BHP Billiton Limited vs Northrop Grumman Corporation — how do they compare? BHP Billiton Limited trades at $90.22 (market cap $229.15B), while Northrop Grumman Corporation trades at $578.19 (market cap $81.78B). The key difference: BHP Billiton Limited is far larger — about 2.8× Northrop Grumman Corporation's market cap, and BHP Billiton Limited pays the higher dividend (2.95%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| BHP | NOC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $229.15B | $81.78B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $93.15 | $768.02 |
52-Week Low | $52.14 | $496.02 |
Enterprise Value | $243.35B | $95.77B |
Dividend Yield | 2.95% | 1.63% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
BHP trades at $90.36, down 0.28% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company reported mixed Q4 2025 earnings, missing EPS estimates, while Q2 2025 beat expectations. Revenue for 2024 was $55.66B with a net income margin of 18.97%, though profitability has fluctuated in recent years. Recent news highlights labor strikes at Port Hedland iron ore operations, potentially impacting production and revenue streams.
Outlook is cautious due to operational risks from strikes and volatile commodity prices, but strong cash flow and institutional buying support long-term value. Analysts are predominantly neutral with 65% hold ratings, reflecting balanced risk-reward. Key risks include labor disputes and copper output misses, while opportunities lie in AI-driven copper demand growth and cost management.
Northrop Grumman (NOC) trades at $577.12, down 0.13% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings, beating estimates with EPS of $7.68, and raised full-year guidance, supported by a record $105 billion backlog. Revenue growth is steady, with 2026 projected at $42.9 billion, and profitability remains solid with a net income margin of 10.48%.
The outlook is positive, driven by strategic contracts like the $7.6 billion Sentinel program and defense spending tailwinds. Risks include margin pressures from specific programs and geopolitical uncertainties. Analysts are bullish with a consensus price target of $598.57, suggesting upside potential from current levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
BHP Group Limited operates as a mining company. The Company engages in the exploration, development, production, and processing of iron ore, metallurgical coal, and copper. BHP Group serves customers worldwide.
Read more on BHP →Northrop Grumman is a defense contractor that is diversified across short-cycle and long-cycle businesses. The firm's segments include aeronautics, mission systems, defense services, and space systems. The company's aerospace segment creates the fuselage for the massive F-35 program and produces various piloted and autonomous flight systems. Mission systems creates a variety of sensors and processors for defense hardware. The defense systems segment is a long-range missile manufacturer. Finally, the company's space systems segment produces various space structures, sensors, and satellites.
Read more on NOC →