General Dynamics Corporation vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? General Dynamics Corporation trades at $367.17 (market cap $98.88B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $151.81 (market cap $11.59B). The key difference: General Dynamics Corporation is far larger — about 8.5× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and General Dynamics Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.74%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GD | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $98.88B | $11.59B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $376.88 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $297.05 | $110.89 |
Enterprise Value | $105.06B | $13.16B |
Dividend Yield | 1.74% | 0.53% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
General Dynamics (GD) trades at $366.40, down 0.84% on the day, with strong technical momentum indicated by bullish moving averages and oscillators. The company demonstrates solid fundamentals with Q1 2026 EPS beating expectations at $4.10 versus $3.67, continuing a trend of earnings outperformance. Revenue growth has been consistent, reaching $52.55 billion in 2025 with an 8.07% net income margin. Analyst sentiment remains positive with a $395.83 consensus price target and 53% buy ratings.
The outlook for GD is favorable given strong defense spending tailwinds and a growing $130.8 billion backlog, particularly in marine systems. However, risks include execution challenges on large contracts and potential defense budget volatility. The stock's current valuation at 23x P/E appears reasonable relative to earnings growth prospects, positioning it as a core defense holding for long-term investors.
WMS trades at $152.70, up 1.1% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong profitability metrics including a 13.98% net income margin and 24.02% ROE. The company recently beat Q1 2026 EPS estimates and announced a dividend, while cash flow from operations remains healthy at $581.49M for 2025. Revenue has been stable around $2.9B, though net income dipped to $450.17M in 2025 from prior years.
Outlook is mixed: analyst consensus targets $184.43 (21% upside) with 41% buy ratings, but a Zacks Strong Sell rating and projected 2026 earnings decline pose risks. Investment appeal lies in valuation support and operational strength, countered by earnings volatility and competitive pressures in water management solutions.
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 →Advanced Drainage Systems Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products in North and South America, and Europe. The company's operating segment includes Pipe
Read more on WMS →