General Dynamics Corporation vs Howmet Aerospace Inc — how do they compare? General Dynamics Corporation trades at $366 (market cap $98.88B), while Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $268.16 (market cap $111.73B). The key difference: General Dynamics Corporation and Howmet Aerospace Inc are close in size by market cap, and General Dynamics Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.74%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GD | HWM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $98.88B | $111.73B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $376.88 | $283.23 |
52-Week Low | $297.05 | $171.00 |
Enterprise Value | $105.06B | $113.98B |
Dividend Yield | 1.74% | 0.17% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
General Dynamics (GD) trades at $369.5, down 0.88% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong fundamental performance. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $4.10 surpassing the $3.67 expectation. Revenue growth is robust, reaching $52.55B in 2025, while net income margin improved to 8.07%. The stock is supported by a substantial $130.8 billion backlog and a consistent dividend, with the next payment of $1.59 scheduled for August 7, 2026.
The outlook for GD is positive, driven by strong defense spending tailwinds, naval contract dominance, and consistent earnings beats. Investment opportunities include exposure to growing submarine and C5ISR markets. Key risks involve execution on massive backlogs, potential defense budget volatility, and valuation metrics (P/E of 23.01) that are above some industry peers, requiring sustained growth to justify.
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $275.54, down 0.45% on the day, with strong technical momentum indicated by bullish moving averages. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals with consistent earnings beats and impressive profitability metrics including 20.22% net income margin and 33.98% ROE. Recent news highlights strength in commercial aerospace demand driving growth prospects.
The outlook remains positive with analyst consensus targeting $317.63 (15% upside) and 84% buy ratings. Key catalysts include Q2 2026 earnings announcement on August 6, 2026, and sustained aerospace demand. Risks include premium valuation multiples and potential market volatility affecting the high-growth trajectory.
Trailing returns across standard periods
General Dynamics is a defense contractor and business jet manufacturer. The firm's segments include aerospace, combat systems, marine, and technologies. The company's aerospace segment creates Gulfstream business jets. Combat system produces land-based combat vehicles, such as the M1 Abrams tank. The marine subsegment creates nuclear-powered submarines, among other things. The technologies segment contains two main units, an IT business that primarily serves the government market and a mission systems business that focuses on products that provide command, control, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to the military.
Read more on GD →Howmet Aerospace provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. It specializes in jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and forged aluminum wheels.
Read more on HWM →