01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 10-Q filed April 29, 2021. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
Northrop Grumman Corporation reported a strong first quarter for 2021, with total sales reaching $9.16 billiona, an increase of 6% year-over-year.
This growth was significantly driven by robust performance in the Space Systems, Mission Systems, and Aeronautics Systems segments. A key event during the quarter was the completion of the IT services divestiture, which contributed a substantial pre-tax gain of $2.0 billion and bolstered net earnings to $2.19 billionb. Excluding the impact of this divestiture and other one-time items, transaction-adjusted net earnings saw a healthy 24% increase, highlighting the underlying operational strength of the core business.
The company demonstrated effective capital management, with significant share repurchases totaling $2.0 billionc via an accelerated share repurchase program. Despite a net cash outflow from operating activities in the quarter, this was an improvement from the prior year, reflecting better trade working capital management.
Backlog remained strong at $79.3 billiond, providing good visibility into future revenues. Investors should note the increased effective tax rate in the current quarter, largely attributable to the IT services divestiture, and monitor the company's ongoing progress in its key defense programs and its ability to navigate the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- Total sales for Q1 2021 increased by 6% to $9.16 billion, driven by strong performance in Space Systems, Mission Systems, and Aeronautics Systems.
- Net earnings surged by 153% to $2.19 billion, significantly boosted by a $2.0 billion pre-tax gain from the divestiture of the IT services business.
- Transaction-adjusted net earnings grew by 24% to $1.075 billion, indicating solid operational performance excluding one-time events.
- The company executed a significant $2.0 billion accelerated share repurchase program in Q1 2021, underscoring a commitment to shareholder returns.
- Backlog remained substantial at $79.3 billion as of March 31, 2021, providing a strong base for future revenue.
- Despite a net cash used in operating activities of $66 million for the quarter, this represents a significant improvement of 93% compared to the same period in the prior year.
- The effective income tax rate increased to 27.2% in Q1 2021, primarily due to taxes related to the IT services divestiture, particularly the non-deductible goodwill.
03—One dollar
04—Financials
Financial Highlights
Figures from 10-QQ1 FY2021filed April 29, 2021Financial Statements
Q1 FY2021 against Q1 FY2020
| Line item | Q1 FY2021Q1 FY2020 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $9.16B$8.62B | +6.2% |
| Operating Expenses | $8.31B$7.69B | +8.2% |
| Operating Income | $2.82B$934.00M | +202.1% |
| Net Income | $2.19B$868.00M | +152.9% |
| EPS (Basic) | $13.46$5.18 | +159.8% |
| EPS (Diluted) | $13.43$5.15 | +160.8% |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 163.10M167.70M | −2.7% |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 163.50M168.40M | −2.9% |
05—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main driver behind the significant increase in net earnings for the first quarter of 2021?
The primary driver for the substantial increase in net earnings was the gain on sale of the IT and mission support services business, which generated a pre-tax gain of $2.0 billion. This divestiture was completed on January 30, 2021.
How did the divestiture of the IT services business impact the company's sales and operations?
The divestiture reduced overall sales compared to the prior year when the business was included. However, the company's organic sales (excluding the divested business) increased by 12%, highlighting growth in its continuing operations. The divestiture also resulted in a significant gain on sale, impacting net earnings positively for the quarter.
What is the company doing to return value to shareholders?
Northrop Grumman actively returned value to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. In the first quarter of 2021, the company executed an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement valued at $2.0 billion. The company also increased its quarterly common stock dividend by 10% in May 2020, to $1.45 per share.
What is the outlook for the company's backlog?
The company's backlog remains strong at $79.3 billion as of March 31, 2021. Approximately 40% of this backlog is expected to be recognized as revenue over the next 12 months, and 60% over the next 24 months, providing good visibility into future revenue streams.
06—Continue