10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2005

Filed October 28, 2005For Securities:LMT

Summary

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) reported a strong third quarter and first nine months of 2005, demonstrating robust financial performance driven by significant increases in net sales and operating profit across most of its business segments. For the quarter ended September 30, 2005, net sales grew 9% year-over-year to $9.2 billion, while operating profit surged 26% to $706 million. This positive trend continued through the first nine months, with net sales up 6% to $27.0 billion and operating profit increasing by a substantial 28% to $2.1 billion. Key drivers for this performance include growth in the Electronic Systems, Space Systems, and Integrated Systems & Solutions segments, bolstered by higher sales volumes and improved program performance. The company also benefited from strategic gains from the sale of its Intelsat investment and the initial public offering of Inmarsat. Despite some headwinds in the Aeronautics segment for the year-to-date period, overall financial health remains strong, reflected in a 28% increase in diluted earnings per share for the nine-month period. The company's liquidity position is solid, supported by substantial cash from operations and a stable debt-to-capitalization ratio.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the third quarter of 2005 increased by 9% to $9.2 billion compared to the prior year quarter.
  • 2Operating profit for the third quarter of 2005 increased by 26% to $706 million, indicating improved profitability.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2005, rose to $2.81, a significant increase from $2.00 in the prior year period.
  • 4The company realized significant gains from the sale of its Intelsat investment and the Inmarsat IPO, contributing to 'Other income and expenses, net'.
  • 5Electronic Systems and Space Systems segments showed strong growth in both net sales and operating profit for both the quarter and nine-month periods.
  • 6Lockheed Martin reported a healthy increase in net cash provided by operating activities, up to $3.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.
  • 7The company's debt-to-total capitalization ratio improved, decreasing from 42% at the end of 2004 to 40% at September 30, 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue and profit growth were primarily driven by strong performance across most business segments, particularly Electronic Systems and Space Systems, due to higher sales volumes and improved program execution. Gains from strategic investment sales (Intelsat, Inmarsat IPO) also boosted 'Other income and expenses, net'.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased significantly to $3.1 billion for the first nine months of 2005, up from $2.8 billion in the same period of 2004. This was mainly due to higher net earnings and continued focus on managing operating working capital.

Lockheed Martin and Boeing agreed to form the ULA joint venture in May 2005. The transaction is subject to government and regulatory approval. While the European Commission approved it, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requested additional information, extending its review period. A lawsuit was also filed by SpaceX challenging the venture. The parties expect to close the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Lockheed Martin has recorded liabilities of approximately $455 million for environmental matters at September 30, 2005, primarily related to soil and groundwater contamination at several California and New York sites. While management believes the probability of a material adverse effect from current legal proceedings is remote, the company is involved in several ongoing litigations, including environmental claims and a patent infringement suit.