10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2009

GENERAL DYNAMICS CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jul 5, 2009

Filed August 4, 2009For Securities:GD

Summary

General Dynamics Corporation (GD) reported solid revenue growth in the second quarter and first half of 2009, driven by strong performance across its business segments, particularly Combat Systems and Marine Systems. The company achieved its highest quarterly operating earnings in history during this period, though overall operating margins saw a slight decrease due to factors like acquisitions and a shift in program mix. Key financial developments include an increase in total debt, primarily due to new fixed-rate note issuances to support operations, while cash balances remained stable. The company also continued its commitment to shareholder returns through increased dividends and share repurchases. Despite economic headwinds impacting the Aerospace segment, GD's diversified business model, particularly its defense-related segments, demonstrated resilience and growth, positioning the company to manage through the prevailing economic conditions.

Financial Highlights

52 data points
Beta

Revenue

$8.10B

18.0% Gross Margin

Net Income

$618.00M

7.6% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$1.60

Total Assets

$28.86B

Cash & Equivalents

$1.61B

Free Cash Flow

$520.00M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$8.10B
Cost of Revenue$6.65B
Gross Profit$1.45B
Operating Expenses$7.16B
Operating Income$945.00M
Interest Expense$43.00M
Net Income$618.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.60
EPS (Diluted)$1.60
Shares Outstanding (Basic)385.04M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)387.01M

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenues increased by 10.9% to $8.1 billion in Q2 2009 and by 14.4% to $16.4 billion in the first half of 2009 compared to the prior year, driven by growth across all business segments.
  • 2Operating earnings increased by 2.6% to $945 million in Q2 2009 and by 3.8% to $1.85 billion in the first half of 2009, although operating margins declined slightly.
  • 3The Combat Systems segment showed significant revenue growth (19.4% in Q2, 19.9% in H1) driven by increased volume in military vehicle programs and acquisitions.
  • 4Marine Systems also experienced strong revenue growth (16.6% in Q2, 18.8% in H1) due to higher activity across its shipyards, particularly in submarine and destroyer construction.
  • 5Aerospace segment revenues grew due to the Jet Aviation acquisition, but experienced a revenue decline organically due to the global economic impact on the business-jet market.
  • 6Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations decreased to $763 million in H1 2009 from $1.46 billion in H1 2008, primarily due to a draw-down of customer deposits in Aerospace.
  • 7The company issued $750 million in new fixed-rate debt and completed one acquisition for approximately $165 million in H1 2009, while continuing share repurchases and dividend payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Dynamics saw revenue growth in both periods, with Q2 revenues up 10.9% to $8.1 billion and first-half revenues up 14.4% to $16.4 billion. Operating earnings also increased, rising 2.6% to $945 million in Q2 and 3.8% to $1.85 billion in the first half. However, operating margins saw a slight decrease due to factors like acquisitions and program mix.

Revenue growth was broad-based. Combat Systems benefited from higher volumes in military vehicles and an acquisition. Marine Systems saw increased activity in its shipyards. Information Systems and Technology grew due to acquisitions and organic growth in IT services and tactical systems. The Aerospace segment's revenue growth was primarily attributed to the acquisition of Jet Aviation.

Total debt increased, notably with the issuance of $750 million in new fixed-rate notes. The company's cash balance remained stable at $1.6 billion. Net debt was $2.2 billion, down slightly from the end of 2008. GD has approximately $1.8 billion in undrawn bank credit facilities available.

The Aerospace segment has been significantly impacted by the global economic crisis. This has led to fewer aircraft deliveries, decreased revenues in new aircraft sales and services, and a write-down of pre-owned aircraft inventory. While new orders have shown some pickup, the mid-size aircraft market remains challenged due to excess inventory and pricing pressure.