FedEx Corporation (FDX) vs Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)

FDX leads on 9 of 17 compared metrics, though NOC is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of FedEx Corporation and Northrop Grumman Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 29, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — FDX vs NOC

growth of $100 · last 30y
FDX +2264.7%NOC +1518.2%FDX compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,365$1,618
FDX NOC

FDX vs NOC: by the numbers

  • FDX is the larger company ($76.00B vs $71.02B market cap).
  • NOC trades at the lower earnings multiple (15.65 vs 17.37 P/E).
  • NOC converts more revenue to profit (10.80% vs 4.68% net margin).
  • NOC pays the higher dividend yield (1.98% vs 1.53%).

Which is better, FDX or NOC?

Metric tally: FDX 9 · NOC 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueNOC(lower P/E)
GrowthNOC(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeNOC(higher dividend yield)
QualityNOC(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFDXNOC
P/E ratio17.3715.65
Forward P/E14.3716.59
P/S ratio0.811.68
P/B ratio2.434.16
PEG ratio1.957.41
EV / EBITDA9.9013.90
FCF yield6.66%4.64%

Profitability

MetricFDXNOC
Gross margin22.90%20.52%
Operating margin6.74%11.08%
Net margin4.68%10.80%
ROE14.01%26.74%
ROIC5.95%9.21%

Dividends

MetricFDXNOC
Dividend yield1.53%1.98%
Payout ratio26.31%33.91%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFDXNOC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.47%2.56%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-1.27%8.84%
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.77%-3.15%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.37%7.75%

Frequently asked

Which is better, FDX or NOC?
It depends on your goal. value: NOC (lower P/E); growth: NOC (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: NOC (higher dividend yield); quality: NOC (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, FDX leads 9 to 8.
Is FDX or NOC cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NOC is cheaper: FDX trades at a 17.37 P/E and NOC at 15.65.
Which has grown faster, FDX or NOC?
Over the past five years, NOC grew revenue faster — FDX at a 2.47% CAGR versus NOC at 2.56%.
Does FDX or NOC pay a bigger dividend?
FDX yields 1.53% and NOC yields 1.98% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FDX or NOC more profitable?
NOC runs the higher net margin — FDX at 4.68% versus NOC at 10.80%.
Which has been the better investment, FDX or NOC?
Over the past 10-year, FDX delivered the higher annualized total return — FDX at 11.89% versus NOC at 10.68%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 29, 2026.