Northrop Grumman Corporation vs Ralph Lauren Corp — how do they compare? Northrop Grumman Corporation trades at $575.55 (market cap $82.10B), while Ralph Lauren Corp trades at $398 (market cap $24.24B). The key difference: Northrop Grumman Corporation is far larger — about 3.4× Ralph Lauren Corp's market cap, and Northrop Grumman Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.63%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NOC | RL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $82.10B | $24.24B |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $768.02 | $414.25 |
52-Week Low | $496.02 | $285.35 |
Enterprise Value | $96.08B | $25.31B |
Dividend Yield | 1.63% | 0.92% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Northrop Grumman (NOC) trades at $571.58, up 0.68% on the day, with a bullish technical signal driven by moving averages despite overbought RSI readings. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings, beating EPS estimates with $7.68 actual versus $6.82 expected, and raised full-year guidance amid a record $105 billion backlog. Fundamentals show robust profitability with a 10.48% net income margin and 26.96% ROE, while valuation metrics like a P/E of 18.17 appear reasonable relative to growth.
Outlook remains positive given defense spending tailwinds and contract wins like the $7.6 billion Sentinel program, though margin pressures and high debt levels pose risks. Analysts are bullish with a $598.57 consensus target, implying ~5% upside from current levels, supported by 20 buy ratings versus 1 sell.
Ralph Lauren (RL) trades at $395.53, down 0.08% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook and strong fundamental performance. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with Q1 2027 EPS of $4.59 exceeding expectations of $4.32, driven by robust demand and margin expansion. Revenue growth accelerated to 13% in constant currency, and the company updated its fiscal 2027 outlook upward. Key support lies at $388, with resistance at $402.
The investment outlook is positive, supported by earnings momentum, brand strength, and a 66% analyst buy rating. Risks include high valuation multiples, such as a P/E of 24.92, and sensitivity to consumer spending trends. The consensus price target of $456.50 implies 15% upside potential from current levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Founded by designer Ralph Lauren in 1967, Ralph Lauren Corp. designs, markets, and distributes lifestyle products in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its products include apparel, footwear, eyewear, jewelry, leather goods, home products, and fragrances. The company's brands include Ralph Lauren Collection, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and Double RL. Distribution channels for Ralph Lauren include wholesale (including department stores and specialty stores), retail (including company-owned retail stores and e-commerce), and licensing.
Read more on RL →