Defencestock
NOC vs LMT: A Valuation War Between Top Defence Manufacturers!ABOUT COMPANIES
Northrop Grumman NYSE:NOC excels in advanced aircraft systems, divided into four main areas: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, and Space Systems. Aeronautics Systems designs and manufactures cutting-edge aircraft for the U.S. military and global clients. Defense Systems integrates battle management and weaponry, while Mission Systems delivers innovative solutions for defense and intelligence. Space Systems focuses on solutions for national security and commercial purposes. Established in 1939 by John K. Northrop and others, the company is headquartered in Falls Church, VA.
Lockheed Martin NYSE:LMT stands as a top global security and aerospace company, dedicated to the research, design, and production of advanced technology systems. It operates in four primary segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS), and Space. The Aeronautics segment focuses on military aircraft, including combat and drones. MFC specializes in air and missile defense and precision strike systems. RMS develops military and commercial helicopters and cyber solutions, while the Space segment creates satellites and defense systems. Founded in 1912, the company is located in Bethesda, MD.
MARKET CAPITALIZATION
● Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) - $75.96 Billion
● Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) - $135.53 Billion
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
● Northrop Grumman
➖ The monthly chart shows that the stock price is currently on a distinct upward path.
➖ Previously, it faced resistance around the $360 level, caused a notable pullback.
➖ Subsequently, the price formed a Double Bottom pattern and broke out successfully.
➖ This breakout drove the price to an all-time high near the $556 level but the price started declining from there.
➖ Nevertheless, the stock price found strong support around the $420 level, allowed it to bounce back.
➖ Currently, the stock is approaching its previous all-time high, and if it can overcome that resistance, we can anticipate further price increases in the coming days.
● Lockheed Martin
➖ This stock is on a strong upward trajectory, consistently achieving higher highs and higher lows.
➖ Following a significant breakout around the $500 mark, the stock price surged and is now trading at $568.5, just shy of its all-time peak of $578.7.
➖ From a technical perspective, the price is hovering just below the upper boundary of a parallel channel, which may act as a resistance point.
➖ However, if the price can break through this range and maintain that momentum, we could see even greater upward movement ahead.
Relative Strength
● The chart shows that the NYSE Composite TVC:NYA has provided a solid return on investment of about 18% in the last year. In comparison, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin have done even better, with returns of around 20% and 27%, respectively.
REVENUE BREAKDOWN
● Northrop Grumman
The company derives its income from four main segments.
➖ The largest share comes from the space systems segment, contributing around 33%, which equates to $14.34 billion out of a total revenue of $43 billion.
➖ Next, the aeronautics systems segment adds nearly 27%, bringing in $11.61 billion of the overall revenue.
➖ The mission systems segment follows closely, accounting for about 26%, or $11.12 billion of the total.
➖ Finally, the defense systems segment generates nearly 14%, totaling $5.99 billion of the overall revenue.
● Lockheed Martin
Similar to Northrop Grumman, this company also operates through four segments to drive its revenue.
➖ The aeronautics segment leads the way, contributing around 38.4%, which amounts to nearly $28.77 billion of the total revenue of $74.85 billion.
➖ The rotary and mission systems segment accounts for 26.4% of revenue, equating to $19.76 billion.
➖ Next, the space segment contributes 17.8%, which is $13.33 billion.
➖ Finally, the missile and fire control segment makes up 17.4%, totaling $12.99 billion of the overall revenue.
REVENUE & PROFIT ANALYSIS
● Northrop Grumman
Revenue
➖ For the FY23 the revenue has jumped by 7.3% to $39.3 B from $36.6 B in FY22.
➖ In the recent June quarter there is no significant surge in revenue as the recent quarterly revenue stands at $10.2 B compared to $10.1 B in the march 2024. But from the last year June quarter the revenue has grown by almost 6% from $9.6 B.
Profit
➖ The operating profit has experienced a decline, with FY23 reporting only $2.9 billion, a drop from $6.3 billion in FY22.
➖ In the latest June quarter, the operating profit held steady at $1.3 billion, unchanged from the March quarter.
Basic EPS (LTM)
➖ The basic EPS saw a slight rise in June, climbing to $15.26 (LTM) from $14.33 (LTM) in March 2024. However, compared to the same quarter last year, there has been a significant drop from $30.23 (LTM)
Analyzing these numbers shows that although revenue has risen, the company is having difficulty producing profits, which may impact the share price in the near term.
● Lockheed Martin
Revenue
➖ In FY23, the company experienced a slight revenue increase of 2.4%, rising to $67.6 billion from $66 billion in FY22.
➖ During the recent June quarter, revenue reached $18.1 billion, up from $17.2 billion in the March quarter. Compared to the same quarter last year, this represents a significant growth of approximately 8.6%, up from $16.7 billion.
Profit
➖ The operating income has experienced a year-over-year increase. For FY23, it reached $9.0 billion, marking a 23% rise from $7.3 billion in FY22.
➖ However, there hasn't been a notable change in operating profit on a quarter-over-quarter basis. In June, the operating profit stood at $2.2 billion, slightly up from $2.1 billion in March. This figure is consistent with the operating profit reported in the same quarter last year.
Basic EPS (LTM)
➖ The basic EPS stood at $27.58 (LTM) in June 2024
➖ Over the past year, there has been no notable growth in EPS (LTM)
Lockheed Martin demonstrates a more robust financial standing compared to Northman Grumman.
VALUATION
● P/E Ratio
➖ P/E vs. Median P/E
(1) Northrop Grumman's current price-to-earnings ratio over the past twelve months stands at 33.2x, which appears elevated when compared to its four-year median of 15.2x.
(2) Lockheed Martin's recent twelve-month p/e ratio is 20.1x, also showing a rise relative to its four-year median of 16.2x.
➖ P/E vs. Industry P/E
(1) NOC shows a fair valuation with a Price-To-Earnings Ratio of 33.2x, which is just below the US Aerospace & Defense Industry average of 33.3x.
(2) On the other hand, LMT, with a P/E of 20.1x, seems to be undervalued relative to the industry average of 33.3x.
● P/B Ratio
➖ NOC's current P/B ratio of 5.3x appears inflated when stacked against the US Aerospace & Defense Industry average of 3.2x.
➖ In the case of LMT, it stands out as significantly overvalued, boasting a P/B ratio of 21.9x, which is far above the industry average of 3.2x.
FREE CASH FLOW ANALYSIS
● Northrop Grumman
➖ In FY23, cash flow from operations saw a remarkable increase, climbing to $3.9 billion, a notable rise from $2.9 billion in FY22.
➖ In the most recent quarter, this figure reached $4.4 billion, up from $3.9 billion in March.
● Lockheed Martin
➖ There was little change in operating cash flow, with FY23 reporting $7.9 billion, which is nearly the same as the $7.8 billion recorded in FY22.
➖ On a quarterly basis, there has been an uptick; for the June quarter, operating cash flow stood at $8.8 billion, an increase from $8.0 billion in March and $7.7 billion in the same quarter last year.
DEBT ANALYSIS
● NOC currently has a debt of $16.3 billion, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 114%. While this may raise some concerns, the company boasts an interest coverage ratio of 5.2, indicating a solid ability to manage interest payments on its debt.
● In contrast, LMT carries a debt of $19.3 billion, leading to a debt-to-equity ratio of 311%, which suggests poor financial health. However, with an impressive interest coverage ratio of 8.9, the company is in a strong position to meet its interest obligations.
TOP SHAREHOLDERS
● Northrop Grumman
➖ State Street Global has a notable 9.59% ownership in this firm, while The Vanguard Group possesses a considerable 8.22% stake.
● Lockheed Martin
➖ In addition to the 11.2% held by Lockheed Martin's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), State Street Global and The Vanguard Group own 15.1% and 8.99% respectively.
➖ BlackRock also maintains a significant 7.13% interest in this company.
CONCLUSION
After reviewing all the financial metrics, it becomes evident that each company possesses distinct strengths and weaknesses. It's difficult to determine which one is the superior investment choice at this moment. A look at the monthly chart indicates that both companies are currently at a high point, but they could be good candidates for accumulation during any significant downturns.
In 2023, the US spent $916 billion on defense, which was more than any other country. This was an increase of $55 billion from 2022. and this figure could increase given the current global landscape. Therefore, companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are expected to perform well in the foreseeable future.
War/Defence Stocks: Macro Fib SchematicsThis handcrafted idea using Advanced Fibonacci Tools beholds 6 of the largest War Mongering "Defence" contractors.
( Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, L3 Harris Tech )
These Fibonacci Schematics show all price manipulation of Support and Resistance. I've started the timeline at 1999 for many reasons. One being the already conceived and "soon to be" conflicts of the Middle East with the "war of terror." (Give me a break)
2001 kickstarted another HUGE flow of stimulus into these defence contractors to fund the West's newest war to keep people "proud to be an American". Solely by continuing the collective punishment of millions of people in the Middle East region. This had already been going on for about 2 decades at least before 9/11.
The American Government killed hundreds of thousands to millions of Iraqis and Afghanistan people through this collective punishment. They needed a way to continue their genocidal intent and ethnic cleansing with a false flag terror attack to get the American People back on their side. 9/11 brought out the worst in our country and the "PatRioTiC" US citizens green lit their leaders to dish out more collective punishment even though their leaders had been lying though their teeth for countless years.... I need give only one example with "weapons of mass destruction"
Obviously this matters because these Defence Contractors have blood all over their hands that they are basically swimming in it.
Anyways, this is just a Macro Analysis. These lines represent death and destruction so investing in them is a moral dilemma which I obviously advice against.
Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) October 2023 to April 2024
Neutral to Long: The company's fundamentals and dividend history are strong, suggesting a potential long position. However, the recent underperformance (negative YTD return) and the volatility might be a concern, which introduces some caution, hence the neutral stance.
Fundamentals:
Market Cap: $110.91 billion
Operating Margin (TTM): 13.43%
EPS (Earnings Per Share): $27.3
PE Ratio: 16.13
Revenue (TTM): $67.39 billion
Quarterly Revenue Growth YoY: 8.1%
Profit Margin: 10.48%
Return on Equity (TTM): 68.31%
Recent Earnings:
Q3 2023: Estimated EPS was $6.67 (actual EPS not yet reported).
Q2 2023: Estimated EPS was $6.45, and the actual EPS was $6.63, resulting in a positive surprise of 2.79%.
Q1 2023: Estimated EPS was $6.06, and the actual EPS was $6.61, resulting in a positive surprise of 9.08%.
Q4 2022: Estimated EPS was $7.39, and the actual EPS was $7.4, resulting in a slight positive surprise of 0.14%.
Technical Indicators:
5-Year Return: 9.02%
10-Year Return: 16.31%
1-Year Return: 13.94%
YTD Return: -7.52%
Dividend Yield: 2.72%
Volatility (1Y): 21.49%
Sharpe Ratio: 0.7561
Dividends & Splits:
Last Dividend Date: December 29, 2023
Forward Annual Dividend Yield: 2.86%
Forward Annual Dividend Rate: $12.6
Last Split: 2:1 on January 4, 1999
Analysis:
Lockheed Martin has shown consistent growth in its revenue, with a YoY quarterly revenue growth of 8.1%. The company's earnings have been positive, with recent quarters showing a positive surprise in EPS compared to estimates. The company's fundamentals, such as the operating margin and profit margin, are robust. The PE ratio is at a moderate level, indicating that the stock might be reasonably priced. The company has a strong dividend history, which is a positive sign for income-focused investors.
However, the YTD return is negative, indicating some recent underperformance. The volatility is also relatively high, which might be a concern for risk-averse investors.
In conclusion, Lockheed Martin appears to be a fundamentally strong company with consistent growth and a good dividend history. However, potential investors should be cautious about the recent underperformance and consider the company's volatility before making an investment decision.
Please note that this analysis is based on historical data and does not guarantee future performance. Always conduct your own research and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) October 2023 to April 2024
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
Fundamentals:
Market Cap: $73.996 billion
EPS (Earnings Per Share): $30.13
P/E Ratio: 16.232
Book Value: $102.293
Operating Margin (TTM): 11.49%
Profit Margin: 12.27%
Return on Assets (TTM): 8.45%
Return on Equity (TTM): 31.91%
Wall Street Target Price: $504.33
Revenue (TTM): $37.881 billion
Gross Profit (TTM): $7.474 billion
Recent Earnings:
Q2 2023: Actual EPS of $5.34 vs. Estimated EPS of $5.33 (Surprise: +0.1876%)
Q1 2023: Actual EPS of $5.5 vs. Estimated EPS of $5.09 (Surprise: +8.055%)
Q4 2022: Actual EPS of $7.5 vs. Estimated EPS of $6.57 (Surprise: +14.1553%)
Technical Indicators:
52 Week High: $547.6509
52 Week Low: $414.56
50-Day Moving Average: $436.8846
200-Day Moving Average: $453.325
Beta: 0.437 (indicating the stock is less volatile than the market)
Dividends:
Forward Annual Dividend Rate: $7.48
Forward Annual Dividend Yield: 1.53%
Payout Ratio: 29.72%
Performance Metrics:
YTD Return: -9.27%
1-Year Return: 4.55%
3-Year Return: 17.6%
5-Year Return: 11.52%
10-Year Return: 19.05%
Analysis:
Northrop Grumman has demonstrated a solid financial performance with a healthy profit margin and return on equity. The company's earnings have been consistently beating estimates, indicating strong operational efficiency. The stock's P/E ratio is relatively moderate, suggesting it might be fairly valued. The company also offers a decent dividend yield, making it attractive for income-seeking investors. However, the stock has underperformed YTD, which might be a concern for short-term investors. Given its industry positioning and financial metrics, it seems to be a stable investment for those looking at the defense sector.
Is the DFEN dip buyable?I think that the dip is very buyable. Fundamentally, Russia has made the world more
dangerous. Shipments of weapons to Ukraine have depleted US and European stockpiles.
NATO is in a growth mode as proposed by former president Trump some years ago.
While many would like less defense spending and shift it into social spending or
infrastructure or clean technology government funding. the pragmatics are that
national security is generally higher on the priority list. DFEN just dropped below
the high volume area of the volume profile on the 15 minute chart in a VWAP breakdown.
The relative strength lines did a bottom bounce on the indicator. I will exploit this
as a long buying opportunity looking to a modest 5% upside target at minimal risk.
Raytheon on the breakout ?A repeated patter on the weekly RTX chart appears to be forming, and technical indicators are set up similarly.
The daily chart is also in alignment as previously. Technical Indicators have just crossed over and suggest a breakout is in order.
About 15% upside potential with upside target at 113.80, about mid-September 2022.
Fundamental and geopolitical alignment should start appearing soon...
Watch this one!