Franklin Universal Trust (FT) vs The New Germany Fund, Inc. (GF)

FT leads on 10 of 12 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Franklin Universal Trust and The New Germany Fund, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 25, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — FT vs GF

growth of $100 · last 30y
FT -10.7%GF -6.8%GF compounded faster
50100150200Start $100200120062011201620212026$89$93
FT GF

FT vs GF: by the numbers

  • FT is the larger company ($202M vs $189M market cap).
  • FT trades at the lower earnings multiple (3.00 vs 5.32 P/E).
  • GF converts more revenue to profit (286.83% vs 179.50% net margin).
  • FT grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.92% vs -3.04% CAGR).
  • FT pays the higher dividend yield (6.34% vs 2.44%).

Which is better, FT or GF?

Metric tally: FT 10 · GF 2

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueFT(lower P/E)
GrowthFT(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeFT(higher dividend yield)
QualityGF(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFTGF
P/E ratio3.005.32
Forward P/E5.14
P/S ratio5.4115.30
P/B ratio0.890.92
PEG ratio0.02

Profitability

MetricFTGF
Gross margin86.88%85.03%
Operating margin198.87%-98.27%
Net margin179.50%286.83%
ROE29.45%17.19%
ROIC8.38%26.89%

Dividends

MetricFTGF
Dividend yield6.34%2.44%
Payout ratio67.11%8.27%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFTGF
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.92%-3.04%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.82%-11.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.94%-8.37%

Frequently asked

Which is better, FT or GF?
It depends on your goal. value: FT (lower P/E); growth: FT (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: FT (higher dividend yield); quality: GF (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FT leads 10 to 2.
Is FT or GF cheaper?
On trailing earnings, FT is cheaper: FT trades at a 3.00 P/E and GF at 5.32.
Which has grown faster, FT or GF?
Over the past five years, FT grew revenue faster — FT at a 3.92% CAGR versus GF at -3.04%.
Does FT or GF pay a bigger dividend?
FT yields 6.34% and GF yields 2.44% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FT or GF more profitable?
GF runs the higher net margin — FT at 179.50% versus GF at 286.83%.
Which has been the better investment, FT or GF?
Over the past 10-year, FT delivered the higher annualized total return — FT at 8.42% versus GF at 6.01%. 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 25, 2026.