AlphAIAlphAI — Financial news for AI agents
gurufocus.comOCT 202 min read$NOC

Northrop Grumman (NOC) Q3 Earnings Beat Supports Dividend Sustai

Northrop Grumman (NOC) reported Q3 earnings of $7.89 per share, beating estimates by $0.69, with revenue of $11.1B, up 6.7% YoY. The company maintains a 1.84% dividend yield, a 30% payout ratio, and a 10% 3-year dividend growth rate. Its GF Score is 84/100, indicating strong fundamentals. Guidance projects 2026 sales between $43.75B and $44.25B, with adjusted free cash flow between $3.1B and $3.5B.

Original reporting
gurufocus.com
Published Oct 20, 2026, 10:57 AM UTC
Analysis
AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated
Added to AlphAI Oct 20, 2026, 11:14 AM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.
How this was made
AlphAI summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.
About AlphAI AI DeskScoring methodologyReport an issue
AlphAI market briefEarnings
Primary signal
$NOC
Bullish
high confidence
Mentioned
$NOC
Relevance
8/10
AlphAI data visualization · based on gurufocus.com
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$NOCBullishHigh
01

Why it matters

The earnings beat reinforces the company's financial strength and may attract income‑focused investors.

02

Market read

Earnings beat and dividend sustainability make NOC a short‑term buying candidate.

03

What to watch

Revenue missed consensus and modest free‑cash‑flow guidance may temper upside.

Relevance 8/10Novelty 8/10Timing: after-hours reaction

Background

Northrop Grumman is a major U.S. defense contractor with a $110 B backlog and a 1.84% dividend yield.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$NOCBullishHigh confidence
Context

Northrop Grumman reported Q3 GAAP EPS of $7.89, beating estimates by $0.69 and reaffirmed dividend sustainability.

Expected impact

likely upward pressure as investors price in the earnings beat and dividend safety.

Evidence & confidence

The beat exceeds expectations and the guidance is solid, supporting a short‑term rally.

Market effects

Sector

A strong defense earnings report may lift peer aerospace & defense stocks.

Regional

U.S. industrials may see modest gains on the back of the beat.

Global

Limited to investors focused on U.S. defense sector.

Counterpoint

What could challenge this read

Insider selling of $26.4 M could signal management concerns despite the beat.

Key entities

  • company
    Northrop Grumman Corp

    U.S. aerospace and defense contractor.

Read at source← All news

StoryNorthrop Grumman posts Q3 2026 earnings beat and lifts full‑year profit outlook

Also covered by

4 outlets

Related articles

OCT 20
$NOCHighAI 8/10

Northrop Grumman (NOC) Q3 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Northrop Grumman (NOC) reported Q3 2026 earnings with a 1.5x book-to-bill ratio, a record $110B backlog, and 12%+ operating margins. The company raised 2026 guidance and expects growth acceleration in 2027, driven by programs like Sentinel, B-21, and space systems. New products and strategic wins support long-term expansion, with international sales targeted to double by 2031.

finance.yahoo.com2 min
OCT 20
$NOCMedAI 8/10

Northrop Grumman Corporation Q3 2026 Earnings Call Summary

Northrop Grumman reported Q3 2026 earnings, highlighting a record $110B backlog and 14% sales growth in Aeronautics. The company raised EPS guidance and expects 5-7% sales growth in 2027, with margin expansion. Capital expenditures are projected at $2.1B for 2027, and international sales are targeted to double by 2031. Management is exploring strategic options for its quantum and microelectronics business.

finance.yahoo.com2 min
OCT 20
$NOCHighAI 8/10

Northrop Grumman (NOC) Stock Trades Up, Here Is Why

Northrop Grumman (NOC) shares rose 5.2% after reporting Q3 2026 sales of $11.1B (up 7% YoY) and EPS of $7.89 (beating estimates). The company raised its full-year guidance for operating income and EPS. Its backlog increased to $110B, and operating margin was 11.4%. NOC is down 8.3% YTD but up 34% over 5 years.

tradingview.com2 min
OCT 20
$NOCHighAI 8/10

What Northrop Grumman (NOC) Said on Its Q3 Earnings Call

Northrop Grumman (NOC) reported Q3 progress, including Sentinel missile development, satellite deployments, and a $1.4B backlog addition. It raised 2026 segment operating income guidance to $4.94B-$5.04B and EPS by $0.70. For 2027, it forecasts 5%-7% sales growth, margin expansion, and $3.3B-$3.7B free cash flow. The company is exploring strategic options for its microelectronics business.

finance.yahoo.com2 min