General Dynamics (GD) vs Matson (MATX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Matson (MATX) has outperformed General Dynamics (GD) over the past year, gaining 131.5% versus a loss of 4.9%. Over five years, MATX leads with a +169.2% price change compared with +57.0% for GD. General Dynamics is the larger company by market cap ($88.37 billion vs $6.67 billion), about 13.3 times the size.
On valuation, Matson trades at a lower forward P/E (13.3x vs 17.6x for General Dynamics). General Dynamics offers the higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 0.65%). Matson converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.3% 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 | MATX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $326.63 | $222.92 |
| Market cap | $88.37B | $6.67B |
| 1-day change | -1.42% | -0.83% |
| YTD return | -2.98% | +80.43% |
| 1-year return | -4.89% | +131.48% |
| 5-year return | +56.99% | +169.16% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.93 | 14.99 |
| Forward P/E | 17.55 | 13.34 |
| EPS (TTM) | $16.39 | $14.87 |
| Dividend yield | 1.89% | 0.65% |
| Annual dividend | $6.18 | $1.44 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $52.55B | $3.34B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.13% | -2.26% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $4.21B | $444.80M |
| Operating margin | 10.19% | 14.94% |
| Net margin | 8.01% | 13.30% |
| 52-week high | $400.00 | $240.87 |
| 52-week low | $306.77 | $86.97 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -18.34% | -7.45% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.50% | +18.32% |
| Average volume | 1.13M | 291.24K |
| Shares outstanding | 270.56M | 29.90M |
| Employees | 117,000 | 4,170 |
| Sector | Industrials | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Marine Transportation | Marine Transportation |
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
- General Dynamics is about 13.3 times larger than Matson by market value ($88.37B vs $6.67B).
- MATX has outperformed GD by 136.4 percentage points over the past year.
- General Dynamics trades at a higher earnings multiple (19.9x vs 15.0x trailing P/E).
- General Dynamics offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 0.65%).
- Matson is more profitable, keeping 13.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 8.0 cents for General Dynamics.
- General Dynamics grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+10.13% vs -2.26%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: General Dynamics in Industrials and Matson in Consumer Discretionary.
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 Matson
MATX stock →Matson, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of ocean transportation and logistics services. It operates through two segments, Ocean Transportation and Logistics.
Consumer Discretionary · Marine Transportation · 4,170 employees
GD vs MATX FAQ
Which is bigger, General Dynamics or Matson?
General Dynamics (GD) is larger, with a market capitalization of $88.37B compared with $6.67B for Matson (MATX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, GD or MATX?
MATX returned +131.48% 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 MATX?
MATX has the lower trailing P/E at 15.0, versus 19.9 for GD. 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 Matson?
General Dynamics has the higher yield at 1.89%, compared with 0.65% for Matson.
Are General Dynamics and Matson in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Marine Transportation industry within the Industrials sector.