General Dynamics or Lockheed Martin: Which Stock Has More Upside?
Lockheed Martin surged 16% during the past Month. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer General Dynamics gives you more. General Dynamics (GD) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Lockheed Martin (LMT) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in GD
- GD’s quarterly revenue growth was 10.6%, vs. LMT’s 8.8%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 11.9%, ahead of LMT’s 2.9%.
- GD’s LTM margin is higher: 10.3% vs. LMT’s 8.2%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how LMT’s fundamentals stack up against those of GD on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| LMT | GD | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 20.2 | 18.2 | GD |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 8.8% | 10.6% | GD |
| Last 12 Months | 2.9% | 11.9% | GD |
| Last 3 Year Average | 4.3% | 9.9% | GD |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 8.2% | 10.3% | GD |
| Last 3 Year Average | 11.0% | 10.2% | LMT |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 19.7% | 54.8% | GD |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: LMT Revenue Comparison | GD Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: LMT Operating Income Comparison | GD Operating Income Comparison
- Why TDG, GD Could Outperform Lockheed Martin Stock
- Stronger Bet Than Lockheed Martin Stock: GD Delivers More
- Can Lockheed Martin Stock Recover If Markets Fall?
- GD Tops Lockheed Martin Stock on Price & Potential
- TDG, GD Look Smarter Buy Than Lockheed Martin Stock
- How Will Lockheed Martin Stock React To Its Upcoming Earnings?
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell GD Stock and Buy or Sell LMT Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| LMT Return | 3% | 40% | -4% | 10% | 2% | 6% | 65% | ||
| GD Return | 44% | 22% | 7% | 4% | 30% | 6% | 167% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 1% | 84% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| LMT Win Rate | 50% | 67% | 42% | 58% | 42% | 100% | 60% | ||
| GD Win Rate | 58% | 58% | 58% | 67% | 67% | 100% | 68% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 100% | 71% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| LMT Max Drawdown | -9% | -0% | -17% | -8% | -14% | 0% | -8% | ||
| GD Max Drawdown | -2% | -1% | -17% | -4% | -8% | 0% | -5% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | 0% | -7% | ||
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 1/6/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read GD Dip Buyer Analyses and LMT Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about LMT or GD? Consider portfolio approach.
Why Stock Pickers Win More With Multi Asset Portfolios
Individual stocks can soar or tank but multi asset exposure steadies the ride. A spread out portfolio captures upside while limiting the damage from any one market.
The asset allocation framework of Trefis’ Boston-based, wealth management partner yielded positive returns during the 2008-09 period when the S&P lost more than 40%. Our partner’ strategy now includes Trefis High Quality Portfolio, which has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 – the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices