Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) vs General Dynamics Corporation (GD)

GD leads on 14 of 17 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Emerson Electric Co. and General Dynamics Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — EMR vs GD

growth of $100 · last 30y
EMR +572.7%GD +2219.5%GD compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$673$2,320
EMR GD

EMR vs GD: by the numbers

  • GD is the larger company ($97.23B vs $82.07B market cap).
  • GD trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.61 vs 33.84 P/E).
  • EMR converts more revenue to profit (13.35% vs 8.07% net margin).
  • GD grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.89% vs 1.43% CAGR).
  • GD pays the higher dividend yield (1.69% vs 1.50%).

Which is better, EMR or GD?

Metric tally: EMR 3 · GD 14

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueGD(lower P/E)
GrowthGD(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeGD(higher dividend yield)
QualityGD(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricEMRGD
P/E ratio33.8422.61
Forward P/E20.4019.73
P/S ratio4.501.83
P/B ratio4.063.78
PEG ratio1.771.63
EV / EBITDA18.4416.32
FCF yield3.78%6.29%

Profitability

MetricEMRGD
Gross margin52.66%15.24%
Operating margin19.96%10.24%
Net margin13.35%8.07%
ROE12.04%16.65%
ROIC7.26%10.58%

Dividends

MetricEMRGD
Dividend yield1.50%1.69%
Payout ratio53.87%38.94%

Growth (annualized)

MetricEMRGD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.43%6.89%
EPS CAGR (5Y)4.54%7.22%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-0.23%11.42%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.45%15.76%

Frequently asked

Which is better, EMR or GD?
It depends on your goal. value: GD (lower P/E); growth: GD (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: GD (higher dividend yield); quality: GD (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, GD leads 14 to 3.
Is EMR or GD cheaper?
On trailing earnings, GD is cheaper: EMR trades at a 33.84 P/E and GD at 22.61.
Which has grown faster, EMR or GD?
Over the past five years, GD grew revenue faster — EMR at a 1.43% CAGR versus GD at 6.89%.
Does EMR or GD pay a bigger dividend?
EMR yields 1.50% and GD yields 1.69% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is EMR or GD more profitable?
EMR runs the higher net margin — EMR at 13.35% versus GD at 8.07%.
Which has been the better investment, EMR or GD?
Over the past 10-year, EMR delivered the higher annualized total return — EMR at 13.73% versus GD at 12.29%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 15, 2026.