General Dynamics vs Lockheed Martin (GD vs LMT)

General Dynamics (GD) vs Lockheed Martin (LMT) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

General Dynamics (GD) and Lockheed Martin (LMT) compete in aerospace and defence. Here are General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy General Dynamics or Lockheed Martin.

General Dynamics vs Lockheed Martin: the figures

General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that General Dynamics or Lockheed Martin figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin

1. Debt: Lockheed Martin owes 1.5x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while General Dynamics owes 0.7x its EBITDA.
2. Volatility: General Dynamics stock moves more (beta 0.30) than Lockheed Martin (beta 0.08); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
3. Dividend: Lockheed Martin yields 2.25% at today's price and General Dynamics yields 1.70%.

General Dynamics or Lockheed Martin: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: General Dynamics is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Lockheed Martin pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: General Dynamics has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Lockheed Martin trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither General Dynamics nor Lockheed Martin wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin make money

General Dynamics (GD)

General Dynamics reports four segments: Aerospace, which builds Gulfstream business jets; Marine Systems, which builds nuclear submarines and surface ships for the U.S. Navy; Combat Systems, which makes Abrams tanks, Stryker vehicles and munitions; and Technologies, which provides IT and mission systems. The U.S. government is its biggest customer. Full General Dynamics analysis.

Lockheed Martin (LMT)

Lockheed Martin sells mainly to the U.S. government and allied nations. Aeronautics, its largest segment, builds fighter jets like the Lightning II and Hercules transport aircraft. Missiles and Fire Control makes missiles and missile defense systems, Rotary and Mission Systems includes Sikorsky helicopters and radars, and Space builds satellites and strategic missiles. Full Lockheed Martin analysis.

Frequently asked questions: General Dynamics vs Lockheed Martin

Is General Dynamics or Lockheed Martin the better stock?

Choosing between General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin depends on what you are looking for. General Dynamics is growing faster right now, and Lockheed Martin trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy General Dynamics or Lockheed Martin: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, General Dynamics or Lockheed Martin?

As of November 4, 2026, Lockheed Martin yields 2.25% and General Dynamics yields 1.70%. Also check how much of their profit General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, General Dynamics or Lockheed Martin?

On P/E, General Dynamics (21.5x) is more expensive than Lockheed Martin (21.1x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying General Dynamics or Lockheed Martin.

More comparisons with General Dynamics or Lockheed Martin

• Boeing vs General Dynamics
• General Dynamics vs GE Aerospace
• Boeing vs Lockheed Martin
• GE Aerospace vs Lockheed Martin

More companies like General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin: aerospace and defence stocks. Educational content about General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin, not investment advice.