10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2008

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 30, 2008

Filed April 24, 2008For Securities:LMT

Summary

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) reported strong first-quarter 2008 results, with net sales increasing by 8% to $10.0 billion and operating profit rising by 20% to $1.18 billion compared to the prior year's quarter. This growth was driven by increased sales across most business segments, particularly Electronic Systems and Information Systems & Global Services. Diluted earnings per share also saw a healthy increase, reaching $1.75 from $1.60 in the first quarter of 2007. The company's financial position remains robust, supported by significant cash flows from operations. Management highlighted a disciplined cash deployment strategy, including substantial share repurchases totaling $1.19 billion in the quarter, alongside dividend payments. Despite an increase in long-term debt due to a new issuance of $500 million, the company's liquidity appears strong, with ample cash and cash equivalents and an undrawn revolving credit facility, positioning LMT well for continued operations and potential growth opportunities.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the first quarter of 2008 increased by 8% to $10.0 billion, up from $9.3 billion in the same period of 2007.
  • 2Operating profit saw a significant increase of 20%, reaching $1.18 billion in Q1 2008 compared to $985 million in Q1 2007.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.75 in Q1 2008 from $1.60 in Q1 2007.
  • 4The company repurchased approximately $1.19 billion of its common stock in Q1 2008.
  • 5Lockheed Martin declared and paid quarterly dividends totaling $172 million ($0.42 per share) in Q1 2008, an increase from $148 million ($0.35 per share) in Q1 2007.
  • 6Long-term debt increased by $500 million due to the issuance of new notes, but the company maintains a $1.5 billion revolving credit facility with no borrowings outstanding.
  • 7Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $600 million compared to the prior year's quarter, primarily due to changes in operating working capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the increase in sales and profit were growth across most business segments, particularly Electronic Systems and Information Systems & Global Services. Higher sales volumes and improved performance in key programs within these segments contributed significantly to the company's improved financial results.

Lockheed Martin demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns by repurchasing $1.19 billion of its common stock in the first quarter of 2008 and increasing its quarterly dividend to $0.42 per share. The company also issued $500 million in long-term debt, while maintaining a strong liquidity position with significant cash and cash equivalents.

Lockheed Martin is involved in several ongoing legal and environmental matters, including claims related to past subcontractors, a subpoena for documents concerning a government contract, and environmental remediation obligations at former facilities. While the company disputes many of these allegations and believes the probability of a material adverse effect is remote, these are ongoing situations that investors should monitor.

The company expects its cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and cash flow from operations to be sufficient to meet anticipated operating, capital expenditure, and debt service requirements for the next three years. They are also investing in their business, including capital expenditures and research and development, to support expected growth.