Northrop Grumman vs RTX (NOC vs RTX)
Northrop Grumman (NOC) vs RTX (RTX) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Northrop Grumman (NOC) and RTX (RTX) compete in aerospace and defence. Here are Northrop Grumman and RTX 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 Northrop Grumman or RTX.
Northrop Grumman vs RTX: the figures
| Figure | Northrop Grumman | RTX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $525.35 (November 4, 2026) | $198.43 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $74.6 billion | $267.8 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 16.6x | 32.3x |
| Forward P/E | 17.5x | 24.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +6.7% | +11.1% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 10.4% | 8.8% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.9x | 1.8x |
| Dividend yield | 1.80% | 1.43% |
| Beta | -0.14 | 0.28 |
Northrop Grumman and RTX figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Northrop Grumman or RTX figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Northrop Grumman and RTX
- Valuation: RTX trades at 32.3x its annual earnings and Northrop Grumman at 16.6x; the market pays more for each dollar of RTX profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Volatility: RTX stock moves more (beta 0.28) than Northrop Grumman (beta -0.14); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Size: RTX is worth $267.8 billion on the stock market, about 3.6 times Northrop Grumman ($74.6 billion).
Northrop Grumman or RTX: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: RTX 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 want income (dividends): Northrop Grumman pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: RTX 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 Northrop Grumman nor RTX 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 Northrop Grumman and RTX make money
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.
RTX (RTX)
RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies, reports three similarly sized businesses. Collins Aerospace sells avionics, cabin interiors and aircraft systems; Pratt & Whitney builds and services commercial and military engines; and Raytheon makes missiles, radars and air defense systems like Patriot. Customers include airlines, aircraft makers and governments. Full RTX analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Northrop Grumman vs RTX
Is Northrop Grumman or RTX the better stock?
Choosing between Northrop Grumman and RTX depends on what you are looking for. RTX is growing faster right now, and Northrop Grumman trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Northrop Grumman or RTX: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Northrop Grumman or RTX?
As of November 4, 2026, Northrop Grumman yields 1.80% and RTX yields 1.43%. Also check how much of their profit Northrop Grumman and RTX pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Northrop Grumman or RTX?
On P/E, RTX (32.3x) 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 Northrop Grumman and RTX?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Northrop Grumman and RTX, 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 Northrop Grumman or RTX.
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More companies like Northrop Grumman and RTX: aerospace and defence stocks. Educational content about Northrop Grumman and RTX, not investment advice.