Cummins (CMI) vs Northrop Grumman (NOC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Cummins (CMI) has outperformed Northrop Grumman (NOC) over the past year, gaining 19.2% versus a loss of 23.8%. Over five years, CMI leads with a +117.1% price change compared with +19.8% for NOC. Cummins is the larger company by market cap ($71.22 billion vs $67.26 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while Northrop Grumman is growing revenue faster (+2.2% vs -1.3%).
On valuation, Cummins trades at a lower forward P/E (14.9x vs 15.5x for Northrop Grumman). Northrop Grumman offers the higher dividend yield (1.99% vs 1.55%). Northrop Grumman converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 10.0% versus 8.8%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CMI | NOC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $517.32 | $473.46 |
| Market cap | $71.22B | $67.26B |
| 1-day change | -3.36% | -2.00% |
| YTD return | +1.35% | -16.97% |
| 1-year return | +19.15% | -23.84% |
| 5-year return | +117.11% | +19.75% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 26.43 | 15.05 |
| Forward P/E | 14.86 | 15.55 |
| EPS (TTM) | $19.57 | $31.46 |
| Dividend yield | 1.55% | 1.99% |
| Annual dividend | $8.00 | $9.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $33.67B | $41.95B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.27% | +2.24% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.96B | $4.18B |
| Gross margin | 25.29% | — |
| Operating margin | 11.95% | 10.75% |
| Net margin | 8.78% | 9.97% |
| 52-week high | $737.76 | $774.00 |
| 52-week low | $400.72 | $470.06 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -29.88% | -38.83% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +43.64% | +33.92% |
| Average volume | 1.01M | 851.13K |
| Shares outstanding | 137.66M | 142.06M |
| Employees | 67,400 | 95,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Industrial Machinery/Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- CMI has outperformed NOC by 43.0 percentage points over the past year.
- Cummins trades at a higher earnings multiple (26.4x vs 15.0x trailing P/E).
About Cummins
CMI stock →Cummins Inc. offers various power solutions worldwide.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 67,400 employees
About Northrop Grumman
NOC stock →Northrop Grumman Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense technology company in the United States, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 95,000 employees
CMI vs NOC FAQ
Which is bigger, Cummins or Northrop Grumman?
Cummins (CMI) is larger, with a market capitalization of $71.22B compared with $67.26B for Northrop Grumman (NOC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CMI or NOC?
CMI returned +19.15% over the past 12 months, compared with -23.84% for NOC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CMI or NOC?
NOC has the lower trailing P/E at 15.0, versus 26.4 for CMI. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Cummins or Northrop Grumman?
Northrop Grumman has the higher yield at 1.99%, compared with 1.55% for Cummins.
Are Cummins and Northrop Grumman in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.