In industrials, General Dynamics’ (GD, Financial) earnings call highlighted backlog in its defense business and strong order intake from Gulfstream. These were critical metrics showing accelerated industry demand after nearly two years of stagnant sales/orders. During the quarter, GD announced the acquisition of IT contractor CSRA for $9.7 billion. According to big data analytics firm Govini, the post-merger combination of GD and CSRA will supplant market leader Leidos as the U.S. government’s largest IT provider.
From Bernard Horn (Trades, Portfolio)'s first quarter 2018 shareholder letter.
