Morgan Stanley Raises Northrop Grumman (NOC) Price Target to $765

Morgan Stanley reaffirmed its Overweight rating on Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) on October 21, 2026, while raising its price target from $745.00 to $765.00. The research note outlines a constructive forward-looking view for the aerospace and defense firm.

NOC Northrop Grumman Corporation

$541.11 ▼ -6.48% year to date

1M 3M YTD

Daily close · Oct 21, 2026

Morgan Stanley's Call on Northrop Grumman

On October 21, 2026, Morgan Stanley kept its Overweight rating intact and pushed its target up to $765.00 from the prior target of $745.00. Analysts publish ratings as forward-looking views on how a stock will perform over the months ahead.

Other Institutional Activity in Northrop Grumman

Large funds continue to adjust their holdings in the defense giant. Capital International Investors reduced its stake by 1,244,057 shares, ending the period with 5,852,674 shares valued at about $3,161,409,522. Meanwhile, Franklin Resources, Inc. grew its holdings by 95,750 shares, ending with 3,374,876 shares worth about $1,822,989,820.

Northrop Grumman Corporation Stock Up 3.7%

Northrop Grumman recently traded around $539.64 as of October 21, 2026, with the stock closing at $540.16 on the day of the rating update.

Recent Earnings

Northrop Grumman generated trailing-twelve-month revenue of $42,892,001,280.00 with trailing earnings of $30.90 per share. The company posted a net profit margin of 10.5% and a return on equity of 27.0%.

Dividend

Northrop Grumman pays an annual dividend rate of $9.88 per share, translating to a dividend yield of 1.93%. The company allocates 29.9% of its earnings toward its dividend payout.

Insider Buying and Selling at Northrop Grumman Corporation

Company insiders have transacted in shares over recent quarters. Officer Roshan S. Roeder sold 1,754 shares on February 27, 2026, at $720.00 per share for a total value of $1,262,880.00. General Counsel Kathryn G. Simpson sold 873 shares on March 2, 2026, at $745.00 per share for $650,385.00. Director Mark A. Welsh III sold 95 shares on May 4, 2026, and another 95 shares on August 3, 2026.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Wall Street firms have updated their outlooks on the stock. On October 21, 2026, BNP Paribas maintained an Outperform rating with a target of $600.00, moving from $540.00. Guggenheim maintained a Buy rating and lifted its target from $612.00 to $640.00. RBC Capital kept a Sector Perform rating and moved its target from $525.00 to $550.00. Baird upgraded the stock to Outperform with a $675.00 target, up from $550.00. Across the broader analyst community, the stock holds a consensus buy rating with a mean price target of $619.08.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense technology company across global markets. Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, and led by CEO Kathy J. Warden, the firm employs roughly 95,000 people. It designs, builds, and maintains advanced aircraft, space systems, mission electronics, and defense products through four primary segments.

Bottom Line

Morgan Stanley's increased target reflects continued confidence in the defense contractor's trajectory. Investors will monitor upcoming earnings reports and institutional filing updates for further signs of momentum.