General Dynamics Corporation (GD) vs Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH)

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

A side-by-side comparison of General Dynamics Corporation and Parker-Hannifin 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 PH

growth of $100 · last 30y
GD +2219.5%PH +4973.8%PH compounded faster
02k4k6kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,320$5,074
GD PH

GD vs PH: by the numbers

  • PH is the larger company ($115.86B vs $97.23B market cap).
  • GD trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.61 vs 33.91 P/E).
  • PH converts more revenue to profit (16.58% vs 8.07% net margin).
  • PH grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.15% vs 6.89% CAGR).
  • GD pays the higher dividend yield (1.69% vs 0.81%).

Which is better, GD or PH?

Metric tally: GD 8 · PH 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGDPH
P/E ratio22.6133.91
Forward P/E19.7326.99
P/S ratio1.835.60
P/B ratio3.788.05
PEG ratio1.631.04
EV / EBITDA16.3222.51
FCF yield6.29%3.13%

Profitability

MetricGDPH
Gross margin15.24%37.23%
Operating margin10.24%20.87%
Net margin8.07%16.58%
ROE16.65%23.82%
ROIC10.58%13.69%

Dividends

MetricGDPH
Dividend yield1.69%0.81%
Payout ratio38.94%26.89%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGDPH
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.89%9.15%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.22%24.00%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.42%8.25%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.76%27.07%

Frequently asked

Which is better, GD or PH?
It depends on your goal. value: GD (lower P/E); growth: PH (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: GD (higher dividend yield); quality: PH (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, PH leads 9 to 8.
Is GD or PH cheaper?
On trailing earnings, GD is cheaper: GD trades at a 22.61 P/E and PH at 33.91.
Which has grown faster, GD or PH?
Over the past five years, PH grew revenue faster — GD at a 6.89% CAGR versus PH at 9.15%.
Does GD or PH pay a bigger dividend?
GD yields 1.69% and PH yields 0.81% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GD or PH more profitable?
PH runs the higher net margin — GD at 8.07% versus PH at 16.58%.
Which has been the better investment, GD or PH?
Over the past 10-year, PH delivered the higher annualized total return — GD at 12.29% versus PH at 25.36%. 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.