Cullinan Associates Inc. Reduces Stock Position in Northrop Grumman Corporation $NOC

Cullinan Associates Inc. cut its stake in Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) by 24.1% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,170 shares of the aerospace company’s stock after selling 1,322 shares during the quarter. Cullinan Associates Inc.’s holdings in Northrop Grumman were worth $2,845,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Torren Management LLC bought a new stake in Northrop Grumman in the fourth quarter worth $26,000. Karpus Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Northrop Grumman during the fourth quarter valued at $26,000. Kohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in Northrop Grumman during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Financial Life Planners bought a new stake in Northrop Grumman during the first quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Motiv8 Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Northrop Grumman during the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. 83.40% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Northrop Grumman Stock Up 1.4%

Shares of NOC stock traded up $7.26 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $539.49. 455,716 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 991,342. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. The company has a market cap of $76.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.89, a P/E/G ratio of 3.65 and a beta of -0.10. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $541.29 and its 200-day moving average is $625.68. Northrop Grumman Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $493.84 and a fifty-two week high of $774.00.

Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 21st. The aerospace company reported $6.14 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.06 by $0.08. Northrop Grumman had a return on equity of 24.72% and a net margin of 10.80%.The business had revenue of $9.88 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.75 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $6.06 EPS. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Northrop Grumman has set its FY 2026 guidance at 27.400-27.900 EPS. Analysts predict that Northrop Grumman Corporation will post 27.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Northrop Grumman Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 1st were paid a dividend of $2.47 per share. This represents a $9.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 1st. This is a positive change from Northrop Grumman’s previous quarterly dividend of $2.31. Northrop Grumman’s dividend payout ratio is currently 30.92%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

NOC has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. BTIG Research reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $815.00 price objective on shares of Northrop Grumman in a report on Wednesday, April 22nd. UBS Group cut their target price on Northrop Grumman from $806.00 to $745.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 23rd. Wall Street Zen cut Northrop Grumman from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday, April 25th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on Northrop Grumman from $620.00 to $580.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, June 26th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an “outperform” rating on shares of Northrop Grumman in a research note on Monday, June 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $688.89.

Key Headlines Impacting Northrop Grumman

Here are the key news stories impacting Northrop Grumman this week:

• Positive Sentiment: NATO’s plan to acquire up to five Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton drones reinforces demand for the company’s surveillance and maritime security platforms, a potential tailwind for future revenue. Northrop Grumman (NOC) Wins NATO Backing For Up To Five Triton Drones
• Positive Sentiment: Analysts continue to view Northrop Grumman as reasonably attractive, with a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy,” which can help support investor confidence ahead of the next earnings report. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) Receives Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy” from Analysts
• Positive Sentiment: Several articles argue Northrop is positioned to beat earnings estimates again, citing its history of topping expectations and favorable setup for the upcoming quarterly report. Why Northrop Grumman (NOC) is Poised to Beat Earnings Estimates Again
• Neutral Sentiment: Market commentary and valuation-focused pieces suggest the stock may be fairly priced after a strong multi-year run, which could limit upside unless earnings or contract growth surprise to the upside. Northrop Grumman (NOC) Stock Looks Fairly Priced Following A 62% Run
• Negative Sentiment: Some recent commentary highlights cost and capital spending concerns, which could weigh on margins if defense program execution becomes more expensive. Northrop Grumman (NOC) After Talpins Interest And Cost Concerns, Bargain Or Fairly Valued?

Northrop Grumman Company Profile

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is a leading U.S.-based aerospace and defense company that designs, builds and sustains advanced systems, products and technologies for government and commercial customers. Formed through the combination of Northrop and Grumman businesses in the 1990s, the company’s portfolio spans manned and unmanned aircraft, space systems, missile defense, radar and sensor systems, and integrated command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) solutions.

The company’s work includes airframe and platform manufacturing, space hardware and satellite systems, advanced mission systems and cybersecurity services, as well as logistics, sustainment and modernization programs.