10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2018

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2018

Filed October 24, 2018For Securities:NOC

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
Beta

Revenue

$8.09B

Net Income

$1.24B

15.4% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$7.11

Total Assets

$37.94B

Cash & Equivalents

$1.23B

Free Cash Flow

$530.00M

Financial Statements
Beta
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver was the acquisition of Orbital ATK on June 6, 2018. This acquisition established Northrop Grumman's fourth business sector, Innovation Systems, which contributed significantly to the increase in sales and operating income.

The acquisition resulted in a substantial increase in goodwill and intangible assets on the balance sheet, reflecting the purchase price allocation. It also led to an increase in long-term debt used to finance the acquisition and impacted cash flows through acquisition-related outflows.

The company's backlog stood at $52.6 billion as of September 30, 2018, an increase from $42.6 billion at the end of 2017. Backlog represents future sales expected from firm orders and is equivalent to the company's remaining performance obligations. The company expects to recognize approximately 50% of this backlog as revenue over the next 12 months.

The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The company also benefited from certain prior year tax credits and adjustments.