Summary
Northrop Grumman Corporation reported strong financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, driven significantly by the acquisition of Orbital ATK in June 2018, which established the new Innovation Systems sector. Total sales increased by 13% to $21.9 billion, while net earnings surged by 39% to $2.6 billion, resulting in a substantial 40% increase in diluted earnings per share to $14.68. The company experienced robust sales growth in the third quarter as well, with total sales up 23% year-over-year, largely attributable to the contribution from Innovation Systems and growth in other segments like Aerospace Systems and Mission Systems. This top-line growth translated into a significant increase in operating income, up 41% in the quarter. The effective tax rate also decreased considerably due to the 2017 Tax Act, further boosting net earnings and earnings per share. Investors should note the substantial increase in goodwill and intangible assets resulting from the Orbital ATK acquisition, as well as the corresponding rise in debt. The company's backlog also grew to $52.6 billion, indicating a healthy pipeline of future business. While the integration of Orbital ATK presents opportunities, potential risks associated with its full integration and ongoing legal and environmental matters should be monitored.
Financial Highlights
50 data points| Revenue | $8.09B |
| Operating Income | $1.17B |
| Net Income | $1.24B |
| EPS (Basic) | $7.15 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $7.11 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 174.10M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 174.90M |
Key Highlights
- 1Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, increased 13% to $21.9 billion, largely driven by the acquisition of Orbital ATK.
- 2Net earnings for the nine months rose 39% to $2.6 billion, with diluted EPS increasing 40% to $14.68.
- 3The company's backlog stood at $52.6 billion as of September 30, 2018, up from $42.6 billion at the end of 2017.
- 4The acquisition of Orbital ATK on June 6, 2018, for $7.7 billion, significantly impacted the balance sheet with increased goodwill and intangible assets.
- 5Operating income for the nine months increased 11% to $2.9 billion, benefiting from segment performance and reduced unallocated corporate expenses.
- 6The effective tax rate decreased significantly in 2018 compared to 2017 due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
- 7The company repurchased $209 million of its common stock in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and increased its quarterly dividend.