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On Thursday, RBC Capital Markets adjusted its outlook on General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: NYSE:GD), reducing the price target from $290.00 to $280.00, while maintaining a Sector Perform rating on the company’s shares. The defense giant, currently valued at $69.59 billion, is trading near its 52-week low, and according to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears slightly undervalued based on its Fair Value metrics. The adjustment follows the defense contractor’s latest financial results, which included a fourth-quarter earnings per share (EPS) of $4.15. This figure surpassed the consensus estimate of $4.08 and RBC’s own forecast of $3.93. General Dynamics’ quarterly revenue reached $13.3 billion, outperforming consensus predictions by 4%.
Despite the positive earnings report, the company’s free cash flow (FCF) of $1.8 billion fell short of consensus estimates by 10%. The shortfall in FCF is one of the factors contributing to RBC’s cautious stance on the stock. InvestingPro data reveals that General Dynamics maintains a moderate debt level and has consistently paid dividends for 47 consecutive years, demonstrating strong financial discipline despite cash flow challenges. Additionally, the firm highlighted challenges within the defense sector that could pose incremental challenges for General Dynamics.
The company’s Gulfstream aerospace division delivered a total of 47 aircraft during the fourth quarter of 2024, which included 15 of the G700 model. These deliveries occurred amidst ongoing supply chain and timing headwinds that the company has been navigating. RBC analysts expressed optimism about the Gulfstream division’s prospects for 2025 but noted that the muted FCF and limited margin upside in the defense segment, coupled with greater uncertainty in defense, warrant a cautious approach.
In their commentary, RBC analysts stated, "Gulfstream 2025 upside expected, but defense facing incremental challenges, remain SP; General Dynamics reported 4Q24 EPS of $4.15, beating consensus of $4.08 & our $3.93 estimate. Revenue of $13.3B beat consensus by 4%, while FCF of $1.8B missed consensus by (10%). Gulfstream delivered 47 aircraft (15 G700s) in 4Q24, as the company continued to face supply chain & timing headwinds. We remain bullish on the 2025 Gulfstream outlook, but muted FCF & limited 2025 margin upside in defense, with greater defense uncertainty, keep us cautious on the stock. Maintain SP; PT goes to $280."
In other recent news, General Dynamics reported fourth-quarter earnings that did not meet analyst expectations. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $4.15, falling short of the consensus estimate of $4.30. However, revenue was reported at $13.34 billion, marginally surpassing the anticipated $13.22 billion. The company experienced a 14.3% year-over-year rise in revenue for the quarter, reaching $13.34 billion, and a 12.9% increase for the full year 2024, totaling $47.72 billion.
General Dynamics’ Aerospace segment, which encompasses Gulfstream business jets, saw an increase in aircraft deliveries in Q4, delivering 47 aircraft, up from 39 in the same period last year. The company concluded the year with a total backlog of $90.6 billion, a 9.1% increase from the previous year. Despite these recent developments, the company did not provide specific financial guidance for 2025 in the earnings release.
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