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With a market cap of $70.3 billion, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company providing innovative systems and solutions from undersea to outer space and cyberspace. It operates through four primary segments: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, and Space Systems.
Companies valued at more than $10 billion are generally considered “large-cap” stocks, and Northrop Grumman fits this criterion perfectly. Serving customers worldwide, Northrop Grumman develops cutting-edge technologies such as strategic long-range strike aircraft, high-speed hypersonic systems, ISR systems, electronic warfare, satellites, and integrated command and control platforms.
Shares of the Falls Church, Virginia-based company pulled back 11.6% from its 52-week high of $555.57. Northrop Grumman’s shares have risen 5.9% over the past three months, outperforming the broader S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 3.3% gain over the same time frame.
In the longer term, NOC stock is up 4.7% on a YTD basis, exceeding SPX’s 1.5% rise. However, shares of the defense giant have increased 9.6% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the 12.8% return of the SPX over the same time frame.
Despite a few fluctuations, the stock has fallen below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since late-April.
Northrop Grumman stock plummeted 12.7% on Apr. 22 after the company reported Q1 2025 adjusted EPS of $6.06 and revenue of $9.5 billion, falling short of the consensus. Weak performance in the Space Systems segment and the Aeronautics Systems segment significantly contributed to the revenue drop, driven by lower demand for classified space projects and the B-21 bomber. Additionally, management slashed its full-year earnings guidance between $24.95 per share and $25.35 per share.
Moreover, Northrop Grumman has lagged behind its rival, The Boeing Company (BA). BA stock has soared 12.4% over the past 52 weeks and 19.8% on a YTD basis.
Despite the stock’s underperformance over the past year, analysts remain moderately optimistic on NOC. The stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” from the 20 analysts covering the stock, and as of writing, it is trading below the mean price target of $543.57.
