10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

GENERAL DYNAMICS CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2002

Filed August 14, 2002For Securities:GD

Summary

General Dynamics Corporation (GD) reported a strong second quarter for 2002, with net sales increasing by 19% to $3.51 billion and operating earnings up 11% to $410 million compared to the same period in 2001. For the first six months of the year, net sales grew 18% to $6.63 billion, and operating earnings increased 10% to $775 million. The company saw significant growth in its Information Systems and Technology and Combat Systems segments, driven by acquisitions and organic growth, including key programs like Bowman and Stryker. The Aerospace segment experienced increased sales but faced margin pressure due to the introduction of lower-margin aircraft and market pricing. Marine Systems saw a decline in sales and earnings due to program delays and transitions. Financially, GD maintained a solid backlog, with total backlog at $25.5 billion. The company also reported a healthy increase in earnings per share, with diluted EPS rising 15% to $1.29 for the quarter. Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to fund future obligations and maintain liquidity.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2002, increased 19% year-over-year to $3.51 billion.
  • 2Operating earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2002, increased 11% year-over-year to $410 million.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were $1.29, an increase from $1.12 in the prior year's quarter.
  • 4The Information Systems and Technology segment saw significant sales and earnings growth, driven by acquisitions and new programs.
  • 5The Combat Systems segment experienced increased sales and operating earnings due to organic growth and a favorable product mix.
  • 6The company reported a total backlog of $25.5 billion as of June 30, 2002.
  • 7General Dynamics completed the acquisition of Advanced Technical Products, Inc. (ATP) for $214 million in cash plus assumed debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the Information Systems and Technology segment due to acquisitions and organic growth (e.g., the Bowman program), and the Combat Systems segment benefiting from organic growth across various programs like Stryker and munitions. The Aerospace segment also contributed with increased deliveries of G100 and G200 aircraft.

The acquisition of ATP for $214 million in cash (plus assumed debt) was completed on June 14, 2002, and is expected to add approximately $130 million in revenues to the Combat Systems business group for the year. Its operating results have been included in the company's financials since the acquisition date.

The litigation concerning the termination of the A-12 aircraft contract continues. While the company believes it has strong arguments on appeal after a trial court upheld the default termination, a negative outcome could result in a liability of approximately $1.2 billion pre-tax ($640 million after-tax). The company states it has sufficient resources to cover this potential obligation.

The company maintained a solid backlog of $25.5 billion at the end of Q2 2002, with funded backlog at $20.5 billion. Recent awards include a contract for an Arleigh Burke destroyer and an Air Force contract for communication systems. The company is also involved in new programs like the T-AKE and is seeking to be prime contractor for the DD(X) program, though it is currently challenging a Navy bid evaluation decision.