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Northrop GrummanNOCBUY ON WEAKNESSNov 18, 2016Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 18, 2026. Market Open.
Defense is a moat oligopoly with barriers to entry. NOC owns long US Defence Dept. contracts and they own the intellectual property of their defence technology. They operate in 4 segments like space and defence which are predictable and stable. Revenues are stable; 86% of sales are with the US government. They have an $80 billion backlog. Shares pulled back 24% from last year's peaked, but have stabilized. They're grinding through a $1.2 billion cost overrun of the B-21 bomber, fixed-price contract. But a catalyst in 2024 is them likely getting the contract to build the next generation of fight jets. Shares offer returns of 13% compounded historically.
(Analysts’ price target is $489.88)European defence budgets rose after Russia invaded Ukraine. Also, NOC upgraded its B-21 bomber, upgraded its nuclear business as well as its space program. They buy back shares and consistently grow their dividend. Good management that benefits from steady government contracts.
(Analysts’ price target is $504.71)
From the perspective of what has happened with Trump in the election, there has been a commitment to the industrial space and the defence space. He likes the name for that and would consider it. The stock is not overbought now; it is in the 70.5 RSI, but would probably let it calm down a bit and get back into the $230-$245 range.