General Dynamics Corporation (GD) vs 3M Company (MMM)

A side-by-side comparison of General Dynamics Corporation and 3M Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 30, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnGD vs MMM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
GD +4416.3%MMM +1382.5%GD compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $100200120062011201620212026$4,516$1,482
GD MMM

GD vs MMM: by the numbers

  • GD is the larger company ($103.68B vs $90.83B market cap).
  • GD trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.29 vs 31.28 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MMM converts more revenue to profit (11.90% vs 8.18% net margin).
  • GD grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.32% vs -6.23% CAGR).
  • MMM pays the higher dividend yield (1.72% vs 1.59%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGDMMM
P/E ratio23.2931.28
Forward P/E22.7419.80
P/S ratio1.913.69
P/B ratio3.9031.47
PEG ratio1.62N/A
EV / EBITDA16.9517.55
FCF yield6.16%4.29%

Profitability

MetricGDMMM
Gross margin15.38%39.40%
Operating margin10.32%19.01%
Net margin8.18%11.90%
ROE16.73%101.52%
ROIC10.58%11.53%

Dividends

MetricGDMMM
Dividend yield1.59%1.72%
Payout ratio38.94%50.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGDMMM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.32%-6.23%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.22%-8.53%
FCF CAGR (5Y)10.39%-10.85%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.71%4.94%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, GD or MMM?
GD has the lower trailing P/E: GD trades at 23.29 and MMM at 31.28. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, GD or MMM?
Over the past five years, GD grew revenue faster — GD at a 7.32% CAGR versus MMM at -6.23%.
Does GD or MMM pay a bigger dividend?
GD yields 1.59% and MMM yields 1.72% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GD or MMM more profitable?
MMM runs the higher net margin — GD at 8.18% versus MMM at 11.90%.
How have GD and MMM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, GD delivered 12.43% and MMM delivered 5.05% 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 July 30, 2026.