating cash flow was materially H2-weighted; the company cited a reduction in net advanced inflows in P&S and Air versus 2024 which pressured operating cash flow. Management excludes material advance receipts from guidance due to unpredictability; 2026 free cash guidance (>GBP 1.3 billion) is materially below 2025 actual free cash flow of GBP 2.2 billion and assumes an ~GBP 600 million unwind of advances in 2026.
Higher Expected Tax Rate in 2026
Effective tax rate guidance increased to ~22% for 2026 driven by the non-recurrence of prior-year tax releases and elevated French tax impacts (France rate cited ~36%), representing a headwind to EPS versus prior years.
Maritime Margins Pressured by Early-Stage Programs
Maritime margins were described as low due to early-stage, first-in-class programs (submarines/large ship programs) trading at relatively low margins. Management expects margin improvement in 2026+ as programs mature, but current underperformance is a drag on group margins.
Space and Civil-Sector Timing Uncertainty
Space & Mission Systems (SMS) experienced timing and early-year uncertainty as civil space (NASA/NOAA) priorities were re-assessed; this delayed some awards and contributed to a shortfall versus earlier expectations in ES growth during 2025 (though management expects recovery and double-digit growth in SMS in 2026).
Lumpy Order Intake and Forecast Uncertainty
Management emphasized order intake is lumpy and timing-sensitive (point-in-time deliveries affect revenue recognition and backlog conversion), limiting visibility and the company's willingness to guide order intake or predict material advance receipts—this creates forecasting variability.
Relatively Modest Growth in Cyber & Intelligence Sales
Cyber & Intelligence sales growth was modest in 2025 (+2% reported), indicating this sector lagged other faster-growing divisions despite EBIT strength and acquisitions (organic growth for the sector's EBIT cited at ~10%).
Company Guidance
Guidance for 2026 signals continued strong growth and cash generation: group sales are guided to rise 7–9% (air and Platforms & Services 9–11%; Electronic Systems 6–8%; maritime and cyber mid‑single digits), underlying EBIT/profitability is expected to grow 9–11% (driving EPS growth of 9–11%), and free cash flow is expected to exceed GBP 1.3 billion (guidance excludes material advance receipts and assumes an approximate GBP 600 million unwind of advances in 2026); the company also set a 3‑year (2026–28) cash target to exceed GBP 6 billion (vs. GBP 7.3 billion delivered in 2023–25). These targets sit on a record backlog of GBP 84 billion (~3x annual sales) and a broader incumbents/pipeline of ~GBP 260 billion (~9x sales), with FY25 metrics including GBP 30.7 billion sales, GBP 37 billion orders (book‑to‑bill 1.2), GBP 3.3 billion EBIT (10.8% margin, +20bps), GBP 2.2 billion free cash flow, CapEx close to GBP 1 billion (averaging ~GBP 1 billion p.a., >GBP 4 billion since 2020), record self‑funded R&D (up ~70% since 2020), FY25 shareholder returns of GBP 1.5 billion and a 10% dividend increase, net debt down 22% to GBP 3.8 billion (net debt/EBITDA 0.9x ex‑leases) and a Moody’s upgrade to A3.

BAE Systems plc ADR Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Steady multi-year revenue growth and solid net profitability support the score, and free cash flow is consistently positive with decent cash conversion. Offsetting factors include rising total debt into 2024–2025 and choppy operating/free cash flow and reported margin consistency, which reduce confidence in near-term earnings quality.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Revenue has grown steadily from 2020 to 2025 (from ~$19.3B to ~$27.7B), supporting a generally solid earnings profile. Profitability is respectable for the sector with net margins mostly in the ~7–9% range, though they have drifted slightly lower versus the 2021 peak. A key watch item is volatility/inconsistency in reported gross margin across years (including very low values in 2020/2021/2022/2025 versus very high values in 2023/2024), which makes the underlying margin trajectory harder to read despite stable net income growth.
Balance Sheet
66
Positive
Leverage is moderate: debt-to-equity is below 1.0 in most recent years (2023–2025), which is acceptable for a large defense prime, and equity has improved substantially versus 2020. That said, total debt has risen meaningfully into 2024–2025 (to ~$10–10.5B), reducing balance-sheet flexibility versus 2022–2023 levels. Returns on equity are strong (mid-to-high teens recently), but part of that strength is supported by leverage, so debt discipline remains important.
Cash Flow
61
Positive
Cash generation is consistently positive, with free cash flow covering a meaningful portion of earnings (roughly ~70–80% of net income across 2021–2025), which supports capital returns and resilience. However, operating cash flow has been choppy (down in 2025 versus 2024), and free cash flow growth is volatile year-to-year (strong in 2023 and 2025, weaker/negative in 2020 and 2024). Overall cash conversion is decent but not consistently improving, which tempers the score.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue27.72B26.31B23.08B21.26B19.52B
Gross Profit2.44B17.23B15.10B2.77B2.50B
EBITDA3.59B3.97B3.45B3.06B3.13B
Net Income2.02B1.96B1.86B1.59B1.76B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets37.61B38.14B32.06B31.46B27.14B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments3.61B3.38B4.11B3.36B3.11B
Total Debt10.55B10.15B6.48B6.97B6.36B
Total Liabilities25.70B26.36B21.34B20.06B19.47B
Stockholders Equity11.76B11.62B10.56B11.21B7.44B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow2.33B2.76B2.80B2.15B1.99B
Operating Cash Flow3.23B3.92B3.76B2.84B2.45B
Investing Cash Flow-898.86M-5.27B-541.00M-422.00M66.00M
Financing Cash Flow-2.21B695.00M-2.19B-2.33B-2.26B

BAE Systems plc ADR Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price99.92
Price Trends
50DMA
105.48
Positive
100DMA
100.34
Positive
200DMA
100.17
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
3.23
Negative
RSI
69.10
Neutral
STOCH
76.48
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BAESY, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 99.92 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 109.75, below the 50-day MA of 105.48, and below the 200-day MA of 100.17, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 3.23 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 69.10 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 76.48 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for BAESY.

BAE Systems plc ADR Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
$109.00B24.9126.17%1.55%-0.14%72.35%
75
Outperform
$70.69B42.768.20%1.61%2.83%47.00%
74
Outperform
$98.63B23.1017.66%1.73%11.86%17.39%
74
Outperform
$155.70B30.6376.87%2.77%2.88%-35.15%
72
Outperform
$87.60B31.3217.90%1.89%14.68%10.99%
67
Neutral
$17.81B28.8812.42%1.53%2.60%-18.22%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BAESY
BAE Systems plc ADR
119.86
39.52
49.19%
GD
General Dynamics
364.78
115.55
46.36%
LHX
L3Harris Technologies
378.48
173.84
84.95%
HII
Huntington Ingalls
453.73
284.21
167.66%
LMT
Lockheed Martin
676.70
236.78
53.82%
NOC
Northrop Grumman
768.02
302.10
64.84%
Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 20, 2026