RBC maintains General Dynamics stock rating amid tariff concerns

Published 24/04/2025, 15:10
RBC maintains General Dynamics stock rating amid tariff concerns

On Thursday, RBC Capital Markets reiterated their Sector Perform rating on General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE:GD) with a steady price target of $280.00. The defense contractor’s first-quarter earnings for 2025 surpassed expectations, posting an earnings per share (EPS) of $3.66, which is 5% higher than the consensus. The company experienced a robust 14% growth in sales, primarily driven by a significant 45% increase in its Aerospace segment. According to InvestingPro data, General Dynamics maintains a "GOOD" overall financial health score and has demonstrated consistent profitability with a return on equity of 18%.

Despite the strong quarterly performance, RBC analysts noted that General Dynamics did not provide insights into potential risks from tariffs, which was a point of concern for investors. The uncertainty regarding tariffs and defense budget allocations is seen to be casting a shadow over the stock’s near-term prospects. Analysts anticipate that General Dynamics might revise its 2025 guidance upwards in the second-quarter results, which could potentially offset some of the current concerns. The company has maintained dividend payments for 47 consecutive years, with a current yield of 2.26% and a 5.63% dividend growth rate over the last twelve months. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued based on its Fair Value assessment.

The analysts at RBC Capital also pointed out that while capital allocation could present an opportunity for upside, the prevailing uncertainties have led them to maintain the current rating and price target. General Dynamics’ performance in the first quarter demonstrates its operational strength, with revenue reaching $49.21 billion and a gross profit margin of 15.44%, yet the lack of clarity on tariff implications remains a pivotal factor for investors monitoring the stock. The company’s second-quarter update is now awaited for further indications on how it plans to navigate the tariff and budgetary challenges ahead. For deeper insights into General Dynamics’ financial health and growth prospects, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro, which covers over 1,400 top US stocks.

In other recent news, General Dynamics Corporation reported impressive financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The company achieved earnings per share of $3.66, surpassing the forecasted $3.45, and reported revenue of $12.2 billion, exceeding expectations of $11.86 billion. This marks a 13.9% year-over-year revenue increase, with the Aerospace segment experiencing a significant 45.2% revenue growth. Despite the strong performance, General Dynamics’ stock experienced a decline in pre-market trading, reflecting broader economic concerns.

The company’s operating earnings rose by 22.4% year-over-year to $1.268 billion, while net earnings increased by 24.4% to $994 million. Analysts noted the company’s robust backlog and contract pipeline, which strengthen its competitive position. Furthermore, the company maintained its full-year outlook, anticipating continued revenue growth and positive cash flow in the upcoming quarter. General Dynamics continues to focus on operational efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities, as highlighted by its executive team during the earnings call.

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