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Northrop Grumman (NOC)
NYSE:NOC
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Northrop Grumman (NOC) AI Stock Analysis

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NOC

Northrop Grumman

(NYSE:NOC)

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Outperform 75 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:75Outperform
Price Target:
$658.00
▲(12.78% Upside)
Northrop Grumman's strong financial performance and positive earnings call are the primary drivers of its overall score. The company's robust profitability, improved leverage, and significant free cash flow growth highlight its financial strength. However, technical analysis indicates some bearish momentum, and valuation metrics suggest the stock is moderately priced. Concerns from the earnings call, such as revised revenue guidance and potential impacts from government shutdowns, also weigh on the score.
Positive Factors
International Growth
Strong international growth enhances market diversification and reduces dependency on domestic contracts, supporting long-term revenue stability.
Free Cash Flow Increase
Significant free cash flow growth indicates robust cash generation, providing flexibility for strategic investments and debt reduction.
Investment in Technology
Heavy investment in technology positions Northrop Grumman as a leader in innovation, enhancing competitive advantage and future growth potential.
Negative Factors
Revenue Guidance Revision
Revised revenue guidance suggests potential challenges in achieving growth targets, impacting investor confidence and long-term financial projections.
Space Segment Challenges
Challenges in the space segment may hinder growth prospects, affecting the company's ability to capitalize on the expanding space industry.
Impact of U.S. Government Shutdown
Government shutdowns pose risks to contract timing and funding, potentially disrupting revenue streams and operational planning.

Northrop Grumman (NOC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Northrop Grumman Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionNorthrop Grumman Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. The company's Aeronautics Systems segment designs, develops, manufactures, integrates, and sustains aircraft systems. This segment also offers unmanned autonomous aircraft systems, including high-altitude long-endurance strategic ISR systems and vertical take-off and landing tactical ISR systems; and strategic long-range strike aircraft, tactical fighter and air dominance aircraft, and airborne battle management and command and control systems. Its Defense Systems segment designs, develops, and produces weapons and mission systems. It offers products and services, such as integrated battle management systems, weapons systems and aircraft, and mission systems. This segment also provides command and control and weapons systems, including munitions and missiles; precision strike weapons; propulsion, such as air-breathing and hypersonic systems; gun systems and precision munitions; life cycle service and support for software, weapons systems, and aircraft; and logistics support, sustainment, operation, and modernization for air, sea, and ground systems. The company's Mission Systems segment offers cyber, command, control, communications and computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems; radar, electro-optical/infrared and acoustic sensors; electronic warfare systems; advanced communications and network systems; cyber solutions; intelligence processing systems; navigation; and maritime power, propulsion, and payload launch systems. This segment also provides airborne multifunction sensors; maritime/land systems and sensors; navigation, targeting, and survivability solutions; and networked information solutions. Its Space Systems segment offers satellites and payloads; ground systems; missile defense systems and interceptors; launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; and strategic missiles. The company was founded in 1939 and is based in Falls Church, Virginia.
How the Company Makes MoneyNorthrop Grumman generates revenue primarily through government contracts, which make up a significant portion of its earnings. The company is a major contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, providing high-tech systems and services that are essential for military operations. Key revenue streams include the development and production of military aircraft, unmanned systems, missile systems, and cybersecurity solutions. Additionally, Northrop Grumman engages in various partnerships and collaborations with other defense contractors and technology firms, which further enhance its capabilities and market reach. The company's revenue is bolstered by long-term contracts and sustainment services, which provide reliable income over extended periods. Furthermore, Northrop Grumman's involvement in space exploration, including contracts with NASA and other commercial partnerships, contributes to its financial performance as the demand for space-based technologies and services continues to grow.

Northrop Grumman Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Breaks down sales across various divisions, showcasing which areas are growing and contributing most to the company's top line, indicating strategic strengths or weaknesses.
Chart InsightsNorthrop Grumman's Space Systems revenue, after years of growth, has sharply declined since late 2023, likely due to the B-21 program's cost issues and contracting delays. Meanwhile, Defense Systems revenue surged in late 2024, possibly benefiting from new contracts like the IBCS award. Despite a 7% drop in Q1 2025 sales, the company maintains confidence in achieving its full-year sales target, driven by strong international sales and a record backlog. Investors should watch for resolution of B-21 challenges and the impact of international growth on overall performance.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Northrop Grumman Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 21, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 22, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a generally positive outlook with strong performance in international sales, cash flow, and program milestones. However, there are concerns about revised revenue guidance and challenges in the space segment. The potential impact of the U.S. Government shutdown remains a concern.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Book to Bill Ratio
Northrop Grumman achieved a book to bill ratio of 1.17 in the quarter, indicating strong demand and future business prospects.
International Growth
The company reported an international growth rate of 32% and year-to-date international sales growth of 20%.
Free Cash Flow Increase
Free cash flow increased by 72% year over year, reflecting strong operational performance.
Significant Program Milestones
The second B-21 aircraft entered flight test, and the company received a multibillion-dollar extension on the ground-based Midcourse Defense Weapon Systems contract.
Investment in Infrastructure and Technology
Over $2 billion invested in developing a digital ecosystem with high correlation to physical products, and $2.1 billion in IRAD for technology leadership.
Negative Updates
Revenue Guidance Revision
Full-year revenue guidance revised down due to delayed timing on certain awards and programs.
Space Segment Challenges
The space segment faced a challenging compare due to the wind down of two large programs, impacting revenue growth.
Impact of U.S. Government Shutdown
Potential delays in awards and funding due to the U.S. Government shutdown could impact financial results if prolonged.
Program Award Delays
Program award delays attributed to new administration transitions and recent government shutdown.
Company Guidance
In the third quarter of 2025, Northrop Grumman reported significant financial and operational achievements, with a 5% organic growth rate year over year and an impressive international growth rate of 32%. The company achieved a book-to-bill ratio of 1.17, reflecting robust demand. Despite a challenging compare in the space segment, overall revenue growth reached approximately 9%. The segment operating margin increased to 12.3%, driving a 10% year-over-year increase in earnings per share. Free cash flow surged by 72% year over year, aligning with their full-year guidance. Looking ahead, Northrop Grumman anticipates mid-single-digit organic sales growth in 2026, supported by growth in all four segments, and they maintain confidence in achieving a segment operating margin rate in the low to mid 11% range. Free cash flow for 2026 is projected between $3.1 billion and $3.5 billion, reflecting the company's continued focus on disciplined execution and long-term strategic growth.

Northrop Grumman Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Northrop Grumman demonstrates strong profitability with healthy margins and a solid balance sheet typical for the Aerospace & Defense industry. However, the recent decline in revenue growth and free cash flow generation raises concerns, necessitating a focus on cash flow management and revenue growth for sustained financial health.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
The TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) gross profit margin is approximately 19.33%, indicating a solid level of efficiency in managing production costs relative to revenue. The net profit margin stands at 9.74%, reflecting healthy profitability, although it has slightly decreased from the previous year. Revenue growth is slightly negative at -1.29% compared to the previous year, suggesting a minor contraction. The EBIT margin is 9.82%, while the EBITDA margin is 16.86%, both demonstrating stable operational profitability.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The debt-to-equity ratio is 1.13, showing a moderate level of leverage, which is typical for the industry but suggests potential exposure to interest rate increases. The return on equity (ROE) is robust at 25.50%, highlighting strong profitability for shareholders. The equity ratio is 31.28%, indicating a balanced capital structure and a solid asset management strategy.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
The free cash flow has declined by 50.10% compared to the previous year, pointing to challenges in cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.75, which is lower than desired, suggesting that earnings are not fully translating to cash flow. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.33, indicating limited cash flow relative to reported profits.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue40.93B41.03B39.29B36.60B35.67B36.80B
Gross Profit7.95B8.36B6.55B7.47B7.27B7.48B
EBITDA7.01B6.84B4.23B7.68B8.73B5.59B
Net Income4.02B4.17B2.06B4.90B7.00B3.19B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets49.30B49.36B46.54B43.76B42.58B44.47B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.96B4.35B3.11B2.58B3.53B4.91B
Total Debt3.63B18.40B16.05B15.00B14.66B16.61B
Total Liabilities33.31B34.07B31.75B28.44B29.65B33.89B
Stockholders Equity15.99B15.29B14.79B15.31B12.93B10.58B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.83B2.62B2.10B1.47B2.15B2.88B
Operating Cash Flow3.44B4.39B3.88B2.90B3.57B4.30B
Investing Cash Flow-1.29B-1.75B-1.58B-1.24B2.06B-1.21B
Financing Cash Flow-3.52B-1.40B-1.76B-2.61B-7.00B-432.00M

Northrop Grumman Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price583.45
Price Trends
50DMA
593.98
Negative
100DMA
565.77
Positive
200DMA
522.97
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-2.98
Positive
RSI
41.06
Neutral
STOCH
28.57
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For NOC, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 583.45 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 606.60, below the 50-day MA of 593.98, and above the 200-day MA of 522.97, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -2.98 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 41.06 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 28.57 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for NOC.

Northrop Grumman Risk Analysis

Northrop Grumman disclosed 21 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Northrop Grumman reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Northrop Grumman Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
$93.10B22.2617.78%1.72%11.86%17.39%
$83.27B20.9426.15%1.50%-0.14%72.35%
$239.33B36.6510.49%1.47%8.79%39.63%
$54.08B32.289.13%1.65%2.93%43.29%
$113.82B27.4662.78%2.68%2.88%-35.15%
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
$152.79B-14.6910.19%-6.03%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
NOC
Northrop Grumman
583.45
84.76
17.00%
BA
Boeing
201.02
45.95
29.63%
GD
General Dynamics
344.90
57.21
19.89%
LHX
L3Harris Technologies
289.10
46.81
19.32%
LMT
Lockheed Martin
491.88
-36.36
-6.88%
RTX
RTX
178.50
62.82
54.30%

Northrop Grumman Corporate Events

Northrop Grumman Reports Strong Q3 2025 Results
Oct 22, 2025

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company that provides innovative solutions to equip customers with capabilities for global security and exploration.

Northrop Grumman’s Earnings Call Highlights Growth and Challenges
Oct 22, 2025

Northrop Grumman Corp.’s recent earnings call painted a generally positive picture, with strong performance in international sales, cash flow, and significant program milestones. However, there were some concerns regarding revised revenue guidance and challenges within the space segment. Additionally, the potential impact of the U.S. Government shutdown remains a point of concern for the company.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Northrop Grumman Secures $3 Billion Credit Facility
Positive
Sep 2, 2025

On September 2, 2025, Northrop Grumman Corporation entered into a new credit agreement to secure a five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility worth $3 billion, replacing a previous $2.5 billion facility from August 2022. This facility is intended to support the company’s commercial paper program and general corporate purposes, with terms including covenants on asset sales and debt ratios, highlighting the company’s strategic financial management and stability in maintaining operational flexibility.

The most recent analyst rating on (NOC) stock is a Buy with a $650.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Northrop Grumman stock, see the NOC Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 30, 2025