General Dynamics, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Lockheed Martin are three pillars of the U.S. defense-industrial base, yet they represent very different exposures to military spending. This stock comparison is relevant for investors and traders evaluating how diversified aerospace-and-defense conglomerates stack up against a pure-play naval shipbuilder and a broad prime contractor. Recent market activity has seen sentiment diverge sharply: shipbuilding names have rallied on naval expansion initiatives, while large primes have grappled with margin and program-execution concerns. Understanding each company's relative performance, backlog, and risk profile can help readers assess where AI-driven momentum and fundamental strength currently align.
General Dynamics operates across four segments: Aerospace (Gulfstream business jets), Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. This diversification has been a key advantage in recent quarters. In its latest reporting periods, GD delivered double-digit earnings growth, with revenue rising roughly 8% to 10% year over year, and it raised its full-year earnings guidance. Marine Systems has been the standout, benefiting from Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs and improving shipyard productivity.
Sentiment has been supported by a record backlog of more than $130 billion and a companywide book-to-bill ratio above 2-to-1 in its most recent defense-heavy quarter, indicating strong order intake. Free cash flow has also strengthened. However, the stock has been choppy on a trailing basis, with some analysts citing supply-chain and budget risks and trimming price targets. A planned CEO transition announced for 2027 adds a modest element of execution uncertainty.
Huntington Ingalls Industries is the largest U.S. military shipbuilder, with operations concentrated in its Ingalls Shipbuilding and Newport News Shipbuilding yards plus a Mission Technologies segment. In recent quarters, HII reported double-digit revenue growth and solid earnings beats, supported by aircraft carrier, submarine, and surface-combatant work. Its backlog climbed to record levels near $57 billion.
What has most shaped sentiment recently is the U.S. Navy's selection of HII's Legend-class-based design for a new frigate program, combined with broader administration proposals to expand the fleet. These catalysts drove a sharp re-rating and a strong year-to-date advance. At the same time, the stock pulled back after its latest results, when management's 2026 shipbuilding revenue and margin guidance came in below a market bar that had been raised by the prior rally. This illustrates the heightened expectations now embedded in HII's valuation.
Lockheed Martin is the largest of the three by revenue and backlog, with a portfolio spanning aeronautics (including the F-35 fighter jet), missiles and fire control, rotary and mission systems, and space. LMT finished its most recent fiscal year with revenue up roughly 5% to 6% and a record backlog above $190 billion, alongside improving free cash flow and a higher fourth-quarter book-to-bill ratio.
Despite these positives, LMT has faced persistent margin compression, with net margin declining year over year, as well as cost overruns and F-35 program uncertainty tied to lower unit requests. Several analysts have downgraded the stock to a Hold-equivalent rating and lowered targets, citing "defense tech disruption risk" and pension-related cash headwinds. Offsetting factors include a large C-130J contract expansion, potential Golden Dome missile-defense opportunities, and 23 consecutive years of dividend increases.
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The three companies differ most in business-model concentration and growth drivers. GD offers the broadest mix, blending defense and commercial aerospace, which reduces reliance on any single end market and supports a mid-teens aerospace margin alongside thinner shipbuilding margins. HII is the most concentrated and cyclical exposure, with operating margins historically in the mid-single digits but with the most direct leverage to a naval shipbuilding surge. LMT sits between them on diversification but carries the highest margin sensitivity and program-concentration risk in F-35.
On momentum, HII has been the strongest recent performer but also the most volatile after earnings, while GD has shown steadier trend consistency and LMT has lagged. Valuation sensitivity also varies: LMT trades at a relatively low price-to-earnings ratio versus peers but carries higher leverage and a large pension obligation, whereas HII's valuation now embeds high growth expectations that leave less room for error.
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor GD (General Dynamics) at the current juncture. The company combines the most balanced segment mix, a record and rapidly growing backlog, improving cash conversion, and the most consistent trend profile of the three. While HII offers stronger recent momentum and direct naval catalysts, its higher volatility and elevated expectations introduce greater downside sensitivity. LMT's income appeal is balanced against margin and program risks. In probabilistic terms, GD's combination of stability, catalysts, and relative positioning appears most favorable, though the ranking could shift quickly with new contract announcements or program developments.
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GD saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 12, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 102 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 60 of the 102 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 59%.
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where GD's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 16 of 28 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for GD just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where GD's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 34 of 59 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Following a +1.84% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where GD advanced for three days, in 140 of 324 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 43%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 9 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where GD declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 38%.
GD broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 16, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for GD entered a downward trend on October 19, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 14 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 79, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. GD’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 53 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 68 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.524) is normal, around the industry mean (4.801). P/E Ratio (21.008) is within average values for comparable stocks, (16.610). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.065) is also within normal values, averaging (2.564). Dividend Yield (0.018) settles around the average of (0.061) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.796) is also within normal values, averaging (18.330).
HII saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 16, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 77 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 51 of the 77 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 66%.
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where HII's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 14 of 27 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HII just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where HII's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 40 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Following a +2.44% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HII advanced for three days, in 205 of 336 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HII declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
HII broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for HII entered a downward trend on October 22, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.033) is normal, around the industry mean (4.801). P/E Ratio (16.324) is within average values for comparable stocks, (16.610). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.788) is also within normal values, averaging (2.564). Dividend Yield (0.020) settles around the average of (0.061) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.830) is also within normal values, averaging (18.330).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. HII’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. HII’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 79, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 68 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. Considering data from situations where LMT advanced for three days, in 194 of 337 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LMT as a result. In 36 of 78 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LMT just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where LMT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
LMT moved above its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for LMT crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LMT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
LMT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for LMT entered a downward trend on October 15, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. LMT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 27 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 79, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 74 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: LMT's P/B Ratio (15.903) is slightly higher than the industry average of (4.801). P/E Ratio (22.188) is within average values for comparable stocks, (16.610). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.978) is also within normal values, averaging (2.564). Dividend Yield (0.023) settles around the average of (0.061) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.616) is also within normal values, averaging (18.330).
GD | HII | LMT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 28 | 16 | 37 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 68 Overvalued | 50 Fair valued | 74 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 14 | 67 | 27 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 50 | 61 | 15 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 49 | 57 | 25 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 53 | 68 | 67 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 75 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
HII's Valuation (50) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as GD (68) and is in the same range as LMT (74). This means that HII's stock grew similarly to GD’s and similarly to LMT’s over the last 12 months.
GD's Profit vs Risk Rating (14) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as LMT (27) and is somewhat better than the same rating for HII (67). This means that GD's stock grew similarly to LMT’s and somewhat faster than HII’s over the last 12 months.
LMT's SMR Rating (15) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is somewhat better than the same rating for GD (50) and is somewhat better than the same rating for HII (61). This means that LMT's stock grew somewhat faster than GD’s and somewhat faster than HII’s over the last 12 months.
LMT's Price Growth Rating (25) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as GD (49) and is in the same range as HII (57). This means that LMT's stock grew similarly to GD’s and similarly to HII’s over the last 12 months.
GD's P/E Growth Rating (53) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as LMT (67) and is in the same range as HII (68). This means that GD's stock grew similarly to LMT’s and similarly to HII’s over the last 12 months.
| GD | HII | LMT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 38% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 30% | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 48% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 46% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 53% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 54% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 43% | 3 days ago 61% | 1 day ago 58% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 18 days ago 38% | 12 days ago 60% | 23 days ago 53% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 36% | 1 day ago 45% | 1 day ago 45% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 48% |
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
GD’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while HII’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s), and LMT’s FA Score reflects 3 green FA rating(s).
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
GD’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HII’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s), and LMT’s TA Score reflects 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
GD (@Aerospace & Defense) experienced а +1.49% price change this week, while HII (@Aerospace & Defense) price change was +0.76% , and LMT (@Aerospace & Defense) price fluctuated +9.44% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Aerospace & Defense industry was -1.11%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -15.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was -17.72%.
GD is expected to report earnings on Oct 30, 2026.
HII is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
LMT is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
Aerospace & Defense is one of largest industries in the U.S., mainly comprising the following areas: commercial airliners, military aircraft, missiles, space, and general aviation. Focused heavily on research & development, it is also one of the fastest growing industries. Military aircraft has the largest market share in the industry’s sales, followed by space systems, civil aircraft, and missiles. Aerospace exports, directly and indirectly, support more jobs than the export of any other commodity, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation and General Electric Company are some of the most prominent players in this space.
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, GD has been loosely correlated with LHX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 60% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if GD jumps, then LHX could also see price increases.
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HII has been loosely correlated with KTOS. These tickers have moved in lockstep 54% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if HII jumps, then KTOS could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To HII | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HII | 100% | -1.71% | ||
| KTOS - HII | 54% Loosely correlated | +1.07% | ||
| GD - HII | 53% Loosely correlated | -0.41% | ||
| LMT - HII | 52% Loosely correlated | +2.42% | ||
| NOC - HII | 52% Loosely correlated | -0.16% | ||
| KRMN - HII | 50% Loosely correlated | +5.99% | ||
More | ||||
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LMT has been closely correlated with NOC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if LMT jumps, then NOC could also see price increases.
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| ID.X | 0.031630 | 0.000470 | +1.51% |
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