Textron

Textron makes airplanes, helicopters, and vehicles for businesses, governments, and consumers. Its products help people travel, transport goods, and maintain large outdoor spaces. The company also offers financing for buyers of its aircraft and helicopters.

Gadgets That Fly, Drive, and Do the Heavy Lifting

• Textron Aviation (38.6% of total revenue in fiscal year 2024): Business jets, small planes, and military trainers for companies and governments.
• Bell (26.1%): Helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft for military and commercial use, including emergency services.
• Industrial (25.7%): Golf cars, utility vehicles, and fuel systems for car makers, resorts, and municipalities.
• Textron Systems (9.1%): Unmanned aircraft, marine craft, and armored vehicles for defense and security clients.
• Finance (0.4%): Loans and leasing for buyers of Textron aircraft and helicopters.
• eAviation (0.2%): Electric and hybrid aircraft, mainly for training and light transport.

Textron’s Expansion Playbook: Mergers, Moves, and Market Entries

• Acquired Pipistrel in 2022 to enter electric aircraft and glider markets.
• Secured major U.S. Army contract for Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) in 2022.
• Expanded Bell’s tiltrotor and helicopter offerings with new models in 2023-2024.
• Launched new Citation business jets with advanced safety features in 2024.
• Increased international sales to 29% of total revenue by 2024.

Textron’s Secret Sauce: What Sets It Apart

Textron operates in both commercial and defense markets, reducing reliance on one sector. Textron operated 56 manufacturing plants in the U.S. and 44 outside the U.S. as of December 28, 2024, and also owns or operates more than 20 Textron Aviation service centers and 8 Bell-operated service centers worldwide. The company invests in electric and hybrid aviation, aiming to address future transportation needs.

Five Things You Need to Know

• Revenue was $13.7 billion in 2024, flat from 2023.
• Bell’s revenue rose 14% in 2024, driven by new defense contracts.
• Textron Aviation’s revenue fell 2% in 2024 due to strike delays.
• International sales made up 29% of revenue in 2024.
• Backlog reached $17.9 billion at end of 2024, up 29% year-on-year.

Bottom Line

Textron has evolved into a diversified industrial group with strong positions in aviation, defense, and specialty vehicles. Its broad product mix and global reach help it adapt to changing markets and customer needs.