General Dynamics Corp

General Dynamics generates revenue through defense contracts and business aviation across four segments: aerospace (Gulfstream business jets), combat systems (tanks and armored vehicles), marine systems (submarines and surface ships), and technologies (IT and mission systems). The company makes money from U.S. and allied government contracts plus corporate and wealthy individuals purchasing business aircraft. GD operates under long-cycle programs with substantial backlogs providing revenue visibility, particularly in shipbuilding and combat vehicle production.

General Dynamics offers diversification across defense and business aviation with strong competitive positions in submarines, armored vehicles, and large-cabin business jets. The company benefits from growing defense budgets, Navy shipbuilding requirements, and business aviation recovery. Strengths include predictable defense backlog and Gulfstream brand premium. Risks include defense budget constraints, fixed-price contract risks, shipbuilding execution challenges, business aviation cyclicality, and supply chain pressures. The stock provides dividend income with defense sector stability and aerospace leverage.

General Dynamics competes with BAE Systems in combat vehicles and munitions, Huntington Ingalls in Navy shipbuilding including aircraft carriers, and Lockheed Martin in mission systems and technology services. In business aviation, GD competes with Bombardier in large business jets and Textron (Cessna) in mid-size jets. Dassault Aviation competes with Gulfstream in ultra-long-range jets. Each segment faces distinct competitors rather than a single company competing across all divisions.

General Dynamics pays a quarterly dividend yielding approximately 1.70%, demonstrating commitment to consistent shareholder returns supported by stable defense revenues and business jet cash flows. The company has raised its dividend annually for many years, reflecting predictable earnings from multi-year government contracts and disciplined capital allocation. GD balances dividend growth with strategic investments, maintaining strong credit ratings and financial flexibility. The dividend provides reliable income backed by substantial contract backlogs in defense shipbuilding and combat systems.

GD last closed at $346.23, down 0.33% in the most recent trading session. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has traded between a low of $239.20 and a high of $369.70. The current price represents 82% of its 52-week range, which helps investors gauge where the stock sits relative to its recent trading history.

Among 32 analysts covering GD, the consensus rating is Buy — 21 rate it a buy, 10 hold, and 1 sell. The average price target sits at $199.87, implying 42% downside from the current price. Keep in mind that analyst targets reflect 12-month expectations and can shift quickly after earnings reports or major company events.

General Dynamics Corp generated $53.39B in revenue during fiscal year 2026, with $4.28B reaching the bottom line as net income. The net profit margin of 8.0% reflects the competitive nature of its industry.

GD trades at a P/E ratio of 23.11 on trailing earnings of $15.45 per share. That's roughly in line with the broader market average of ~20-25x. Comparing this multiple against Aerospace & Defense sector peers gives better context than the broad market alone, since P/E norms vary significantly across industries.

Performance varies across timeframes, reflecting shifting market conditions. Returns by timeframe: +1.18% (3M), +4.81% (6M), +29.41% (1Y), +0.82% (YTD). Comparing these figures against the S&P 500 and sector benchmarks helps determine whether GD is outperforming or lagging the broader market.