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

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

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 June 21, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — GD vs HWM

growth of $100 · last 30y
GD +2079.4%HWM +1090.9%GD compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,179$1,191
GD HWM

GD vs HWM: by the numbers

  • HWM is the larger company ($111.09B vs $94.65B market cap).
  • GD trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.01 vs 64.42 P/E).
  • HWM converts more revenue to profit (20.22% vs 8.07% net margin).
  • HWM grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.27% vs 6.89% CAGR).
  • GD pays the higher dividend yield (1.74% vs 0.17%).

Which is better, GD or HWM?

Metric tally: GD 8 · HWM 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGDHWM
P/E ratio22.0164.42
Forward P/E19.2146.11
P/S ratio1.7812.98
P/B ratio3.6820.26
PEG ratio1.621.73
EV / EBITDA15.9144.78
FCF yield6.46%1.28%

Profitability

MetricGDHWM
Gross margin15.24%32.56%
Operating margin10.24%27.53%
Net margin8.07%20.22%
ROE16.65%31.58%
ROIC10.58%18.19%

Dividends

MetricGDHWM
Dividend yield1.74%0.17%
Payout ratio38.94%12.87%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGDHWM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.89%12.27%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.22%50.70%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.42%103.64%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.03%53.39%

Frequently asked

Which is better, GD or HWM?
It depends on your goal. value: GD (lower P/E); growth: HWM (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: GD (higher dividend yield); quality: HWM (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, HWM leads 9 to 8.
Is GD or HWM cheaper?
On trailing earnings, GD is cheaper: GD trades at a 22.01 P/E and HWM at 64.42.
Which has grown faster, GD or HWM?
Over the past five years, HWM grew revenue faster — GD at a 6.89% CAGR versus HWM at 12.27%.
Does GD or HWM pay a bigger dividend?
GD yields 1.74% 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 8.07% versus HWM at 20.22%.
Which has been the better investment, GD or HWM?
Over the past 10-year, HWM delivered the higher annualized total return — GD at 12.08% versus HWM at 30.25%. 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 21, 2026.