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Investing.com -- Morgan Stanley has named Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) and RTX Corp its new Top Picks in the defense and aerospace sectors, respectively, citing improved program economics and compelling valuations.
The firm upgraded Northrop Grumman to its “Top Pick in Defense” and raised its price target to $625 from $570.
Analysts cited strong second-quarter results and improved prospects for the company’s B-21 Raider bomber program.
“The potential for improved B-21 economics as the Air Force looks to accelerate aircraft production is significant, in our view,” Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) wrote.
The bank said Northrop’s marquee programs appear well-funded, with the B-21 receiving approximately $4.5 billion in reconciliation funding and the E-2D aircraft securing an additional $1.5 billion.
The firm added, “We see acceleration in Northrop’s revenue growth with improving margins,” and called the company’s portfolio “Best in Breed.”
In a separate note, RTX was named Morgan Stanley’s “Top Pick in Aerospace.”
The bank said that despite lowering its 2025 earnings outlook due to tariffs, RTX is trading at a steep discount to peers like GE Aerospace, about 33% on a next-twelve-month price-to-free-cash-flow basis and 40% on EV/EBITDA.
“We see current valuation levels as compelling,” the analysts wrote. “The market is disproportionately penalizing RTX, creating a relative value opportunity and an attractive entry point.”
RTX beat second-quarter expectations, with both revenue and segment profit exceeding estimates.
Morgan Stanley raised its price target on the stock to $180 from $165 and maintained its Overweight rating, noting strong demand across RTX’s end markets and ongoing progress in managing its GTF engine fleet.