Heico (HEI) vs Northrop Grumman (NOC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Heico (HEI) has outperformed Northrop Grumman (NOC) over the past year, losing 6.7% versus a loss of 23.8%. Over five years, HEI leads with a +111.2% price change compared with +19.8% for NOC. Northrop Grumman is the larger company by market cap ($67.26 billion vs $41.34 billion), about 1.6 times the size, while Heico is growing revenue faster (+16.3% vs +2.2%).
On valuation, Northrop Grumman trades at a lower forward P/E (15.5x vs 41.0x for Heico). Northrop Grumman offers the higher dividend yield (1.99% vs 0.08%). Heico converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.4% 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 | HEI | NOC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $295.78 | $473.46 |
| Market cap | $41.34B | $67.26B |
| 1-day change | -2.47% | -2.00% |
| YTD return | -8.59% | -16.97% |
| 1-year return | -6.69% | -23.84% |
| 5-year return | +111.24% | +19.75% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 49.05 | 15.05 |
| Forward P/E | 41.02 | 15.55 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.03 | $31.46 |
| Dividend yield | 0.08% | 1.99% |
| Annual dividend | $0.25 | $9.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.49B | $41.95B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +16.26% | +2.24% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $690.38M | $4.18B |
| Gross margin | 39.83% | — |
| Operating margin | 22.72% | 10.75% |
| Net margin | 15.39% | 9.97% |
| 52-week high | $376.86 | $774.00 |
| 52-week low | $256.11 | $470.06 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -21.51% | -38.83% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +32.77% | +33.92% |
| Average volume | 470.69K | 851.13K |
| Shares outstanding | 55.24M | 142.06M |
| Employees | 11,100 | 95,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Aerospace | 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
- HEI has outperformed NOC by 17.1 percentage points over the past year.
- Heico trades at a higher earnings multiple (49.1x vs 15.0x trailing P/E).
- Northrop Grumman offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.99% vs 0.08%).
- Heico is more profitable, keeping 15.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 10.0 cents for Northrop Grumman.
- Heico grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+16.26% vs +2.24%).
About Heico
HEI stock →HEICO Corporation provides aerospace, defense, and electronic related products and services in the United States and internationally. Its Flight Support Group segment offers jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts; thermal insulation blankets and parts; renewable/reusable insulation systems; and specialty components and assemblies.
Industrials · Aerospace · 11,100 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
HEI vs NOC FAQ
Which is bigger, Heico or Northrop Grumman?
Northrop Grumman (NOC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $67.26B compared with $41.34B for Heico (HEI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, HEI or NOC?
HEI returned -6.69% 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, HEI or NOC?
NOC has the lower trailing P/E at 15.0, versus 49.1 for HEI. 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, Heico or Northrop Grumman?
Northrop Grumman has the higher yield at 1.99%, compared with 0.08% for Heico.
Are Heico and Northrop Grumman in the same industry?
Both are in the Industrials sector, but in different industries: Aerospace for Heico and Industrial Machinery/Components for Northrop Grumman.