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General Dynamics vs Lockheed Martin

GD

General Dynamics Corp. NYSE

$355.35 ▲ 0.31%
VS

LMT

Lockheed Martin Corporation NYSE

$530.12 ▲ 1.08%
Last updated: (2m ago) • GD at $355.35, LMT at $530.12
CleaRank Financial AIData from TwelveData
Reviewed by CleaRank editorial team. Data refreshed daily. Not financial advice.

Comparative Analysis

GD wins this head-to-head comparison due to superior technical indicators and a more favorable analyst sentiment, despite LMT's higher revenue growth. GD's current price action shows signs of stabilization near its 200-day moving average, while LMT is trading significantly below its longer-term averages. Although LMT boasts higher profitability metrics like return on equity, GD's consistent earnings beats and stronger analyst consensus suggest a more immediate upside potential. Investors seeking a more technically sound entry point may favor GD at this juncture.

Key Differentiator

GD's technical setup, particularly its proximity to the 200-day moving average and significantly oversold oscillators, presents a more attractive risk-reward profile for a potential rebound compared to LMT. While LMT demonstrates superior profitability, its current price action and distance from key technical levels suggest a more challenging path to recovery in the near term.

Joint Outlook

The outlook for GD is cautiously optimistic, driven by its oversold technical conditions and consistent earnings beats, suggesting potential for a rebound towards its median analyst target of $430. A break below the 200-day SMA ($354.81) would invalidate this view. LMT faces a more challenging near-term outlook, with its price significantly below key moving averages. A recovery would likely require a broader market upturn or specific positive catalysts within the defense sector, with its median target of $629 serving as a longer-term aspiration rather than an immediate prospect.

Price Analysis Comparison

Valuation Metrics i

Valuation Metrics: GD vs LMT
Metric GD LMT
P/E Ratio 21.50 19.53
Market Cap 95.84B 122.35B
Price/Sales 1.74 1.59
Price/Book 3.55 13.91
EV/EBITDA 15.14 14.37
Dividend Yield N/A N/A
GD trades at a P/E ratio of 21.5, which is slightly higher than LMT's 19.5. However, GD's price is currently trading below its 50-day and 20-day moving averages, indicating recent weakness, but it is holding above its 200-day SMA of $354.81. LMT, on the other hand, is trading significantly below its 20-day ($551.73), 50-day ($556.36), and 200-day ($557.75) moving averages, suggesting a more pronounced downtrend. GD's price is closer to its 52-week low ($306.77) than LMT is to its ($437.25), with GD at $355.35 and LMT at $530.12. GD's position relative to its 52-week range suggests more potential for a rebound.

Profitability & Efficiency i

Profitability & Efficiency: GD vs LMT
Metric GD LMT
Rev. Growth (Qtly) 8.10% 10.50%
Profit Margin 8.18% 8.16%
Return on Equity 17.80% 89.17%
Return on Assets 6.08% 8.64%
Debt/Equity 35.34 234.24
LMT exhibits significantly higher profitability metrics, with a return on equity of 89.17% and a return on assets of 8.64%, compared to GD's 17.8% ROE and 6.08% ROA. Both companies maintain very similar net profit margins, with LMT at 8.16% and GD at 8.18%. While LMT's superior return metrics suggest greater efficiency in generating profits from shareholder equity and assets, GD's profitability is still solid and supported by consistent earnings beats.

Earnings Reality Check i

GD

Last 5 Qs: GD beat estimates 5x out of 5. Rose 3x after beats.

LMT

Last 2 Qs: LMT beat estimates 1x out of 2. Fell 1x after beats. (Sell the news?)

Technical Indicators

Technical indicators: GD vs LMT
Indicator GD LMT
RSI (14) 20.34 28.70
50-Day MA $378.07 $556.36
200-Day MA $354.81 $557.75
GD's technical indicators present a more compelling case for a potential turnaround. Its RSI is at 20.34 and CCI is -90.12, both indicating oversold conditions, while its Stochastic is at 9.23, also significantly oversold. The MACD is negative but showing signs of potentially bottoming. GD is currently trading just above its 200-day SMA ($354.81), a key long-term support level. LMT's technicals are weaker, with an RSI of 28.7 and CCI of -94.72, also oversold, but its Stochastic at 12.45 is slightly higher. LMT is trading substantially below its 20-day, 50-day, and 200-day SMAs, suggesting a more entrenched downtrend.

AI Analyst Sentiment

Technical rating — based on current price action versus moving averages and momentum. This measures short-term chart trend, not analyst opinion or company fundamentals.

GD

Hold
Technical Score: 59/100

LMT

Hold
Technical Score: 59/100
GD garners a more favorable analyst outlook, with a median target price of $430, representing a significant upside potential from its current price of $355.35. The analyst ratings lean towards 'Buy' and 'Strong Buy'. LMT also has a 'Buy' leaning sentiment with a median target of $629, but GD's target represents a higher percentage gain potential relative to its current price. GD's analyst consensus is slightly more positive, with a higher proportion of 'Strong Buy' ratings relative to the total number of analysts covering the stock.

Risk Stratification i

Risk metrics: GD vs LMT
Metric GD LMT
Beta (Volatility) i 0.32 0.10
Sharpe Ratio 0.37 0.19
For GD, the primary risk lies in its current technical weakness and the possibility that its price may break below the 200-day SMA, which could trigger further selling. A failure to maintain its positive earnings surprise streak would also pose a significant risk. For LMT, the main risks include its sustained trading below key moving averages, indicating a potentially deeper fundamental issue or sector-wide headwinds that could prolong its downtrend. A continued inability to impress with earnings, despite positive beats in the past, could also weigh heavily on the stock.

Comparative ProTips

  • Monitor GD's ability to hold above its 200-day SMA as a key indicator of trend continuation.
  • Consider LMT only after it shows sustained price recovery above its key moving averages (20-day, 50-day, 200-day).
  • Factor in the defense sector's cyclical nature when assessing the long-term outlook for both GD and LMT.

Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)

Actionable Trade Plans

Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets

Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative 3% Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
GD
Current: $355.35
ENTRY ZONES
$337.58
$355.35
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$327.46
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$354.46
+10%
$371.34
+15%
$388.22
LMT
Current: $530.12
ENTRY ZONES
$503.61
$530.12
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$488.51
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$528.79
+10%
$553.98
+15%
$579.16
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This comparison involves assets with varying risk profiles. The content is for educational purposes only. Identifying the stronger asset is based on relative strength (RS) and technical convergence. Past correlation does not guarantee future lockstep movement. Trading involves risk of loss.

Note: The AI favored GD based on technical setup. This is valid for the specified timeframe only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which stock is a better buy, GD or LMT?+
GD is currently the preferred buy due to its more favorable technical indicators and stronger analyst sentiment, suggesting a higher potential for near-term upside despite LMT's superior profitability metrics.
What are the key risks for GD versus LMT?+
GD's main risk is a potential breakdown below its 200-day SMA, while LMT faces the risk of its prolonged downtrend continuing due to its significant distance from key moving averages.
How do GD and LMT compare on valuation?+
LMT has a slightly lower P/E ratio (19.5 vs 21.5), but GD is trading closer to its 52-week low, suggesting more potential for a rebound from current levels.
Which stock has better earnings performance?+
GD has a more consistent track record of beating earnings estimates with positive market reactions, whereas LMT has shown mixed results and negative price reactions in recent quarters.
How do their profitability metrics compare?+
LMT significantly outperforms GD in return on equity (89.17% vs 17.8%) and return on assets (8.64% vs 6.08%), indicating greater capital efficiency.
What is the outlook for GD and LMT?+
GD's outlook is cautiously optimistic, supported by technicals and analyst targets, while LMT faces headwinds from its current technical weakness, requiring a sustained recovery in price action.
How does analyst sentiment differ between GD and LMT?+
GD benefits from a slightly stronger analyst consensus with a higher potential percentage gain indicated by its median target price relative to its current stock price.

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Disclaimer: CleaRank.com is a financial data and analytics provider, not a registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, or financial regulatory body. This AI-generated comparison of GD vs LMT is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or an offer to buy or sell any securities or digital assets. The comparison metrics, trade plans, and AI signals are hypothetical, hindsight-based, and simulated. Different asset classes carry different risk profiles - stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and forex each have unique regulatory frameworks and risk factors. Market data is provided "as-is" and may be delayed by 15 minutes or more. Past performance does not guarantee future results. You should never invest money you cannot afford to lose. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Analysis generated on September 11, 2026.