WallStSmart

Moodys Corporation (MCO)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Northrop Grumman Corporation generates 444% more annual revenue ($41.95B vs $7.72B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 10.0%. MCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.93. MCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

MCO

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.99

NOC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MCOUndervalued (+33.1%)

Margin of Safety

+33.1%

Fair Value

$639.76

Current Price

$428.05

$211.71 discount

UndervaluedFair: $639.76Overvalued
NOCUndervalued (+24.9%)

Margin of Safety

+24.9%

Fair Value

$904.35

Current Price

$691.21

$213.14 discount

UndervaluedFair: $904.35Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MCO5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
62.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 62 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
42.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
57.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 57.6% YoY

Market CapQuality
$76.27B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

NOC3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$97.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
26.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.23B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

MCO3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.934/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
18.7x4/10

Trading at 18.7x book value

NOC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.362/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MCO

The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 42.1%. Revenue growth of 13.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NOC

The strongest argument for NOC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : MCO

The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : NOC

The primary concerns for NOC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MCO profiles as a mature stock while NOC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.44 — expect wider price swings.

MCO is growing revenue faster at 13.0% — sustainability is the question.

NOC generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MCO scores higher overall (71/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins and 13.0% revenue growth. NOC offers better value entry with a 24.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Moodys Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.

Northrop Grumman Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.

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