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LHX or LMT or NOC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? L3Harris Technologies (LHX) vs. Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) vs. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- LMT is the largest and most diversified of the three, with a record backlog and the strongest recent relative performance.
- LHX has posted consistent earnings beats but has been weighed down by leadership disruption and a delayed missile-business IPO (initial public offering).
- NOC trades at the lowest valuation multiple of the group, yet faces margin pressure and analyst target cuts.
- All three share a common catalyst — surging demand for missiles and solid rocket motors — alongside shared risk from U.S. defense budget uncertainty.
- Recent momentum has diverged, with LMT rebounding while LHX and NOC trade closer to their 52-week lows.
Introduction
L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman are three of the largest publicly traded U.S. defense contractors, but they occupy distinct positions within the aerospace-and-defense complex. For traders and investors weighing relative performance and market positioning, comparing them side by side clarifies where growth, valuation, and momentum currently diverge. This stock comparison is especially relevant for those tracking defense spending trends, missile and space programs, or income-oriented holdings, given the sector's sensitivity to federal budgets and geopolitical demand. The following analysis examines recent business developments, price behavior, and sentiment across all three names without favoring any single company.
LHX Overview and Recent Performance
L3Harris Technologies (LHX) provides mission-critical communications, electronic warfare, space, and propulsion systems for government and commercial customers. Recent market activity has been mixed: the stock has climbed in recent weeks on a cluster of new awards, including a $250 million GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) propulsion contract and a seven-year THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) propulsion agreement, yet it remains sharply below its 52-week high. The company has delivered five consecutive quarterly earnings beats and strong free cash flow, but sentiment has been dampened by two developments — the departure of its chief executive in August and the postponement of its missile-business spin-off to no earlier than mid-2027. These factors, rather than weak fundamentals, have driven the recent pullback.
LMT Overview and Recent Performance
Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) is the world's largest defense contractor, with a portfolio spanning the F-35 fighter, missile and fire-control systems, rotary and mission systems, and space. Relative performance has been comparatively resilient, with shares rebounding in recent weeks after earlier weakness and trading near the middle of their 52-week range. The company has reported record backlog above $230 billion and strong order intake, and recently raised its quarterly dividend for a 24th consecutive year. Analysts have offered diverging views, with one firm upgrading the stock to Buy on missile-demand growth while others trimmed price targets on budget uncertainty. A new solid-rocket-motor production partnership with Avio underscores the company's effort to expand missile capacity.
NOC Overview and Recent Performance
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) is a leading producer of strategic aircraft such as the B-21 Raider, the Sentinel ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) program, space systems, and mission systems. Its shares have been among the group's weakest this year, trading closer to their 52-week low despite a recent rebound. Revenue and backlog have grown to record levels, but operating margins have compressed on fixed-price programs, and the company lost the Navy's sixth-generation fighter award to a competitor. Analysts have responded with several target reductions, though some remain constructive. Recent product announcements, including a new gallium nitride semiconductor technology, highlight ongoing innovation even as sentiment has lagged peers.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Across business models, LMT is the most diversified and carries the largest market capitalization, while NOC leans most heavily on U.S. government programs and LHX is the most exposed to communications and electronic systems. Growth drivers converge on missile and propulsion demand, but execution differs: LMT is scaling a record backlog, LHX is repositioning around a delayed spin-off, and NOC is managing margin pressure from fixed-price contracts. On valuation, NOC trades at the lowest P/E (price-to-earnings) multiple, LHX in the middle, and LMT at a modest premium supported by scale and dividend growth. Momentum favors LMT, while LHX and NOC reflect more cautious sentiment. Budget uncertainty remains a shared risk, with each name carrying distinct idiosyncratic catalysts.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, backlog strength, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would most likely favor LMT at present. Its combination of a record backlog, sustained dividend growth, and comparatively firmer recent price momentum offers the most balanced risk-reward profile of the three. LHX and NOC present valuation-oriented opportunities but currently carry less favorable trend signals and more idiosyncratic uncertainty. This assessment reflects probabilistic analysis of current conditions rather than a definitive forecast, and relative positioning could shift as earnings and budget developments unfold.
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.
Momentum Indicator for LHX turns positive, indicating new upward trend
LHX saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 84 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 50 of the 84 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 60%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where LHX's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 15 of 27 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LHX just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where LHX's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
LHX moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +4.64% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LHX advanced for three days, in 157 of 305 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 5 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LHX 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 58%.
LHX broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 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.
The Aroon Indicator for LHX entered a downward trend on October 19, 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 Valuation Rating of 59 (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 (2.379) is normal, around the industry mean (4.788). P/E Ratio (25.499) is within average values for comparable stocks, (16.638). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.183) is also within normal values, averaging (2.564). Dividend Yield (0.020) settles around the average of (0.060) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.055) is also within normal values, averaging (18.330).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LHX’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 68 (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 SMR rating for this company is 72 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 74 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. LHX’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 79, placing this stock better than average.
LMT in +9.55% Uptrend, rising for three consecutive days on October 23, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. Considering data from situations where LMT advanced for three days, in 194 of 337 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LMT as a result. In 36 of 78 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 46%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LMT just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where LMT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
LMT moved above its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for LMT crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 16 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%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LMT 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 53%.
LMT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 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.
The Aroon Indicator for LMT entered a downward trend on October 15, 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 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very 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 18 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. LMT’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 27 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 65 (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 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: LMT's P/B Ratio (15.903) is slightly higher than the industry average of (4.788). P/E Ratio (22.188) is within average values for comparable stocks, (16.638). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.978) is also within normal values, averaging (2.564). Dividend Yield (0.023) settles around the average of (0.060) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.616) is also within normal values, averaging (18.330).
NOC in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026
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. In 38 of 51 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on NOC as a result. In 40 of 72 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for NOC just turned positive on October 14, 2026. Looking at past instances where NOC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 22 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
Following a +3.44% 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 RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
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 49%.
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.
The Aroon Indicator for NOC entered a downward trend on October 13, 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 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 49 (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 54 (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 65 (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 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 (4.380) is normal, around the industry mean (4.788). P/E Ratio (17.495) is within average values for comparable stocks, (16.638). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.350) is also within normal values, averaging (2.564). Dividend Yield (0.018) settles around the average of (0.060) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.766) is also within normal values, averaging (18.330).
LHX | LMT | NOC | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 41 | 39 | 22 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 59 Fair valued | 75 Overvalued | 75 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 74 | 27 | 54 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 72 | 15 | 36 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 59 | 18 | 49 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 68 | 65 | 65 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 | 90 |
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.
LHX's Valuation (59) in the null industry is in the same range as LMT (75) in the Aerospace And Defense industry, and is in the same range as NOC (75) in the Aerospace And Defense industry. This means that LHX's stock grew similarly to LMT’s and similarly to NOC’s over the last 12 months.
LMT's Profit vs Risk Rating (27) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as NOC (54) in the Aerospace And Defense industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for LHX (74) in the null industry. This means that LMT's stock grew similarly to NOC’s and somewhat faster than LHX’s over the last 12 months.
LMT's SMR Rating (15) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as NOC (36) in the Aerospace And Defense industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for LHX (72) in the null industry. This means that LMT's stock grew similarly to NOC’s and somewhat faster than LHX’s over the last 12 months.
LMT's Price Growth Rating (18) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as NOC (49) in the Aerospace And Defense industry, and is somewhat better than the same rating for LHX (59) in the null industry. This means that LMT's stock grew similarly to NOC’s and somewhat faster than LHX’s over the last 12 months.
LMT's P/E Growth Rating (65) in the Aerospace And Defense industry is in the same range as NOC (65) in the Aerospace And Defense industry, and is in the same range as LHX (68) in the null industry. This means that LMT's stock grew similarly to NOC’s and similarly to LHX’s over the last 12 months.
| LHX | LMT | NOC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 56% | 3 days ago 38% | 3 days ago 68% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 48% | 3 days ago 48% | 3 days ago 56% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 60% | 3 days ago 46% | 3 days ago 56% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 46% | 3 days ago 53% | 3 days ago 49% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 55% | 3 days ago 54% | 3 days ago 58% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 59% | 3 days ago 54% | 3 days ago 55% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 51% | 3 days ago 58% | 4 days ago 61% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | about 1 month ago 58% | 24 days ago 53% | 21 days ago 49% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 46% | 3 days ago 45% | 3 days ago 57% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 56% | 3 days ago 48% | 3 days ago 51% |
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).
LHX’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while LMT’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s), and NOC’s FA Score reflects 0 green FA rating(s).
- LHX’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- LMT’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- NOC’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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.
LHX’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LMT’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s), and NOC’s TA Score reflects 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- LHX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- LMT’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- NOC’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
LHX (@Aerospace & Defense) experienced а +2.20% price change this week, while LMT (@Aerospace & Defense) price change was +9.44% , and NOC (@Aerospace & Defense) price fluctuated +6.07% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Aerospace & Defense industry was -1.11%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -15.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was -17.72%.
Reported Earning Dates
LHX is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
LMT is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
NOC is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Aerospace & Defense (-1.11% 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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LHX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LHX has been loosely correlated with NOC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if LHX jumps, then NOC could also see price increases.
LMT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LMT 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 LMT jumps, then NOC could also see price increases.
NOC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NOC has been closely correlated with LMT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if NOC jumps, then LMT could also see price increases.