General Dynamics Corporation (GD) vs Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM)

A side-by-side comparison of General Dynamics Corporation and Howmet Aerospace Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 5, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnGD vs HWM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
GD +4289.5%HWM +1668.6%GD compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $100200120062011201620212026$4,389$1,769
GD HWM

GD vs HWM: by the numbers

  • HWM is the larger company ($115.31B vs $104.37B market cap).
  • GD trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.51 vs 66.87 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • HWM converts more revenue to profit (20.22% vs 8.18% net margin).
  • HWM grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.27% vs 7.32% CAGR).
  • GD pays the higher dividend yield (1.60% vs 0.17%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGDHWM
P/E ratio23.5166.87
Forward P/E22.8456.90
P/S ratio1.9313.47
P/B ratio3.9421.03
PEG ratio1.621.73
EV / EBITDA17.1144.16
FCF yield6.11%1.24%

Profitability

MetricGDHWM
Gross margin15.38%32.56%
Operating margin10.32%27.75%
Net margin8.18%20.22%
ROE16.73%31.58%
ROIC10.58%18.19%

Dividends

MetricGDHWM
Dividend yield1.60%0.17%
Payout ratio39.51%12.87%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGDHWM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.32%12.27%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.22%50.70%
FCF CAGR (5Y)10.39%103.64%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.94%56.96%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, GD or HWM?
GD has the lower trailing P/E: GD trades at 23.51 and HWM at 66.87. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, GD or HWM?
Over the past five years, HWM grew revenue faster — GD at a 7.32% CAGR versus HWM at 12.27%.
Does GD or HWM pay a bigger dividend?
GD yields 1.60% and HWM yields 0.17% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GD or HWM more profitable?
HWM runs the higher net margin — GD at 8.18% versus HWM at 20.22%.
How have GD and HWM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, GD delivered 12.50% and HWM delivered 29.61% annualized total return. 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 August 5, 2026.