GE Aerospace vs Lockheed Martin (GE vs LMT)
GE Aerospace (GE) 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.
GE Aerospace (GE) and Lockheed Martin (LMT) compete in aerospace and defence. Here are GE Aerospace 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 GE Aerospace or Lockheed Martin.
GE Aerospace vs Lockheed Martin: the figures
| Figure | GE Aerospace | Lockheed Martin |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $329.45 (November 4, 2026) | $595.04 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $341.8 billion | $137.5 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 37.7x | 21.1x |
| Forward P/E | 35.4x | 17.9x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +15.9% | +11.3% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 17.3% | 8.2% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 0.9x | 1.5x |
| Dividend yield | 0.59% | 2.25% |
| Beta | 1.41 | 0.08 |
GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that GE Aerospace or Lockheed Martin figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin
- Valuation: GE Aerospace trades at 37.7x its annual earnings and Lockheed Martin at 21.1x; the market pays more for each dollar of GE Aerospace profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Volatility: GE Aerospace stock moves more (beta 1.41) than Lockheed Martin (beta 0.08); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, GE Aerospace keeps 17.3 as net profit and Lockheed Martin keeps 8.2.
GE Aerospace or Lockheed Martin: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: GE Aerospace 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: GE Aerospace 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 GE Aerospace 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 GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin make money
GE Aerospace (GE)
GE Aerospace builds jet engines and earns much of its money servicing them and selling spare parts over their long lives. Commercial Engines & Services, its largest segment, includes LEAP engines made through CFM International, its venture with Safran, and GEnx. Defense & Propulsion Technologies supplies military engines and components. Full GE Aerospace 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: GE Aerospace vs Lockheed Martin
Is GE Aerospace or Lockheed Martin the better stock?
Choosing between GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin depends on what you are looking for. GE Aerospace is growing faster right now, and Lockheed Martin trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy GE Aerospace or Lockheed Martin: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, GE Aerospace or Lockheed Martin?
As of November 4, 2026, Lockheed Martin yields 2.25% and GE Aerospace yields 0.59%. Also check how much of their profit GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, GE Aerospace or Lockheed Martin?
On P/E, GE Aerospace (37.7x) 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 GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as GE Aerospace 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 GE Aerospace or Lockheed Martin.
More comparisons with GE Aerospace or Lockheed Martin
- Boeing vs GE Aerospace
- General Dynamics vs GE Aerospace
- Boeing vs Lockheed Martin
- General Dynamics vs Lockheed Martin
More companies like GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin: aerospace and defence stocks. Educational content about GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin, not investment advice.