10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2001

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2001

Filed August 9, 2001For Securities:NOC

Summary

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Q2 2001 10-Q filing reflects a period of significant transformation, primarily driven by the monumental acquisition of Litton Industries, Inc. for approximately $5.2 billion. This acquisition has substantially reshaped the company's financial statements, leading to a significant increase in assets, liabilities, and goodwill. While reported sales and revenue saw a dramatic increase due to the consolidation of Litton's operations, the company experienced a net cash outflow from operating activities for the six-month period, largely attributed to non-recurring acquisition-related costs. Despite the integration challenges and the financial impact of the Litton deal, Northrop Grumman's core business segments continued to contribute. The company is actively managing its increased debt load and pursuing further strategic acquisitions, signaling a clear intent to expand its market presence and capabilities. Investors should pay close attention to the integration progress of Litton, the management of the expanded debt, and the company's ability to generate positive operating cash flow amidst these substantial changes.

Key Highlights

  • 1Completed the acquisition of Litton Industries, Inc. for approximately $5.2 billion, significantly increasing the company's asset base and goodwill.
  • 2Total sales for the six months ended June 30, 2001, increased by 54% to $5.6 billion, largely due to the Litton acquisition and other prior acquisitions.
  • 3Net cash used in operating activities for the first six months of 2001 was $14 million, a decrease from $401 million generated in the same period of 2000, primarily due to $330 million in non-recurring Litton acquisition-related costs.
  • 4Company issued $1.5 billion in debt and entered into $5 billion in new credit facilities to help finance the Litton acquisition and related expenses.
  • 5Segment performance shows strong growth in Electronic Sensors and Systems (ES3) and Logicon, driven by acquisitions, while Integrated Systems (ISS) experienced a slight decline.
  • 6New segments, Ship Systems and Electronic Components and Materials (EC&M), were formed following the Litton acquisition.
  • 7The company is pursuing another acquisition of Aerojet-General Corporation's Electronics and Information Systems Group and made an exchange offer for Newport News Shipbuilding Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver was the acquisition of Litton Industries, Inc. for approximately $5.2 billion, which was completed on April 3, 2001. This acquisition led to a substantial increase in assets, liabilities, goodwill, and operating revenue due to the consolidation of Litton's businesses.

The Litton acquisition significantly impacted cash flow from operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2001, net cash used in operating activities was $14 million, compared to $401 million provided in the prior year. This was largely due to approximately $330 million in non-recurring cash payments related to the acquisition, such as change in control payments, pension plan funding, and transaction costs.

Northrop Grumman significantly increased its debt by issuing $1.5 billion in notes and debentures and securing $5 billion in new credit facilities to finance the Litton acquisition. The company intends to use cash generated from operations and available credit facilities to service debt, fund capital expenditures, and pay dividends. They are also actively pursuing additional strategic acquisitions, such as the planned acquisition of Aerojet-General's Electronics and Information Systems Group, indicating a focus on continued expansion.

The Litton businesses have been integrated into existing or new segments. Litton's advanced electronics are in the Electronic Sensors and Systems Sector (ES3), information systems are in Logicon, ship systems form a new Ship Systems sector, and electronic components and materials form a new Electronic Components and Materials (EC&M) sector. The Integrated Systems Sector (ISS) remains largely unchanged.