General Dynamics Corporation (GD) vs Union Pacific Corporation (UNP)

UNP leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of General Dynamics Corporation and Union Pacific 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 UNP

growth of $100 · last 30y
GD +2219.5%UNP +2212.5%GD compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,320$2,312
GD UNP

GD vs UNP: by the numbers

  • UNP is the larger company ($158.71B vs $97.23B market cap).
  • UNP trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.02 vs 22.61 P/E).
  • UNP converts more revenue to profit (29.20% vs 8.07% net margin).
  • GD grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.89% vs 5.05% CAGR).
  • UNP pays the higher dividend yield (2.06% vs 1.69%).

Which is better, GD or UNP?

Metric tally: GD 7 · UNP 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueUNP(lower P/E)
GrowthGD(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeUNP(higher dividend yield)
QualityUNP(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGDUNP
P/E ratio22.6122.02
Forward P/E19.7319.47
P/S ratio1.836.42
P/B ratio3.788.17
PEG ratio1.632.34
EV / EBITDA16.3214.48
FCF yield6.29%3.59%

Profitability

MetricGDUNP
Gross margin15.24%45.67%
Operating margin10.24%40.09%
Net margin8.07%29.20%
ROE16.65%37.15%
ROIC10.58%11.70%

Dividends

MetricGDUNP
Dividend yield1.69%2.06%
Payout ratio38.94%45.96%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGDUNP
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.89%5.05%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.22%8.74%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.42%0.04%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.76%6.06%

Frequently asked

Which is better, GD or UNP?
It depends on your goal. value: UNP (lower P/E); growth: GD (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: UNP (higher dividend yield); quality: UNP (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, UNP leads 9 to 7.
Is GD or UNP cheaper?
On trailing earnings, UNP is cheaper: GD trades at a 22.61 P/E and UNP at 22.02.
Which has grown faster, GD or UNP?
Over the past five years, GD grew revenue faster — GD at a 6.89% CAGR versus UNP at 5.05%.
Does GD or UNP pay a bigger dividend?
GD yields 1.69% and UNP yields 2.06% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is GD or UNP more profitable?
UNP runs the higher net margin — GD at 8.07% versus UNP at 29.20%.
Which has been the better investment, GD or UNP?
Over the past 10-year, UNP delivered the higher annualized total return — GD at 12.29% versus UNP at 14.29%. 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.