Northrop Grumman Earnings: Analysts Forecast Downbeat Q3 Results

Northrop Grumman Corporation, a leading aerospace and defense technology company, is expected to announce its fiscal Q3 2026 results on October 20. The company has a market cap of $71.7 billion and operates through four business segments: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, and Space Systems.

Analysts forecast NOC to report a profit of $7.26 per share, down 5.4% from the previous year's quarter. However, Northrop Grumman has consistently surpassed Wall Street's earnings estimates over the past four quarters.

The company's stock has decreased by 20.7% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming both the S&P 500 Index and the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF. The decline was driven by Northrop Grumman losing the Pentagon's massive F/A-XX next-generation stealth fighter contract to Boeing.

Analysts' consensus view on NOC stock is cautiously optimistic, with a 'Moderate Buy' rating overall. However, some analysts are more bearish, advising 'Strong Sell'. The average analyst price target for Northrop Grumman is $655.50, suggesting a potential upside of 35.6% from current levels.