Stock Analysis on Net

General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE:GD)

$22.49

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since October 28, 2020.

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

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Economic Profit

General Dynamics Corp., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017 Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1
Cost of capital2
Invested capital3
 
Economic profit4

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2019 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= × =


The analysis of the financial data over the five-year period reveals several notable trends and shifts in key performance indicators.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
The NOPAT demonstrates an overall upward trend, increasing from $3,237 million in 2015 to $4,114 million in 2019. There is a slight dip observed in 2017, where NOPAT decreased to $3,393 million from $3,563 million in 2016, but it subsequently recovered and showed consistent growth through to 2019.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital exhibits a modest decline over the period, starting at 14.93% in 2015 and decreasing to 13.48% by 2019. The most significant reduction is noted between 2017 and 2018, dropping from 15.21% to 13.3%, suggesting potentially lower risk or improved financing conditions during that timeframe.
Invested Capital
Invested capital rose steadily from $18,175 million in 2015 to $31,608 million in 2019. The increase is especially pronounced between 2017 and 2018 when the invested capital surged significantly from $19,772 million to $29,939 million, indicating substantial investment or asset acquisition during this period.
Economic Profit
Economic profit reflects a fluctuating and concerning pattern. It improved from $525 million in 2015 to $608 million in 2016, then sharply decreased to $386 million in 2017. From 2018 onwards, economic profit turned negative, reporting a loss of $299 million in 2018 and a smaller loss of $146 million in 2019. This negative economic profit despite rising NOPAT suggests that returns on invested capital did not exceed the company’s cost of capital, particularly following the large increase in invested capital.

Overall, while operating profits improved, the substantial rise in invested capital paired with a decreasing cost of capital did not translate into positive economic profit in the later years. This indicates a potential inefficiency in the use of capital and suggests that the company may need to reassess investment strategies to enhance value creation.


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

General Dynamics Corp., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017 Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015
Net earnings
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in product warranty liabilities2
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents3
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability4
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense5
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes6
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income7
Investment income, after taxes8
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax9
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in product warranty liabilities.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net earnings.

4 2019 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

5 2019 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

6 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net earnings.

7 2019 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

8 Elimination of after taxes investment income.

9 Elimination of discontinued operations.


Net Earnings
Net earnings remained relatively stable from 2015 to 2017, showing a slight decrease from 2,965 million USD in 2015 to 2,912 million USD in 2017. However, from 2017 onwards, a notable upward trend is observed with earnings increasing to 3,345 million USD in 2018 and further to 3,484 million USD in 2019. This indicates a period of renewed profitability growth in the last two years under review.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT experienced consistent growth over the entire period. Starting at 3,237 million USD in 2015, it increased to 3,563 million USD in 2016. Despite a slight decrease in 2017 to 3,393 million USD, the overall trend resumed upward momentum, reaching 3,683 million USD in 2018 and then significantly climbing to 4,114 million USD in 2019. This illustrates improving operational efficiency and profitability after taxes over the five-year span.

Cash Operating Taxes

General Dynamics Corp., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017 Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015
Provision for income taxes, net
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense
Less: Tax imposed on investment income
Cash operating taxes

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31).


The provision for income taxes, net, exhibited a generally stable trend between 2015 and 2017, with values of approximately 1137 million, 1169 million, and 1165 million US dollars, respectively. However, there was a notable decline starting in 2018, with the figure dropping significantly to 727 million and further slightly decreasing to 718 million US dollars in 2019. This downward shift after 2017 suggests a reduction in the overall tax burden or possible changes in tax strategies or profitability.

Cash operating taxes showed a downward trajectory over the five-year period. Starting from 1007 million US dollars in 2015, cash operating taxes decreased to 833 million in 2016, and then continued to decline slightly to 811 million in 2017. In 2018, the amount remained relatively stable at 814 million US dollars but then decreased again to 732 million in 2019. This gradual reduction aligns with the trend observed in the provision for income taxes, although the decline in cash taxes began earlier and was more gradual compared to the sharper decrease seen in the provision figures after 2017.

Overall, both tax-related metrics demonstrate a significant reduction in the company’s income tax liabilities from 2017 onwards, with cash taxes showing a steady decline throughout the entire period. This pattern may reflect changes in taxable income, effective tax rates, tax planning measures, or adjustments in accounting for tax provisions.


Invested Capital

General Dynamics Corp., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017 Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt, excluding current portion
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Shareholders’ equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Product warranty liabilities3
Equity equivalents4
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax5
Adjusted shareholders’ equity
Construction in process6
Invested capital

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of product warranty liabilities.

4 Addition of equity equivalents to shareholders’ equity.

5 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

6 Subtraction of construction in process.


The analysis of the financial data over the five-year period reveals several noteworthy trends in the company's debt levels, equity base, and invested capital.

Total Reported Debt & Leases
The total reported debt and leases exhibited a generally increasing trend from 2015 to 2017, rising from $4,345 million to $5,188 million. A significant jump occurred between 2017 and 2018, with debt surging dramatically to $13,882 million, followed by a slight decrease in 2019 to $13,433 million. This suggests a substantial increase in leverage starting in 2018, which may reflect a strategic decision to finance growth, acquisitions, or other investments during this time.
Shareholders’ Equity
Shareholders’ equity steadily increased over the analyzed periods, moving from $10,738 million in 2015 to $13,577 million in 2019. The growth was relatively consistent, indicating ongoing accumulation of retained earnings and/or capital contributions. The equity growth rate appears moderate and stable compared to the more volatile changes observed in total debt.
Invested Capital
Invested capital increased from $18,175 million in 2015 to $19,772 million by 2017, which is a moderate growth. However, a sharp rise occurred between 2017 and 2018, coinciding with the surge in reported debt and leases, with invested capital reaching $29,939 million in 2018 and further increasing to $31,608 million in 2019. This suggests significant investment or expansion activities starting in 2018, funded in part by increased debt levels.

Overall, the data indicate a period of relative stability from 2015 through 2017, followed by a substantial increase in leverage and total invested capital beginning in 2018. The company’s equity base grew steadily throughout, providing a solid foundation despite the sharp increase in debt. This pattern may reflect a strategic shift toward accelerated growth or capital-intensive initiatives in the latter years of the period analyzed.


Cost of Capital

General Dynamics Corp., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short- and long-term debt principal3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short- and long-term debt principal. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short- and long-term debt principal3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short- and long-term debt principal. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short- and long-term debt principal3 ÷ = × × (1 – 35.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 35.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short- and long-term debt principal. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short- and long-term debt principal3 ÷ = × × (1 – 35.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 35.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short- and long-term debt principal. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Short- and long-term debt principal3 ÷ = × × (1 – 35.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 35.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Short- and long-term debt principal. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

General Dynamics Corp., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017 Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
Invested capital2
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Boeing Co.
Caterpillar Inc.
Eaton Corp. plc
GE Aerospace
Honeywell International Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corp.
RTX Corp.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2019 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


Economic Profit
Economic profit exhibited a rising trend from 2015 to 2016, increasing from 525 million US dollars to 608 million US dollars. However, the following years saw a significant decline, with economic profit dropping sharply to 386 million US dollars in 2017, and turning negative in 2018 at -299 million US dollars, followed by a smaller negative figure of -146 million US dollars in 2019. This indicates a shift from generating economic value above the cost of capital to incurring value destruction in the last two years of the period analyzed.
Invested Capital
Invested capital displayed a consistent upward trajectory throughout the entire period. It increased from 18,175 million US dollars in 2015 to 31,608 million US dollars by the end of 2019. Notably, there was a substantial jump between 2017 and 2018, rising from 19,772 million to 29,939 million US dollars. This growth suggests significant capital deployment or asset expansion over the years.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio followed a pattern similar to economic profit, starting positively at 2.89% in 2015 and peaking at 3.11% in 2016. It then decreased substantially to 1.95% in 2017, becoming negative in 2018 at -1%, and slightly improving but remaining negative at -0.46% in 2019. This shift indicates the return generated on invested capital fell below the cost of capital starting in 2018, corroborating the negative economic profit results.

Economic Profit Margin

General Dynamics Corp., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017 Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1
Revenue
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Boeing Co.
Caterpillar Inc.
Eaton Corp. plc
GE Aerospace
Honeywell International Inc.
Lockheed Martin Corp.
RTX Corp.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2019 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Revenue
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The analysis of the financial data over the five-year period reveals several notable trends concerning revenue, economic profit, and economic profit margin.

Revenue
The company experienced relatively stable revenue between 2015 and 2017, with figures approximately within the range of 30.9 to 31.5 billion US dollars. In 2018, revenue increased significantly, reaching over 36 billion US dollars, and this upward trend continued into 2019, with revenue approximately 39.35 billion US dollars. This indicates a solid growth trajectory in the company’s top-line performance during the latter part of the period.
Economic Profit
Economic profit demonstrated a declining trend, starting from a positive 525 million US dollars in 2015, increasing to 608 million in 2016, but then falling sharply to 386 million in 2017. The decline intensified in subsequent years, with economic profit turning negative to -299 million in 2018 and slightly improving but remaining negative at -146 million in 2019. This suggests deteriorating profitability when considering the cost of capital, despite growing revenues.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin followed a pattern consistent with the economic profit values. Starting at 1.67% in 2015, it peaked at 1.94% in 2016, then decreased to 1.25% in 2017. In 2018 and 2019, the margins turned negative, showing -0.83% and -0.37% respectively. This margin contraction further implies that the company’s economic returns on sales have weakened significantly over the period, particularly in the latter two years.

In summary, while the company achieved increasing revenues in the last two years of the period analyzed, economic profitability deteriorated, shifting from positive to negative economic profits and margins. This divergence indicates potential challenges in cost management or capital efficiency, meriting further investigation into underlying factors affecting the company’s profitability despite revenue growth.