For a nation $14.7 trillion in debt -- and counting-- we sure don't seem to have trouble finding money to spend on new toys for the military.
Case in point: Last week the U.S. Navy awarded two new contracts to General Dynamics
If these numbers surprise you, what with all the talk of defense spending cuts in Washington these days, then consider this: The most surprising news is that these vessels are going to be built at all. Originally, the Navy had planned to build 32 Zumwalt-class vessels. But as cost overruns mounted, talk in Washington turned to curtailing the Zumwalt program in favor of cheaper alternatives such as the Arleigh Burke-class of DDG 51s. Only two Zumwalts would be built -- one by General D, and the other by then-Northrop Grumman subsidiary -- and now independent shipbuilder -- Huntington Ingalls
What's it mean to you?
The Navy's latest announcement is good news for investors in prime contractor General D, and also for key subcontractors such as Raytheon
DDG 1000, DDG 1001, DDG 1002 -- how many more ships will General Dynamics ultimately be asked to build? Add the stock to your watchlist and find out.