Latest news with #Novakovic
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GD Q1 Earnings Call: Aerospace Growth and Tariff Uncertainty Shape Outlook
Aerospace and defense company General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) reported Q1 CY2025 results topping the market's revenue expectations , with sales up 13.9% year on year to $12.22 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $3.66 per share was 5.3% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy GD? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $12.22 billion vs analyst estimates of $12 billion (13.9% year-on-year growth, 1.8% beat) Adjusted EPS: $3.66 vs analyst estimates of $3.48 (5.3% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $1.49 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.45 billion (12.2% margin, 2.7% beat) Operating Margin: 10.4%, in line with the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow was -$290 million compared to -$437 million in the same quarter last year Backlog: $88.66 billion at quarter end, down 5.4% year on year Market Capitalization: $71.21 billion General Dynamics' Q1 results were primarily driven by increased aircraft deliveries and ongoing momentum in its defense businesses. CEO Phebe Novakovic highlighted the ramp-up in Gulfstream G700 deliveries and noted, "We saw improved margins on our G700 deliveries," pointing to the introduction of newer models as a significant factor. The Technologies segment also contributed with consistent order activity, while Combat and Marine Systems benefited from stable demand and productivity gains, though supply chain challenges persisted. Looking forward, management discussed the potential impact of recently announced tariffs and evolving government procurement priorities, particularly in aerospace. Novakovic acknowledged uncertainty, stating, "We do not know the scope and breadth of the tariffs issue at the moment and will not for a while." The company expects improved cash flow in the coming quarters, but remains cautious about macroeconomic risks and ongoing discussions with government customers regarding cost savings and contract structures. General Dynamics' first quarter performance reflected robust aircraft deliveries and stable demand across core defense segments, with management addressing both operational improvements and emerging uncertainties. Gulfstream G700 Drives Aerospace: The significant year-on-year increase in Aerospace revenue was attributed to a 50% rise in aircraft deliveries, including the introduction of 13 G700 jets. Margins in this segment improved due to scale and the gradual resolution of supply chain issues, though management noted the delivery cadence will normalize through the year. G800 Certification Completed: The recent certification of the G800 by U.S. and European aviation authorities positions the company for expanded deliveries and future demand stimulation. Management expects the G800's entry into service to support ongoing aerospace growth. Technologies Segment Order Strength: Technologies reported a book-to-bill ratio above 1.0, supported by demand for advanced IT and mission systems solutions. Management noted ongoing customer conversations around cost savings and contract structures, particularly outcome-based contracts, which could shape future margins. Defense Segment Steady, but Supply Chain a Challenge: Combat and Marine Systems continued to see strong demand, especially from European customers and the U.S. Navy. However, Novakovic acknowledged persistent supply chain delays and quality issues, as well as the need for ongoing workforce expansion and productivity gains in shipbuilding. Tariff and Macroeconomic Uncertainty: Management raised concerns regarding the potential impact of new tariffs on both aerospace and defense businesses but stopped short of providing estimates, citing a lack of clarity on how these might affect demand and cost structures in coming quarters. Management's outlook for the remainder of the year centers on sustained demand for new aircraft, ongoing defense contract execution, and sensitivity to global trade policy changes. Tariff Impact on Aerospace: Uncertainty around the magnitude and duration of new tariffs could influence export demand for Gulfstream jets and input costs, with management monitoring the situation closely. Government Procurement and Cost Pressures: Shifts in U.S. government procurement strategies, including efforts to drive cost savings and contract reforms, may alter margin profiles and award timing, especially in the Technologies segment. Supply Chain and Workforce Stability: Continued improvement in supply chain reliability and workforce productivity, particularly in shipbuilding and defense production, are necessary to maintain growth and meet delivery targets. Peter Arment (Baird): Asked about visibility into Technologies segment bookings amid administration-driven cost savings efforts. Management noted ongoing discussions but highlighted a strong order book for the quarter. David Strauss (Barclays): Questioned the effect of recent tariff announcements on Gulfstream order activity. Novakovic responded that the pipeline remains strong, though customers are cautious about potential tariff impacts. Ken Herbert (RBC Capital Markets): Requested commentary on Gulfstream delivery cadence for the remainder of the year. Management indicated deliveries should remain consistent with previous estimates, barring significant supply chain disruptions. Gavin Parsons (UBS): Inquired about margin progression in Aerospace and the effect of G800 certification on future orders. Novakovic confirmed that G800 margins are expected to be higher and that certification is generating customer interest. Andre Madrid (BTIG): Raised concerns about potential trade tensions impacting European defense sales. Management emphasized that European operations are locally integrated, with strong demand persisting in the region. In the coming quarters, our analysts will monitor (1) the pace of Gulfstream G800 and G700 deliveries and their impact on Aerospace growth, (2) the resolution of supply chain and workforce challenges, particularly in shipbuilding, and (3) any quantifiable effects from the introduction of new tariffs on both demand and margin profiles. The company's ability to adapt to evolving government procurement models and manage contract risk will also be key factors shaping near-term results. General Dynamics currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 18.1×. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? Find out in our free research report. The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 175% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like Sterling Infrastructure (+1,096% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
Epoch Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
General Dynamics Profits Jet Higher on Sales of Business Aircraft
General Dynamics' profits jumped more than 27 percent in the first quarter as the company's aerospace business is expected to begin making deliveries of its new long-range executive jet later this summer. Based in Reston, Virginia, the aerospace and military contractor provides a range of products and services for the Pentagon and other U.S. government agencies, as well as private sector and commercial customers worldwide. In a conference call with Wall Street analysts on April 23, General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic said the company's four business segments saw increases in earnings and revenue compared to a year ago. She noted the company's growth and strong performance in the defense and aerospace sectors, which saw a 50 percent increase in aircraft deliveries. 'This business has become a real jewel. In summary, the aerospace team has had a good quarter,' Novakovic said of the company's Gulfstream subsidiary and jet aviation business. During the quarter, Gulfstream delivered 36 business jets to customers worldwide, including 13 of its new ultra-large-cabin G700 aircraft that can carry up to 19 passengers. A year ago, Gulfstream delivered its first G700 to customers, providing the company with a new flagship executive jet to rival Bombardier's Global 7500 and Dassault Falcon's new 10X entry. Last week, Gulfstream also announced that the company's new G800 was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Produced at the Savannah, Georgia, production facility, the G800 is billed as the world's longest-range business jet, capable of traveling over 8,200 nautical miles (9,400 miles) at speeds nearing Mach 0.935. Related Stories 4/23/2025 4/22/2025 Gulfstream's fleet of executive business aircraft also includes the G400, G500, G600, and G650. The latter recently recorded the farthest and fastest flight in business aviation history, traveling from Singapore to Tucson, Arizona, a distance of about 9,200 miles, in just over 15 hours, and completed production in February. Since then, the new executive jet entry has moved to the company's completion center in Appleton, Wisconsin, where the first G650 will be delivered to the first customer later this year. During the conference call, Novakovic also highlighted General Dynamics' position as one of the nation's top prime defense contractors, providing a full spectrum of technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning services and products to military, intelligence, and federal civilian customers. Under the company's combat and marine subsidiaries, the prime defense contractor General Dynamics' brand-name products for the U.S. military include the M1 Abrams tank, Virginia-Class submarines, and Stryker anti-tank missiles and armored vehicles used by Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia. 'Demand for combat system products continues to be robust, with particular strength in Europe,' said Novakovic, citing 'the heightened threat environment' globally. The General Dynamics chief executive said that in addition to recent contracts exceeding $1 billion to supply the U.S. Army with battlefront combat vehicles, which Ukrainian soldiers are now using against Russian infantry, the company is also working with the Pentagon to accelerate the modernization of the Abrams M-1 tank. In late 2023, the U.S. Army first After earlier upgrades in 2018, the new Army tank is considered the world's most lethal battlefield tank. Army officials have said publicly that the latest version will be updated with the latest modular systems, allowing quicker technological upgrades and requiring fewer resources. 'We are rapidly increasing munitions capacity and production with the opening of our projectile facility in Texas and our load, assembly, and pack facility in Arkansas,' Novakovic confirmed. 'All in all, combat had a solid quarter and is off to a good start for the year.' General Dynamics On a company-wide basis, orders in the quarter totaled $10.2 billion, and backlog at the end of the quarter was $88.7 billion. As the Trump administration and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) move forward with In response to analyst questions about the impact of Trump administration tariffs, trade policy, and possible DOGE and Department of Defense budget cuts on company operations, the General Dynamics CEO said the company preferred to hold comments until more information is available. 'If I were more specific, I would be wrong. I am just really sharing how we see it from our foxhole,' said Novakovic. 'Rumors are rampant, and I just want to see what the [Trump] budget shows.' Taking a page from a growing number of Fortune 500 companies, Novakovic said General Dynamics would not revise or update its yearly financial forecast. Earlier in January, the company provided earnings per share guidance of $14.75 billion to $14.85 billion for the first quarter, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $13.7 billion. In Wednesday's New York Stock Exchange session, General Dynamics' shares settled at $265.53, down $9.27 or 3.3 percent.
