How Is General Dynamics' Stock Performance Compared to Other Aerospace & Defense Stocks?

With a market cap of $98.5 billion, General Dynamics Corporation (GD) is a global aerospace and defense company that delivers advanced products and services across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. It operates through four segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies, serving military, government, and commercial customers worldwide. 

Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as “large-cap” stocks, and General Dynamics fits this criterion perfectly. The company is known for producing business jets, building nuclear-powered submarines and naval ships, manufacturing land combat vehicles and weapons systems, and providing cutting-edge IT, cybersecurity, and mission-support solutions.

Shares of the Reston, Virginia-based company have slipped 9.2% from its 52-week high of $400. The stock has risen 7.7% over the past three months, outpacing the SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF’s (XAR) 8.3% decline over the same time frame.

GD stock is up 7.9% on a YTD basis, outperforming XAR’s 3.9% rise. However, shares of the company have increased 12.5% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind XAR’s 16.5% return over the same time frame. 

The stock has been trading below its 200-day moving average since late November 2025. 

General Dynamics reported stronger-than-expected Q2 2026 results on Jul. 29, with revenue increasing more than 8% to $14.09 billion and adjusted EPS of $4.24. The company raised its 2026 earnings forecast to $16.80 per share - $16.90 per share. The upbeat outlook was supported by 15.1% revenue growth at Gulfstream, higher aircraft deliveries, and 10.4% growth in Marine Systems, alongside bookings of 1.4× billings, indicating robust demand for its aerospace and defense products.

However, the stock fell 3.1% on that day due to weakness in Combat Systems from softer U.S. vehicle demand and a program termination.

In contrast, rival RTX Corporation (RTX) has outpaced GD stock. RTX stock has soared 9.6% on a YTD basis and 27.2% over the past 52 weeks.

Despite GD stock’s underperformance over the past year, analysts remain moderately optimistic about its prospects. The stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” from 24 analysts in coverage, and the mean price target of $419.41 is a premium of 16.2% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.