General Dynamics (GD) vs GE Aerospace (GE)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
GE Aerospace (GE) has outperformed General Dynamics (GD) over the past year, gaining 0.6% versus a loss of 4.9%. Over five years, GE leads with a +366.8% price change compared with +57.0% for GD. GE Aerospace is the larger company by market cap ($315.02 billion vs $88.37 billion), about 3.6 times the size.
On valuation, General Dynamics trades at a lower forward P/E (17.6x vs 33.4x for GE Aerospace). General Dynamics offers the higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 0.55%). GE Aerospace converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 19.0% versus 8.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | GD | GE |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $326.63 | $303.62 |
| Market cap | $88.37B | $315.02B |
| 1-day change | -1.42% | -1.86% |
| YTD return | -2.98% | -1.43% |
| 1-year return | -4.89% | +0.62% |
| 5-year return | +56.99% | +366.75% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.93 | 35.80 |
| Forward P/E | 17.55 | 33.36 |
| EPS (TTM) | $16.39 | $8.48 |
| Dividend yield | 1.89% | 0.55% |
| Annual dividend | $6.18 | $1.66 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $52.55B | $45.85B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.13% | +18.48% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $4.21B | $8.70B |
| Operating margin | 10.19% | — |
| Net margin | 8.01% | 18.98% |
| 52-week high | $400.00 | $388.84 |
| 52-week low | $306.77 | $268.91 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -18.34% | -21.92% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.50% | +29.99% |
| Average volume | 1.13M | 3.95M |
| Shares outstanding | 270.56M | 1.04B |
| Employees | 117,000 | 57,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Technology |
| Industry | Marine Transportation | Consumer Electronics/Appliances |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- GE Aerospace is about 3.6 times larger than General Dynamics by market value ($315.02B vs $88.37B).
- GE Aerospace trades at a higher earnings multiple (35.8x vs 19.9x trailing P/E).
- General Dynamics offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 0.55%).
- GE Aerospace is more profitable, keeping 19.0 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 8.0 cents for General Dynamics.
- GE Aerospace grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+18.48% vs +10.13%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: General Dynamics in Industrials and GE Aerospace in Technology.
About General Dynamics
GD stock →General Dynamics Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies.
Industrials · Marine Transportation · 117,000 employees
About GE Aerospace
GE stock →General Electric Company, doing business as GE Aerospace, designs and produces commercial and defense aircraft engines, integrated engine components, electric power, and aircraft systems. The company operates through two segments, Commercial Engines & Services, and Defense & Propulsion Technologies.
Technology · Consumer Electronics/Appliances · 57,000 employees
GD vs GE FAQ
Which is bigger, General Dynamics or GE Aerospace?
GE Aerospace (GE) is larger, with a market capitalization of $315.02B compared with $88.37B for General Dynamics (GD).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, GD or GE?
GE returned +0.62% over the past 12 months, compared with -4.89% for GD (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, GD or GE?
GD has the lower trailing P/E at 19.9, versus 35.8 for GE. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, General Dynamics or GE Aerospace?
General Dynamics has the higher yield at 1.89%, compared with 0.55% for GE Aerospace.
Are General Dynamics and GE Aerospace in the same industry?
No. General Dynamics is in the Industrials sector, while GE Aerospace is in Technology.