General Dynamics (GD) vs RTX (RTX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
RTX (RTX) has outperformed General Dynamics (GD) over the past year, gaining 6.5% versus a loss of 4.9%. Over five years, RTX leads with a +98.3% price change compared with +57.0% for GD. RTX is the larger company by market cap ($242.95 billion vs $88.37 billion), about 2.7 times the size, while General Dynamics is growing revenue faster (+10.1% vs +9.7%).
On valuation, General Dynamics trades at a lower forward P/E (17.6x vs 22.9x for RTX). General Dynamics offers the higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 1.54%). General Dynamics converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 8.0% versus 7.6%.
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 | RTX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $326.63 | $180.26 |
| Market cap | $88.37B | $242.95B |
| 1-day change | -1.42% | -1.65% |
| YTD return | -2.98% | -1.71% |
| 1-year return | -4.89% | +6.49% |
| 5-year return | +56.99% | +98.26% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.93 | 31.74 |
| Forward P/E | 17.56 | 22.94 |
| EPS (TTM) | $16.39 | $5.68 |
| Dividend yield | 1.89% | 1.54% |
| Annual dividend | $6.18 | $2.77 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $52.55B | $88.60B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.13% | +9.74% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $4.21B | $6.73B |
| Operating margin | 10.19% | 10.50% |
| Net margin | 8.01% | 7.60% |
| 52-week high | $400.00 | $226.88 |
| 52-week low | $306.77 | $155.64 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -18.34% | -20.55% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +27.50% | +28.23% |
| Average volume | 1.13M | 4.40M |
| Shares outstanding | 270.56M | 1.35B |
| Employees | 117,000 | 180,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Marine Transportation | Aerospace |
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
- RTX is about 2.7 times larger than General Dynamics by market value ($242.95B vs $88.37B).
- RTX has outperformed GD by 11.4 percentage points over the past year.
- RTX trades at a higher earnings multiple (31.7x vs 19.9x trailing P/E).
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 RTX
RTX stock →RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers worldwide. It operates through three segments: Collins Aerospace (Collins), Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon.
Industrials · Aerospace · 180,000 employees
GD vs RTX FAQ
Which is bigger, General Dynamics or RTX?
RTX (RTX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $242.95B compared with $88.37B for General Dynamics (GD).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, GD or RTX?
RTX returned +6.49% 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 RTX?
GD has the lower trailing P/E at 19.9, versus 31.7 for RTX. 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 RTX?
General Dynamics has the higher yield at 1.89%, compared with 1.54% for RTX.
Are General Dynamics and RTX in the same industry?
Both are in the Industrials sector, but in different industries: Marine Transportation for General Dynamics and Aerospace for RTX.