TLDR
- Q3 revenue jumps 10.6% to $12.9B, marking steady top-line expansion.
- EPS climbs 15.8% to $3.88 with improved margins and cost control.
- Backlog hits $167.7B on strong defense and aerospace demand.
- Aerospace leads growth with 30% revenue rise and higher margins.
- Strong cash flow, solid balance sheet, and record orders boost outlook.
General Dynamics Corporation(GD) shares climbed 1.44% to close at $346.41 after its Q3 2025 earnings report.
General Dynamics Corporation, GD
The company posted a strong revenue gain of 10.6% year-over-year, reaching $12.9 billion. Strong earnings, expanding margins, and healthy order volumes supported the rally.
Solid Revenue Expansion with Strong Margins
General Dynamics reported third-quarter revenue of $12.9 billion, up from $11.67 billion a year ago. Operating earnings rose 12.7% to $1.33 billion, driven by cost control and increased demand across business segments. Diluted EPS stood at $3.88, marking a 15.8% increase from the same period last year.
The operating margin improved by 20 basis points compared to Q3 2024, reaching 10.3%. Sequential margin improvement of 30 basis points also signaled improved efficiency and disciplined execution. This performance came despite pressure from rising costs and shifting contract timelines.
Each of the four segments grew both earnings and backlog during the quarter. The Aerospace segment posted the strongest growth, with a 30.3% increase in revenue. Margins in Aerospace rose 100 basis points from the prior-year quarter due to strong jet orders.
Orders Surge, Backlog Hits $167.7 Billion
Total company-wide orders reached $19.3 billion, leading to a consolidated book-to-bill ratio of 1.5-to-1. The defense units achieved a ratio of 1.6-to-1, while Aerospace posted a 1.3-to-1 ratio. These ratios confirm consistent demand and contract wins across the portfolio.
The company’s total estimated contract value for the quarter ended at $167.7 billion. This included $109.9 billion in funded backlog and $57.8 billion in estimated value from options and IDIQs. Such backlog ensures stable future revenue and business visibility.
High order flow across business segments reflects sustained demand for defense platforms and private aviation solutions. Robust military modernization and international defense requirements contributed to the high contract volumes. Aerospace demand stayed strong as business jet orders continued their upward trend.
Cash Flow Strengthens, Capital Position Stable
Net cash from operating activities reached $2.1 billion, equaling 199% of net earnings for the quarter. The company allocated $403 million to shareholder dividends and $212 million to capital expenditures. Total debt stood at $8 billion, while cash and equivalents totaled $2.5 billion.
General Dynamics maintained a balanced capital structure with steady cash deployment throughout the quarter. High conversion of earnings into cash supports ongoing investment and shareholder returns. Its ability to manage debt while growing revenue and backlog remains a key strength.
Q3 2025 reflected disciplined operations, strong order intake, and clear market positioning. With rising EPS, stable margins, and a $167.7 billion contract pipeline, General Dynamics sustained positive momentum heading into the next quarter.
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