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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnGD vs HWM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
GD +190.8% (+11.3%/yr)HWM +995.6% (+27.0%/yr)HWM compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020182020202220242026$291$1,096
GD HWM

GD vs HWM: by the numbers

  • GD is the larger company ($95.52B vs $91.89B market cap).
  • GD trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.51 vs 49.50 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • HWM converts more revenue to profit (20.52% vs 8.18% net margin).
  • HWM grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.81% vs 7.32% CAGR).
  • GD pays the higher dividend yield (1.74% vs 0.22%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGDHWM
P/E ratio21.5149.50
Forward P/E20.8043.05
P/S ratio1.7410.08
P/B ratio3.5616.03
EV / EBITDA15.8333.21
FCF yield6.75%1.71%

Profitability

MetricGDHWM
Gross margin15.38%34.44%
Operating margin10.32%28.33%
Net margin8.18%20.52%
ROE16.73%32.64%
ROIC10.94%18.58%

Dividends

MetricGDHWM
Dividend yield1.74%0.22%
Payout ratio37.66%10.78%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGDHWM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.32%13.81%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.22%50.70%
FCF CAGR (5Y)10.39%76.77%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.40%49.45%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, GD or HWM?
GD has the lower trailing P/E: GD trades at 21.51 and HWM at 49.50. 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 13.81%.
Does GD or HWM pay a bigger dividend?
GD yields 1.74% and HWM yields 0.22% 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 20.52%.
How have GD and HWM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, GD delivered 11.40% and HWM delivered 27.71% 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 September 13, 2026.