Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:NOC) Reports Mixed Q3 2025 Results with Earnings Beat and Revenue Miss

Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:NOC) reported its third-quarter 2025 financial results, presenting a mixed financial picture that has elicited a cautious response from investors. The defense contractor delivered a significant earnings beat but fell short on its top-line revenue, a combination that has led to a negative pre-market trading session.

Earnings and Revenue Performance

The company's performance for the quarter reveals a clear divergence between profitability and sales growth. While Northrop Grumman excelled in controlling costs and driving bottom-line results, its revenue generation did not meet market expectations.

• Reported Revenue: $10.42 billion, a 4.3% year-over-year increase.
• Estimated Revenue: $10.82 billion.
• Reported EPS (Non-GAAP): $7.67 per share.
• Estimated EPS (Non-GAAP): $6.52 per share.

The revenue miss of approximately $400 million is notable, especially when contrasted with the substantial earnings per share beat of nearly 18%. This suggests that profitability was bolstered by factors other than sales growth, such as operational efficiencies, favorable contract adjustments, or lower-than-anticipated costs.

Market Reaction and Guidance

The immediate market reaction to this earnings report has been negative. In pre-market trading, NOC shares are down, reflecting investor concern over the revenue shortfall. This sentiment is likely amplified by the company's full-year revenue outlook. Northrop Grumman provided a full-year revenue guidance midpoint of $41.8 billion, which comes in 0.9% below the analyst consensus estimate of approximately $42.58 billion. The combination of a Q3 revenue miss and a conservative full-year forecast appears to be outweighing the positive surprise on earnings in the eyes of investors.

Press Release Summary

The company's press release, issued on October 21, 2025, served as a formal announcement of the third-quarter 2025 financial results. The primary purpose was to notify the public of the release and direct them to the full details available in the company's Form 8-K filing and on its investor relations website. The release also contained standard information about the subsequent earnings call webcast and provided background on Northrop Grumman's role as a leading global aerospace and defense technology company.

Looking Ahead

Analyst estimates for the coming periods provide a benchmark for future performance. For the fourth quarter of 2025, the consensus sales estimate stands at $11.78 billion. Investors will be watching closely to see if the company can rebound from its Q3 revenue miss and meet or exceed these expectations to restore confidence in its growth trajectory.

For a detailed breakdown of historical earnings, future estimates, and analyst projections, you can review the data available on the NOC earnings and estimates page.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investors should conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.