Marine Business Helps Power GD Forward

Posted by Greg Trauthwein January 27, 2017

On Wednesday, January 25, General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), began construction on a fifth ship for the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Transfer Dock (ESD)/Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program. (Image: General Dynamics NASSCO/USN)

General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) reported fourth-quarter 2016 earnings from continuing operations of $807 million, a 5.6 percent increase over fourth-quarter 2015, on revenue of $8.2 billion. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.62 compared to $2.40 in the year-ago quarter, a 9.2 percent increase.

Full-year earnings from continuing operations were $3.1 billion, a 3.3 percent increase from 2015 on revenue of $31.4 billion. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were up 8.7 percent at $9.87 compared to $9.08 in 2015.

“The quarter is solid showing strong growth over the year-ago quarter in both revenue and earnings and the same was true on a sequential basis. These themes played out throughout the business groups as well,” said Phebe Novakovic, chairman and chief executive officer. “The year was strong with growth in earnings, margins, return on sales and an 8.7 percent increase in EPS over the prior year.”

Segment Highlights:

Marine Systems

Marine Systems reported fourth-quarter 2016 revenue of $2.04 billion, operating earnings of $186 million and operating margin of 9.1 percent. Compared to fourth-quarter 2015, revenue was up 3 percent, earnings were up 8.1 percent and margin was up 40 basis points. The group continues to execute on its extensive backlog and was awarded significant contracts in the quarter, including $375 million from the U.S. Navy for the design and construction of a fifth Expeditionary Sea Base auxiliary support ship.

Aerospace

The Aerospace group reported fourth-quarter 2016 revenue of $2.22 billion, operating earnings of $436 million and operating margin of 19.6 percent. Compared to fourth-quarter 2015, revenue was up 3.8 percent, earnings were up 6.3 percent and margin was up 50 basis points. The group had solid order activity in the quarter and Gulfstream’s two new large-cabin business jets continue to progress ahead of schedule, including the first flight of the G600 in December.

Combat Systems

Combat Systems reported fourth-quarter 2016 revenue of $1.68 billion, operating earnings of $259 million and operating margin of 15.4 percent. Compared to fourth-quarter 2015, revenue was up 10.5 percent, earnings were up 10.7 percent and margin was steady as the group continued its strong program and operating performance. The group booked multiple significant contracts in the quarter, including a $320 million contract from the U.S. Army for double-V-hulled Stryker vehicles.

Information Systems and Technology

The Information Systems and Technology group reported fourth-quarter 2016 revenue of $2.28 billion, operating earnings of $244 million and operating margin of 10.7 percent. Compared to fourth-quarter 2015, revenue was up 5.7 percent, earnings were up 6.1 percent and margin was up 10 basis points. The group had a book-to-bill ratio (orders divided by revenue) of approximately one-to-one for the year, demonstrating continued demand for its products and services in a cost-competitive market.