Annual Statements Open main menu

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP /DE/ - Quarter Report: 2019 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2019
or
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-16411
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
80-0640649
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
2980 Fairview Park Drive
 
 
Falls Church,
Virginia
 
22042
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(703) 280-2900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock
NOC
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒    No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒    No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large Accelerated Filer ☒     Accelerated Filer ☐
Non-accelerated Filer ☐    Smaller Reporting Company                 
Emerging Growth Company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes     No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
As of October 21, 2019, 168,532,761 shares of common stock were outstanding.


Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 
Page
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.
 

i

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.    Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30

Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions, except per share amounts
2019

2018

2019

2018
Sales











Product
$
5,997


$
5,614


$
17,605


$
14,693

Service
2,478


2,471


7,515


7,246

Total sales
8,475


8,085


25,120


21,939

Operating costs and expenses











Product
4,777


4,233


13,955


11,200

Service
1,971


1,863


6,012


5,635

General and administrative expenses
776


817


2,320


2,267

Operating income
951


1,172


2,833


2,837

Other (expense) income











Interest expense
(123
)

(133
)

(398
)

(420
)
FAS (non-service) pension benefit
200


270


600


782

Other, net
27


55


82


140

Earnings before income taxes
1,055


1,364


3,117


3,339

Federal and foreign income tax expense
122


120


460


466

Net earnings
$
933


$
1,244


$
2,657


$
2,873













Basic earnings per share
$
5.52


$
7.15


$
15.67


$
16.48

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, in millions
169.1


174.1


169.6


174.3

Diluted earnings per share
$
5.49


$
7.11


$
15.60


$
16.40

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions
169.9


174.9


170.3


175.2













Net earnings (from above)
$
933


$
1,244


$
2,657


$
2,873

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unamortized prior service credit, net of tax
(12
)
 
(15
)
 
(35
)
 
(45
)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment and other, net

 
(3
)
 

 
(9
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(12
)
 
(18
)
 
(35
)
 
(54
)
Comprehensive income
$
921

 
$
1,226

 
$
2,622

 
$
2,819

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

-1-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Unaudited)
$ in millions, except par value
September 30,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,127

 
$
1,579

Accounts receivable, net
2,111

 
1,448

Unbilled receivables, net
5,777

 
5,026

Inventoried costs, net
810

 
654

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
1,011

 
973

Total current assets
10,836

 
9,680

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,709 for 2019 and $5,369 for 2018
6,611

 
6,372

Operating lease right-of-use assets
1,511

 

Goodwill
18,707

 
18,672

Intangible assets, net
1,123

 
1,372

Deferred tax assets
83

 
94

Other non-current assets
1,682

 
1,463

Total assets
$
40,553

 
$
37,653

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
$
2,021

 
$
2,182

Accrued employee compensation
1,744

 
1,676

Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred
2,127

 
1,917

Other current liabilities
2,524

 
2,499

Total current liabilities
8,416

 
8,274

Long-term debt, net of current portion of $45 for 2019 and $517 for 2018
13,826

 
13,883

Pension and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities
5,431

 
5,755

Operating lease liabilities
1,304

 

Deferred tax liabilities
111

 
108

Other non-current liabilities
1,734

 
1,446

Total liabilities
30,822

 
29,466

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

 

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding

 

Common stock, $1 par value; 800,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2019—168,701,653 and 2018—170,607,336
169

 
171

Paid-in capital

 

Retained earnings
9,649

 
8,068

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(87
)
 
(52
)
Total shareholders’ equity
9,731

 
8,187

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
40,553

 
$
37,653

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

-2-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
2,657

 
$
2,873

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
737

 
534

Non-cash lease expense
187

 

Stock-based compensation
93

 
82

Deferred income taxes
24

 
275

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
(663
)
 
(52
)
Unbilled receivables, net
(778
)
 
(898
)
Inventoried costs, net
(156
)
 
(102
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(81
)
 
(109
)
Accounts payable and other liabilities
320

 
(125
)
Income taxes payable, net
(34
)
 
(114
)
Retiree benefits
(422
)
 
(847
)
Other, net
(51
)
 
(67
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
1,833

 
1,450

 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
Acquisition of Orbital ATK, net of cash acquired

 
(7,657
)
Capital expenditures
(793
)
 
(786
)
Other, net
8

 
23

Net cash used in investing activities
(785
)
 
(8,420
)
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
Payments of long-term debt
(500
)
 
(2,276
)
Net payments to credit facilities
(31
)
 
(314
)
Net borrowings on commercial paper
201

 
499

Common stock repurchases
(444
)
 
(209
)
Cash dividends paid
(658
)
 
(616
)
Payments of employee taxes withheld from share-based awards
(63
)
 
(84
)
Other, net
(5
)
 
(27
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,500
)
 
(3,027
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(452
)
 
(9,997
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
1,579

 
11,225

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
1,127

 
$
1,228

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

-3-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions, except per share amounts
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Common stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
$
169

 
$
174

 
$
171

 
$
174

Common stock repurchased

 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
Shares issued for employee stock awards and options

 
1

 

 
1

End of period
169

 
174

 
169

 
174

Paid-in capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period

 

 

 
44

Common stock repurchased

 

 

 
(34
)
Stock compensation

 

 

 
(10
)
End of period

 

 

 

Retained earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
9,120

 
8,066

 
8,068

 
6,913

Impact from adoption of ASU 2018-02 and ASU 2016-01

 

 

 
(21
)
Common stock repurchased
(215
)
 
(164
)
 
(449
)
 
(179
)
Net earnings
933

 
1,244

 
2,657

 
2,873

Dividends declared
(226
)
 
(211
)
 
(658
)
 
(616
)
Stock compensation
37

 
26

 
31

 
(9
)
End of period
9,649

 
8,961

 
9,649

 
8,961

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
(75
)
 
(14
)
 
(52
)
 
1

Impact from adoption of ASU 2018-02 and ASU 2016-01

 

 

 
21

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(12
)
 
(18
)
 
(35
)
 
(54
)
End of period
(87
)
 
(32
)
 
(87
)
 
(32
)
Total shareholders’ equity
$
9,731

 
$
9,103

 
$
9,731

 
$
9,103

Cash dividends declared per share
$
1.32

 
$
1.20

 
$
3.84

 
$
3.50

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

-4-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
1.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Principles of Consolidation and Reporting
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) include the accounts of Northrop Grumman Corporation and its subsidiaries and joint ventures or other investments for which we consolidate the financial results (herein referred to as “Northrop Grumman,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). Material intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in equity securities and joint ventures where the company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method.
On June 6, 2018 (the “Merger date”), the company completed its previously announced acquisition of Orbital ATK, Inc. (“Orbital ATK”) (the “Merger”). On the Merger date, Orbital ATK became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company and its name was changed to Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc., which we established as a new, fourth business sector (“Innovation Systems”). The operating results of Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date have been included in the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations. See Note 2 for further information regarding the Merger.
At September 30, 2019, the company was aligned in four operating sectors: Aerospace Systems, Innovation Systems, Mission Systems and Technology Services. In September 2019, the company announced changes effective January 1, 2020, which are intended to better align the company’s broad portfolio to serve its customers’ needs. There will be four sectors: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems. This realignment is not reflected in any of the accompanying financial information.
These financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP” or “FAS”) and in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim reporting. The financial statements include adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary by management for a fair presentation of the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The results reported in these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The quarterly information is labeled using a calendar convention; that is, first quarter is consistently labeled as ending on March 31, second quarter as ending on June 30 and third quarter as ending on September 30. It is the company’s long-standing practice to establish actual interim closing dates using a “fiscal” calendar, in which we close our books on a Friday near these quarter-end dates in order to normalize the potentially disruptive effects of quarterly closings on business processes. This practice is only used at interim periods within a reporting year.
As previously announced, effective January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 842, Leases, using the optional transition method to apply the standard through a cumulative effect adjustment in the period of adoption. The adoption of this standard is reflected in the amounts and disclosures set forth in this Form 10-Q.
Accounting Estimates
Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared using the most current and best available information; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
The majority of our sales are derived from long-term contracts with the U.S. government for the production of goods, the provision of services, or a combination of both. The company classifies sales as product or service based on the predominant attributes of each performance obligation.
The company recognizes revenue for each separately identifiable performance obligation in a contract representing a promise to transfer a distinct good or service to a customer. In most cases, goods and services provided under the company’s contracts are accounted for as single performance obligations due to the complex and integrated nature of our products and services. These contracts generally require significant integration of a group of goods and/or services to deliver a combined output. In some contracts, the company provides multiple distinct goods or services

-5-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

to a customer, most commonly when a contract covers multiple phases of the product lifecycle (e.g., development, production, sustainment, etc.). In those cases, the company accounts for the distinct contract deliverables as separate performance obligations and allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is generally estimated using a cost plus a reasonable margin approach. Warranties are provided on certain contracts, but do not typically provide for services beyond standard assurances and are therefore not considered to be separate performance obligations. Assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract are not material.
Contracts are often modified for changes in contract specifications or requirements, which may result in scope and/or price changes. Most of the company’s contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct in the context of the contract and are therefore accounted for as part of the original performance obligation through a cumulative estimate-at-completion (EAC) adjustment.
The company recognizes revenue as control is transferred to the customer, either over time or at a point in time. In general, our U.S. government contracts contain termination for convenience and/or other clauses that generally provide the customer rights to goods produced and/or in-process. Similarly, our non-U.S. government contracts generally contain contractual termination clauses or entitle the company to payment for work performed to date for goods and services that do not have an alternative use. As control is effectively transferred while we perform on our contracts, we generally recognize revenue over time using the cost-to-cost method (cost incurred relative to total cost estimated at completion) as the company believes this represents the most appropriate measurement towards satisfaction of its performance obligations. Revenue for contracts in which the control of goods produced does not transfer until delivery to the customer is recognized at a point in time (i.e., typically upon delivery).
Contract Estimates
Use of the cost-to-cost method requires us to make reasonably dependable estimates regarding the revenue and cost associated with the design, manufacture and delivery of our products and services. The company estimates profit on these contracts as the difference between total estimated sales and total estimated cost at completion and recognizes that profit as costs are incurred. Significant judgment is used to estimate total sales and cost at completion.
Contract sales may include estimates of variable consideration, including cost or performance incentives (such as award and incentive fees), contract claims and requests for equitable adjustment (REAs). Variable consideration is included in total estimated sales to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We estimate variable consideration as the most likely amount to which we expect to be entitled.
We recognize changes in estimated contract sales or costs and the resulting changes in contract profit on a cumulative basis. Cumulative EAC adjustments represent the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods; sales and operating margins in future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since contract inception. If it is determined that a loss is expected to result on an individual performance obligation, the entire amount of the estimable future loss, including an allocation of general and administrative (G&A) costs, is charged against income in the period the loss is identified. Each loss provision is first offset against costs included in Unbilled receivables or Inventoried costs; remaining amounts are reflected in Other current liabilities.
The following table presents the effect of aggregate net EAC adjustments:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions, except per share data
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Revenue
$
142

 
$
149

 
$
462

 
$
438

Operating income
125

 
149

 
421

 
408

Net earnings(1)
99

 
117

 
333

 
322

Diluted earnings per share(1)
0.58

 
0.67

 
1.96

 
1.84

(1) 
Based on a 21 percent statutory tax rate.
EAC adjustments on a single performance obligation can have a material effect on the company’s financial statements. When such adjustments occur, we generally disclose the nature, underlying conditions and financial impact of the adjustments. No such adjustments were material to the financial statements during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

-6-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Backlog
Backlog represents the future sales we expect to recognize on firm orders received by the company and is equivalent to the company’s remaining performance obligations at the end of each period. It comprises both funded backlog (firm orders for which funding is authorized and appropriated) and unfunded backlog. Unexercised contract options and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are not included in backlog until the time the option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded.
Company backlog as of September 30, 2019 was $65.0 billion. We expect to recognize approximately 40 percent and 65 percent of our September 30, 2019 backlog as revenue over the next 12 and 24 months, respectively, with the remainder to be recognized thereafter.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
For each of the company’s contracts, the timing of revenue recognition, customer billings, and cash collections results in a net contract asset or liability at the end of each reporting period. Fixed-price contracts are typically billed to the customer either using progress payments, whereby amounts are billed monthly as costs are incurred or work is completed, or performance based payments, which are based upon the achievement of specific, measurable events or accomplishments defined and valued at contract inception. Cost-type contracts are typically billed to the customer on a monthly or semi-monthly basis.
Contract assets are equivalent to and reflected as Unbilled receivables in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position and are primarily related to long-term contracts where revenue recognized under the cost-to-cost method exceeds amounts billed to customers. Unbilled receivables are classified as current assets and, in accordance with industry practice, include amounts that may be billed and collected beyond one year due to the long-cycle nature of many of our contracts. Accumulated contract costs in unbilled receivables include costs such as direct production costs, factory and engineering overhead, production tooling costs, and allowable G&A. Unbilled receivables also include certain estimates of variable consideration described above. These contract assets are not considered a significant financing component of the company’s contracts as the payment terms are intended to protect the customer in the event the company does not perform on its obligations under the contract.
Contract liabilities are equivalent to and reflected as Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position. Certain customers make advance payments prior to the company’s satisfaction of its obligations on the contract. These amounts are recorded as contract liabilities until such obligations are satisfied, either over time as costs are incurred or at a point in time when deliveries are made. Contract liabilities are not a significant financing component as they are generally utilized to pay for contract costs within a one-year period or are used to ensure the customer meets contractual requirements.
The amount of revenue recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 that was included in the December 31, 2018 contract liability balance was $209 million and $1.2 billion, respectively. The amount of revenue recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 that was included in the December 31, 2017 contract liability balance was $168 million and $1.2 billion, respectively.
Disaggregation of Revenue
See Note 11 for information regarding the company’s sales by customer type, contract type and geographic region for each of our segments. We believe those categories best depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
$ in millions
 
September 30,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Unamortized prior service credit, net of tax expense of $21 for 2019 and $32 for 2018
 
$
63

 
$
98

Cumulative translation adjustment
 
(148
)
 
(144
)
Other, net
 
(2
)
 
(6
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
$
(87
)
 
$
(52
)

Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings related to the amortization of prior service credit were $12 million and $35 million, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively and were $15 million and $45 million, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended

-7-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

September 30, 2018, respectively. The reclassifications are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (benefit). See Note 8 for further information.
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings relating to cumulative translation adjustments and effective cash flow hedges were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.
Leases
The company leases certain buildings, land and equipment. Under ASC 842, at contract inception we determine whether the contract is or contains a lease and whether the lease should be classified as an operating or a finance lease. Operating leases are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets, Other current liabilities, and Operating lease liabilities in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
The company recognizes operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. We use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of future payments and the appropriate lease classification. Many of our leases include renewal options aligned with our contract terms. We define the initial lease term to include renewal options determined to be reasonably certain. In our adoption of ASC 842, we elected not to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We elected the practical expedient to not separate lease components from nonlease components and applied that practical expedient to all material classes of leased assets.
Many of the company’s real property lease agreements contain incentives for tenant improvements, rent holidays or rent escalation clauses. For tenant improvement incentives, if the incentive is determined to be a leasehold improvement owned by the lessee, the company generally records a deferred rent liability and amortizes the deferred rent over the term of the lease as a reduction to rent expense. For rent holidays and rent escalation clauses during the lease term, the company records rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. For these lease incentives, the company uses the date of initial possession as the commencement date, which is generally when the company is given the right of access to the space and begins to make improvements in preparation for intended use.
Finance leases are not material to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the company is not a lessor in any material arrangements. We do not have any material restrictions or covenants in our lease agreements, sale-leaseback transactions, land easements or residual value guarantees.
Related Party Transactions
The company had no material related party transactions in any period presented.
Accounting Standards Updates
On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASC Topic 842 supersedes existing lease guidance, including ASC 840 - Leases. Among other things, ASU 2016-02 requires recognition of a right-of-use asset and liability for future lease payments for contracts that meet the definition of a lease and requires disclosure of certain information about leasing arrangements. On July 30, 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which, among other things, allows companies to elect an optional transition method to apply the new lease standard through a cumulative-effect adjustment in the period of adoption.
We adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method and, as a result, did not recast prior period unaudited condensed consolidated comparative financial statements. All prior period amounts and disclosures are presented under ASC 840. We elected the package of practical expedients, which, among other things, allows us to carry forward our prior lease classifications under ASC 840. We did not elect to adopt the hindsight practical expedient and are therefore maintaining the lease terms we previously determined under ASC 840. Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of additional lease assets and lease liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position with no cumulative impact to retained earnings and did not have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows.
Other accounting standards updates adopted and/or issued, but not effective until after September 30, 2019, are not expected to have a material effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position, annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

-8-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

2.  ACQUISITION OF ORBITAL ATK
On June 6, 2018, the company completed its previously announced acquisition of Orbital ATK, by acquiring all of the outstanding shares of Orbital ATK for a purchase price of $7.7 billion in cash. On the Merger date, Orbital ATK became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company and its name was changed to Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc. We established Innovation Systems as a new, fourth business sector. Its main products include precision munitions and armaments; tactical missiles and subsystems; ammunition; launch vehicles; space and strategic propulsion systems; aerospace structures; space exploration products; and national security and commercial satellite systems and related components/services. The acquisition was financed with proceeds from the company’s debt financing completed in October 2017 and cash on hand. We believe this acquisition will enable us to broaden our capabilities and offerings, provide additional innovative solutions to meet our customers’ emerging requirements, create value for shareholders and provide expanded opportunities for our combined employees.
Purchase Price Allocation
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination. As such, the company recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value, with the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires significant judgment, including the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, long-term growth rates and discount rates. In some cases, the company used discounted cash flow analyses, which were based on our best estimate of future sales, earnings and cash flows after considering such factors as general market conditions, customer budgets, existing firm and future orders, changes in working capital, long term business plans and recent operating performance. Use of different estimates and judgments could yield materially different results.
During the second quarter of 2019, the company finalized its determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Merger date. Based on additional information obtained during the measurement period, the company refined its initial assessment of fair value and recognized the following significant adjustments to its preliminary purchase price allocation: Intangible assets increased $220 million, Other current liabilities increased $114 million, Pension and other postretirement benefit (OPB) plan liabilities increased $56 million, Other non-current liabilities increased $53 million, Other current assets increased $44 million and Goodwill decreased $36 million. These adjustments did not result in a material impact on the financial results of prior periods.
The Merger date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $7.7 billion in cash, which was comprised of the following:
$ in millions, except per share amounts
 
Purchase price
Shares of Orbital ATK common stock outstanding as of the Merger date
 
57,562,152

Cash consideration per share of Orbital ATK common stock
 
$
134.50

Total purchase price
 
$
7,742



-9-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

The following purchase price allocation table presents the company’s final determination of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Merger date:
$ in millions
 
As of
June 6, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
85

Accounts receivable
 
596

Unbilled receivables
 
1,237

Inventoried costs
 
220

Other current assets
 
237

Property, plant and equipment
 
1,509

Goodwill
 
6,259

Intangible assets
 
1,525

Other non-current assets
 
151

Total assets acquired
 
11,819

Trade accounts payable
 
(397
)
Accrued employee compensation
 
(158
)
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred
 
(222
)
Below market contracts(1)
 
(151
)
Other current liabilities
 
(412
)
Long-term debt
 
(1,687
)
Pension and OPB plan liabilities
 
(613
)
Deferred tax liabilities
 
(248
)
Other non-current liabilities
 
(189
)
Total liabilities assumed
 
(4,077
)
Total purchase price
 
$
7,742

(1) 
Included in Other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
The following table presents a summary of purchased intangible assets and their related estimated useful lives:
 
 
Fair Value
(in millions)
 
Estimated Useful Life in Years
Customer contracts
 
$
1,245

 
9
Commercial customer relationships
 
280

 
13
Total customer-related intangible assets
 
$
1,525

 
 

The purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $6.3 billion of goodwill, a majority of which was allocated to the Innovation Systems sector. The goodwill recognized is attributable to expected revenue synergies generated by the integration of Aerospace Systems, Mission Systems and Technology Services products and technologies with those of legacy Orbital ATK, synergies resulting from the consolidation or elimination of certain costs, and intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the assembled workforce of Orbital ATK. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

-10-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Information
The following table presents unaudited pro forma financial information prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and computed as if Orbital ATK had been included in our results as of January 1, 2017:
$ in millions, except per share amounts
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Sales
 
$
24,163

Net earnings
 
3,050

Diluted earnings per share
 
17.41


The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial data has been calculated after applying our accounting policies and adjusting the historical results of Orbital ATK with pro forma adjustments, net of tax, that assume the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017. Significant pro forma adjustments include the following:
1.
The elimination of intercompany sales and costs of sales between the company and Orbital ATK of $80 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
2.
The elimination of nonrecurring transaction costs incurred by the company and Orbital ATK in connection with the Merger of $71 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
3.
The recognition of additional depreciation expense, net of removal of historical depreciation expense, of $10 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to the step-up in fair value of acquired property, plant and equipment.
4.
The recognition of additional amortization expense, net of removal of historical amortization expense, of $101 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to the fair value of acquired intangible assets.
5.
The elimination of Orbital ATK’s historical amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service credits and impact of the revised pension and OPB net periodic benefit cost as determined under the company’s plan assumptions of $51 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
6.
The income tax effect on the pro forma adjustments, which was calculated using the federal statutory tax rate, of $(2) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect the potential realization of revenue synergies or cost savings, nor does it reflect other costs relating to the integration of the two companies. This unaudited pro forma financial information should not be considered indicative of the results that would have actually occurred if the acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2017, nor are they indicative of future results.
3.    EARNINGS PER SHARE, SHARE REPURCHASES AND DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK
Basic Earnings Per Share
We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period.
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effect of awards granted to employees under stock-based compensation plans. The dilutive effect of these securities totaled 0.8 million shares and 0.7 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. The dilutive effect of these securities totaled 0.8 million shares and 0.9 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.
Share Repurchases
On September 16, 2015, the company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock (the “2015 Repurchase Program”). Repurchases under the 2015 Repurchase Program commenced in March 2016.
On December 4, 2018, the company’s board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to an additional $3.0 billion in share repurchases of the company’s common stock (the “2018 Repurchase Program”). By its terms, repurchases under the 2018 Repurchase Program will commence upon completion of the 2015 Repurchase Program and will expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchases.
During the fourth quarter of 2018, the company entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (Goldman Sachs) to repurchase $1.0 billion of the company’s common stock under the

-11-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

2015 Repurchase Program. Under the agreement, we made a payment of $1.0 billion to Goldman Sachs and received an initial delivery of 3.0 million shares valued at $800 million that were immediately canceled by the company. The remaining balance was settled on January 4, 2019 with a final delivery of 0.9 million shares from Goldman Sachs. The final average purchase price was $260.32 per share.
As of September 30, 2019, repurchases under the 2015 Repurchase Program totaled $3.4 billion; $0.6 billion remained under this share repurchase authorization. By its terms, the 2015 Repurchase Program is set to expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchases.
Share repurchases take place from time to time, subject to market conditions and management’s discretion, in the open market and in privately negotiated transactions. The company retires its common stock upon repurchase and, in the periods presented, has not made any purchases of common stock other than in connection with these publicly announced repurchase programs.
The table below summarizes the company’s share repurchases to date under the authorizations described above:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares Repurchased
(in millions)
Repurchase Program
Authorization Date
 
Amount
Authorized
(in millions)
 
Total
Shares Retired
(in millions)
 
Average 
Price
Per Share
(1)
 
Date Completed
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2019
 
2018
September 16, 2015
 
$
4,000

 
13.6

 
$
248.91

 

 
2.3

 
0.7

December 4, 2018
 
$
3,000

 

 

 

 

 


(1) 
Includes commissions paid.
Dividends on Common Stock
In May 2019, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 10 percent to $1.32 per share from the previous amount of $1.20 per share.
In May 2018, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 9 percent to $1.20 per share from the previous amount of $1.10 per share.
In January 2018, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 10 percent to $1.10 per share from the previous amount of $1.00 per share.
4.    INCOME TAXES
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
2019

2018
Federal and foreign income tax expense
$
122

 
$
120

 
$
460

 
$
466

Effective income tax rate
11.6
%
 
8.8
%
 
14.8
%
 
14.0
%

Current Quarter
The third quarter 2019 effective tax rate increased to 11.6 percent from 8.8 percent in the third quarter of 2018. The company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2019 includes benefits of $89 million for research credits and $17 million for foreign derived intangible income. The company’s tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 included a $106 million benefit for research credits and manufacturing deductions and an $84 million benefit associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”).
Year to Date
The year to date 2019 effective tax rate increased to 14.8 percent from 14.0 percent in the prior year period. The company’s year to date 2019 effective tax rate includes benefits of $171 million for research credits and $26 million for foreign derived intangible income. The company’s year to date 2018 effective tax rate included a $156 million benefit for research credits and manufacturing deductions and an $84 million benefit associated with the 2017 Tax Act.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we increased our unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $294 million and $327 million, respectively, related to our methods of accounting associated with the timing of revenue recognition and related costs, and the 2017 Tax Act. Since enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, the IRS

-12-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

and U.S. Treasury Department have issued and are expected to further issue interpretive guidance that impacts taxpayers. We will continue to evaluate such guidance as it is issued.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Northrop Grumman 2014-2017 federal tax returns and refund claims related to its 2007-2016 federal tax returns are currently under IRS examination. In addition, legacy Orbital ATK federal tax returns for the year ended March 31, 2015, the nine-month transition period ended December 31, 2015 and calendar years 2016-2017 are currently under IRS examination.
5.    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The company holds a portfolio of marketable securities consisting of securities to partially fund non-qualified employee benefit plans. A portion of these securities are held in common/collective trust funds and are measured at fair value using net asset value (NAV) per share as a practical expedient; and therefore are not required to be categorized in the fair value hierarchy table below. Marketable securities are included in Other non-current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
The company’s derivative portfolio consists primarily of commodity forward contracts and foreign currency forward contracts. The company periodically uses commodity forward contracts to hedge forecasted purchases of certain commodities. The contracts generally establish a fixed price for the underlying commodity and are designated and qualify as effective cash flow hedges of such commodity purchases. Commodity derivatives are valued based on prices of future exchanges and recently reported transactions in the marketplace. For foreign currency forward contracts, where model-derived valuations are appropriate, the company utilizes the income approach to determine the fair value and uses the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap rates.
The following table presents the financial assets and liabilities the company records at fair value on a recurring basis identified by the level of inputs used to determine fair value:
 
 
September 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
$ in millions
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
Financial Assets (Liabilities)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities
 
$
351

 
$

 
$
351

 
$
319

 
$
1

 
$
320

Marketable securities valued using NAV
 
 
 
 
 
16

 
 
 


 
15

Total marketable securities
 
351

 

 
367

 
319

 
1

 
335

Derivatives
 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 

 
(10
)
 
(10
)

At September 30, 2019, the company had commodity forward contracts outstanding that hedge forecasted commodity purchases of 4 million pounds of copper and 1 million pounds of zinc. Gains or losses on the commodity forward contracts are recognized in product and service cost as the performance obligations on related contracts are satisfied.
The notional value of the company’s foreign currency forward contracts at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $86 million and $114 million, respectively. The portion of notional value designated as a cash flow hedge at September 30, 2019 was $9 million. At December 31, 2018, no portion of the notional value was designated as a cash flow hedge.
The derivative fair values and related unrealized gains/losses at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were not material. There were no transfers of financial instruments between the three levels of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and commercial paper approximates fair value.
Long-term Debt
The estimated fair value of long-term debt was $15.2 billion and $14.3 billion as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. We calculated the fair value of long-term debt using Level 2 inputs, based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the company’s existing debt arrangements. The carrying value of long-term debt was $13.9 billion and $14.4 billion as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The current portion of long-term debt is recorded in Other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.

-13-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

6.    INVESTIGATIONS, CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
On May 4, 2012, the company commenced an action, Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. v. United States, in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This lawsuit relates to an approximately $875 million firm fixed-price contract awarded to the company in 2007 by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for the construction and delivery of flats sequencing systems (FSS) as part of the postal automation program. The FSS have been delivered. The company’s lawsuit is based on various theories of liability. The complaint seeks approximately $63 million for unpaid portions of the contract price, and approximately $115 million based on the company’s assertions that, through various acts and omissions over the life of the contract, the USPS adversely affected the cost and schedule of performance and materially altered the company’s obligations under the contract. The United States responded to the company’s complaint with an answer, denying most of the company’s claims, and counterclaims seeking approximately $410 million, less certain amounts outstanding under the contract. The principal counterclaim alleges that the company delayed its performance and caused damages to the USPS because USPS did not realize certain costs savings as early as it had expected. On April 2, 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice informed the company of a False Claims Act complaint relating to the FSS contract that was filed under seal by a relator in June 2011 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. On June 3, 2013, the United States filed a Notice informing the Court that the United States had decided not to intervene in this case. The relator alleged that the company violated the False Claims Act in a number of ways with respect to the FSS contract, alleged damage to the USPS in an amount of at least approximately $179 million annually, alleged that he was improperly discharged in retaliation, and sought an unspecified partial refund of the contract purchase price, penalties, attorney’s fees and other costs of suit. The relator later voluntarily dismissed his retaliation claim and reasserted it in a separate arbitration, which he also ultimately voluntarily dismissed. On September 5, 2014, the court granted the company’s motion for summary judgment and ordered the relator’s False Claims Act case be dismissed with prejudice. On February 16, 2018, both the company and the United States filed motions to dismiss many of the claims and counterclaims referenced above, in whole or in part. The United States also filed a motion seeking to amend its answer and counterclaim, including to reduce its counterclaim to approximately $193 million, which the court granted on June 11, 2018. On October 17, 2018, the court granted in part and denied in part the parties’ motions to dismiss. On December 17, 2018, the court issued a Scheduling Order, proposed by the parties, providing for the parties to engage in mediation through March 1, 2019. After the government shutdown, the mediation was rescheduled for May 2019. The parties filed joint motions to suspend the deadlines for pretrial activities while the parties engage in mediation. On April 29, 2019 and June 5, 2019, the court issued Orders suspending the deadlines. Those suspensions ended on July 1, 2019, and on July 12, 2019, the court issued an Order scheduling trial to commence on February 3, 2020. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters (“the FSS matters,” collectively), including any possible loss, cannot be predicted or reasonably estimated at this time, the company intends vigorously to pursue and defend the FSS matters.
On August 8, 2013, the company received a court-appointed expert’s report in litigation pending in the Second Federal Court of the Federal District in Brazil brought by the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Corporation (ECT), a Brazilian state-owned entity, against Solystic SAS (Solystic), a French subsidiary of the company, and two of its consortium partners. In this suit, commenced on December 17, 2004, and relatively inactive for some period of time, ECT alleges the consortium breached its contract with ECT and seeks damages of approximately R$111 million (the equivalent of approximately $27 million as of September 30, 2019), plus interest, inflation adjustments and attorneys’ fees, as authorized by Brazilian law, which amounts could be significant over time. The original suit sought R$89 million (the equivalent of approximately $21 million as of September 30, 2019) in damages. In October 2013, ECT asserted an additional damage claim of R$22 million (the equivalent of approximately $5 million as of September 30, 2019). In its counterclaim, Solystic alleges ECT breached the contract by wrongfully refusing to accept the equipment Solystic had designed and built and seeks damages of approximately €31 million (the equivalent of approximately $34 million as of September 30, 2019), plus interest, inflation adjustments and attorneys’ fees, as authorized by Brazilian law. The Brazilian court retained an expert to consider certain issues pending before it. On August 8, 2013 and September 10, 2014, the company received reports from the expert, which contain some recommended findings relating to liability and the damages calculations put forth by ECT. Some of the expert’s recommended findings were favorable to the company and others were favorable to ECT. In November 2014, the parties submitted comments on the expert’s most recent report. On June 16, 2015, the court published a decision denying the parties’ request to present oral testimony. In a decision dated November 13, 2018, the trial court ruled in ECT’s favor on one of its claims against Solystic, and awarded damages of R$41 million (the equivalent of approximately $10 million as of September 30, 2019) against Solystic and its consortium partners, with that amount to be adjusted for inflation and interest from November 2004 through any appeal, in accordance with the Manual of Calculations of the Federal Justice, as well as attorneys’ fees. On March 22, 2019, ECT appealed

-14-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

the trial court’s decision to the intermediate court of appeals. Solystic filed its appeal on April 11, 2019. The parties are exploring whether there is a possible path for a negotiated resolution of the dispute.
We are engaged in remediation activities relating to environmental conditions allegedly resulting from historic operations at the former United States Navy and Grumman facilities in Bethpage, New York. For over 20 years, we have worked closely with the United States Navy, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Department of Health and other federal, state and local governmental authorities, to address legacy environmental conditions in Bethpage. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, as included in Note 7, substantial remediation costs related to these environmental conditions. The remediation standards or requirements to which we are subject are being reconsidered and may change and costs may increase materially. As discussed in Note 7, the State of New York issued a Feasibility Study and Proposed Amended Record of Decision, proposing to impose additional remedial requirements. The company, along with other interested parties, has submitted comments on that proposal. The State of New York has said that, among other things, it is also evaluating potential natural resource damages. In addition, we are a party to various, and expect to become a party to additional, legal proceedings and disputes related to remediation, costs, allowability and/or alleged environmental impacts in Bethpage, including with federal and state entities, the Navy, local municipalities and water districts, and insurance carriers, as well as class action and individual plaintiffs alleging personal injury and property damage and seeking both monetary and non-monetary relief. These Bethpage matters could result in additional costs, fines, penalties, sanctions, compensatory or other damages (including natural resource damages), determinations on allocation, allowability and coverage, and non-monetary relief. We cannot at this time predict or reasonably estimate the potential cumulative outcomes or ranges of possible liability of these aggregate Bethpage matters.
On August 12, 2016, a putative class action complaint, naming Orbital ATK and two of its then-officers as defendants, Steven Knurr, et al. v. Orbital ATK, Inc., No. 16-cv-01031 (TSE-MSN), was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The complaint asserts claims on behalf of purchasers of Orbital ATK securities for violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5, allegedly arising out of false and misleading statements and the failure to disclose that: (i) Orbital ATK lacked effective control over financial reporting; and (ii) as a result, it failed to record an anticipated loss on a long-term contract with the U.S. Army to manufacture and supply small caliber ammunition at the U.S. Army’s Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. On April 24, 2017 and October 10, 2017, the plaintiffs filed amended complaints naming additional defendants and asserting claims for alleged violations of additional sections of the Exchange Act and alleged false and misleading statements in Orbital ATK’s Form S-4 filed in connection with the Orbital-ATK Merger. The complaint seeks damages, reasonable costs and expenses at trial, including counsel and expert fees, and such other relief as deemed appropriate by the Court. On June 7, 2019, the court approved the parties’ proposal to resolve the litigation for $108 million, subject to certain terms and conditions. The company continues to negotiate with and pursue coverage litigation against various of its insurance carriers.
The company is a party to various other investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions and other legal proceedings, including government investigations and claims, that arise in the ordinary course of our business. The nature of legal proceedings is such that we cannot assure the outcome of any particular matter. However, based on information available to the company to date, the company does not believe that the outcome of any of these other matters pending against the company is likely to have a material adverse effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2019, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
7.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
U.S. Government Cost Claims
From time to time, the company is advised of claims by the U.S. government concerning certain potential disallowed costs, plus, at times, penalties and interest. When such findings are presented, the company and U.S. government representatives engage in discussions to enable the company to evaluate the merits of these claims, as well as to assess the amounts being claimed. Where appropriate, provisions are made to reflect the company’s estimated exposure for such potential disallowed costs. Such provisions are reviewed periodically using the most recent information available. The company believes it has adequately reserved for disputed amounts that are probable and reasonably estimable, and that the outcome of any such matters would not have a material adverse effect on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2019, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

-15-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Environmental Matters
The table below summarizes management’s estimate of the range of reasonably possible future costs for environmental remediation, the amount accrued within that range, and the deferred costs expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
$ in millions
 
Range of Reasonably Possible Future Costs(1)
 
Accrued Costs(2)
 
Deferred Costs(3)
September 30, 2019
 
$528 - $997
 
$
543

 
$
423

December 31, 2018
 
447 - 835
 
461

 
343

(1) 
Estimated remediation costs are not discounted to present value. The range of reasonably possible future costs does not take into consideration amounts expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts.
(2) As of September 30, 2019, $163 million is recorded in Other current liabilities and $380 million is recorded in Other non-current liabilities.
(3) As of September 30, 2019, $128 million is deferred in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and $295 million is deferred in Other non-current assets.
Although management cannot predict whether new information gained as our environmental remediation projects progress, or as changes in facts and circumstances occur, will materially affect the estimated liability accrued, except with respect to Bethpage, we do not anticipate that future remediation expenditures associated with our currently identified projects will have a material adverse effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2019, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows. With respect to Bethpage, the State of New York issued a Feasibility Study and Proposed Amended Record of Decision, proposing to impose additional remedial requirements. The company, along with other interested parties, has submitted comments on that proposal. The comments address, among other things, the adequacy of the existing remedy, concerns with the state’s proposal, and an alternative approach. As discussed in Note 6, the remediation standards or requirements to which we are subject are being reconsidered and may change and costs may increase materially.
Financial Arrangements
In the ordinary course of business, the company uses standby letters of credit and guarantees issued by commercial banks and surety bonds issued principally by insurance companies to guarantee the performance on certain obligations. At September 30, 2019, there were $452 million of stand-by letters of credit and guarantees and $209 million of surety bonds outstanding.
Commercial Paper
The company maintains a commercial paper program that serves as a source of short-term financing with capacity to issue unsecured commercial paper notes up to $2.0 billion. At September 30, 2019, there were $399 million of outstanding short-term commercial paper borrowings at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.31 percent that have original maturities of three months or less from the date of issuance. The outstanding balance of commercial paper borrowings is recorded in Other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
Credit Facilities
The company maintains a five-year senior unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.0 billion (the “2018 Credit Agreement”) that matures in August 2023. At September 30, 2019, there was no balance outstanding under this facility; however, the outstanding balance of commercial paper borrowings reduces the amount available for borrowing under the 2018 Credit Agreement. In October 2019, the company amended the 2018 Credit Agreement to extend its maturity date by one year from August 2023 to August 2024.
In December 2016, a subsidiary of the company entered into a two-year credit facility, with two additional one-year option periods, in an aggregate principal amount of £120 million (the equivalent of approximately $148 million as of September 30, 2019) (the “2016 Credit Agreement”). The company exercised the second option to extend the maturity to December 2020. The 2016 Credit Agreement is guaranteed by the company. At September 30, 2019, there was £60 million (the equivalent of approximately $74 million) outstanding under this facility, which bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.10 percent. All of the borrowings outstanding under this facility mature less than one year from the date of issuance, but may be renewed under the terms of the facility. Based on our intent and ability to refinance the obligations on a long-term basis, a large majority of the borrowings are classified as non-current.

-16-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

At September 30, 2019, the company was in compliance with all covenants under its credit agreements.
8.    RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The cost (benefit) to the company of its retirement plans is shown in the following table:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
Pension
Benefits
 
OPB
 
Pension
Benefits
 
OPB
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Components of net periodic benefit cost (benefit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
92

 
$
102

 
$
4

 
$
5

 
$
276

 
$
301

 
$
12

 
$
15

Interest cost
340

 
316

 
20

 
20

 
1,020

 
906

 
60

 
58

Expected return on plan assets
(525
)
 
(571
)
 
(23
)
 
(26
)
 
(1,576
)
 
(1,644
)
 
(69
)
 
(75
)
Amortization of prior service credit
(15
)
 
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
(44
)
 
(44
)
 
(2
)
 
(16
)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)
$
(108
)
 
$
(168
)
 
$

 
$
(6
)
 
$
(324
)
 
$
(481
)
 
$
1

 
$
(18
)

Employer Contributions
The company sponsors defined benefit pension and OPB plans, as well as defined contribution plans. We fund our defined benefit pension plans annually in a manner consistent with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
Contributions made by the company to its retirement plans are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Defined benefit pension plans
$
18

 
$
273

 
$
64

 
$
318

OPB plans
10

 
10

 
34

 
32

Defined contribution plans
98

 
104

 
377

 
296


9.    STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
Stock Awards
The following table presents the number of restricted stock rights (RSRs) and restricted performance stock rights (RPSRs) granted to employees under the company’s long-term incentive stock plan and the grant date aggregate fair value of those stock awards for the periods presented:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
in millions
 
2019
 
2018
RSRs granted
 
0.1

 
0.1

RPSRs granted
 
0.2

 
0.2

Grant date aggregate fair value
 
$
92

 
$
119


RSRs typically vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, while RPSRs generally vest and pay out based on the achievement of financial metrics over a three-year period.

-17-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Cash Awards
The following table presents the minimum and maximum aggregate payout amounts related to cash units (CUs) and cash performance units (CPUs) granted to employees in the periods presented:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
 
2019
 
2018
Minimum aggregate payout amount
 
$
36

 
$
36

Maximum aggregate payout amount
 
203

 
205


CUs typically vest and settle in cash on the third anniversary of the grant date, while CPUs generally vest and pay out in cash based on the achievement of financial metrics over a three-year period.
10.    LEASES
As described in Note 1, effective January 1, 2019, we adopted ASC 842 using the optional transition method. In accordance with the optional transition method, we did not recast the prior period unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and all prior period amounts and disclosures are presented under ASC 840. Finance leases are not material to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and are therefore not included in the following disclosures.
Total Lease Cost
Total lease cost is included in Product and Service costs and G&A expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of earnings and comprehensive income and is recorded net of immaterial sublease income. Total lease cost is comprised of the following:
$ in millions
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Operating lease cost
 
$
78

 
$
237

Variable lease cost
 
3

 
7

Short-term lease cost
 
25

 
54

Total lease cost
 
$
106

 
$
298


Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Supplemental operating lease balance sheet information consists of the following:
$ in millions
 
September 30, 2019
Operating lease right-of-use assets
 
$
1,511

 
 
 
Other current liabilities
 
260

Operating lease liabilities
 
1,304

Total operating lease liabilities
 
$
1,564


Other Supplemental Information
Other supplemental operating lease information consists of the following:
$ in millions
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities
 
$
223

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities
 
397

 
 
 
Weighted average remaining lease term
 
11.7 years

Weighted average discount rate
 
3.8
%


-18-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Maturities of Lease Liabilities
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 are as follows:
$ in millions
 
 
Year Ending December 31
 
 
2019 (1)
 
$
74

2020
 
298

2021
 
249

2022
 
212

2023
 
175

Thereafter
 
986

Total lease payments
 
1,994

Less: imputed interest
 
(430
)
Present value of operating lease liabilities
 
$
1,564

(1) 
Excludes the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
As of September 30, 2019, we have approximately $100 million in rental commitments for real estate leases that have not yet commenced. These leases are expected to commence in 2020 and 2021 with lease terms of 2 to 12 years.
Rental expense for operating leases classified under ASC 840 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $97 million and $270 million, respectively. These amounts are net of immaterial amounts of sublease income. As of December 31, 2018, future minimum lease payments under long-term non-cancelable operating leases as classified under ASC 840 were as follows:
$ in millions
 
  
Year Ending December 31
 
 
2019
 
$
312

2020
 
270

2021
 
221

2022
 
186

2023
 
152

Thereafter
 
939

Total minimum lease payments
 
$
2,080



-19-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

11.    SEGMENT INFORMATION
The company is aligned in four operating sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments: Aerospace Systems, Innovation Systems, Mission Systems and Technology Services.
The following table presents sales and operating income by segment:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aerospace Systems
$
3,458

 
$
3,282

 
$
10,344

 
$
9,899

Innovation Systems
1,584

 
1,415

 
4,520

 
1,815

Mission Systems
3,029

 
2,911

 
9,043

 
8,668

Technology Services
1,067

 
1,040

 
3,088

 
3,232

Intersegment eliminations
(663
)
 
(563
)
 
(1,875
)
 
(1,675
)
Total sales
8,475

 
8,085

 
25,120

 
21,939

Operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aerospace Systems
324

 
376

 
1,067

 
1,074

Innovation Systems
164

 
161

 
500

 
200

Mission Systems
398

 
399

 
1,189

 
1,122

Technology Services
136

 
111

 
351

 
328

Intersegment eliminations
(82
)
 
(68
)
 
(222
)
 
(204
)
Total segment operating income
940


979

 
2,885

 
2,520

Net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment
131

 
176

 
346

 
440

Unallocated corporate (expense) income
(120
)
 
17

 
(398
)
 
(123
)
Total operating income
$
951

 
$
1,172

 
$
2,833

 
$
2,837


Net FAS (Service)/CAS Pension Adjustment
For financial statement purposes, we account for our employee pension plans in accordance with FAS. However, the cost of these plans is charged to our contracts in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the related U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). The net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment reflects the difference between CAS pension expense included as cost in segment operating income and the service cost component of FAS expense included in total operating income.
Unallocated Corporate (Expense) Income
Unallocated corporate expense includes the portion of corporate costs not considered allowable or allocable under applicable CAS or FAR, and therefore not allocated to the segments, such as a portion of management and administration, legal, environmental, compensation, retiree benefits and other corporate unallowable costs. Unallocated corporate expense also includes costs not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance, such as amortization of purchased intangible assets and the additional depreciation expense related to the step-up in fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired through business combinations.

-20-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Disaggregation of Revenue
Sales by Customer Type
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
$ in millions
$
%(3)
 
$
%(3)
 
$
%(3)
 
$
%(3)
Aerospace Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government (1)
$
3,014

87
%
 
$
2,926

89
%
 
$
8,954

87
%
 
$
8,633

87
%
International (2)
353

10
%
 
270

8
%
 
1,137

11
%
 
990

10
%
Other customers
36

1
%
 
44

2
%
 
100

1
%
 
124

1
%
Intersegment sales
55

2
%
 
42

1
%
 
153

1
%
 
152

2
%
Aerospace Systems sales
3,458

100
%
 
3,282

100
%
 
10,344

100
%
 
9,899

100
%
Innovation Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government (1)
1,163

74
%
 
972

69
%
 
3,239

72
%
 
1,237

68
%
International (2)
228

14
%
 
272

19
%
 
702

16
%
 
364

20
%
Other customers
99

6
%
 
134

9
%
 
331

7
%
 
164

9
%
Intersegment sales
94

6
%
 
37

3
%
 
248

5
%
 
50

3
%
Innovation Systems sales
1,584

100
%
 
1,415

100
%
 
4,520

100
%
 
1,815

100
%
Mission Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government (1)
2,260

75
%
 
2,232

77
%
 
6,775

75
%
 
6,577

76
%
International (2)
416

14
%
 
374

12
%
 
1,242

14
%
 
1,144

13
%
Other customers
32

1
%
 
25

1
%
 
105

1
%
 
89

1
%
Intersegment sales
321

10
%
 
280

10
%
 
921

10
%
 
858

10
%
Mission Systems sales
3,029

100
%
 
2,911

100
%
 
9,043

100
%
 
8,668

100
%
Technology Services
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government (1)
629

59
%
 
581

56
%
 
1,799

58
%
 
1,780

55
%
International (2)
208

19
%
 
183

17
%
 
642

21
%
 
596

18
%
Other customers
37

4
%
 
72

7
%
 
94

3
%
 
241

8
%
Intersegment sales
193

18
%
 
204

20
%
 
553

18
%
 
615

19
%
Technology Services sales
1,067

100
%
 
1,040

100
%
 
3,088

100
%
 
3,232

100
%
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government (1)
7,066

83
%
 
6,711

83
%
 
20,767

83
%
 
18,227

83
%
International (2)
1,205

14
%
 
1,099

14
%
 
3,723

15
%
 
3,094

14
%
Other customers
204

3
%
 
275

3
%
 
630

2
%
 
618

3
%
Total Sales
$
8,475

100
%
 
$
8,085

100
%
 
$
25,120

100
%
 
$
21,939

100
%
(1) 
Sales to the U.S. government include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is the U.S. government. Each of the company’s segments derives substantial revenue from the U.S. government.
(2) International sales include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is an international customer. These sales include foreign military sales contracted through the U.S. government.
(3) Percentages calculated based on total segment sales.

-21-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Sales by Contract Type
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
$ in millions
$
%(1)
 
$
%(1)
 
$
%(1)
 
$
%(1)
Aerospace Systems
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

Cost-type
$
1,995

59
%
 
$
1,953

60
%
 
$
5,976

59
%
 
$
5,789

59
%
Fixed-price
1,408

41
%
 
1,287

40
%
 
4,215

41
%
 
3,958

41
%
Intersegment sales
55

 
 
42

 
 
153

 
 
152

 
Aerospace Systems sales
3,458

 
 
3,282

 
 
10,344

 
 
9,899

 
Innovation Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost-type
419

28
%
 
373

27
%
 
1,232

29
%
 
472

27
%
Fixed-price
1,071

72
%
 
1,005

73
%
 
3,040

71
%
 
1,293

73
%
Intersegment sales
94

 
 
37

 
 
248

 
 
50

 
Innovation Systems sales
1,584

 
 
1,415

 
 
4,520

 
 
1,815

 
Mission Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost-type
1,264

47
%
 
1,259

48
%
 
3,854

47
%
 
3,745

48
%
Fixed-price
1,444

53
%
 
1,372

52
%
 
4,268

53
%
 
4,065

52
%
Intersegment sales
321

 
 
280

 
 
921

 
 
858

 
Mission Systems sales
3,029

 
 
2,911

 
 
9,043

 
 
8,668

 
Technology Services
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost-type
398

46
%
 
373

45
%
 
1,202

47
%
 
1,195

46
%
Fixed-price
476

54
%
 
463

55
%
 
1,333

53
%
 
1,422

54
%
Intersegment sales
193

 
 
204

 
 
553

 
 
615

 
Technology Services sales
1,067

 
 
1,040

 
 
3,088

 
 
3,232

 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost-type
4,076

48
%
 
3,958

49
%
 
12,264

49
%
 
11,201

51
%
Fixed-price
4,399

52
%
 
4,127

51
%
 
12,856

51
%
 
10,738

49
%
Total Sales
$
8,475

 
 
$
8,085

 
 
$
25,120

 
 
$
21,939

 
(1) 
Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.  

-22-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Sales by Geographic Region
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2019
2018
 
2019
 
2018
$ in millions
$
%(2)
 
$
%(2)
 
$
%(2)
 
$
%(2)
Aerospace Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
3,050

90
%
 
$
2,970

92
%
 
$
9,054

89
%
 
$
8,757

90
%
Asia/Pacific
173

5
%
 
121

4
%
 
632

6
%
 
499

5
%
All other (1)
180

5
%
 
149

4
%
 
505

5
%
 
491

5
%
Intersegment sales
55

 
 
42

 
 
153

 
 
152

 
Aerospace Systems sales
3,458

 
 
3,282

 
 
10,344

 
 
9,899

 
Innovation Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
1,262

85
%
 
1,105

80
%
 
3,570

84
%
 
1,401

79
%
Asia/Pacific
30

2
%
 
72

5
%
 
123

3
%
 
96

6
%
All other (1)
198

13
%
 
201

15
%
 
579

13
%
 
268

15
%
Intersegment sales
94

 
 
37

 
 
248

 
 
50

 
Innovation Systems sales
1,584

 
 
1,415

 
 
4,520

 
 
1,815

 
Mission Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
2,292

85
%
 
2,253

86
%
 
6,880

85
%
 
6,666

85
%
Asia/Pacific
143

5
%
 
208

8
%
 
443

5
%
 
521

7
%
All other (1)
273

10
%
 
170

6
%
 
799

10
%
 
623

8
%
Intersegment sales
321

 
 
280

 
 
921

 
 
858

 
Mission Systems sales
3,029

 
 
2,911

 
 
9,043

 
 
8,668

 
Technology Services
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
666

76
%
 
653

78
%
 
1,893

75
%
 
2,021

77
%
Asia/Pacific
44

5
%
 
45

5
%
 
144

6
%
 
113

4
%
All other (1)
164

19
%
 
138

17
%
 
498

19
%
 
483

19
%
Intersegment sales
193

 
 
204

 
 
553

 
 
615

 
Technology Services sales
1,067

 
 
1,040

 
 
3,088

 
 
3,232

 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
7,270

86
%
 
6,981

86
%
 
21,397

85
%
 
18,845

86
%
Asia/Pacific
390

5
%
 
446

6
%
 
1,342

5
%
 
1,229

6
%
All other (1)
815

9
%
 
658

8
%
 
2,381

10
%
 
1,865

8
%
Total Sales
$
8,475

 
 
$
8,085

 
 
$
25,120

 
 
$
21,939

 
(1) 
All other is principally comprised of Europe and the Middle East.  
(2) 
Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.  

-23-


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Falls Church, Virginia
Results of Review of Interim Financial Information
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial position of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2019, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income and changes in shareholders’ equity for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial information”). Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial information for it to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statement of financial position of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated January 30, 2019, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements, which included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s change in its method of accounting for recognizing pension and other postretirement benefit plans actuarial gains and losses and the manner in which it accounts for revenue from contracts with customers. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2018, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the audited consolidated statement of financial position from which it has been derived.
Basis for Review Results
This interim financial information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

/s/  Deloitte & Touche LLP
McLean, Virginia
October 23, 2019


-24-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW
Northrop Grumman Corporation (herein referred to as “Northrop Grumman,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading global security company. We offer a broad portfolio of capabilities and technologies that enable us to deliver innovative platforms, systems and solutions for applications that range from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. We provide capabilities in autonomous systems; cyber; command, control, communications and computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR); space; strike; and logistics and modernization. We participate in many high-priority defense and government programs in the United States (U.S.) and abroad. We conduct most of our business with the U.S. government, principally the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community. We also conduct business with foreign, state and local governments, as well as commercial customers.
The following discussion should be read along with the financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, as well as our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which provides additional information on our business and the environment in which we operate and our operating results.
Acquisition of Orbital ATK
On June 6, 2018 (the “Merger date”), the company completed its previously announced acquisition of Orbital ATK, Inc. (“Orbital ATK”) (the “Merger”). On the Merger date, Orbital ATK became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company and its name was changed to Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc., which we established as a new, fourth business sector (“Innovation Systems”). The operating results of Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date have been included in the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations. See Note 2 to the financial statements for further information regarding the acquisition of Orbital ATK.
In June 2018, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Decision and Order enabling the acquisition to proceed and providing for solid rocket motors to be available on a non-discriminatory basis under certain circumstances and processes. The company has taken and continues to take robust actions to help ensure compliance with the terms of the Order. Similarly, the Compliance Officer, appointed under the Order, and the FTC have taken and continue to take various actions to oversee compliance. In October 2019, the company received a civil investigative demand from the FTC requesting certain information relating to a potential issue of the company’s compliance with the Order in connection with a pending strategic missile competition. The company is working to respond to the request. We believe the company has been and continues to be in full compliance with the Order, but we cannot predict any potential impact on the pending competition.
U.S. Political and Economic Environment
Since the filing of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, full year appropriations for FY 2019 were enacted for all remaining U.S. government agencies and the President proposed an FY 2020 budget requesting $750 billion for national security. The President’s budget request addresses various capabilities highlighted in the U.S. National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy and the Missile Defense Review. On August 2, 2019, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 was enacted, increasing spending caps under the Budget Control Act (BCA) for FY 2020 and FY 2021, the final two fiscal years covered by the BCA, and suspending the debt ceiling through July 31, 2021. FY 2020 appropriations have not been enacted and on September 27, 2019, a continuing resolution was enacted to provide funding at FY 2019 levels through November 21, 2019. We believe our capabilities, particularly in space, missiles, missile defense, hypersonics, counter-hypersonics, low observable technology and cyber will allow us to continue to profitably grow our business in support of our customers’ needs.

-25-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
Selected financial highlights are presented in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
%
$ in millions, except per share amounts
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
$
8,475

 
$
8,085

 
5
 %
 
$
25,120

 
$
21,939

 
14
 %
Operating costs and expenses
7,524

 
6,913

 
9
 %
 
22,287

 
19,102

 
17
 %
Operating costs and expenses as a % of sales
88.8
%
 
85.5
%
 
 
 
88.7
%
 
87.1
%
 
 
Operating income
951

 
1,172

 
(19
)%
 
2,833

 
2,837

 
 %
Operating margin rate
11.2
%
 
14.5
%
 
 
 
11.3
%
 
12.9
%
 
 
Federal and foreign income tax expense
122

 
120

 
2
 %
 
460

 
466

 
(1
)%
Effective income tax rate
11.6
%
 
8.8
%
 
 
 
14.8
%
 
14.0
%
 
 
Net earnings
933

 
1,244

 
(25
)%
 
2,657

 
2,873

 
(8
)%
Diluted earnings per share
$
5.49

 
$
7.11

 
(23
)%
 
$
15.60

 
$
16.40

 
(5
)%
Sales
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 sales increased $390 million, or 5 percent, due to higher sales at all four sectors.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 sales increased $3.2 billion due to the addition of a full nine months of Innovation Systems sales as well as higher sales at Aerospace Systems and Mission Systems, partially offset by lower sales at Technology Services.
See “Segment Operating Results” below for further information by segment and “Product and Service Analysis” for product and service detail. See Note 11 to the financial statements for information regarding the company’s sales by customer type, contract type and geographic region for each of our segments.
Operating Income and Margin Rate
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 operating income decreased $221 million and operating margin rate declined to 11.2 percent primarily due to higher unallocated corporate expense, a decrease in the net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment and lower segment operating income. Third quarter 2018 unallocated corporate expense included a $223 million benefit recognized for the finalization of certain prior year cost claims.
Third quarter 2019 general and administrative (G&A) costs as a percentage of sales decreased to 9.2 percent from 10.1 percent primarily due to cost management, including cost synergies realized in connection with the 2018 acquisition of Orbital ATK, and higher sales.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 operating income was comparable to the prior year period and reflects a $365 million increase in segment operating income, including a full nine months of operating income from Innovation Systems, offset by higher unallocated corporate expense, largely due to the previously noted 2018 cost claim benefit, and a decrease in the net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment. Operating margin rate declined to 11.3 percent principally due to the increase in unallocated corporate expense and decrease in the net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment.
Year to date 2019 G&A costs as a percentage of sales decreased to 9.2 percent from 10.3 percent primarily due to cost management, including the cost synergies described above.
For information regarding product and service operating costs and expenses, see “Product and Service Analysis” below.
Federal and Foreign Income Taxes
Current Quarter
The third quarter 2019 effective tax rate increased to 11.6 percent from 8.8 percent in the third quarter of 2018. See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional information.

-26-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Year to Date
The year to date 2019 effective tax rate increased to 14.8 percent from 14.0 percent in the prior year period. See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional information.
Net Earnings
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 net earnings decreased $311 million primarily due to lower operating income as well as a $70 million decrease in FAS (non-service) pension benefit.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 net earnings decreased $216 million primarily due to a $182 million decrease in FAS (non-service) pension benefit and a $58 million decrease in other, net, principally due to lower interest income.
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 diluted earnings per share decreased $1.62, or 23 percent, principally reflecting a 25 percent decrease in net earnings.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 diluted earnings per share decreased $0.80, or 5 percent, reflecting an 8 percent decrease in net earnings, partially offset by a 3 percent reduction in weighted-average diluted shares outstanding.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Basis of Presentation
The company is aligned in four operating sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments: Aerospace Systems, Innovation Systems, Mission Systems and Technology Services. As described above, on the effective date of the Merger, we established Innovation Systems as a new, fourth business sector. The segment operating results below include sales and operating income for Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date.
We present our sectors in the following business areas, which are reported in a manner reflecting core capabilities:
Aerospace Systems
 
Innovation Systems
 
Mission Systems
 
Technology Services
Autonomous Systems
 
Defense Systems
 
Advanced Capabilities
 
Global Logistics and Modernization
Manned Aircraft
 
Flight Systems
 
Cyber and ISR
 
Global Services
Space
 
Space Systems
 
Sensors and Processing
 
 
Effective January 1, 2019, the former Advanced Defense Services and System Modernization and Services business areas of Technology Services were merged to create the Global Services business area. This change had no impact on the segment operating results of Technology Services as a whole.
In September 2019, the company announced changes effective January 1, 2020, which are intended to better align the company’s broad portfolio to serve its customers’ needs. There will be four sectors: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems. This realignment is not reflected in any of the accompanying financial information.
This section discusses segment sales, operating income and operating margin rates. In evaluating segment operating performance, we look primarily at changes in sales and operating income. Where applicable, significant fluctuations in operating performance attributable to individual contracts or programs, or changes in a specific cost element across multiple contracts, are described in our analysis. Based on this approach and the nature of our operations, the discussion of results of operations below first focuses on our four segments before distinguishing between products and services. Changes in sales are generally described in terms of volume, while changes in margin rates are generally described in terms of performance and/or contract mix. For purposes of this discussion, volume generally refers to increases or decreases in sales or cost from production/service activity levels and performance generally refers to non-volume related changes in profitability. Contract mix generally refers to changes in the ratio of contract type and/or lifecycle (e.g., cost-type, fixed-price, development, production, and/or sustainment).

-27-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Segment Operating Income and Margin Rate
Segment operating income, as reconciled in the table below, and segment operating margin rate (segment operating income divided by sales) are non-GAAP (accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America) measures that reflect total earnings from our four segments, including allocated pension expense recognized under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the related U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and excluding FAS pension expense and unallocated corporate items (certain corporate-level expenses, which are not considered allowable or allocable under applicable CAS or FAR, and costs not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance). These non-GAAP measures may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as supplemental measures in evaluating the financial performance and operational trends of our sectors. These measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner and should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to operating results presented in accordance with GAAP.
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Segment operating income
$
940

 
$
979

 
(4
)%
 
$
2,885

 
$
2,520

 
14
 %
Segment operating margin rate
11.1
%
 
12.1
%
 
 
 
11.5
%
 
11.5
%
 
 
CAS pension expense
223

 
278

 
(20
)%
 
622

 
741

 
(16
)%
Less: FAS (service) pension expense
(92
)
 
(102
)
 
(10
)%
 
(276
)
 
(301
)
 
(8
)%
Net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment
131

 
176

 
(26
)%
 
346

 
440

 
(21
)%
Intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation
(98
)
 
(97
)
 
1
 %
 
(292
)
 
(127
)
 
NM

Other unallocated corporate (expense) income
(22
)
 
114

 
NM

 
(106
)
 
4

 
NM

Unallocated corporate (expense) income
(120
)
 
17

 
NM

 
(398
)
 
(123
)
 
NM

Operating income
$
951

 
$
1,172

 
(19
)%
 
$
2,833

 
$
2,837

 
 %
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 segment operating income decreased $39 million, or 4 percent, primarily due to lower segment operating income at Aerospace Systems, partially offset by higher operating income at Technology Services. Segment operating margin rate decreased to 11.1 percent principally due to a lower operating margin rate at Aerospace Systems.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 segment operating income increased $365 million, or 14 percent, primarily due to the inclusion of a full nine months of operating income from Innovation Systems as well as higher operating income at Mission Systems and Technology Services. Segment operating margin rate of 11.5 percent was comparable to the prior year period.
Net FAS (service)/CAS Pension Adjustment
The decrease in our third quarter and year to date 2019 net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment is primarily due to lower CAS expense largely as a result of changes in actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2018. The year to date decrease is partially offset by increased CAS expense due to the addition of Innovation Systems.
Unallocated Corporate (Expense) Income
Current Quarter
The increase in third quarter 2019 unallocated corporate expense is primarily due to the absence in 2019 of a $223 million benefit recognized for the finalization of certain prior year cost claims, partially offset by $57 million of lower deferred state taxes and legal expenses.
Year to Date
The increase in year to date 2019 unallocated corporate expense is primarily due to the absence of the 2018 cost claim benefit noted above and $165 million of higher intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation. This increase was partially offset by $61 million of lower deferred state taxes and legal expenses as well as $29 million of non-recurring Merger-related transaction costs in 2018.

-28-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Net Estimate-at-Completion (EAC) Adjustments - We record changes in estimated contract earnings at completion (net EAC adjustments) using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. Net EAC adjustments can have a significant effect on reported sales and operating income and the aggregate amounts are presented in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Favorable EAC adjustments
$
285

 
$
296

 
$
803

 
$
740

Unfavorable EAC adjustments
(160
)
 
(147
)
 
(382
)
 
(332
)
Net EAC adjustments
$
125

 
$
149

 
$
421

 
$
408

Net EAC adjustments by segment are presented in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Aerospace Systems
$
13

 
$
80

 
$
117

 
$
229

Innovation Systems(1)
33

 
16

 
114

 
16

Mission Systems
46

 
37

 
134

 
132

Technology Services
40

 
22

 
71

 
42

Eliminations
(7
)
 
(6
)
 
(15
)
 
(11
)
Net EAC adjustments
$
125

 
$
149

 
$
421

 
$
408

(1) 
Amounts reflect EAC adjustments after the percent complete on Innovation Systems contracts was reset to zero as of the Merger date.
For purposes of the discussion in the remainder of this Segment Operating Results section, references to operating income and operating margin rate reflect segment operating income and segment operating margin rate, respectively.
AEROSPACE SYSTEMS
Three Months Ended September 30
 
%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
$
3,458

 
$
3,282

 
5
 %
 
$
10,344

 
$
9,899

 
4
 %
Operating income
324

 
376

 
(14
)%
 
1,067

 
1,074

 
(1
)%
Operating margin rate
9.4
%
 
11.5
%
 
 
 
10.3
%
 
10.8
%
 
 
Sales
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 sales increased 5 percent, due to higher sales in all three business areas. Manned aircraft sales reflect higher volume on the E-2 program and a higher rate of F-35 production activity, partially offset by lower B-2 sales. Space sales reflect higher volume on Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next Gen OPIR) programs. Autonomous Systems sales increased due to higher volume on multiple programs, including Global Hawk, partially offset by lower NATO AGS volume as that program nears completion.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 sales increased 4 percent due in large part to higher volume on restricted programs. Manned Aircraft sales reflect a higher rate of F-35 production activity and higher volume on the E-2 program. Space sales reflect higher volume on Next Gen OPIR programs. Autonomous Systems sales include lower NATO AGS volume as that program nears completion.
Operating Income
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 operating income declined to $324 million and operating margin rate decreased to 9.4 percent principally due to lower net favorable EAC adjustments. This reflects the timing of favorable adjustments as well as unfavorable adjustments for the B-2 Defensive Management System Modernization program and delays in production for certain commercial space components.

-29-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Year to Date
Year to date 2019 operating income decreased $7 million, or 1 percent, due to a lower operating margin rate, which more than offset higher sales. Operating margin rate decreased to 10.3 percent from 10.8 percent, primarily due to lower net favorable EAC adjustments on Manned Aircraft and Space programs.
INNOVATION SYSTEMS
Three Months Ended September 30
 
%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
$
1,584

 
$
1,415

 
12
%
 
$
4,520

 
$
1,815

 
NM
Operating income
164

 
161

 
2
%
 
500

 
200

 
NM
Operating margin rate
10.4
%
 
11.4
%
 
 
 
11.1
%
 
11.0
%
 
 
The sales and operating income above reflect the operating results of Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date. In our year to date comparative discussion below, we reference pro forma sales prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and computed as if Orbital ATK had been included in our results in the year prior to the Merger, or as of January 1, 2017. Refer to Note 2 to the financial statements for additional supplemental consolidated pro forma financial information. This pro forma financial information should not be considered indicative of the results that would have actually occurred if the Merger had been consummated on January 1, 2017, nor are they indicative of future results.
Sales
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 sales increased 12 percent due to higher sales in all three business areas. Space Systems sales reflect higher volume on national security satellite systems. Defense Systems sales increased primarily due to higher volume on precision munitions and armament products, as well as tactical missiles and subsystems, including the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) program. Flight Systems sales reflect higher volume on military and commercial aerospace structures.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 sales increased $403 million, or 10 percent, compared with year to date 2018 pro forma sales of $4.1 billion due to higher sales in all three business areas. Flight Systems sales reflect higher volume on military aerospace structures and launch vehicles, principally Ground-based Midcourse Defense. Defense Systems sales increased primarily due to higher volume on tactical missiles and subsystems, including AARGM-ER, and precision munitions and armament products. Space Systems sales reflect higher volume on national security satellite systems.
Operating Income
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 operating income increased 2 percent primarily due to higher sales, partially offset by a lower operating margin rate of 10.4 percent. The prior period operating margin rate reflects favorable indirect rate performance and recovery of an insurance claim.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 operating income totaled $500 million and operating margin rate was 11.1 percent. Year to date results benefited from the timing of favorable negotiations on certain commercial contracts.
MISSION SYSTEMS
Three Months Ended September 30
 
%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
$
3,029

 
$
2,911

 
4
 %
 
$
9,043

 
$
8,668

 
4
%
Operating income
398

 
399

 
 %
 
1,189

 
1,122

 
6
%
Operating margin rate
13.1
%
 
13.7
%
 
 
 
13.1
%
 
12.9
%
 
 
Sales
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 sales increased 4 percent due to higher sales in all three business areas. Advanced Capabilities sales increased primarily due to higher volume on marine systems. Cyber and ISR sales reflect higher volume on space and restricted programs. Sensors and Processing sales increased principally due to higher volume on airborne radar and electronic warfare programs, partially offset by lower volume from targeting pods.

-30-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Year to Date
Year to date 2019 sales increased 4 percent due to higher sales in all three business areas. Sensors and Processing sales increased principally due to higher volume on airborne radar and restricted programs, partially offset by lower volume on communications programs. Cyber and ISR sales increased principally due to higher volume on space and restricted programs. Advanced Capabilities sales increased principally due to higher volume on restricted programs and marine systems, partially offset by lower missile defense volume, primarily related to the JRDC program.
Operating Income
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 operating income was comparable to the prior year and operating margin rate was 13.1 percent compared with 13.7 percent in the prior year period. The primary driver of the margin rate change was a higher level of indirect rate benefits in the third quarter of 2018. Third quarter 2019 results reflect continued strong performance at Sensors and Processing, improved performance at Advanced Capabilities, and lower performance on Cyber and ISR programs.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 operating income increased 6 percent due to higher sales and a higher operating margin rate. Operating margin rate increased to 13.1 percent primarily due to improved performance on Advanced Capabilities and Sensors and Processing programs, partially offset by lower performance on Cyber and ISR programs.
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Three Months Ended September 30
 
%
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
 
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
$
1,067

 
$
1,040

 
3
%
 
$
3,088

 
$
3,232

 
(4
)%
Operating income
136

 
111

 
23
%
 
351

 
328

 
7
 %
Operating margin rate
12.7
%
 
10.7
%
 
 
 
11.4
%
 
10.1
%
 
 
Sales
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 sales increased 3 percent due to higher sales in both business areas. Global Logistics and Modernization sales increased primarily due to higher sales on electronic systems sustainment programs, partially offset by lower volume on autonomous systems support programs. Global Services sales increased principally due to higher volume on defense services programs and a civil program, partially offset by the completion of a state and local services contract in 2018.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 sales decreased 4 percent primarily due to program completions across the sector. Global Services sales declined principally due to the completions in 2018 of a state and local services contract and of certain defense services contracts, largely the JRDC program, partially offset by higher volume on a civil program. Global Logistics and Modernization sales declined primarily due to the completion in 2018 of a manned aircraft sustainment program, KC-10, partially offset by higher volume on electronic systems sustainment programs.
Operating Income
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 operating income increased 23 percent and operating margin rate increased to 12.7 percent due to improved performance in both business areas, including a favorable adjustment on a Global Logistics and Modernization sustainment program.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 operating income increased 7 percent and operating margin rate increased to 11.4 percent due to improved performance in both business areas, including a favorable adjustment on a Global Logistics and Modernization sustainment program.

-31-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

PRODUCT AND SERVICE ANALYSIS
The following table presents product and service sales and operating costs and expenses by segment:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2019
2018
 
2019
2018
Segment Information:
Sales
Operating Costs and Expenses
Sales
Operating Costs and Expenses
 
Sales
Operating Costs and Expenses
Sales
Operating Costs and Expenses
Aerospace Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
$
2,956

$
2,691

$
2,775

$
2,457

 
$
8,783

$
7,915

$
8,339

$
7,436

Service
502

443

507

449

 
1,561

1,362

1,560

1,389

Innovation Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
1,451

1,304

1,246

1,101

 
4,019

3,577

1,600

1,418

Service
133

116

169

153

 
501

443

215

197

Mission Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
1,887

1,625

1,818

1,582

 
5,631

4,826

5,349

4,624

Service
1,142

1,006

1,093

930

 
3,412

3,028

3,319

2,922

Technology Services
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
143

131

132

119

 
406

373

356

325

Service
924

800

908

810

 
2,682

2,364

2,876

2,579

Segment Totals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Product
$
6,437

$
5,751

$
5,971

$
5,259

 
$
18,839

$
16,691

$
15,644

$
13,803

Total Service
2,701

2,365

2,677

2,342

 
8,156

7,197

7,970

7,087

Intersegment eliminations
(663
)
(581
)
(563
)
(495
)
 
(1,875
)
(1,653
)
(1,675
)
(1,471
)
Total segment(1)
$
8,475

$
7,535

$
8,085

$
7,106

 
$
25,120

$
22,235

$
21,939

$
19,419

(1) 
A reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income is included in “Segment Operating Results.”
Product Sales and Costs
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 product sales increased $466 million, or 8 percent. The increase was primarily due to higher product sales in all three business areas at Innovation Systems and higher volume on restricted, E-2 and Next Gen OPIR programs at Aerospace Systems.
Third quarter 2019 product costs increased $492 million, or 9 percent, consistent with the higher product sales described above and reflects a lower product margin at Aerospace Systems.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 product sales increased $3.2 billion, or 20 percent. The increase was primarily due to a full nine months of product sales from Innovation Systems and higher volume on restricted, E-2 and F-35 programs at Aerospace Systems.
Year to date 2019 product costs increased $2.9 billion, or 21 percent, consistent with the higher product sales described above and reflects a lower product margin at Aerospace Systems.

-32-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Service Sales and Costs
Current Quarter
Third quarter 2019 service sales increased $24 million, or 1 percent. The increase was primarily due to higher service sales at Mission Systems.
Third quarter 2019 service costs increased $23 million, or 1 percent, consistent with the higher service sales described above.
Year to Date
Year to date 2019 service sales increased $186 million, or 2 percent. The increase was primarily driven by a full nine months of service sales from Innovation Systems and higher service sales at Mission Systems, partially offset by lower service sales at Technology Services principally due to several program completions.
Year to date 2019 service costs increased $110 million, or 2 percent, consistent with the higher service sales described above.
BACKLOG
Backlog represents the future sales we expect to recognize on firm orders received by the company and is equivalent to the company’s remaining performance obligations at the end of each period. It comprises both funded backlog (firm orders for which funding is authorized and appropriated) and unfunded backlog. Unexercised contract options and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are not included in backlog until the time the option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded. Backlog is converted into sales as costs are incurred or deliveries are made.
Backlog consisted of the following as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
 
September 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
$ in millions
 
Funded
 
Unfunded
 
Total
Backlog
 
Total
Backlog
 
% Change in 2019
Aerospace Systems
 
$
12,310

 
$
21,601

 
$
33,911

 
$
26,440

 
28
 %
Innovation Systems
 
5,835

 
3,758

 
9,593

 
8,207

 
17
 %
Mission Systems
 
10,952

 
7,112

 
18,064

 
15,408

 
17
 %
Technology Services
 
2,862

 
574

 
3,436

 
3,445

 
 %
Total backlog
 
$
31,959

 
$
33,045

 
$
65,004

 
$
53,500

 
22
 %
New Awards
Third quarter and year to date 2019 net awards totaled $10.1 billion and $35.9 billion, respectively, and backlog increased to $65.0 billion as of September 30, 2019. Significant new awards in the third quarter include $1.4 billion to deliver an additional nine E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft and related equipment to Japan, $608 million for space restricted programs, $504 million for the F-35 program, $481 million for the Triton program and $312 million for targets and countermeasures used to test the Ballistic Missile Defense System.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We endeavor to ensure the most efficient conversion of operating income into cash for deployment in our business and to maximize shareholder value through cash deployment activities. In addition to our cash position, we use various financial measures to assist in capital deployment decision-making, including cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure described in more detail below.
Cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operating activities, supplemented by borrowings under credit facilities, commercial paper and/or in the capital markets, if needed, are expected to be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months.

-33-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Operating Cash Flow
The table below summarizes key components of cash flow provided by operating activities:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Net earnings
$
2,657

 
$
2,873

 
(8
)%
Non-cash items(1)
1,041

 
891

 
17
 %
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Trade working capital
(1,392
)
 
(1,400
)
 
(1
)%
Retiree benefits
(422
)
 
(847
)
 
(50
)%
Other, net
(51
)
 
(67
)
 
(24
)%
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
1,833

 
$
1,450

 
26
 %
(1) 
Includes depreciation and amortization, non-cash lease expense, stock based compensation expense and deferred income taxes.
Year to date 2019 cash provided by operating activities increased $383 million principally due to a $250 million voluntary pre-tax pension contribution ($163 million after-tax) made in the third quarter of 2018 and improved trade working capital.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow, as reconciled in the table below, is a non-GAAP measure defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, and may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. We use free cash flow as a key factor in our planning for, and consideration of, acquisitions, the payment of dividends and stock repurchases. This non-GAAP measure may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as a supplemental measure of our cash performance, but should not be considered in isolation, as a measure of residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes, or as an alternative to operating cash flows presented in accordance with GAAP.
The table below reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
1,833

 
$
1,450

 
26
%
Less: capital expenditures
(793
)
 
(786
)
 
1
%
Free cash flow
$
1,040

 
$
664

 
57
%
Year to date 2019 free cash flow increased $376 million principally due to the increase in net cash provided by operating activities.
Investing Cash Flow
Year to date 2019 net cash used in investing activities decreased to $785 million from $8.4 billion principally due to $7.7 billion paid in 2018 for the acquisition of Orbital ATK, net of cash acquired.
Financing Cash Flow
Year to date 2019 net cash used in financing activities decreased to $1.5 billion from $3.0 billion principally due to lower debt and credit facility repayments of $2.0 billion, partially offset by increased share repurchases and lower net borrowings on commercial paper.
Credit Facilities, Commercial Paper and Financial Arrangements - See Note 7 to the financial statements for further information on our credit facilities, commercial paper and our use of standby letters of credit and guarantees.
Share Repurchases - See Note 3 to the financial statements for further information on our share repurchase programs.
Long-term Debt - See Note 5 to the financial statements for further information.

-34-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies, estimates or judgments from those discussed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES
See Note 1 to our financial statements for further information on accounting standards updates.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS
This Form 10-Q and the information we are incorporating by reference contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “outlook,” “trends,” “goals” and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to our future financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, expectations, plans and projections that we believe to be reasonable when made, but which may change over time. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Specific risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those identified and discussed more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They include:
our dependence on the U.S. government for a substantial portion of our business
significant delays or reductions in appropriations for our programs and U.S. government funding more broadly
investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions and/or litigation
the use of estimates when accounting for our contracts and the effect of contract cost growth and/or changes in estimated contract revenues and costs
our exposure to additional risks as a result of our international business, including risks related to geopolitical and economic factors, laws and regulations
the improper conduct of employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, business partners or joint ventures in which we participate and the impact on our reputation, our ability to do business, and our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows
cyber and other security threats or disruptions faced by us, our customers or our suppliers and other partners
the performance and financial viability of our subcontractors and suppliers and the availability and pricing of raw materials, chemicals and components
changes in procurement and other laws, regulations and practices applicable to our industry, findings by the U.S. government as to our compliance with such laws and regulations, and changes in our customers’ business practices globally
increased competition within our markets and bid protests
the ability to maintain a qualified workforce
our ability to meet performance obligations under our contracts, including obligations that are technologically complex, require certain manufacturing expertise or are dependent on factors not wholly within our control
environmental matters, including unforeseen environmental costs and government and third party claims
natural disasters
the adequacy and availability of our insurance coverage, customer indemnifications or other liability protections
products and services we provide related to hazardous and high risk operations, including the production and use of such products, which subject us to various environmental, regulatory, financial, reputational and other risks

-35-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

the future investment performance of plan assets, changes in actuarial assumptions associated with our pension and other postretirement benefit plans and legislative or other regulatory actions impacting our pension, postretirement and health and welfare plans
our ability successfully to integrate the Orbital ATK business and realize fully the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, without adverse consequences
our ability to exploit or protect intellectual property rights
our ability to develop new products and technologies and maintain technologies, facilities, and equipment to win new competitions and meet the needs of our customers
changes in business conditions that could impact business investments and/or recorded goodwill or the value of other long-lived assets
unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional tax liabilities, including qualification of the Alliant Techsystems Inc. spin-off of Vista Outdoor Inc. as a tax-free transaction
You are urged to consider the limitations on, and risks associated with, forward-looking statements and not unduly rely on the accuracy of forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date this report is first filed or, in the case of any document incorporated by reference, the date of that document. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations from those discussed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes to our market risks from those discussed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our principal executive officer (Chief Executive Officer and President) and principal financial officer (Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) have evaluated the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)) as of September 30, 2019, and have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
During the three months ended September 30, 2019, no changes occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

-36-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We have provided information about certain legal proceedings in which we are involved in Notes 6 and 7 to the financial statements.
We are a party to various investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions and other legal proceedings, including government investigations and claims, that arise in the ordinary course of our business. These types of matters could result in administrative, civil or criminal fines, penalties or other sanctions (which terms include judgments or convictions and consent or other voluntary decrees or agreements); compensatory, treble or other damages; non-monetary relief or actions; or other liabilities. Government regulations provide that certain allegations against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from future government contracts or suspension of export privileges for the company or one or more of its components. The nature of legal proceedings is such that we cannot assure the outcome of any particular matter. For additional information on pending matters, please see Notes 6 and 7 to the financial statements, and for further information on the risks we face from existing and future investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions and other legal proceedings, please see “Risk Factors” in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
For a discussion of our risk factors, please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Purchases of Equity Securities – The table below summarizes our repurchases of common stock during the third quarter of 2019:
Period
Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid per
Share
(1)
 
Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
 
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
under the
Plans or Programs
($ in millions)
June 29, 2019 - July 26, 2019
143,800

 
$
327.10

 
143,800

 
 
$
3,801

July 27, 2019 - August 23, 2019
219,700

 
360.17

 
219,700

 
 
3,722

August 24, 2019 - September 27, 2019
244,200

 
367.81

 
244,200

 
 
3,632

Total
607,700

 
$
355.41

 
607,700

 
 
$
3,632

(1) 
Includes commissions paid.
Share repurchases take place from time to time, subject to market conditions and management’s discretion, in the open market and in privately negotiated transactions. The company retires its common stock upon repurchase and, in the periods presented, has not made any purchases of common stock other than in connection with these publicly announced repurchase programs.
See Note 3 to the financial statements for further information on our share repurchase programs.

-37-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Item 6. Exhibits
2.1
 
 
2.2
 
 
2.3
 
 
2.4
 
 
+*10.1

 
 
*15
 
 
*31.1
 
 
*31.2
 
 
**32.1
 
 
**32.2
 
 
*101
Northrop Grumman Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Cover Page, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
 
 
*104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
+
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
 
 
*
Filed with this report
 
 
**
Furnished with this report

-38-

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
(Registrant)
 
 
By:
 
 
/s/ Michael A. Hardesty
 
 
Michael A. Hardesty
Corporate Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: October 23, 2019

-39-