L3Harris vs Northrop Grumman (LHX vs NOC)

L3Harris (LHX) vs Northrop Grumman (NOC) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

L3Harris (LHX) and Northrop Grumman (NOC) compete in aerospace and defence. Here are L3Harris and Northrop Grumman side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy L3Harris or Northrop Grumman.

L3Harris vs Northrop Grumman: the figures

L3Harris and Northrop Grumman figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that L3Harris or Northrop Grumman figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between L3Harris and Northrop Grumman

1. Valuation: L3Harris trades at 24.2x its annual earnings and Northrop Grumman at 16.6x; the market pays more for each dollar of L3Harris profit, usually because it expects more growth.
2. Volatility: L3Harris stock moves more (beta 0.46) than Northrop Grumman (beta -0.14); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
3. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Northrop Grumman keeps 10.4 as net profit and L3Harris keeps 8.8.

L3Harris or Northrop Grumman: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: L3Harris is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you prefer caution: Northrop Grumman has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Northrop Grumman trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither L3Harris nor Northrop Grumman wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How L3Harris and Northrop Grumman make money

L3Harris (LHX)

L3Harris Technologies makes defense electronics and equipment: tactical radios, sensors, electronic warfare systems, satellites and, through Aerojet Rocketdyne, rocket and missile propulsion. Its businesses span space and airborne systems, communications and missile solutions. The U.S. government is its main customer, followed by allied countries. Full L3Harris analysis.

Northrop Grumman (NOC)

Northrop Grumman sells defense systems, mostly to the U.S. government. Aeronautics Systems builds the Raider stealth bomber and drones, Defense Systems covers weapons and munitions, Mission Systems makes radars and electronics, and Space Systems produces satellites and solid rocket motors. Full Northrop Grumman analysis.

Frequently asked questions: L3Harris vs Northrop Grumman

Is L3Harris or Northrop Grumman the better stock?

Choosing between L3Harris and Northrop Grumman depends on what you are looking for. L3Harris is growing faster right now, and Northrop Grumman trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy L3Harris or Northrop Grumman: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, L3Harris or Northrop Grumman?

As of November 4, 2026, L3Harris yields 1.80% and Northrop Grumman yields 1.80%. Also check how much of their profit L3Harris and Northrop Grumman pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, L3Harris or Northrop Grumman?

On P/E, L3Harris (24.2x) is more expensive than Northrop Grumman (16.6x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both L3Harris and Northrop Grumman?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as L3Harris and Northrop Grumman, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying L3Harris or Northrop Grumman.

More comparisons with L3Harris or Northrop Grumman

• L3Harris vs TransDigm
• L3Harris vs RTX
• Indra vs L3Harris
• Northrop Grumman vs TransDigm

More companies like L3Harris and Northrop Grumman: aerospace and defence stocks. Educational content about L3Harris and Northrop Grumman, not investment advice.