Northrop Grumman stock: Q3 sales rise 7 percent
Published on 11/02/2026 at 11:33 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSQuarterly growth strengthens Northrop outlook
- Third-quarter sales increased 7 percent to USD 11.1 billion, led by Aeronautics Systems and Defense Systems.
- Net awards reached USD 16.4 billion and lifted backlog to a record USD 109.6 billion.
- Northrop Grumman raised its 2026 adjusted EPS and segment operating income guidance.
Northrop Grumman reported stronger third-quarter results on October 20, 2026, as demand for aerospace and defense programs lifted sales and orders. The company's earnings release, filed with the SEC, shows growth across all four operating sectors.
Northrop Grumman's third-quarter sales rose 7 percent year over year to USD 11.122 billion, from USD 10.423 billion. Aeronautics Systems led the advance with a 14 percent increase to USD 3.575 billion, while Defense Systems sales climbed 12 percent to USD 2.307 billion. Mission Systems and Space Systems each grew 2 percent.
Backlog reaches a new record
Net awards totaled USD 16.4 billion during the quarter, taking backlog to USD 109.6 billion as of September 30. The awards included restricted programs, Sentinel, Virginia-class submarines, F-35 work and E-2 aircraft. The order flow gives the contractor a broader base of contracted work, although delivery timing remains dependent on program execution and government funding.
Operating income increased 2 percent to USD 1.269 billion. The operating margin narrowed to 11.4 percent from 11.9 percent a year earlier, while segment operating income rose 5 percent to USD 1.345 billion. The company attributed the segment increase mainly to higher Aeronautics Systems sales and improved performance.
Guidance moves higher for 2026
Northrop raised its 2026 segment operating income outlook by USD 65 million at the midpoint to a range of USD 4.94 billion to USD 5.04 billion. MTM-adjusted earnings per share guidance increased to USD 29.35 to USD 29.75, compared with the previous range of USD 28.60 to USD 29.10. The sales outlook remained USD 43.75 billion to USD 44.25 billion, while adjusted free cash flow guidance stayed at USD 3.1 billion to USD 3.5 billion.
Chief Executive Kathy Warden said the record backlog, portfolio positioning and company investments should support future sales and earnings growth. Third-quarter diluted earnings per share rose to USD 7.89 from USD 7.67 in the prior-year period. Adjusted free cash flow increased 44 percent to USD 1.810 billion, helped by higher operating cash flow and proceeds from the sale of equipment to a customer.
Northrop Grumman stock traded at 496.70 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 11:30 CET on Monday, November 2, 2026. Investors can follow the real-time quote of Northrop Grumman stock.
Defense demand, production schedules and the pace of investment in major programs remain central factors for the shares. Higher awards improve revenue visibility, but margin performance and execution on complex fixed-price programs remain important considerations for investors.
The broader S&P 500 market environment provides the main benchmark context for the US-listed company.
More news and analyses on Northrop Grumman stock cover the company's order intake, program execution and financial outlook.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
- Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
- ISIN: US6668071029
- Home exchange: New York Stock Exchange
- Real-time quote: EUR 496.70 on Lang & Schwarz, Monday, November 2, 2026, 11:30 CET
- Third-quarter sales: USD 11.122 billion, up 7 percent year over year
- Third-quarter backlog: USD 109.6 billion as of September 30, 2026
