Why Is Northrop Grumman (NOC) Up 4.2% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - Northrop Grumman reported strong second-quarter earnings and revenues, exceeding expectations, and raised its earnings guidance for 2025, indicating positive operational performance despite a decline in backlog [2][12][13]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings for Q2 2025 were $7.11 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.71 by 6% [2]. - Total sales reached $10.35 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $10.06 billion by 2.9% and increasing 1.3% from $10.22 billion in the same quarter last year [4]. - The company reported GAAP earnings of $8.15 per share, a 28% increase from $6.36 in the previous year [2]. Segment Performance - Aeronautics Systems: Sales increased 2% to $3.11 billion, driven by the B-21 program and E-130J TACAMO program, with operating income rising to $321 million [6]. - Mission Systems: Sales rose 14% to $3.16 billion, with operating income increasing 22% to $441 million [7]. - Defense Systems: Sales jumped 7% to $1.99 billion, with operating income improving 32% to $253 million [8]. - Space Systems: Sales declined 12% to $2.65 billion, with operating income decreasing 8% to $280 million [9]. Operational Update - Total operating income for the quarter was $1.43 billion, up from $1.09 billion in the prior year, reflecting strong performance across several segments [10]. Financial Condition - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $1.90 billion from $4.35 billion at the end of 2024, while long-term debt increased to $15.16 billion [11]. - Net cash outflow from operating activities was $697 million in the first half of 2025, compared to an inflow of $719 million a year ago [11]. Guidance and Estimates - The company updated its 2025 revenue guidance to $42.05-$42.25 billion, slightly narrower than the previous range [12]. - Adjusted earnings guidance was raised to $25.00-$25.40 per share, above the earlier range [13]. - Projected adjusted free cash flow was increased to $3.05-$3.35 billion from the previous range of $2.85-$3.25 billion [13]. Backlog Information - Total backlog at the end of Q2 was $89.74 billion, down from $92.80 billion at the end of Q1 2025, with a projected backlog of $115.31 billion [5]. Market Sentiment - Despite the positive earnings report, there has been a downward trend in estimates, with a consensus estimate shift of -14.38% [14]. - Northrop Grumman currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [16].