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Jun 02, 2026
Northrop Grumman (NOC) Q1 2026 Results: Revenue and EPS Beat, Dividend Raised +7%

Northrop Grumman (NOC) Q1 2026 Results: Revenue and EPS Beat, Dividend Raised +7%

Key Takeaways

  • Northrop Grumman reported Q1 2026 results that beat revenue and earnings estimates but triggered a notable stock decline due to elevated cash usage and a segment-specific adjustment.
  • The company raised its quarterly dividend by approximately 7% to $2.47 per share in May 2026, underscoring commitment to shareholder returns.
  • Recent milestones include a major radar production achievement and partnerships advancing missile defense and space technologies.
  • Analyst sentiment remains mixed, with firms such as Jefferies maintaining a Hold rating amid sector dynamics.
  • Broader defense industry trends and macroeconomic factors continue to influence investor sentiment toward the stock.

Where NOC Stands in the Current Market

In recent weeks, Northrop Grumman Corporation shares have experienced notable volatility within the broader aerospace and defense sector. The stock has traded in a range shaped by earnings reactions and ongoing developments in government contracts and technology programs. Investor focus has centered on operational execution, cash flow metrics, and the company's positioning in high-priority national security initiatives. Market participants continue to monitor defense spending trends and competitive contract awards as key influences on performance during the latest market cycle.

What Recent Developments Mean for NOC

Northrop Grumman’s first-quarter 2026 earnings release in late April served as a primary catalyst for recent price movement. The company posted revenue of $9.88 billion, reflecting a 4.4% year-over-year increase and exceeding analyst expectations by 1.2%. Adjusted earnings per share reached $6.14, surpassing consensus estimates. Despite these beats, shares declined sharply in subsequent sessions. Market reaction centered on higher-than-anticipated free cash flow usage of approximately $1.82 billion and a $71 million unfavorable estimate-at-completion adjustment in the Space Systems segment tied to a launch vehicle anomaly.

In May 2026, the board approved a quarterly dividend increase to $2.47 per share, payable in June, representing roughly a 7% uplift from prior levels. This move reinforced the company’s capital return policy and drew positive commentary from some investors. Around the same period, Northrop Grumman participated in Bernstein’s 42nd Annual Strategic Decisions Conference, where leadership discussed long-term strategy.

Operational highlights included delivery of the 1,000th APG-83 SABR active electronically scanned array radar, marking progress in fleet modernization efforts. The company also advanced missile defense initiatives through selection of Apex for a space-based demonstration and expanded its role via a partnership with Raytheon on DARPA’s Burn n’ Go program for modular solid rocket motors. Additional recognition of top suppliers underscored supply chain strength. I also checked this using Tickeron’s AI Screener to see how the stock compares to others in the industry.

These developments occurred against a backdrop of defense sector rotation and broader market pressures. The cumulative effect contributed to a meaningful pullback in the share price over the past month, with sentiment reflecting both appreciation for contract momentum and caution regarding near-term cash flow and segment execution. Analyst actions, including a Hold rating affirmation by Jefferies in late May, aligned with this balanced view.

Looking Ahead to the Rest of 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, Northrop Grumman’s trajectory will likely hinge on sustained demand for missile defense, space systems, and unmanned technologies amid evolving geopolitical priorities. Investors may track progress on major programs, including radar upgrades and space-based capabilities, alongside the company’s ability to manage working capital and deliver on cash flow targets.

Defense budget allocations, particularly for U.S. and allied modernization efforts, represent a core long-term driver. Competitive positioning in areas such as low-cost unmanned systems and solid rocket propulsion will also warrant attention. Regulatory and supply chain considerations, including supplier performance and technology integration, could influence operational margins. Broader macroeconomic factors, such as interest rate trajectories and industrial inflation, may continue to shape valuation multiples for defense contractors. Monitoring these elements will help assess the company’s strategic execution through the year. From what I see, these factors deserve close attention as the year progresses.

Exploring AI Tools for Stock Analysis

One resource I turn to for additional perspective on stocks like this is Tickeron’s Trending AI Robots page. It showcases a curated selection of top-performing AI trading bots drawn from hundreds available across thousands of tickers. Only the most suitable bots for prevailing market conditions earn placement in this dynamic section. These bots feature varied trading styles, strategies, timeframes, performance statistics, and ticker coverage, allowing users to explore options aligned with different risk profiles and objectives. The platform provides transparent metrics on historical results and operational parameters to support informed evaluation. Explore the full selection at Trending AI Robots for additional details.

Disclaimer

The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.

Disclaimers and Limitations

Related Ticker: NOC

NOC in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on June 18, 2026

NOC may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In of 36 cases where NOC's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .

Price Prediction Chart

Technical Analysis (Indicators)

Bullish Trend Analysis

The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where NOC's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, of 29 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are .

The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 1 day, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.

Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NOC advanced for three days, in of 326 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .

Bearish Trend Analysis

The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on June 18, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NOC as a result. In of 74 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NOC turned negative on June 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In of the 46 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at .

Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NOC declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .

The Aroon Indicator for NOC entered a downward trend on June 10, 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.

Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)

The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is (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 Valuation Rating of (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 (4.211) is normal, around the industry mean (10.849). P/E Ratio (15.904) is within average values for comparable stocks, (92.781). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.779) is also within normal values, averaging (4.079). Dividend Yield (0.019) settles around the average of (0.019) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.715) is also within normal values, averaging (36.950).

The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 72, placing this stock slightly better than average.

The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. NOC’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.

The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is (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.

Notable companies

The most notable companies in this group are GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE), Boeing Company (NYSE:BA), Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT), Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:NOC), Virgin Galactic Holdings (NYSE:SPCE).

Industry description

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.

Market Cap

The average market capitalization across the Aerospace & Defense Industry is 44.18B. The market cap for tickers in the group ranges from 4.49 to 2.06T. SPCX holds the highest valuation in this group at 2.06T. The lowest valued company is BDRPF at 4.49.

High and low price notable news

The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the Aerospace & Defense Industry was -4%. For the same Industry, the average monthly price growth was 4%, and the average quarterly price growth was 14%. SWBI experienced the highest price growth at 20%, while SPCX experienced the biggest fall at -23%.

Volume

The average weekly volume growth across all stocks in the Aerospace & Defense Industry was -56%. For the same stocks of the Industry, the average monthly volume growth was -3% and the average quarterly volume growth was 111%

Fundamental Analysis Ratings

The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows

Valuation Rating: 48
P/E Growth Rating: 64
Price Growth Rating: 54
SMR Rating: 79
Profit Risk Rating: 72
Seasonality Score: 3 (-100 ... +100)
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a provider of innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics and information systems

Industry AerospaceDefense

Profile
Details
Industry
Aerospace And Defense
Address
2980 Fairview Park Drive
Phone
+1 703 280-2900
Employees
101000
Web
https://www.northropgrumman.com
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