Eaton Corporation plc (ETN) vs General Dynamics Corporation (GD)

ETN leads on 9 of 17 compared metrics, though GD is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Eaton Corporation plc 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 — ETN vs GD

growth of $100 · last 30y
ETN +3105.2%GD +2219.5%ETN compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,205$2,320
ETN GD

ETN vs GD: by the numbers

  • ETN is the larger company ($158.06B vs $97.23B market cap).
  • GD trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.61 vs 39.79 P/E).
  • ETN converts more revenue to profit (13.99% vs 8.07% net margin).
  • ETN grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.94% vs 6.89% CAGR).
  • GD pays the higher dividend yield (1.69% vs 1.05%).

Which is better, ETN or GD?

Metric tally: ETN 9 · GD 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricETNGD
P/E ratio39.7922.61
Forward P/E25.9919.73
P/S ratio5.551.83
P/B ratio8.023.78
PEG ratio3.041.63
EV / EBITDA28.8416.32
FCF yield2.96%6.29%

Profitability

MetricETNGD
Gross margin36.89%15.24%
Operating margin18.13%10.24%
Net margin13.99%8.07%
ROE20.19%16.65%
ROIC13.14%10.58%

Dividends

MetricETNGD
Dividend yield1.05%1.69%
Payout ratio40.80%38.94%

Growth (annualized)

MetricETNGD
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.94%6.89%
EPS CAGR (5Y)24.48%7.22%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.57%11.42%
Total return CAGR (5Y)24.42%15.76%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ETN or GD?
It depends on your goal. value: GD (lower P/E); growth: ETN (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: GD (higher dividend yield); quality: ETN (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ETN leads 9 to 8.
Is ETN or GD cheaper?
On trailing earnings, GD is cheaper: ETN trades at a 39.79 P/E and GD at 22.61.
Which has grown faster, ETN or GD?
Over the past five years, ETN grew revenue faster — ETN at a 9.94% CAGR versus GD at 6.89%.
Does ETN or GD pay a bigger dividend?
ETN yields 1.05% and GD yields 1.69% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ETN or GD more profitable?
ETN runs the higher net margin — ETN at 13.99% versus GD at 8.07%.
Which has been the better investment, ETN or GD?
Over the past 10-year, ETN delivered the higher annualized total return — ETN at 23.94% 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.