$NOC

Northrop Grumman earnings beat by $0.71, revenue was in line with estimates

Northrop Grumman (NOC) reported Q3 EPS of $7.89, beating estimates by $0.71, with revenue at $11.12B, in line with expectations. The company provided FY 2026 guidance, with EPS forecasted between $29.35-$29.75 and revenue between $43.75B-$44.25B. NOC's stock is down 4.28% over the last 3 months and 14.80% over the last 12 months.

Original reporting
Published Oct 20, 2026, 10:10 AM UTC
Analysis
AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated
Added to AlphAI Oct 20, 2026, 10:14 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.
AlphAI market briefEarnings
Primary signal
$NOC
Neutral
high confidence
Mentioned
$NOC
Relevance
9/10
AlphAI data visualization · based on investing.com
Decision brief

The 30-second read

$NOCNeutralHigh
01

Why it matters

The earnings beat and higher EPS outlook provide a fresh catalyst that could drive short‑term buying interest.

02

Market read

The report offers new earnings data for a large‑cap defense stock, creating a short‑term trading opportunity.

03

What to watch

Potential impact of upcoming defense contracts and geopolitical tensions could amplify future earnings.

Relevance 9/10Novelty 9/10Timing: released today

Background

Northrop Grumman's Q3 results were released on Oct 20, 2026, highlighting an EPS beat and FY 2026 guidance.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

$NOCNeutralHigh confidence
Context

Northrop Grumman reported Q3 EPS of $7.89 beating estimates and provided FY 2026 guidance above consensus for EPS and roughly in line for revenue.

Expected impact

potential modest upside as the EPS guidance exceeds expectations despite revenue guidance being near consensus

Evidence & confidence

The beat on earnings and higher‑than‑expected EPS outlook are fresh data that can attract buying, but revenue guidance limits the rally.

Market effects

Defense and aerospace sector may see slight uplift as a major contractor posts strong earnings.

U.S. markets could see a modest boost in industrial stocks.

Limited to investors tracking large‑cap defense firms.

Counterpoint

Revenue guidance is flat to consensus, suggesting the beat may be already priced in.

Key entities

  • Northrop Grumman

    U.S. defense contractor reporting Q3 earnings.

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Northrop Grumman Q3 2026 slides: record backlog, raised guidance

Northrop Grumman (NOC) reported Q3 2026 earnings of $7.89 per share, beating estimates, with revenue at $11.12B. The company raised full-year guidance, citing a record backlog of $110B and strong demand. Shares rose 6.18% post-announcement. Key growth areas include aeronautics and defense systems, with strategic programs like Sentinel and B-21 driving momentum.

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Why is Northrop Grumman stock surging today?

Northrop Grumman (NOC) stock rose 6.6% after Q3 earnings beat estimates, with EPS of $7.89 vs. $7.18 consensus. Revenue grew 7% to $11.12B. The company raised 2026 EPS guidance to $29.35–$29.75, above consensus. A record backlog of $109.6B and new contracts supported the outlook. Peer RTX's strong results also boosted sector sentiment.