General Dynamics Profit Rises 24%

General Dynamics Corp. said second-quarter earnings rose 24% as acquisitions lifted sales and margins from business jets improved. The company raised its 2004 forecast.

Net income climbed to $300 million, or $1.49 a share, from $242 million, or $1.22, a year earlier, Falls Church, Va.-based General Dynamics said. Sales rose 21% to $4.76 billion.

Shares, however, fell 10 cents to $97.55 on the New York Stock Exchange.