NOC’s 9.4% Single Day Rise Brings Valuations Into Focus – Is LMT a Better Deal?

NOC: Northrop Grumman logo
NOC
Northrop Grumman

LMT offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation.

  • LMT’s quarterly revenue grew 4.5%, vs. NOC’s -6.6%.
  • In addition, its Last 12 Months growth came in at 3.1%, ahead of NOC’s 0.6%.
  • LMT leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 10.3% and 3-year average of 11.8%.

That is one way to look at stocks. Trefis High Quality Portfolio evaluates much more, and is designed to reduce stock-specific risk while giving upside exposure

Valuation & Performance Overview

  NOC LMT Preferred
     
Valuation      
P/EBIT Ratio 20.2 13.1 LMT
     
Revenue Growth      
Last Quarter -6.6% 4.5% LMT
Last 12 Months 0.6% 3.1% LMT
Last 3 Year Average 4.6% 3.0% NOC
     
Operating Margins      
Last 12 Months 10.0% 10.3% LMT
Last 3 Year Average 8.9% 11.8% LMT
     
Momentum      
Last 3 Year Return 31.0% 12.7% NOC

See more revenue details: NOC Revenue Comparison | LMT Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: NOC Operating Income Comparison | LMT Operating Income Comparison

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Historical Market Performance

  2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total [1] Avg Best
Returns
NOC Return -10% 29% 43% -13% 2% 13% 66%  
LMT Return -6% 3% 40% -4% 10% -2% 41%  
S&P 500 Return 16% 27% -19% 24% 23% 7% 94% <===
Monthly Win Rates [3]
NOC Win Rate 58% 50% 67% 42% 50% 50%   53%  
LMT Win Rate 50% 50% 67% 42% 58% 33%   50%  
S&P 500 Win Rate 58% 75% 42% 67% 75% 50%   61% <===
Max Drawdowns [4]
NOC Max Drawdown -21% -6% -4% -22% -9% -8%   -12% <===
LMT Max Drawdown -28% -9% -0% -17% -8% -13%   -13%  
S&P 500 Max Drawdown -31% -1% -25% -1% -2% -15%   -12%  

[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] 2025 data is for the year till date (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year