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NOC vs RTX
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Northrop Grumman (NOC) vs. RTX Corporation (RTX) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Northrop Grumman (NOC) is a pure-play defense contractor with a record backlog of roughly $110 billion, but its shares have lagged the broader market in 2026.
- RTX Corporation (RTX) pairs a defense franchise with recovering commercial aerospace (Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney), and its backlog has surged to a record $340 billion.
- RTX has posted stronger recent momentum, with shares up roughly 10% year to date and outperforming its industry over the past month, while NOC has traded below its 52-week high.
- Both companies raised full-year guidance on strong orders, but RTX offers greater revenue diversification across commercial and government end markets.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: RTX is currently the favored ticker of the two, based on trend consistency, diversification, and relative momentum.
- For more color, explore NOC Major News and NOC Today's Price Move, as well as RTX Major News and RTX Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are navigating this market, explore the curated Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Northrop Grumman and RTX Corporation are two of the largest names in U.S. aerospace and defense, yet they operate with meaningfully different business models. NOC is a concentrated defense prime contractor focused on programs such as the B-21 bomber, the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, and the F-35, while RTX spans defense systems, commercial aircraft engines, and aerospace components. This stock comparison is relevant for investors and traders weighing a pure-play defense exposure against a diversified aerospace-and-defense conglomerate, particularly in a period when government budgets, commercial aviation demand, and execution on large programs are all shaping relative performance.
NOC Overview and Recent Performance
Northrop Grumman designs and builds advanced aircraft, missile systems, space platforms, and mission systems, serving primarily the U.S. government and allied customers. In recent weeks, the company reported third-quarter sales of roughly $11.1 billion, up about 7% year over year, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $7.89, exceeding consensus estimates. Total backlog reached a record near $110 billion, supported by a book-to-bill ratio of about 1.5, meaning new awards outpaced recognized revenue. Management raised its full-year outlook and pointed to demand across defense, space, and autonomous systems.
Despite these fundamentals, NOC shares have traded below their earlier 52-week highs and are down modestly for the year, reflecting investor focus on program execution risk and margin pressure on large, technically complex contracts. Analyst sentiment has been constructive, however, with several firms raising price targets and one notable upgrade citing strong revenue visibility from a backlog that exceeds two times annual sales.
RTX Overview and Recent Performance
RTX Corporation operates through three segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon, giving it exposure to both commercial aviation and defense. In recent weeks, the company reported adjusted sales of roughly $25 billion, up about 12% organically, with adjusted EPS of $2.26, well above consensus and up about 33% year over year. Total backlog climbed to a record $340 billion, and defense awards were especially strong, including multi-year contracts for Tomahawk and AMRAAM missiles. RTX raised its full-year guidance for the third consecutive quarter.
Sentiment around RTX has improved on recovering commercial aftermarket demand and accelerating munitions production, though some of the quarterly profit benefit reflected non-recurring tariff-related cost recoveries. Shares have outperformed the broader aerospace-and-defense industry over the past month and are up roughly 10% year to date. Key watch items include supply-chain constraints, free cash flow conversion, and the pace of production ramps across multiple programs.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains a catalog of hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers across varied strategies, timeframes, and risk profiles. Because market conditions shift, only a subset of these bots is well-suited to the current environment at any given time, and that is precisely what the curated Trending AI Robots section highlights. The featured bots differ in trading style, holding period, performance statistics, and the tickers they trade, allowing users to compare approaches rather than relying on a single signal. For traders interested in how automated, rules-based systems are interpreting names like NOC and RTX, the page offers a practical starting point for reviewing currently favored strategies.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two companies is diversification. NOC is essentially a defense pure-play, which concentrates its revenue in government budgets and long-cycle programs such as strategic deterrence and classified work. RTX balances this with a large commercial aerospace aftermarket and original-equipment business, meaning it can benefit from a cyclical recovery in air travel even as defense spending remains a key driver.
On growth drivers, both companies enjoy record backlogs, but RTX's backlog is roughly three times larger and has grown more rapidly, supported by a wave of munitions and missile-defense awards. On momentum, RTX has shown stronger relative performance in recent weeks, while NOC has delivered a steadier, more defensive profile with lower valuation multiples and a higher dividend yield. Risk factors also differ: NOC carries execution risk on high-complexity programs, whereas RTX faces supply-chain pressure, margin normalization, and exposure to commercial aviation cycles. Market positioning favors RTX's breadth, while NOC offers more focused, programmatic visibility.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward RTX in this comparison. The system tends to weigh trend consistency, relative momentum, and the durability of catalysts, and RTX currently scores well on all three: it has posted stronger recent price momentum, raised guidance repeatedly, and built a record backlog across two distinct end markets. NOC's fundamentals remain solid and its backlog provides substantial visibility, but its weaker year-to-date trend and narrower, execution-sensitive portfolio position it slightly behind in a momentum-based framework. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive and reflects current market conditions rather than a long-term recommendation.
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.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is NOC is a Buy and RTX is a StrongBuy.
Aroon Indicator for NOC shows an upward move is likely
NOC's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on November 06, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 241 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 149 of the 241 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 62%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
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.
NOC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for NOC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 18 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%.
Following a +2.02% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NOC advanced for three days, in 196 of 323 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for NOC moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 38 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 24 of the 38 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 63%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on NOC as a result. In 33 of 73 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 45%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for NOC turned negative on November 05, 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 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 57%.
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 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 50%.
NOC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 20, 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 36 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NOC’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 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 79, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 73 (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 75 (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 (4.170) is normal, around the industry mean (5.050). P/E Ratio (16.656) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.247). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.350) is also within normal values, averaging (3.110). Dividend Yield (0.019) settles around the average of (0.055) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.766) is also within normal values, averaging (18.367).
RTX's Stochastic Oscillator entering oversold zone
The Stochastic Oscillator for RTX moved into oversold territory on November 06, 2026. Be on the watch for the price uptrend or consolidation in the future. At that time, consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The 10-day moving average for RTX crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 12 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 67%.
Following a +2.01% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where RTX advanced for three days, in 226 of 345 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 194 of 337 cases where RTX Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 58%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for RTX moved out of overbought territory on November 04, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 57 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 27 of the 57 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 47%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 05, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on RTX as a result. In 34 of 84 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 40%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for RTX turned negative on November 06, 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 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 23 of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 47%.
RTX moved below its 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 50-day moving average for RTX moved below the 200-day moving average on November 04, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where RTX 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 43%.
RTX 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 12 (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 50 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. RTX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to 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 SMR rating for this company is 64 (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 75 (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 (3.848) is normal, around the industry mean (5.050). P/E Ratio (32.962) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.247). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.176) is also within normal values, averaging (3.110). Dividend Yield (0.015) settles around the average of (0.055) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.868) is also within normal values, averaging (18.367).
NOC | RTX | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 75 Overvalued | 75 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 61 | 12 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 36 | 64 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 73 | 57 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 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.
NOC's Valuation (75) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as RTX (75) in the null industry. This means that NOC’s stock grew similarly to RTX’s over the last 12 months.
RTX's Profit vs Risk Rating (12) in the null industry is somewhat better than the same rating for NOC (61) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that RTX’s stock grew somewhat faster than NOC’s over the last 12 months.
NOC's SMR Rating (36) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as RTX (64) in the null industry. This means that NOC’s stock grew similarly to RTX’s over the last 12 months.
NOC's Price Growth Rating (50) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as RTX (50) in the null industry. This means that NOC’s stock grew similarly to RTX’s over the last 12 months.
RTX's P/E Growth Rating (57) in the null industry is in the same range as NOC (73) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that RTX’s stock grew similarly to NOC’s over the last 12 months.
| NOC | RTX | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 63% | 4 days ago 47% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 58% | 4 days ago 67% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 45% | 4 days ago 40% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 57% | 4 days ago 47% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 51% | 4 days ago 45% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 55% | 4 days ago 65% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 61% | 7 days ago 66% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 50% | 4 days ago 43% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 52% | 4 days ago 36% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 62% | 4 days ago 58% |
Long-Term Analysis
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).
NOC’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while RTX’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- NOC’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- RTX’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
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.
NOC’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while RTX’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- NOC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- RTX’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 7 bearish.
Price Growth
NOC (@Aerospace & Defense) experienced а -5.83% price change this week, while RTX (@Aerospace & Defense) price change was -5.14% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Aerospace & Defense industry was +2.89%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -3.78%, and the average quarterly price growth was -16.05%.
Reported Earning Dates
NOC is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
RTX is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Aerospace & Defense (+2.89% weekly)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.
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RTX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, RTX 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 RTX jumps, then NOC could also see price increases.