← Rolls-Royce overview

Rolls-Royce vs GE Aerospace: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (RR.LSE)

Q3 2026
▲3▼1

Rolls-Royce profit jumps, guidance raised on defense and power demand

  • H1 profit surge and raised guidance Rolls-Royce's first-half operating profit jumped 46% to £2.5bn, prompting the company to raise its full-year profit guidance to £4.7–4.9bn. This strong financial performance was the main driver of the stock's rise.

    The profit beat and guidance raise are the central new financial events that directly lifted the shares.

  • Defense and power systems growth A £15bn boost to the UK defense budget supports Rolls-Royce's £17.4bn order backlog. Meanwhile, its power systems unit benefits from a looming 100GW US power shortfall and booming data-center demand, with orders up over half and another hyperscaler deal near.

    These are new, concrete demand drivers that underpin future revenue and were highlighted as key positives this period.

  • New nuclear deals Rolls-Royce signed new nuclear agreements in Sweden, the UK, and Japan, adding long-term revenue potential. These deals strengthen its position in the small modular reactor market and support future growth.

    The nuclear deals are a fresh positive development that expands the company's long-term opportunity pipeline.

  • SMR sourcing and weak China luxury demand Risks remain: SMR reactor vessels must be sourced overseas, angering UK politicians and unions and potentially delaying approvals. Chinese luxury car demand is still weak, and quantum computing work is only an early-stage positive signal.

    These are the main counterweights that could cap gains or delay projects, providing a balanced view.

July 2026
▲3▼1

Rolls-Royce profit jumps, guidance raised on defense and power demand

  • H1 profit surge and raised guidance Rolls-Royce's first-half operating profit jumped 46% to £2.5bn, prompting the company to raise its full-year profit guidance to £4.7–4.9bn. This strong financial performance was the main driver of the stock's rise.

    The profit beat and guidance raise are the central new financial events that directly lifted the shares.

  • Defense and power systems growth A £15bn boost to the UK defense budget supports Rolls-Royce's £17.4bn order backlog. Meanwhile, its power systems unit benefits from a looming 100GW US power shortfall and booming data-center demand, with orders up over half and another hyperscaler deal near.

    These are new, concrete demand drivers that underpin future revenue and were highlighted as key positives this period.

  • New nuclear deals Rolls-Royce signed new nuclear agreements in Sweden, the UK, and Japan, adding long-term revenue potential. These deals strengthen its position in the small modular reactor market and support future growth.

    The nuclear deals are a fresh positive development that expands the company's long-term opportunity pipeline.

  • SMR sourcing and weak China luxury demand Risks remain: SMR reactor vessels must be sourced overseas, angering UK politicians and unions and potentially delaying approvals. Chinese luxury car demand is still weak, and quantum computing work is only an early-stage positive signal.

    These are the main counterweights that could cap gains or delay projects, providing a balanced view.

Latest
▲2▼2

Rolls-Royce wins new nuclear deals but faces UK content scrutiny

  • Sweden SMR contract and UK/Japan nuclear tech deals Rolls-Royce won a contract to build three small modular reactors in Sweden and signed nuclear technology agreements with the UK and Japan. These deals turn policy support into real revenue commitments, strengthening the long-term growth story and supporting the share price.

    This is a new, concrete win that adds to Rolls-Royce's nuclear order book and future revenue.

  • Overseas sourcing for SMR reactor vessels raises political risk Rolls-Royce is buying key reactor parts from South Korea or the Czech Republic because no UK supplier can make them. This has upset UK politicians and unions, and could slow approvals or force costly changes, weighing on the SMR programme and the shares.

    It is a new negative development that could delay or complicate a key growth project.

  • Quantum computing partnership for turbine design Rolls-Royce is working with Quantinuum and others to explore quantum computing for designing better gas turbines. If successful, this could cut development costs and improve engine performance over time, a small but positive long-term signal for the shares.

    It is a new technology collaboration that could enhance future competitiveness.

  • China consumer weakness hits luxury car sales Rolls-Royce car sales in China have fallen as consumers there spend less on luxury goods. While the decline is less severe than for mass-market brands, it still points to weaker demand in a key market, a mild drag on sentiment for the company.

    It is a new data point showing demand pressure in an important region.

▲4

Rolls-Royce Soars on Record Profit Upgrade and Booming Defense & AI Demand

  • UK defense budget boost lifts demand outlook The UK unveiled a £15 billion defense spending increase, raising the budget to 2.7% of GDP by 2029. This directly benefits Rolls-Royce's defense arm, which already has a £17.4 billion order backlog, by increasing future orders for military engines and services.

    This is a major new demand driver for Rolls-Royce's defense business, directly boosting future revenue and profit potential.

  • US power shortfall opens new market for gas engines Bank of America warns of a 100-gigawatt US electricity shortfall by 2030, with data centers driving demand. Natural gas turbines are sold out, pushing developers to Rolls-Royce's gas reciprocating engines, creating a new growth avenue beyond aerospace.

    This highlights a new, large addressable market for Rolls-Royce's power systems segment, driven by AI data center growth.

  • H1 profit jumps 46%, guidance raised sharply Rolls-Royce reported a 46% rise in first-half operating profit to £2.5 billion and raised full-year guidance to £4.7-4.9 billion, up from £4-4.2 billion. Strong performance across civil aerospace, defense, and power systems drove the beat, with free cash flow also rising.

    This is the core earnings event that directly validates the company's turnaround and boosts investor confidence.

  • Data center orders surge, hyperscaler deal imminent Rolls-Royce's power systems unit grew organic revenue 28% and profit 72%, with the data center order book expanding by over half in H1. The CEO said another major hyperscaler deal is near, and orders are already being taken for 2028, signaling strong future growth.

    This shows concrete momentum in the fast-growing data center power business, a key new profit engine.

GE Aerospace (GE)

Q3 2026
▲3▼1

GE Aerospace hits record orders, raises guidance, but faces valuation and certification risks

  • Record orders and backlog GE Aerospace reported record orders and a services backlog exceeding $170 billion, including a large IndiGo LEAP order at Farnborough. This locks in years of high-margin maintenance revenue and signals strong demand.

    This point highlights the key positive driver of revenue visibility and demand strength.

  • Raised free cash flow guidance and strategic acquisition GE raised its 2026 free cash flow guidance to $8.9–9.2 billion and acquired castings supplier CPP for $11.75 billion to control its supply chain. This improves cash generation and supply chain resilience.

    This point shows management's confidence and a strategic move to address supply chain issues.

  • Accelerating defense demand Defense demand accelerated on rising global budgets, with a record $210 billion backlog and a $2.9 billion Navy contract. This adds a stable, high-margin revenue stream and diversifies from commercial aerospace.

    This point underscores the growing defense segment as a key growth driver.

  • Valuation and operational risks Risks persist: a rich valuation (38–46x earnings) leaves little room for error, commercial engine margins fell 160bps, and the FAA delayed 737 MAX 10 certification over a GE software defect. Supply-chain constraints and a potential U.S. Bombardier jet ban also weigh.

    This point provides the necessary counterweight, highlighting challenges that could pressure the stock.

August 2026
▲2▼2

GE raises guidance on strong services and defense, but margin dip and MAX 10 delay weigh

  • Raised 2026 guidance and strong segment growth GE raised full-year profit, revenue, and cash-flow forecasts, with services revenue guidance up to $5B, commercial engines revenue up 27%, and defense up 16%. This reflects robust demand and execution.

    This is a key positive development that directly boosts investor confidence and the stock's outlook.

  • Major defense contract wins GE won a $2.9B Navy F414 support contract, plus J85 and South Korea marine turbine orders. These add to the backlog and support future revenue, though some are long-term.

    These contract wins are new and reinforce GE's defense growth story, a positive driver.

  • Commercial engine margin decline and stock drop A 160-basis-point decline in commercial engine margins triggered a nearly 5% stock drop. With valuation at 38x earnings, there's little room for error, making investors jittery.

    This margin decline is a new negative event that directly caused a sharp stock price reaction.

  • FAA delays 737 MAX 10 certification over GE software defect The FAA delayed 737 MAX 10 certification due to a GE software defect, potentially hurting LEAP engine demand. This regulatory setback adds uncertainty to GE's commercial outlook.

    This is a new regulatory risk that could impact future LEAP sales and investor sentiment.

Latest
▲3▼1

GE raises outlook, fixes GE9X, but MAX 10 software snag weighs

  • GE raises 2026 guidance on strong services demand GE lifted its full-year 2026 revenue, profit, and free cash flow forecasts, citing strong commercial services growth and a $170 billion services backlog. This tells investors the business is performing better than expected, which supports a higher stock price.

    This is a new event that directly boosts earnings expectations and investor confidence.

  • GE9X fix progresses, 777X on track GE began shipping redesigned GE9X engines to Boeing and expects FAA certification within months, keeping the 777X on schedule for 2027. Removing this technical risk reassures investors that a major future revenue source is secure, supporting the stock.

    This is a new positive development that reduces uncertainty around a key engine program.

  • FAA delays 737 MAX 10 certification over GE software defect The FAA will not certify Boeing's 737 MAX 10 until a software flaw, supplied by GE, is fixed. This could delay aircraft deliveries and reduce demand for GE's LEAP engines, weighing on the stock.

    This is a new negative event that could hurt future engine orders and revenue.

  • Commercial engines unit posts 27% revenue growth GE's commercial engines segment saw Q2 revenue jump 27% with orders up 18% and deliveries up 26%, driven by major airline orders. This shows strong demand for GE's engines and services, which should lift future profits and the stock price.

    This is a new data point confirming robust demand in GE's core business.

September 2026
▲3

GE buys castings supplier, raises cash outlook, defense backlog hits record

  • Acquires castings supplier CPP for $11.75B GE agreed to buy CPP, a castings supplier, for $11.75 billion. This gives GE control over a critical engine supply chain and is expected to add to earnings in the first year.

    This is a major new deal that reshapes GE's supply chain and earnings outlook.

  • Raises 2026 free cash flow forecast GE lifted its 2026 free cash flow forecast to $8.9–$9.2 billion. That extra cash supports more share buybacks and dividends, returning money to shareholders.

    This is a new, concrete financial upgrade that directly boosts shareholder returns.

  • Defense backlog hits record $210B Defense revenue grew 16% and the backlog reached a record $210 billion. A large backlog means future revenue is already booked, giving GE more visibility and stability.

    This is a new milestone that underscores strong defense demand and future revenue visibility.

  • GE9X fix and GEK800 milestone, but risks remain The GE9X mid-seal fix progressed, keeping the Boeing 777X on track, and the GEK800 missile engine achieved ignition. But a potential U.S. ban on Bombardier jets could hurt engine demand, and GEK800 revenue is years away.

    This captures both positive technical progress and real risks that could affect future demand.

▲4

GE raises cash and profit outlook, buys castings supplier to secure engine supply

  • GE lifts 2026 free cash flow forecast to $8.9–$9.2B GE raised its 2026 free cash flow forecast to $8.9–$9.2 billion from $8.0–$8.4 billion, and it is returning lots of cash to shareholders through buybacks and a higher dividend. More cash and buybacks make each share worth more, which supports the stock.

    This is a new, concrete financial upgrade that directly boosts investor confidence in GE's cash generation.

  • GE to buy castings maker CPP for $11.75B GE agreed to buy Consolidated Precision Products, a key supplier of precision castings for jet engines, for $11.75 billion. The deal gives GE more control over a critical supply chain and is expected to add to earnings in the first year, helping the stock.

    This is the period's biggest strategic move, directly addressing supply bottlenecks and expanding defense exposure.

  • GE9X mid-seal fix progresses, 777X on track GE redesigned the GE9X engine's mid-seal and started shipping engines with the new part. Management says this should not delay the Boeing 777X's entry into service, and FAA approval is expected soon. Removing a key risk supports the stock.

    This resolves a major technical and regulatory overhang that could have delayed a key engine program.

  • GEK800 missile engine ignites successfully GE and Kratos successfully ignited the GEK800 turbofan for cruise missiles, a key development milestone. It opens a new defense market, though revenue is years away, so the boost is mostly sentiment.

    This is a new technology milestone that broadens GE's defense portfolio and supports future growth.

▲3▼1

GE to buy castings maker CPP for $11.75B, boosting defense and supply control

  • GE to acquire Consolidated Precision Products for $11.75B GE agreed to buy CPP, a key supplier of precision castings for jet engines, for $11.75 billion in cash and debt. The deal expands GE's control over a critical supply chain and is expected to add to earnings and cash flow in the first year, supporting the stock.

    This is the major new event of the period and directly explains why GE is moving.

  • Defense segment grows 16% with $210B backlog GE's defense unit posted 16% revenue growth to $3.4 billion, with operating profit up 18% and a record $210 billion backlog. Recent contract wins drove orders up 12%, showing strong demand for GE's military engines and services.

    This new data point shows underlying business strength that supports the stock.

  • Aerospace M&A accelerates, validating GE's strategy Aerospace supply chain deals are surging, with 154 deals in January-August, nearing the record. GE's CPP purchase is part of this trend, as buyers gain confidence from Boeing and Airbus production plans. This supports GE's growth outlook.

    This new trend reinforces the rationale for GE's acquisition and industry demand.

  • Potential Bombardier U.S. sales ban threatens engine orders A possible U.S. ban on Bombardier jet sales could hurt GE, which supplies engines for Bombardier's Global 7500/8000. The U.S. is Bombardier's largest market, so a ban would reduce demand for GE engines and disrupt the supply chain.

    This is a new risk that could weigh on GE's stock if it materializes.

▲4

GE raises profit outlook as defense orders pile up

  • 2026 profit outlook raised despite margin dip GE lifted its full-year 2026 operating profit guidance to $10.55-$10.75 billion from $9.85-$10.25 billion, even though operating margin slipped to 21.7% on higher costs and R&D. A higher profit target tells investors earnings will keep growing, which supports the stock.

    A guidance raise is the single biggest new fact moving the stock's earnings outlook.

  • $2.9B Navy contract for F414 engine support GE won a five-year, up-to $2.875 billion Navy contract to provide logistics support for F414 engines used in F/A-18 jets. Long-term service deals bring steady, repeat income and lock in revenue through 2031, which supports the stock.

    This is the largest new contract and adds durable services revenue.

  • Defense wins: J85 modification and South Korea destroyers GE added a $319.5 million J85 engine contract option running to 2028 and an order for 12 LM2500+G4 marine turbines for South Korea's KDDX destroyers. More defense and marine orders broaden GE's revenue beyond commercial aviation, helping the stock.

    These are new orders that show defense demand widening beyond the core engine business.

  • GEK800 missile engine gets U.S. military designation GE and Kratos won an Air Force development contract for their GEK800 engine, now designated F143, as a second engine source for the JASSM missile. It opens a new small-engine defense market, though revenue is years away, so the boost is mostly sentiment.

    A new program win signals future defense growth, though it is early-stage.

▲3▼1

GE's engine boom lifts outlook, but margin slip and high valuation cap gains

  • Services revenue forecast raised to $5B GE lifted its 2026 services revenue growth estimate to $5 billion from $4 billion, after services orders jumped 34% in the first half. More services revenue means steadier, higher-profit income, which supports a higher stock price.

    This is a new, concrete upgrade to GE's financial outlook that directly boosts future earnings expectations.

  • Commercial engines revenue jumps 27% on aftermarket demand GE's Commercial Engines & Services revenue surged 27% to $9.73 billion, with services up 26% and LEAP deliveries up 24%. Strong demand for engine repairs and parts drives recurring profit, pushing the stock up.

    This new data confirms the core business is growing faster than expected, a key driver of the stock's value.

  • Defense unit revenue rises 16% with strong orders GE's Defense & Propulsion Technologies segment grew revenue 16% and operating profit 18%, with orders up 12%. Defense is a smaller but stable business, and its growth adds diversification and profit, helping the stock.

    This new segment-level growth shows GE is firing on multiple cylinders, supporting the overall investment case.

  • Margin slip triggers valuation reset despite Q2 beat GE beat Q2 estimates but a 160-basis-point margin decline in commercial engines caused a nearly 5% stock drop. At 38 times earnings, any operational hiccup scares investors, so the stock fell even as cash flow rose 43%.

    This is the main counterweight: high expectations mean even good results can disappoint if margins slip, capping the stock's rise.

July 2026
▲3▼1

GE Aerospace surges on record orders, raised guidance, Farnborough deals

  • Record orders and $170B+ services backlog lock in growth GE's services backlog exceeds $170 billion, locking in years of high-margin maintenance revenue. Record orders, including a huge IndiGo LEAP deal at Farnborough, signal strong future demand and underpin the bullish outlook.

    This is the core driver of GE's long-term revenue visibility and was highlighted as a key positive in the period.

  • Q2 beat and raised 2026 guidance boost confidence GE reported better-than-expected Q2 results and raised its full-year 2026 guidance, reflecting strong execution and demand. This positive surprise lifted investor confidence and supported the stock price.

    The earnings beat and guidance raise are new positive developments that directly influenced price during the period.

  • Defense demand accelerates on rising global budgets Rising global defense budgets are driving increased demand for GE's military engines and services. New defense MRO agreements add recurring revenue, providing a tailwind alongside commercial aerospace strength.

    Defense demand acceleration is a new positive factor that broadens GE's growth beyond commercial aviation.

  • High valuation and supply-chain risks cap upside GE trades at 46x trailing earnings, above average analyst targets, leaving little room for disappointment. Supply-chain disruptions and production constraints persist, potentially capping gains if execution stumbles.

    This is the main counterweight: valuation and operational risks that could limit further price appreciation.

▲4

GE beats, raises guidance, and wins record engine orders at Farnborough

  • Q2 beat and raised 2026 guidance GE beat Q2 estimates with EPS of $2.02 and revenue of $12.63B, then raised full-year EPS, profit, and free cash flow guidance. This shows the business is growing faster than expected, which supports a higher stock price.

    This is the core new financial event that directly drives the stock and answers why GE is moving.

  • Record 1,800 engine commitments at Farnborough GE wrapped Farnborough with about 1,800 engine commitments, including a record IndiGo order for over 1,000 LEAP-1A engines and GEnx wins from AerCap and Philippine Airlines. These orders lock in future revenue and services work, boosting long-term growth.

    This is a major new demand event that adds to the backlog and supports future earnings.

  • Hybrid-electric flight milestone above 30,000 feet GE, with NASA, BETA, and Boeing, flew a hybrid-electric propulsion system above 30,000 feet for the first time. This proves next-generation technology, which can open new markets and keep GE ahead of rivals, supporting the stock.

    This is a new technology milestone that shows future growth potential and competitive strength.

  • Defense sustainment and MRO agreements expand aftermarket GE signed MOUs with Magellan Aerospace for F414 engine sustainment in Canada and with Turkish Technic for MRO support. These deals add high-margin services revenue if programs proceed, strengthening GE's defense aftermarket.

    This is a new defense services expansion that adds recurring revenue and supports the stock.

▲3

GE's record orders and backlog keep multi-year growth story on track

  • Record orders and backlog lock in years of growth GE's total orders nearly doubled to $23 billion, with commercial engine orders up 93% and defense orders up 67%. Its services backlog exceeds $170 billion, locking in high-margin maintenance revenue for years as the engine fleet grows. This gives investors confidence in steady future cash flow and supports the stock price.

    This is the core new fundamental driver showing demand strength and future revenue visibility.

  • Defense demand accelerates on rising global budgets Governments are boosting military spending, with the U.S. proposing a $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027. GE's defense unit orders jumped 67%, and potential F110 engine sales to Turkey add upside. This expanding defense demand provides a second growth engine alongside commercial aerospace.

    Defense is a new and growing demand driver that adds to GE's revenue outlook.

  • Aftermarket upcycle drives high-margin services Strong air travel and older fleets are boosting demand for engine maintenance, repair, and spare parts. GE's services revenue rose 39%, and this high-margin business is still in the early-to-middle stages of a multi-year upcycle. This supports profit growth and cash flow.

    The aftermarket is a key profit driver and its upcycle is a major reason for investor confidence.

  • Valuation and supply constraints are watch items GE trades at 46 times trailing earnings, above the average analyst target, leaving little room for disappointment. Supply-chain disruptions and production constraints persist, though they also extend older fleet lives. These factors could cap upside if execution stumbles.

    This is the main counterweight to the positive story, giving a fair picture of risks.

Q2 2026
▲3

GE's profit grows on record $170B services backlog and buybacks

  • Record $170B services backlog drives recurring revenue GE's commercial services backlog tops $170 billion, with services revenue up 39% and engine orders jumping 67% to $6.2 billion. This large backlog locks in years of high-margin maintenance revenue as the installed engine base grows, giving investors confidence in steady future cash flow.

    The services backlog is the core growth engine behind GE's earnings and stock performance.

  • 30.6% dividend hike and $2.2B buyback return cash GE raised its quarterly dividend 30.6% to 36 cents and repurchased $2.2 billion of stock under a new $20 billion authorization. With $11 billion in cash and $8–8.4 billion free cash flow expected, these shareholder returns signal management's confidence and support the stock price.

    Capital returns directly boost shareholder value and reflect strong cash generation.

  • Profit up 18% but margin squeezed by rising costs Operating profit rose 18% to $2.5 billion, yet margin fell 200 basis points to 21.8% as costs jumped. Management also cut its global flight departures outlook. While full-year profit guidance implies 10.4% growth, the margin pressure and cautious demand view are a real counterweight.

    This is the main negative offset to GE's otherwise strong growth story.

  • Technology bets in silicon carbide and space deepen moat GE signed an MoU with Wolfspeed on high-voltage silicon carbide power modules and supported Starfighters Space's design review. These moves tie aerospace, power electronics, and space tech closer, positioning GE for future defense and energy platforms, though financial impact will take time.

    Long-term technology leadership supports future growth and competitive positioning.

June 2026
▲3

GE's profit grows on record $170B services backlog and buybacks

  • Record $170B services backlog drives recurring revenue GE's commercial services backlog tops $170 billion, with services revenue up 39% and engine orders jumping 67% to $6.2 billion. This large backlog locks in years of high-margin maintenance revenue as the installed engine base grows, giving investors confidence in steady future cash flow.

    The services backlog is the core growth engine behind GE's earnings and stock performance.

  • 30.6% dividend hike and $2.2B buyback return cash GE raised its quarterly dividend 30.6% to 36 cents and repurchased $2.2 billion of stock under a new $20 billion authorization. With $11 billion in cash and $8–8.4 billion free cash flow expected, these shareholder returns signal management's confidence and support the stock price.

    Capital returns directly boost shareholder value and reflect strong cash generation.

  • Profit up 18% but margin squeezed by rising costs Operating profit rose 18% to $2.5 billion, yet margin fell 200 basis points to 21.8% as costs jumped. Management also cut its global flight departures outlook. While full-year profit guidance implies 10.4% growth, the margin pressure and cautious demand view are a real counterweight.

    This is the main negative offset to GE's otherwise strong growth story.

  • Technology bets in silicon carbide and space deepen moat GE signed an MoU with Wolfspeed on high-voltage silicon carbide power modules and supported Starfighters Space's design review. These moves tie aerospace, power electronics, and space tech closer, positioning GE for future defense and energy platforms, though financial impact will take time.

    Long-term technology leadership supports future growth and competitive positioning.

▲3

GE's profit grows on record $170B services backlog and buybacks

  • Record $170B services backlog drives recurring revenue GE's commercial services backlog tops $170 billion, with services revenue up 39% and engine orders jumping 67% to $6.2 billion. This large backlog locks in years of high-margin maintenance revenue as the installed engine base grows, giving investors confidence in steady future cash flow.

    The services backlog is the core growth engine behind GE's earnings and stock performance.

  • 30.6% dividend hike and $2.2B buyback return cash GE raised its quarterly dividend 30.6% to 36 cents and repurchased $2.2 billion of stock under a new $20 billion authorization. With $11 billion in cash and $8–8.4 billion free cash flow expected, these shareholder returns signal management's confidence and support the stock price.

    Capital returns directly boost shareholder value and reflect strong cash generation.

  • Profit up 18% but margin squeezed by rising costs Operating profit rose 18% to $2.5 billion, yet margin fell 200 basis points to 21.8% as costs jumped. Management also cut its global flight departures outlook. While full-year profit guidance implies 10.4% growth, the margin pressure and cautious demand view are a real counterweight.

    This is the main negative offset to GE's otherwise strong growth story.

  • Technology bets in silicon carbide and space deepen moat GE signed an MoU with Wolfspeed on high-voltage silicon carbide power modules and supported Starfighters Space's design review. These moves tie aerospace, power electronics, and space tech closer, positioning GE for future defense and energy platforms, though financial impact will take time.

    Long-term technology leadership supports future growth and competitive positioning.

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