General Dynamics Corporation (GD) vs Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT)

GD leads on 11 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of General Dynamics Corporation and Lockheed Martin Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 16, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — GD vs LMT

growth of $100 · last 30y
GD +2219.5%LMT +1168.5%GD compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,320$1,269
GD LMT

GD vs LMT: by the numbers

  • LMT is the larger company ($122.28B vs $97.23B market cap).
  • GD trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.61 vs 25.68 P/E).
  • GD converts more revenue to profit (8.07% vs 6.38% net margin).
  • GD grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.89% vs 2.62% CAGR).
  • LMT pays the higher dividend yield (2.57% vs 1.69%).

Which is better, GD or LMT?

Metric tally: GD 11 · LMT 5

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueGD(lower P/E)
GrowthGD(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeLMT(higher dividend yield)
QualityLMT(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGDLMT
P/E ratio22.6125.68
Forward P/E19.7316.56
P/S ratio1.831.63
P/B ratio3.7816.37
PEG ratio1.63
EV / EBITDA16.3216.70
FCF yield6.29%4.62%

Profitability

MetricGDLMT
Gross margin15.24%9.82%
Operating margin10.24%9.88%
Net margin8.07%6.38%
ROE16.65%64.00%
ROIC10.58%17.39%

Dividends

MetricGDLMT
Dividend yield1.69%2.57%
Payout ratio38.94%63.31%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGDLMT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.89%2.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.22%-2.44%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.42%-0.69%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.76%9.26%

Frequently asked

Which is better, GD or LMT?
It depends on your goal. value: GD (lower P/E); growth: GD (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: LMT (higher dividend yield); quality: LMT (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, GD leads 11 to 5.
Is GD or LMT cheaper?
On trailing earnings, GD is cheaper: GD trades at a 22.61 P/E and LMT at 25.68.
Which has grown faster, GD or LMT?
Over the past five years, GD grew revenue faster — GD at a 6.89% CAGR versus LMT at 2.62%.
Does GD or LMT pay a bigger dividend?
GD yields 1.69% and LMT yields 2.57% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GD or LMT more profitable?
GD runs the higher net margin — GD at 8.07% versus LMT at 6.38%.
Which has been the better investment, GD or LMT?
Over the past 10-year, GD delivered the higher annualized total return — GD at 12.29% versus LMT at 11.19%. 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 16, 2026.