Topic: How To Invest

Pat: With the civil unrest in some parts of the world, can I have your opinion on General Dynamics? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

General Dynamics Corp., $130.87, symbol GD on New York (Shares outstanding: 311.2 million; Market cap: $41.0 billion; www.generaldynamics.com), is the world’s fifth-largest aerospace and defense contractor by revenue. In 2015, the U.S. government accounted for 57% of its total sales. The company has four divisions: Information Systems and Technology (29% of its 2015 revenue, 21% of earnings) builds computer networks and data centres for the U.S. Department of Defense. Its clients also include other government agencies and large commercial buyers. Aerospace (28%, 41%) designs and builds Gulfstream business jets. It also provides aircraft maintenance services at over 25 airports in North America, Europe and Asia. Marine Systems (25%, 17%) builds military and commercial vessels. They include nuclear-powered submarines, surface combat ships and containerships. Combat Systems (18%, 21%) makes light armored vehicles and battle tanks, including tracked combat vehicles. This business unit also produces rockets and ammunition. General Dynamics’ revenue fell from $32.7 billion in 2011 to $30.9 billion in 2014. It rebounded to $31.5 billion in…