随着国防支出的增加，埃尔比特系统公司的利润创下历史新高

Elbit Systems (NASDAQ:ESLT) on Tuesday rose to a record high after the Israeli defense company reported better-than-expected earnings. The company forecast continued expansion in 2025 as global defense budgets rise.

For the fourth quarter of 2024, Elbit reported earnings of $2.66 a diluted share (excluding one-time items), an increase from $1.56 a share the previous year. Analysts had projected earnings of $1.95 a share.

Revenue for the quarter climbed 27% from a year earlier to $1.93 billion, largely driven by drone sales to Israel and European clients. On an annual basis, Elbit’s adjusted earnings per share rose to $8.76 in 2024 from $6.70 in 2023, while overall revenue increased by 14% to $6.83 billion.

The company also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.60 a share, up from $0.50 in the previous quarter.

More than 30% of Elbit’s (NASDAQ:ESLT) revenue comes from Israel, which has been engaged in military operations against Hamas since October 7, 2023. The company provides a range of defense technologies, including munitions, drones, guided rocket systems and reconnaissance tools.

Speaking at the company’s investor conference, Chief Executive Bezalel Machlis emphasized Israel’s significance as a market but noted that international demand remains the primary growth driver.

In an interview with Reuters, Machlis highlighted an expected surge in European defense spending, partly in response to policy directions from former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Machlis, a 1% increase in Europe’s defense spending could open up an additional $280 billion in contract opportunities.

With rising defense investments in the U.S. and Israel and an expanding order backlog — growing by approximately $5 billion in 2024 to reach $22.6 billion — Machlis projected continued revenue and profit growth.

Currently, about 65% of Elbit’s (ESLT) order backlog comes from international markets, with 57% of orders scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026.

The company is among those in the European and Middle Eastern regions seeing higher demand. Elbit’s (ESLT) major competitor, the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries, recently disclosed a 55% jump in profits for 2024.