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

GD leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

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 June 16, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — GD vs MMM

growth of $100 · last 30y
GD +2219.5%MMM +453.6%GD compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,320$554
GD MMM

GD vs MMM: by the numbers

  • GD is the larger company ($97.23B vs $82.53B market cap).
  • GD trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.61 vs 30.49 P/E).
  • MMM converts more revenue to profit (11.14% vs 8.07% net margin).
  • GD grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.89% vs -5.36% CAGR).
  • MMM pays the higher dividend yield (1.91% vs 1.69%).

Which is better, GD or MMM?

Metric tally: GD 9 · MMM 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGDMMM
P/E ratio22.6130.49
Forward P/E19.7316.69
P/S ratio1.833.37
P/B ratio3.7825.84
PEG ratio1.63
EV / EBITDA16.3218.54
FCF yield6.29%2.44%

Profitability

MetricGDMMM
Gross margin15.24%39.51%
Operating margin10.24%19.60%
Net margin8.07%11.14%
ROE16.65%85.41%
ROIC10.58%11.53%

Dividends

MetricGDMMM
Dividend yield1.69%1.91%
Payout ratio38.94%50.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGDMMM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.89%-5.36%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.22%-8.53%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.42%-21.95%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.76%2.44%

Frequently asked

Which is better, GD or MMM?
It depends on your goal. value: GD (lower P/E); growth: GD (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: MMM (higher dividend yield); quality: MMM (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, GD leads 9 to 7.
Is GD or MMM cheaper?
On trailing earnings, GD is cheaper: GD trades at a 22.61 P/E and MMM at 30.49.
Which has grown faster, GD or MMM?
Over the past five years, GD grew revenue faster — GD at a 6.89% CAGR versus MMM at -5.36%.
Does GD or MMM pay a bigger dividend?
GD yields 1.69% and MMM yields 1.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GD or MMM more profitable?
MMM runs the higher net margin — GD at 8.07% versus MMM at 11.14%.
Which has been the better investment, GD or MMM?
Over the past 10-year, GD delivered the higher annualized total return — GD at 12.29% versus MMM at 4.57%. 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.