10-KPeriod: FY2007

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2007

Filed February 28, 2008For Securities:LMT

Summary

Lockheed Martin Corporation's (LMT) 2007 10-K filing highlights a strong financial year driven by significant growth across all four business segments: Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, Information Systems & Global Services (IS&GS), and Space Systems. The company reported net sales of $41.9 billion, a 6% increase from the prior year, with net earnings reaching $3.0 billion. A substantial 84% of net sales were generated from U.S. Government customers, underscoring the company's reliance on defense and government contracts. Key strategic initiatives in 2007 included a business segment realignment to enhance operational integration and a continued focus on innovation and program execution. The company's robust backlog of $76.7 billion at year-end, with a significant portion unfunded, indicates strong future revenue potential, although subject to government appropriations. LMT also demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns through increased dividends and share repurchases, supported by a healthy cash flow from operations. The company's outlook suggests continued growth, with significant funding anticipated for its major defense programs.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 6% to $41.9 billion in 2007, driven by growth across all four business segments.
  • 2Net earnings rose by 20% to $3.0 billion, with diluted EPS of $7.10.
  • 3The company maintained a strong negotiated backlog of $76.7 billion at year-end 2007.
  • 484% of net sales were derived from U.S. Government customers, indicating continued reliance on defense spending.
  • 5Significant investments were made in research and development, totaling $1.2 billion.
  • 6Lockheed Martin returned $615 million to shareholders through dividends and $2.1 billion through share repurchases in 2007.
  • 7The company completed several strategic acquisitions in 2007, including Management Systems Designers Inc., to strengthen its IT and scientific solutions capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth in 2007 was driven by increases across all four business segments: Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, IS&GS, and Space Systems. This growth was fueled by higher sales volumes in key programs such as the F-22 and F-16 aircraft, AEGIS weapon systems, C-130J aircraft, and various missile defense and satellite programs, reflecting strong demand from U.S. Government and international customers.

The company's significant reliance on U.S. Government contracts, accounting for 84% of net sales, positions it to benefit from robust defense spending. However, it also exposes the company to risks associated with government appropriations, budget priorities, and regulatory changes. The filing notes that future sales are conditioned on continued Congressional appropriations, and while current trends are positive, budget decisions could impact future growth.

Lockheed Martin's substantial backlog of $76.7 billion at the end of 2007 is a key indicator of future revenue visibility. This backlog includes both funded and unfunded orders, with a significant portion expected to be fulfilled over multiple years. The backlog provides a degree of revenue stability, although it remains subject to government funding decisions and contract performance.

Lockheed Martin is actively managing its financial health through disciplined growth strategies, strategic investments in R&D and acquisitions, and prudent debt management. The company demonstrated its commitment to shareholder value by increasing its quarterly dividend and repurchasing approximately $2.1 billion of its common stock in 2007, supported by strong operating cash flows.