Northrop Grumman's first quarter 2026 earnings beat expectations, driven by 17% growth in its Aeronautics segment.

Northrop Grumman reported first quarter 2026 sales of $9.9 billion, a 4% increase year-over-year, and diluted earnings per share of $6.14, an 85% increase from the prior year. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance.

Key Highlights

• Aeronautics Systems sales grew 17% year-over-year to $3.3 billion, primarily driven by higher sales on the B-21 program following an agreement with the U.S. Air Force to expand production capacity.
• Diluted EPS of $6.14 significantly increased from $3.32 in the prior-year period, largely due to the absence of a $477 million B-21 loss provision taken in the first quarter of 2025.
• The company reported a strong backlog of $95.6 billion, supported by new awards of $9.8 billion, and reaffirmed its full-year 2026 financial guidance.