Danaher (DHR) 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
Danaher (DHR) has outperformed Northrop Grumman (NOC) over the past year, gaining 4.7% versus a loss of 23.8%. Over five years, NOC leads with a +19.8% price change compared with -18.2% for DHR. Danaher is the larger company by market cap ($149.76 billion vs $67.74 billion), about 2.2 times the size.
On valuation, Northrop Grumman trades at a lower forward P/E (15.7x vs 22.9x for Danaher). Northrop Grumman offers the higher dividend yield (1.97% vs 0.68%). Danaher converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.7% versus 10.0%.
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 | DHR | NOC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $213.03 | $476.84 |
| Market cap | $149.76B | $67.74B |
| 1-day change | -2.53% | +0.71% |
| YTD return | -4.56% | -16.97% |
| 1-year return | +4.66% | -23.84% |
| 5-year return | -18.22% | +19.75% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 37.97 | 15.16 |
| Forward P/E | 22.91 | 15.66 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.61 | $31.46 |
| Dividend yield | 0.68% | 1.97% |
| Annual dividend | $1.44 | $9.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $24.57B | $41.95B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.90% | +2.24% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.61B | $4.18B |
| Gross margin | 59.11% | — |
| Operating margin | 19.09% | 10.75% |
| Net margin | 14.71% | 9.97% |
| 52-week high | $242.80 | $774.00 |
| 52-week low | $160.93 | $470.06 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.26% | -38.39% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +12.21% | +32.97% |
| Average volume | 4.70M | 847.39K |
| Shares outstanding | 702.99M | 142.06M |
| Employees | 58,000 | 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
- Danaher is about 2.2 times larger than Northrop Grumman by market value ($149.76B vs $67.74B).
- DHR has outperformed NOC by 28.5 percentage points over the past year.
- Danaher trades at a higher earnings multiple (38.0x vs 15.2x trailing P/E).
- Northrop Grumman offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.97% vs 0.68%).
About Danaher
DHR stock →Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, research, and industrial products and services in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates through Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Diagnostics segments.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 58,000 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
DHR vs NOC FAQ
Which is bigger, Danaher or Northrop Grumman?
Danaher (DHR) is larger, with a market capitalization of $149.76B compared with $67.74B for Northrop Grumman (NOC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, DHR or NOC?
DHR returned +4.66% 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, DHR or NOC?
NOC has the lower trailing P/E at 15.2, versus 38.0 for DHR. 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, Danaher or Northrop Grumman?
Northrop Grumman has the higher yield at 1.97%, compared with 0.68% for Danaher.
Are Danaher and Northrop Grumman in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.