Redburn starts Buy coverage on Northrop Grumman stock
Published on 10/06/2026 at 17:22 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Rothschild and Co Redburn started Buy coverage of Northrop Grumman stock with a USD 680 target on October 6, 2026, according to 24/7 Wall St. The call arrives as the company advances its internally funded autonomous-aircraft program and prepares to report third-quarter results.
Talon Blue reaches flight milestone
Northrop Grumman said on October 3, 2026, that its YFQ-48A Talon Blue completed its first fully autonomous flight, including taxi, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers and landing. The company described the aircraft as part of Project Talon, which is designed to support faster and more affordable production of autonomous airpower, according to Northrop Grumman.
The milestone adds an operational data point to Northrop Grumman's autonomy strategy. The release said the program draws on more than 500,000 autonomous flight hours and uses modular design and advanced manufacturing to reduce part count, weight and production costs.
Revenue grows while margins contract
Northrop Grumman generated USD 10.88 billion of revenue in the second quarter of 2026, up 5.10 percent from USD 10.35 billion in the second quarter of 2025. Adjusted earnings per share reached USD 7.68, above the USD 6.82 consensus estimate, while operating income fell to USD 1.10 billion from USD 1.43 billion, according to MarketBeat.
The operating margin therefore declined to 10.10 percent from 13.80 percent year over year. Management's fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings-per-share guidance stands at USD 28.60 to USD 29.10, giving the October report a clear test: whether revenue growth can translate into stronger profitability.
October results set the next test
Northrop Grumman scheduled its third-quarter 2026 results for October 20, 2026, before the US market opens, with the earnings call at 9:30 a.m. ET. The upcoming release will put the USD 680 analyst target alongside fresh evidence on sales, margins and execution.
On the NYSE, Northrop Grumman was trading at USD 480.29 on October 6, 2026 at 11:20 a.m. EDT, up 0.88 percent from USD 476.11. Its market capitalization was USD 68.2 billion, while the finance quote showed a 52-week range of USD 470.06 to USD 774.00.
Northrop Grumman stock facts
- Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
- ISIN: US6668071029
- Ticker: NOC
- Primary exchange: NYSE
- Market capitalization: USD 68.2 billion (as of October 6, 2026)
- 52-week range: USD 470.06-774.00 (as of October 6, 2026)
- Sector / Industry: Industrials / Aerospace and Defense
- Next earnings date: October 20, 2026
