Keysight Technologies (KEYS) 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
Keysight Technologies (KEYS) has outperformed Northrop Grumman (NOC) over the past year, gaining 124.3% versus a loss of 23.8%. Over five years, KEYS leads with a +126.1% price change compared with +19.8% for NOC. Northrop Grumman is the larger company by market cap ($67.26 billion vs $64.93 billion), about 1.0 times the size, while Keysight Technologies is growing revenue faster (+8.0% vs +2.2%).
On valuation, Northrop Grumman trades at a lower forward P/E (15.5x vs 27.5x for Keysight Technologies). Northrop Grumman pays a dividend yielding 1.99%, while Keysight Technologies does not currently pay one. Keysight Technologies converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.8% 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 | KEYS | NOC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $381.42 | $473.46 |
| Market cap | $64.93B | $67.26B |
| 1-day change | -1.70% | -2.00% |
| YTD return | +87.72% | -16.97% |
| 1-year return | +124.27% | -23.84% |
| 5-year return | +126.08% | +19.75% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 51.61 | 15.05 |
| Forward P/E | 27.50 | 15.55 |
| EPS (TTM) | $7.39 | $31.46 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 1.99% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $9.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.38B | $41.95B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +7.95% | +2.24% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $850.00M | $4.18B |
| Gross margin | 62.08% | — |
| Operating margin | 16.30% | 10.75% |
| Net margin | 15.81% | 9.97% |
| 52-week high | $389.93 | $774.00 |
| 52-week low | $158.79 | $470.06 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -2.18% | -38.83% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +9.59% | +33.92% |
| Average volume | 1.23M | 851.13K |
| Shares outstanding | 170.24M | 142.06M |
| Employees | 16,600 | 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
- KEYS has outperformed NOC by 148.1 percentage points over the past year.
- Keysight Technologies trades at a higher earnings multiple (51.6x vs 15.0x trailing P/E).
- Northrop Grumman offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.99% vs 0.00%).
- Keysight Technologies is more profitable, keeping 15.8 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 10.0 cents for Northrop Grumman.
- Keysight Technologies grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+7.95% vs +2.24%).
About Keysight Technologies
KEYS stock →Keysight Technologies, Inc. provides electronic design and test solutions worldwide.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 16,600 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
KEYS vs NOC FAQ
Which is bigger, Keysight Technologies or Northrop Grumman?
Northrop Grumman (NOC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $67.26B compared with $64.93B for Keysight Technologies (KEYS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KEYS or NOC?
KEYS returned +124.27% 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, KEYS or NOC?
NOC has the lower trailing P/E at 15.0, versus 51.6 for KEYS. 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, Keysight Technologies or Northrop Grumman?
Northrop Grumman pays a dividend yielding 1.99%, while Keysight Technologies does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Keysight Technologies and Northrop Grumman in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.