General Dynamics Corporation (GD)

Profile

Exchange: NYSE       Sector: Industrial Goods       Industry: Aerospace & Defense Products & Services

General Dynamics is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and mission-critical information systems and technology. The company was formed in 1952 through the combination of the Electric Boat Company, Consolidated Vultee (CONVAIR) and several others. Since then, they have been a leader of innovation and creativity in the marine, aerospace, defense, communications and electronics industries. The company grew organically and through acquisitions until the early 1990s, when they sold many of their defense-related businesses. They began expanding again in 1995, by acquiring additional shipyards and combat vehicle-related businesses. In 1997 they started buying companies that are expert in information-technology products and services. In 1999 they acquired Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a global leader of the business-jet aircraft industry, and they expanded their business-jet service capabilities through the acquisition of Jet Aviation in 2008. Since 1997 they have acquired more than 50 companies. Their revenue has grown from $4 billion to approximately $32 billion in that time and their workforce has increased from 29,000 to approximately 90,000 employees today. General Dynamics Corporation was founded in 1899 and is based in Falls Church, Virginia.