Shares of Northrop Grumman Corp. (NASDAQ: NOC) are sinking Tuesday after the company reported Q1 earnings before the market opened.
Beyond analysts' top-and-bottom-line estimates for Northrop Grumman (NOC), evaluate projections for some of its key metrics to gain a better insight into how the business might have performed for the quarter ended March 2026.
Northrop Grumman is uniquely positioned as the primary contractor for the U.S. nuclear triad and space defense systems, underpinning its strategic moat. B-21 Raider and Sentinel ICBM projects guarantee long-term, stable cash flows and are largely immune to political or policy shifts. NOC's $95.68 billion backlog, with $26.2 billion from its fast-growing space segment, highlights its robust growth engine and competitive advantage.
NOC approaches Q1 earnings with strong backlog and defense demand tailwinds, but B-21 cost risks and higher expenses could weigh on margins.
Northrop Grumman (NOC) possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely earnings beat in its upcoming report. Get prepared with the key expectations.
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Northrop Grumman (NOC) has an impressive earnings surprise history and currently possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely beat in its next quarterly report.
Northrop Grumman is rated 'HOLD' due to significant overvaluation versus historical and sector norms. NOC's current 25x P/E is not justified by its 6-7% AEPS growth and 1.37% dividend, given sector headwinds and contract risks. MTM accounting increases volatility and obscures long-term financial health, especially amid cost overruns like the B-21 Raider program.
Northrop Grumman is rated Buy with a $754.75 price target, driven by B-21 Raider production ramp and defense supercycle tailwinds. B-21 Raider's recent 25% production increase is not reflected in guidance, setting up likely upward revisions as margins recover post-LRIP phase. Sentinel ICBM overruns are a margin risk, but continued congressional funding and necessity make cancellation highly unlikely.
One of the world's foremost defense and aerospace names, Northrop Grumman ( NYSE:NOC ) has been one of the strongest-performing large-cap defense stocks of 2026, with shares up 29.07% year to date to around $735.
Bank of Nova Scotia raised its holdings in Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) by 96.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 93,795 shares of the aerospace company's stock after buying an additional 46,022 shares during the quarter. Bank of
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. reduced its stake in Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) by 8.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 20,095 shares of the aerospace company's stock after selling 1,925 shares during the period.