Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
______________________________________ 
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2019
or
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-16411
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
 
80-0640649
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
2980 Fairview Park Drive,
Falls Church, Virginia
 
22042
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(703) 280-2900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x
 
No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes x
 
No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
 
Emerging growth company o
 
 
 
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o
 
No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
As of April 19, 2019, 169,799,679 shares of common stock were outstanding.


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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 
Page
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.    Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions, except per share amounts
2019

2018
Sales





Product
$
5,728


$
4,289

Service
2,461


2,446

Total sales
8,189


6,735

Operating costs and expenses





Product
4,517


3,269

Service
1,976


1,907

General and administrative expenses
760


711

Operating income
936


848

Other (expense) income





Interest expense
(138
)

(143
)
FAS (non-service) pension benefit
200


254

Other, net
36


40

Earnings before income taxes
1,034


999

Federal and foreign income tax expense
171


159

Net earnings
$
863


$
840







Basic earnings per share
$
5.08


$
4.82

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, in millions
170.0


174.3

Diluted earnings per share
$
5.06


$
4.79

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions
170.7


175.4







Net earnings (from above)
$
863


$
840

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
Change in unamortized prior service credit, net of tax
(11
)
 
(15
)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment and other, net
4

 
(3
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(7
)
 
(18
)
Comprehensive income
$
856

 
$
822

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Unaudited)
$ in millions, except par value
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
755

 
$
1,579

Accounts receivable, net
2,166

 
1,448

Unbilled receivables, net
5,785

 
5,026

Inventoried costs, net
778

 
654

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
959

 
973

Total current assets
10,443

 
9,680

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,493 for 2019 and $5,369 for 2018
6,420

 
6,372

Operating lease right-of-use assets
1,283

 

Goodwill
18,698

 
18,672

Intangible assets, net
1,289

 
1,372

Deferred tax assets
84

 
94

Other non-current assets
1,534

 
1,463

Total assets
$
39,751

 
$
37,653

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
$
1,932

 
$
2,182

Accrued employee compensation
1,404

 
1,676

Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred
1,969

 
1,917

Other current liabilities
3,516

 
2,499

Total current liabilities
8,821

 
8,274

Long-term debt, net of current portion of $523 for 2019 and $517 for 2018
13,863

 
13,883

Pension and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities
5,646

 
5,755

Operating lease liabilities
1,098

 

Deferred tax liabilities
133

 
108

Other non-current liabilities
1,451

 
1,446

Total liabilities
31,012

 
29,466

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

 

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding

 

Common stock, $1 par value; 800,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2019—169,873,750 and 2018—170,607,336
170

 
171

Paid-in capital

 

Retained earnings
8,628

 
8,068

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(59
)
 
(52
)
Total shareholders’ equity
8,739

 
8,187

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
39,751

 
$
37,653

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
863

 
$
840

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
234

 
122

Non-cash lease expense
68

 

Stock-based compensation
26

 
19

Deferred income taxes
33

 
(22
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
(718
)
 
(187
)
Unbilled receivables, net
(759
)
 
(404
)
Inventoried costs, net
(124
)
 
(37
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(23
)
 
13

Accounts payable and other liabilities
(480
)
 
(590
)
Income taxes payable, net
140

 
197

Retiree benefits
(142
)
 
(190
)
Other, net
(31
)
 
2

Net cash used in operating activities
(913
)
 
(237
)
 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(284
)
 
(305
)
Other, net
4

 
(2
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(280
)
 
(307
)
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
Net payments to credit facilities
(20
)
 
(14
)
Net borrowings on commercial paper
814

 

Common stock repurchases
(60
)
 

Cash dividends paid
(211
)
 
(198
)
Payments of employee taxes withheld from share-based awards
(61
)
 
(79
)
Other, net

 
(21
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
462

 
(312
)
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(731
)
 
(856
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year
1,579

 
11,225

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
$
848

 
$
10,369

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions, except per share amounts
2019
 
2018
Common stock
 
 
 
Beginning of year
$
171

 
$
174

Common stock repurchased
(1
)
 

End of period
170

 
174

Paid-in capital
 
 
 
Beginning of year

 
44

Stock compensation

 
(44
)
End of period

 

Retained earnings
 
 
 
Beginning of year
8,068

 
6,913

Impact from adoption of ASU 2018-02 and ASU 2016-01

 
(21
)
Common stock repurchased
(62
)
 

Net earnings
863

 
840

Dividends declared
(206
)
 
(195
)
Stock compensation
(35
)
 
(35
)
End of period
8,628

 
7,502

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
Beginning of year
(52
)
 
1

Impact from adoption of ASU 2018-02 and ASU 2016-01

 
21

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(7
)
 
(18
)
End of period
(59
)
 
4

Total shareholders’ equity
$
8,739

 
$
7,680

Cash dividends declared per share
$
1.20

 
$
1.10

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
1.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Principles of Consolidation and Reporting
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) include the accounts of Northrop Grumman Corporation and its subsidiaries and joint ventures or other investments for which we consolidate the financial results (herein referred to as “Northrop Grumman,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). Material intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in equity securities and joint ventures where the company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method.
On June 6, 2018 (the “Merger date”), the company completed its previously announced acquisition of Orbital ATK, Inc. (“Orbital ATK”) (the “Merger”). On the Merger date, Orbital ATK became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company and its name was changed to Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc., which we established as a new, fourth business sector (“Innovation Systems”). The operating results of Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date have been included in the company's unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations. See Note 2 for further information regarding the Merger.
These financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP” or “FAS”) and in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim reporting. The financial statements include adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary by management for a fair presentation of the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The results reported in these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The quarterly information is labeled using a calendar convention; that is, first quarter is consistently labeled as ending on March 31, second quarter as ending on June 30 and third quarter as ending on September 30. It is legacy Northrop Grumman’s long-standing practice to establish actual interim closing dates using a “fiscal” calendar, in which we close our books on a Friday near these quarter-end dates in order to normalize the potentially disruptive effects of quarterly closings on business processes. Similarly, Innovation Systems uses a “fiscal” calendar by closing its books on a Sunday near these quarter-end dates and will continue this practice until its business processes are aligned with legacy Northrop Grumman’s. This practice is only used at interim periods within a reporting year.
As previously announced, effective January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 842, Leases, using the optional transition method to apply the standard through a cumulative effect adjustment in the period of adoption. The adoption of this standard is reflected in the amounts and disclosures set forth in this Form 10-Q.
Accounting Estimates
Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared using the most current and best available information; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
The majority of our sales are derived from long-term contracts with the U.S. government for the production of goods, the provision of services, or a combination of both. The company classifies sales as product or service based on the predominant attributes of each contract.
The company recognizes revenue for each separately identifiable performance obligation in a contract representing a promise to transfer a distinct good or service to a customer. In most cases, goods and services provided under the company’s contracts are accounted for as single performance obligations due to the complex and integrated nature of our products and services. These contracts generally require significant integration of a group of goods and/or services to deliver a combined output. In some contracts, the company provides multiple distinct goods or services to a customer, most commonly when a contract covers multiple phases of the product lifecycle (e.g., development, production, sustainment, etc.). In those cases, the company accounts for the distinct contract deliverables as separate performance obligations and allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is generally estimated using a cost plus a reasonable margin approach. Warranties are

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

provided on certain contracts, but do not typically provide for services beyond standard assurances and are therefore not considered to be separate performance obligations. Our accounting for costs to obtain or fulfill a contract are not material.
Contracts are often modified for changes in contract specifications or requirements, which may result in scope and/or price changes. Most of the company’s contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct in the context of the contract and are therefore accounted for as part of the original performance obligation through a cumulative estimate-at-completion (EAC) adjustment.
The company recognizes revenue as control is transferred to the customer, either over time or at a point in time. In general, our U.S. government contracts contain termination for convenience and/or other clauses that generally provide the customer rights to goods produced and/or in-process. Similarly, our non-U.S. government contracts generally contain contractual termination clauses or entitle the company to payment for work performed to date for goods and services that do not have an alternative use. As control is effectively transferred while we perform on our contracts, we generally recognize revenue over time using the cost-to-cost method (cost incurred relative to total cost estimated at completion) as the company believes this represents the most appropriate measurement towards satisfaction of its performance obligations. Revenue for contracts in which the control of goods produced does not transfer until delivery to the customer is recognized at a point in time (i.e., typically upon delivery).
Contract Estimates
Use of the cost-to-cost method requires us to make reasonably dependable estimates regarding the revenue and cost associated with the design, manufacture and delivery of our products and services. The company estimates profit on these contracts as the difference between total estimated sales and total estimated cost at completion and recognizes that profit as costs are incurred. Significant judgment is used to estimate total revenue and cost at completion.
Contract sales may include estimates of variable consideration, including cost or performance incentives (such as award and incentive fees), contract claims and requests for equitable adjustment (REAs). Variable consideration is included in total estimated sales to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We estimate variable consideration as the most likely amount to which we expect to be entitled.
We recognize changes in estimated contract sales or costs and the resulting changes in contract profit on a cumulative basis. Cumulative EAC adjustments represent the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods; sales and operating margins in future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since contract inception. If it is determined that a loss is expected to result on an individual performance obligation, the entire amount of the estimable future loss, including an allocation of general and administrative (G&A) costs, is charged against income in the period the loss is identified. Each loss provision is first offset against costs included in Unbilled receivables or Inventoried costs; remaining amounts are reflected in Other current liabilities.
Significant EAC adjustments on a single contract could have a material effect on the company’s financial statements. When such adjustments occur, we generally disclose the nature, underlying conditions and financial impact of the adjustments. No discrete event or adjustments to an individual contract were material to the financial statements during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
The following table presents the effect of aggregate net EAC adjustments:
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions, except per share data
2019
 
2018
Operating income
$
138

 
$
116

Net earnings(1)
109

 
92

Diluted earnings per share(1)
0.64

 
0.52

(1) 
Based on a 21 percent statutory tax rate.
Revenue recognized from performance obligations satisfied in previous reporting periods was $166 million and $133 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Backlog
Backlog represents the future sales we expect to recognize on firm orders received by the company and is equivalent to the company’s remaining performance obligations at the end of each period. It comprises both funded backlog (firm orders for which funding is authorized and appropriated) and unfunded backlog. Unexercised contract options

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are not included in backlog until the time the option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded.
Company backlog as of March 31, 2019 was $57.3 billion. We expect to recognize approximately 50 percent and 75 percent of our March 31, 2019 backlog as revenue over the next 12 and 24 months, respectively, with the remainder to be recognized thereafter.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
For each of the company’s contracts, the timing of revenue recognition, customer billings, and cash collections results in a net contract asset or liability at the end of each reporting period. Fixed-price contracts are typically billed to the customer either using progress payments, whereby amounts are billed monthly as costs are incurred or work is completed, or performance based payments, which are based upon the achievement of specific, measurable events or accomplishments defined and valued at contract inception. Cost-type contracts are typically billed to the customer on a monthly or semi-monthly basis.
Contract assets are equivalent to and reflected as Unbilled receivables in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position and are primarily related to long-term contracts where revenue recognized under the cost-to-cost method exceeds amounts billed to customers. Unbilled receivables are classified as current assets and, in accordance with industry practice, include amounts that may be billed and collected beyond one year due to the long-cycle nature of many of our contracts. Accumulated contract costs in unbilled receivables include costs such as direct production costs, factory and engineering overhead, production tooling costs, and allowable G&A. Unbilled receivables also include certain estimates of variable consideration described above. These contract assets are not considered a significant financing component of the company’s contracts as the payment terms are intended to protect the customer in the event the company does not perform on its obligations under the contract.
Contract liabilities are equivalent to and reflected as Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position. Certain customers make advance payments prior to the company’s satisfaction of its obligations on the contract. These amounts are recorded as contract liabilities until such obligations are satisfied, either over time as costs are incurred or at a point in time when deliveries are made. Contract liabilities are not a significant financing component as they are generally utilized to pay for contract costs within a one-year period or are used to ensure the customer meets contractual requirements.
The amount of revenue recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 that was included in the contract liability balances at the beginning of each year was $674 million and $706 million, respectively.
Disaggregation of Revenue
See Note 11 for information regarding the company’s sales by customer type, contract type and geographic region for each of our segments. We believe those categories best depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
$ in millions
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Unamortized prior service credit, net of tax expense of $28 for 2019 and $32 for 2018
 
$
87

 
$
98

Cumulative translation adjustment
 
(143
)
 
(144
)
Other, net
 
(3
)
 
(6
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
$
(59
)
 
$
(52
)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings related to the amortization of prior service credit were $11 million and $15 million, net of taxes, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The reclassifications are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (benefit). See Note 8 for further information.
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings relating to cumulative translation adjustments and effective cash flow hedges were not material for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
Leases
The company leases certain buildings, land and equipment. Under ASC 842, at contract inception we determine whether the contract is or contains a lease and whether the lease should be classified as an operating or a financing

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

lease. Operating leases are included in Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets, Other current liabilities, and Operating lease liabilities in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
The company recognizes operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. We use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of future payments and the appropriate lease classification. Many of our leases include renewal options aligned with our contract terms. We define the initial lease term to include renewal options determined to be reasonably certain. In our adoption of ASC 842, we elected not to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We elected the practical expedient to not separate lease components from nonlease components and applied that practical expedient to all material classes of leased assets.
Many of the company’s real property lease agreements contain incentives for tenant improvements, rent holidays, or rent escalation clauses. For tenant improvement incentives, if the incentive is determined to be a leasehold improvement owned by the lessee, the company generally records a deferred rent liability and amortizes the deferred rent over the term of the lease as a reduction to rent expense. For rent holidays and rent escalation clauses during the lease term, the company records rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. For these lease incentives, the company uses the date of initial possession as the commencement date, which is generally when the company is given the right of access to the space and begins to make improvements in preparation for intended use.
Finance leases are not material to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the company is not a lessor in any material arrangements. We do not have any material restrictions or covenants in our lease agreements, sale-leaseback transactions, land easements or residual value guarantees.
Restricted Cash
On occasion, we are required to maintain cash deposits with banks in connection with certain contingent obligations. This restricted cash is included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position. As of March 31, 2019 our restricted cash totaled approximately $93 million. We had no restricted cash as of December 31, 2018.
Related Party Transactions
The company had no material related party transactions in any period presented.
Accounting Standards Updates
On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASC Topic 842 supersedes existing lease guidance, including ASC 840 - Leases. Among other things, ASU 2016-02 requires recognition of a right-of-use asset and liability for future lease payments for contracts that meet the definition of a lease and requires disclosure of certain information about leasing arrangements. On July 30, 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which, among other things, allows companies to elect an optional transition method to apply the new lease standard through a cumulative-effect adjustment in the period of adoption.
We adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method and, as a result, did not recast prior period unaudited condensed comparative financial statements. All prior period amounts and disclosures are presented under ASC 840. We elected the package of practical expedients, which, among other things, allows us to carry forward our prior lease classifications under ASC 840. We did not elect to adopt the hindsight practical expedient and are therefore maintaining the lease terms we previously determined under ASC 840. Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of additional lease assets and lease liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position with no cumulative impact to retained earnings and did not have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows.
Other accounting standards updates adopted and/or issued, but not effective until after March 31, 2019, are not expected to have a material effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position, annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

2.  ACQUISITION OF ORBITAL ATK
On June 6, 2018, the company completed its previously announced acquisition of Orbital ATK, by acquiring all of the outstanding shares of Orbital ATK for a purchase price of $7.7 billion in cash. On the Merger date, Orbital ATK became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company and its name was changed to Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc. We established Innovation Systems as a new, fourth business sector. Its main products include precision munitions and armaments; tactical missiles and subsystems; ammunition; launch vehicles; space and strategic propulsion systems; aerospace structures; space exploration products; and national security and commercial satellite systems and related components/services. The acquisition was financed with proceeds from the company’s debt financing completed in October 2017 and cash on hand. We believe this acquisition will enable us to broaden our capabilities and offerings, provide additional innovative solutions to meet our customers’ emerging requirements, create value for shareholders and provide expanded opportunities for our combined employees.
Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination. As such, the company recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value, with the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires significant judgment, including the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, long-term growth rates and discount rates. In some cases, the company used discounted cash flow analyses, which were based on our best estimate of future sales, earnings and cash flows after considering such factors as general market conditions, customer budgets, existing firm and future orders, changes in working capital, long term business plans and recent operating performance. Use of different estimates and judgments could yield materially different results.
During the second quarter of 2018, the company completed a preliminary analysis to determine the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the amounts recorded reflected management’s initial assessment of fair value as of the Merger date. Based on additional information obtained to date, the company refined its initial assessment of fair value and recognized the following significant adjustments to our preliminary purchase price allocation: Intangible assets increased $220 million, Other current liabilities increased $114 million, Pension and other postretirement benefit (OPB) plan liabilities increased $56 million, Other non-current liabilities increased $53 million and Goodwill decreased $47 million. These adjustments did not result in a material impact on the financial results of prior periods.
The company expects to finalize its purchase price allocation within one year of the Merger date. We are continuing to analyze and assess relevant information in the following areas to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Merger date: certain income tax, legal and contract-related matters. The final fair value determination could result in material adjustments to the values presented in the preliminary purchase price allocation table below.
The Merger date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $7.7 billion in cash, which was comprised of the following:
$ in millions, except per share amounts
 
Purchase price
Shares of Orbital ATK common stock outstanding as of the Merger date
 
57,562,152

Cash consideration per share of Orbital ATK common stock
 
$
134.50

Total purchase price
 
$
7,742


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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

The following preliminary purchase price allocation table presents the company’s refined estimate of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Merger date:
$ in millions
 
As of
June 6, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
85

Accounts receivable
 
596

Unbilled receivables
 
1,264

Inventoried costs
 
220

Other current assets
 
226

Property, plant and equipment
 
1,509

Goodwill
 
6,248

Intangible assets
 
1,525

Other non-current assets
 
151

Total assets acquired
 
11,824

Trade accounts payable
 
(397
)
Accrued employee compensation
 
(158
)
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred
 
(222
)
Below market contracts(1)
 
(151
)
Other current liabilities
 
(412
)
Long-term debt
 
(1,687
)
Pension and OPB plan liabilities
 
(613
)
Deferred tax liabilities
 
(253
)
Other non-current liabilities
 
(189
)
Total liabilities assumed
 
(4,082
)
Total purchase price
 
$
7,742

(1) 
Included in Other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
The following table presents a summary of purchased intangible assets and their related estimated useful lives:
 
 
Fair Value
(in millions)
 
Estimated Useful Life in Years
Customer contracts
 
$
1,245

 
9
Commercial customer relationships
 
280

 
13
Total customer-related intangible assets
 
$
1,525

 
 
The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $6.2 billion of goodwill, a majority of which was allocated to the Innovation Systems sector. The goodwill recognized is attributable to expected revenue synergies generated by the integration of Aerospace Systems, Mission Systems and Technology Services products and technologies with those of legacy Orbital ATK, synergies resulting from the consolidation or elimination of certain costs, and intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, such as the assembled workforce of Orbital ATK. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Information
The following table presents unaudited pro forma financial information prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and computed as if Orbital ATK had been included in our results as of January 1, 2017:
$ in millions, except per share amounts
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Sales
$
8,000

Net earnings
914

Diluted earnings per share
5.21

The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial data has been calculated after applying our accounting policies and adjusting the historical results of Orbital ATK with pro forma adjustments, net of tax, that assume the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017. Significant pro forma adjustments include the following:
1.
The elimination of intercompany sales and costs of sales between the company and Orbital ATK of $47 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
2.
The elimination of nonrecurring transaction costs incurred by the company and Orbital ATK in connection with the Merger of $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
3.
The recognition of additional depreciation expense, net of removal of historical depreciation expense, of $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 related to the step-up in fair value of acquired property, plant and equipment.
4.
The recognition of additional amortization expense, net of removal of historical amortization expense, of $66 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 related to the fair value of acquired intangible assets.
5.
The elimination of Orbital ATK's historical amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service credits and impact of the revised pension and OPB net periodic benefit cost as determined under the company’s plan assumptions of $31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
6.
The income tax effect on the pro forma adjustments, which was calculated using the federal statutory tax rate, of $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect the potential realization of revenue synergies or cost savings, nor does it reflect other costs relating to the integration of the two companies. This unaudited pro forma financial information should not be considered indicative of the results that would have actually occurred if the acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2017, nor are they indicative of future results.
3.    EARNINGS PER SHARE, SHARE REPURCHASES AND DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK
Basic Earnings Per Share
We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period.
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effect of awards granted to employees under stock-based compensation plans. The dilutive effect of these securities totaled 0.7 million shares and 1.1 million shares for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Share Repurchases
On September 16, 2015, the company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock (the “2015 Repurchase Program”). Repurchases under the 2015 Repurchase Program commenced in March 2016.
On December 4, 2018, the company’s board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to an additional $3.0 billion in share repurchases of the company’s common stock (the “2018 Repurchase Program”). By its terms, repurchases under the 2018 Repurchase Program will commence upon completion of the 2015 Repurchase Program and will expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchases.
During the fourth quarter of 2018, the company entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (Goldman Sachs) to repurchase $1.0 billion of the company’s common stock under the 2015 Repurchase Program. Under the agreement, we made a payment of $1.0 billion to Goldman Sachs and

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

received an initial delivery of 3.0 million shares valued at $800 million that were immediately canceled by the company. The remaining balance was settled on January 4, 2019 with a final delivery of 0.9 million shares from Goldman Sachs. The final average purchase price was $260.32 per share.
As of March 31, 2019, repurchases under the 2015 Repurchase Program totaled $3.0 billion; $1.0 billion remained under this share repurchase authorization. By its terms, the 2015 Repurchase Program is set to expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchases.
Share repurchases take place from time to time, subject to market conditions and management’s discretion, in the open market and in privately negotiated transactions. The company retires its common stock upon repurchase and, in the periods presented, has not made any purchases of common stock other than in connection with these publicly announced repurchase programs.
The table below summarizes the company’s share repurchases to date under the authorizations described above:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares Repurchased
(in millions)
Repurchase Program
Authorization Date
 
Amount
Authorized
(in millions)
 
Total
Shares Retired
(in millions)
 
Average 
Price
Per Share
(1)
 
Date Completed
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2019
 
2018
September 16, 2015
 
$
4,000

 
12.4

 
$
241.36

 

 
1.1

 

December 4, 2018
 
$
3,000

 

 
$

 

 

 

(1) 
Includes commissions paid.
Dividends on Common Stock
In May 2018, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 9 percent to $1.20 per share from the previous amount of $1.10 per share.
In January 2018, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 10 percent to $1.10 per share from the previous amount of $1.00 per share.
4.    INCOME TAXES
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions
2019

2018
Federal and foreign income tax expense
$
171

 
$
159

Effective income tax rate
16.5
%
 
15.9
%
The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2019 increased to 16.5 percent from 15.9 percent in the first quarter of 2018 primarily due to lower tax benefits related to employee share-based compensation and claims for prior year manufacturing deductions, partially offset by higher research credits. The company’s effective rate for the first quarter of 2019 includes $31 million of research credits and $13 million of excess tax benefits for employee share-based compensation. The company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2018 included $26 million of excess tax benefits for employee share-based compensation, $20 million of research credits and $8 million of claims for prior year manufacturing deductions.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we increased our unrecognized tax benefits related to our methods of accounting associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by approximately $15 million and it is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months those unrecognized tax benefits may increase by up to an additional $70 million.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Northrop Grumman 2014-2017 federal tax returns and refund claims related to its 2007-2016 federal tax returns are currently under IRS examination. In addition, legacy Orbital ATK federal tax returns for the year ended March 31, 2015, the nine-month transition period ended December 31, 2015 and calendar year 2016 are currently under IRS examination.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

5.    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The company holds a portfolio of marketable securities consisting of securities to partially fund non-qualified employee benefit plans. A portion of these securities are held in common/collective trust funds and are measured at fair value using net asset value (NAV) per share as a practical expedient; and therefore are not required to be categorized in the fair value hierarchy table below. Marketable securities are included in Other non-current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
The company’s derivative portfolio consists primarily of commodity forward contracts and foreign currency forward contracts. The company periodically uses commodity forward contracts to hedge forecasted purchases of certain commodities. The contracts generally establish a fixed price for the underlying commodity and are designated and qualify as effective cash flow hedges of such commodity purchases. Commodity derivatives are valued based on prices of future exchanges and recently reported transactions in the marketplace. For foreign currency forward contracts, where model-derived valuations are appropriate, the company utilizes the income approach to determine the fair value and uses the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap rates.
The following table presents the financial assets and liabilities the company records at fair value on a recurring basis identified by the level of inputs used to determine fair value:
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
$ in millions
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
Financial Assets (Liabilities)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities
 
$
347

 
$

 
$
347

 
$
319

 
$
1

 
$
320

Marketable securities valued using NAV
 

 

 
16

 

 

 
15

Total marketable securities
 
347

 

 
363

 
319

 
1

 
335

Derivatives
 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 

 
(10
)
 
(10
)
At March 31, 2019, the company had commodity forward contracts outstanding that hedge forecasted commodity purchases of 19 million pounds of copper and 7 million pounds of zinc. Gains or losses on the commodity forward contracts are recognized in product and service cost as the performance obligations on related contracts are satisfied.
The notional value of the company’s foreign currency forward contracts at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $111 million and $114 million, respectively. The portion of notional value designated as a cash flow hedge at March 31, 2019 was $12 million. At December 31, 2018, no portion of the notional value was designated as a cash flow hedge.
The derivative fair values and related unrealized gains/losses at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were not material. There were no transfers of financial instruments between the three levels of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2019.
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and commercial paper approximates fair value.
Long-term Debt
The estimated fair value of long-term debt was $14.8 billion and $14.3 billion as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. We calculated the fair value of long-term debt using Level 2 inputs, based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the company’s existing debt arrangements. The carrying value of long-term debt was $14.4 billion as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The current portion of long-term debt is recorded in Other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
6.    INVESTIGATIONS, CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
Litigation
On May 4, 2012, the company commenced an action, Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. v. United States, in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This lawsuit relates to an approximately $875 million firm fixed-price contract awarded to the company in 2007 by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for the construction and delivery of flats sequencing systems (FSS) as part of the postal automation program. The FSS have been delivered. The company’s lawsuit is based on various theories of liability. The complaint seeks approximately $63 million for unpaid portions of the contract price, and approximately $115 million based on the company’s assertions that, through various acts and omissions over the life of the contract, the USPS adversely affected the cost and schedule of performance and materially altered the company’s obligations under the contract. The United States responded to the company’s

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

complaint with an answer, denying most of the company’s claims, and counterclaims seeking approximately $410 million, less certain amounts outstanding under the contract. The principal counterclaim alleges that the company delayed its performance and caused damages to the USPS because USPS did not realize certain costs savings as early as it had expected. On April 2, 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice informed the company of a False Claims Act complaint relating to the FSS contract that was filed under seal by a relator in June 2011 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. On June 3, 2013, the United States filed a Notice informing the Court that the United States had decided not to intervene in this case. The relator alleged that the company violated the False Claims Act in a number of ways with respect to the FSS contract, alleged damage to the USPS in an amount of at least approximately $179 million annually, alleged that he was improperly discharged in retaliation, and sought an unspecified partial refund of the contract purchase price, penalties, attorney’s fees and other costs of suit. The relator later voluntarily dismissed his retaliation claim and reasserted it in a separate arbitration, which he also ultimately voluntarily dismissed. On September 5, 2014, the court granted the company’s motion for summary judgment and ordered the relator’s False Claims Act case be dismissed with prejudice. On December 19, 2014, the company filed a motion for partial summary judgment asking the court to dismiss the principal counterclaim referenced above. On June 29, 2015, the Court heard argument and denied that motion without prejudice to filing a later motion to dismiss. On February 16, 2018, both the company and the United States filed motions to dismiss many of the claims and counterclaims in whole or in part. The United States also filed a motion seeking to amend its answer and counterclaim, including to reduce its counterclaim to approximately $193 million, which the court granted on June 11, 2018. On October 17, 2018, the court granted in part and denied in part the parties’ motions to dismiss. On December 17, 2018, the court issued a Scheduling Order, proposed by the parties, providing for the parties to engage in mediation through March 1, 2019. After the government shutdown, the mediation was rescheduled for May 2019. The Scheduling Order provides for pretrial activities to resume, if and as necessary, with trial to commence on or about September 23, 2019. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters (“the FSS matters,” collectively), including any possible loss, cannot be predicted or reasonably estimated at this time, the company intends vigorously to pursue and defend the FSS matters.
On August 8, 2013, the company received a court-appointed expert’s report in litigation pending in the Second Federal Court of the Federal District in Brazil brought by the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Corporation (ECT), a Brazilian state-owned entity, against Solystic SAS (Solystic), a French subsidiary of the company, and two of its consortium partners. In this suit, commenced on December 17, 2004, and relatively inactive for some period of time, ECT alleges the consortium breached its contract with ECT and seeks damages of approximately R$111 million (the equivalent of approximately $28 million as of March 31, 2019), plus interest, inflation adjustments and attorneys’ fees, as authorized by Brazilian law, which amounts could be significant over time. The original suit sought R$89 million (the equivalent of approximately $23 million as of March 31, 2019) in damages. In October 2013, ECT asserted an additional damage claim of R$22 million (the equivalent of approximately $6 million as of March 31, 2019). In its counterclaim, Solystic alleges ECT breached the contract by wrongfully refusing to accept the equipment Solystic had designed and built and seeks damages of approximately €31 million (the equivalent of approximately $35 million as of March 31, 2019), plus interest, inflation adjustments and attorneys’ fees, as authorized by Brazilian law. The Brazilian court retained an expert to consider certain issues pending before it. On August 8, 2013 and September 10, 2014, the company received reports from the expert, which contain some recommended findings relating to liability and the damages calculations put forth by ECT. Some of the expert’s recommended findings were favorable to the company and others were favorable to ECT. In November 2014, the parties submitted comments on the expert’s most recent report. On June 16, 2015, the court published a decision denying the parties’ request to present oral testimony. In a decision dated November 13, 2018, the trial court ruled in ECT’s favor on one of its claims against Solystic, and awarded damages of R$41 million (the equivalent of approximately $10 million as of March 31, 2019) against Solystic and its consortium partners, with that amount to be adjusted for inflation and interest from November 2004 through any appeal, in accordance with the Manual of Calculations of the Federal Justice, as well as attorneys’ fees. On March 22, 2019, ECT appealed the trial court’s decision to the intermediate court of appeals. Solystic filed its appeal on April 11, 2019. The parties are exploring possible resolution under a newly-established short term ECT dispute resolution program.
We are engaged in remediation activities relating to environmental conditions allegedly resulting from historic operations at the former United States Navy and Grumman facilities in Bethpage, New York. For over 20 years, we have worked closely with the United States Navy, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Department of Health and other federal, state and local governmental authorities, to address legacy environmental conditions in Bethpage. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, as included in Note 7, substantial remediation costs related to these environmental conditions. The remediation standards or requirements to which we are subject are being reconsidered and may

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

change and costs may increase materially. The State of New York has notified us that it intends to seek to impose additional remedial requirements and, among other things, is also evaluating natural resource damages. In addition, we are a party to various, and expect to become a party to additional, legal proceedings and disputes related to remediation and/or alleged environmental impacts in Bethpage, including with federal and state entities, local municipalities and water districts, insurance carriers and class action and individual plaintiffs alleging personal injury and property damage and seeking both monetary and non-monetary relief. These Bethpage matters could result in additional costs, fines, penalties, sanctions, compensatory or other damages (including natural resource damages), determinations on allocation, allowability and coverage, and non-monetary relief. We cannot at this time predict or reasonably estimate the potential cumulative outcomes or ranges of possible liability of these aggregate Bethpage matters.
On August 12, 2016, a putative class action complaint, naming Orbital ATK and two of its then-officers as defendants, Steven Knurr, et al. v. Orbital ATK, Inc., No. 16-cv-01031 (TSE-MSN), was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The complaint asserts claims on behalf of purchasers of Orbital ATK securities for violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5, allegedly arising out of false and misleading statements and the failure to disclose that: (i) Orbital ATK lacked effective control over financial reporting; and (ii) as a result, it failed to record an anticipated loss on a long-term contract with the U.S. Army to manufacture and supply small caliber ammunition at the U.S. Army's Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. On April 24, 2017 and October 10, 2017, the plaintiffs filed amended complaints naming additional defendants and asserting claims for alleged violations of additional sections of the Exchange Act and alleged false and misleading statements in Orbital ATK’s Form S-4 filed in connection with the Orbital-ATK Merger. The complaint seeks damages, reasonable costs and expenses at trial, including counsel and expert fees, and such other relief as deemed appropriate by the Court. On August 8, 2018, plaintiffs sought leave to file an additional amended complaint; defendants filed an opposition. The parties engaged in mediation on November 6, 2018. On December 27, 2018, the parties reached a preliminary agreement to resolve the litigation for $108 million subject to agreement on additional terms and to court approval. On February 22, 2019, the court preliminarily approved the parties’ proposed settlement and set a schedule for final settlement proceedings, including a final approval settlement hearing on June 7, 2019. The company is also negotiating with and pursuing coverage litigation against various of its insurance carriers. The company intends vigorously to defend itself in connection with these matters. We currently expect related contingencies will continue to be included in the company’s measurement period adjustments of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Merger (see Note 2).
The SEC is investigating Orbital ATK’s historical accounting practices relating to the restatement of Orbital’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarterly periods ended July 5, 2015 and October 4, 2015 described in the Transition Report on Form 10-K for the nine-month period ending December 31, 2015 previously filed on March 15, 2016. The SEC is also investigating matters relating to a voluntary disclosure Orbital ATK made concerning the restatement described in Orbital ATK’s Form 10-K/A for the nine-month period ending December 31, 2015 filed on February 24, 2017. The ultimate outcome of these matters, including any possible loss, cannot be predicted or reasonably estimated at this time and the company intends to continue to cooperate with the SEC.
The company is a party to various other investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions and other legal proceedings, including government investigations and claims, that arise in the ordinary course of our business. The nature of legal proceedings is such that we cannot assure the outcome of any particular matter. However, based on information available to the company to date, the company does not believe that the outcome of any of these other matters pending against the company is likely to have a material adverse effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2019, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
7.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
U.S. Government Cost Claims
From time to time, the company is advised of claims by the U.S. government concerning certain potential disallowed costs, plus, at times, penalties and interest. When such findings are presented, the company and U.S. government representatives engage in discussions to enable the company to evaluate the merits of these claims, as well as to assess the amounts being claimed. Where appropriate, provisions are made to reflect the company’s estimated exposure for such potential disallowed costs. Such provisions are reviewed periodically using the most recent information available. The company believes it has adequately reserved for disputed amounts that are probable and reasonably estimable, and that the outcome of any such matters would not have a material adverse

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effect on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2019, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
Environmental Matters
The table below summarizes management’s estimate of the range of reasonably possible future costs for environmental remediation, the amount accrued within that range, and the deferred costs expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
$ in millions
 
Range of Reasonably Possible Future Costs(1)
 
Accrued Costs(2)
 
Deferred Costs(3)
March 31, 2019
 
$460 - $836
 
$
473

 
$
353

December 31, 2018
 
447 - 835
 
461

 
343

(1) 
Estimated remediation costs are not discounted to present value. The range of reasonably possible future costs does not take into consideration amounts expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts.
(2) As of March 31, 2019, $172 million is recorded in Other current liabilities and $301 million is recorded in Other non-current liabilities.
(3) As of March 31, 2019, $139 million is deferred in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and $214 million is deferred in Other non-current assets.
Although management cannot predict whether new information gained as our environmental remediation projects progress, or as changes in facts and circumstances occur, will materially affect the estimated liability accrued, except with respect to Bethpage, we do not anticipate that future remediation expenditures associated with our currently identified projects will have a material adverse effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2019, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows. With respect to Bethpage, as described in Note 6, we cannot at this time estimate the range of reasonably possible additional future costs that could result from potential changes to remediation standards or requirements to which we are subject.
Financial Arrangements
In the ordinary course of business, the company uses standby letters of credit and guarantees issued by commercial banks and surety bonds issued principally by insurance companies to guarantee the performance on certain obligations. At March 31, 2019, there were $493 million of stand-by letters of credit and guarantees and $200 million of surety bonds outstanding.
Commercial Paper
The company maintains a commercial paper program that serves as a source of short-term financing with capacity to issue unsecured commercial paper notes up to $2.0 billion. At March 31, 2019, there were $1.0 billion of outstanding short-term commercial paper borrowings at a weighted-average interest rate of 3.04 percent that have original maturities of three months or less from the date of issuance. The outstanding balance of commercial paper borrowings is recorded in Other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
Credit Facilities
The company maintains a five-year senior unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.0 billion (the “2018 Credit Agreement”) that matures in August 2023. At March 31, 2019, there was no balance outstanding under this facility; however, the outstanding balance of commercial paper borrowings reduces the amount available for borrowing under the 2018 Credit Agreement.
In December 2016, a subsidiary of the company entered into a two-year credit facility, with two additional one-year option periods, in an aggregate principal amount of £120 million (the equivalent of approximately $156 million as of March 31, 2019) (the “2016 Credit Agreement”). The company exercised the second option to extend the maturity to December 2020. The 2016 Credit Agreement is guaranteed by the company. At March 31, 2019, there was £70 million (the equivalent of approximately $91 million) outstanding under this facility, which bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.10 percent. All of the borrowings outstanding under this facility mature less than one year from the date of issuance, but may be renewed under the terms of the facility. Based on our intent and ability to refinance the obligations on a long-term basis, a large majority of the borrowings are classified as non-current.
At March 31, 2019, the company was in compliance with all covenants under its credit agreements.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

8.    RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The cost to the company of its retirement plans is shown in the following table:
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
Pension
Benefits
 
OPB
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Components of net periodic benefit cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
92

 
$
99

 
$
4

 
$
5

Interest cost
340

 
290

 
20

 
19

Expected return on plan assets
(525
)
 
(529
)
 
(23
)
 
(25
)
Amortization of prior service credit
(15
)
 
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)
$
(108
)
 
$
(155
)
 
$

 
$
(6
)
Employer Contributions
The company sponsors defined benefit pension and OPB plans, as well as defined contribution plans. We fund our defined benefit pension plans annually in a manner consistent with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
Contributions made by the company to its retirement plans are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
Defined benefit pension plans
$
23

 
$
22

OPB plans
12

 
11

Defined contribution plans
191

 
104

9.    STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
Stock Awards
The following table presents the number of restricted stock rights (RSRs) and restricted performance stock rights (RPSRs) granted to employees under the company's long-term incentive stock plan and the grant date aggregate fair value of those stock awards for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended March 31
in millions
2019
 
2018
RSRs granted
0.1

 
0.1

RPSRs granted
0.2

 
0.2

Grant date aggregate fair value
$
91

 
$
87

RSRs typically vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, while RPSRs generally vest and pay out based on the achievement of financial metrics over a three-year period.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Cash Awards
The following table presents the minimum and maximum aggregate payout amounts related to cash units (CUs) and cash performance units (CPUs) granted to employees in the periods presented:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions
 
2019
2018
Minimum aggregate payout amount
 
$
36

$
35

Maximum aggregate payout amount
 
203

196

CUs typically vest and settle in cash on the third anniversary of the grant date, while CPUs generally vest and pay out in cash based on the achievement of financial metrics over a three-year period.
10.    LEASES
As described in Note 1, effective January 1, 2019, we adopted ASC 842 using the optional transition method. In accordance with the optional transition method, we did not recast the prior period unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and all prior period amounts and disclosures are presented under ASC 840. Finance leases are not material to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and are therefore not included in the following disclosures.
Total Lease Cost
Total lease cost is included in Product and Service costs and General and administrative expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of earnings and comprehensive income and is recorded net of immaterial sublease income. Total lease cost is comprised of the following:
$ in millions
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Operating lease cost
 
$
82

Variable lease cost
 
2

Short-term lease cost
 
17

Total lease cost
 
$
101

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Supplemental operating lease balance sheet information consists of the following:
$ in millions
 
March 31, 2019
Operating lease right-of-use assets
 
$
1,283

 
 
 
Other current liabilities
 
229

Operating lease liabilities
 
1,098

Total operating lease liabilities
 
$
1,327

Other Supplemental Information
Other supplemental operating lease information consists of the following:
$ in millions
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities
 
$
84

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities
 
54

 
 
 
Weighted average remaining lease term
 
11.0 years

Weighted average discount rate
 
4.0
%

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Maturities of Lease Liabilities
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:
$ in millions
 
 
Year Ending December 31
 
 
2019(1)
 
$
208

2020
 
260

2021
 
207

2022
 
170

2023
 
134

Thereafter
 
737

Total lease payments
 
1,716

Less: imputed interest
 
(389
)
Present value of operating lease liabilities
 
$
1,327

(1) 
Excludes the three months ended March 31, 2019.
As of March 31, 2019, we have a rental commitment of $226 million for a real estate lease that has not yet commenced. This operating lease is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2019 with a lease term of approximately 17 years.
Rental expense for operating leases classified under ASC 840 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $92 million, net of immaterial amounts of sublease income. As of December 31, 2018, future minimum lease payments under long-term non-cancelable operating leases as classified under ASC 840 were as follows:
$ in millions
  
Year Ending December 31
 
2019
$
312

2020
270

2021
221

2022
186

2023
152

Thereafter
939

Total minimum lease payments
$
2,080


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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

11.    SEGMENT INFORMATION
The company is aligned in four operating sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments: Aerospace Systems, Innovation Systems, Mission Systems and Technology Services.
The following table presents sales and operating income by segment:
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
Sales
 
 
 
Aerospace Systems
$
3,496

 
$
3,280

Innovation Systems
1,438

 

Mission Systems
2,886

 
2,883

Technology Services
977

 
1,144

Intersegment eliminations
(608
)
 
(572
)
Total sales
8,189

 
6,735

Operating income
 
 
 
Aerospace Systems
382

 
341

Innovation Systems
167

 

Mission Systems
383

 
371

Technology Services
102

 
122

Intersegment eliminations
(67
)
 
(72
)
Total segment operating income
967

 
762

Net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment
108

 
127

Unallocated corporate expense
(139
)
 
(41
)
Total operating income
$
936

 
$
848

Net FAS (Service)/CAS Pension Adjustment
For financial statement purposes, we account for our employee pension plans in accordance with FAS. However, the cost of these plans is charged to our contracts in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the related U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). The net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment reflects the difference between CAS pension expense included as cost in segment operating income and the service cost component of FAS expense included in total operating income.
Unallocated Corporate Expense
Unallocated corporate expense includes the portion of corporate costs not considered allowable or allocable under applicable CAS or FAR, and therefore not allocated to the segments, such as a portion of management and administration, legal, environmental, compensation, retiree benefits and other corporate unallowable costs. Unallocated corporate expense also includes costs not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance, such as amortization of purchased intangible assets and the additional depreciation expense related to the step-up in fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired through business combinations.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Disaggregation of Revenue
Sales by Customer Type
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2019
 
2018
$ in millions
$
%(3)
 
$
%(3)
Aerospace Systems
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government (1)
$
3,022

86
%
 
$
2,908

89
%
International (2)
394

11
%
 
271

8
%
Other customers
34

1
%
 
42

1
%
Intersegment sales
46

2
%
 
59

2
%
Aerospace Systems sales
3,496

100
%
 
3,280

100
%
Innovation Systems
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government (1)
1,015

71
%
 


International (2)
247

17
%
 


Other customers
114

8
%
 


Intersegment sales
62

4
%
 


Innovation Systems sales
1,438

100
%
 


Mission Systems
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government (1)
2,167

75
%
 
2,190

76
%
International (2)
367

13
%
 
379

13
%
Other customers
34

1
%
 
30

1
%
Intersegment sales
318

11
%
 
284

10
%
Mission Systems sales
2,886

100
%
 
2,883

100
%
Technology Services
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government (1)
553

57
%
 
602

53
%
International (2)
209

21
%
 
220

19
%
Other customers
33

3
%
 
93

8
%
Intersegment sales
182

19
%
 
229

20
%
Technology Services sales
977

100
%
 
1,144

100
%
Total
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government (1)
6,757

83
%
 
5,700

85
%
International (2)
1,217

15
%
 
870

13
%
Other customers
215

2
%
 
165

2
%
Total Sales
$
8,189

100
%
 
$
6,735

100
%
(1) 
Sales to the U.S. government include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is the U.S. government. Each of the company's segments derives substantial revenue from the U.S. government.
(2) International sales include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is an international customer. These sales include foreign military sales contracted through the U.S. government.
(3) Percentages calculated based on total segment sales.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Sales by Contract Type
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2019
 
2018
$ in millions
$
%(1)
 
$
%(1)
Aerospace Systems
 

 

 
 

 

Cost-type
$
2,002

58
%
 
$
1,902

59
%
Fixed-price
1,448

42
%
 
1,319

41
%
Intersegment sales
46

 
 
59

 
Aerospace Systems sales
3,496

 
 
3,280

 
Innovation Systems
 
 
 
 
 
Cost-type
408

30
%
 


Fixed-price
968

70
%
 


Intersegment sales
62

 
 

 
Innovation Systems sales
1,438

 
 

 
Mission Systems
 
 
 
 
 
Cost-type
1,274

50
%
 
1,279

49
%
Fixed-price
1,294

50
%
 
1,320

51
%
Intersegment sales
318

 
 
284

 
Mission Systems sales
2,886

 
 
2,883

 
Technology Services
 
 
 
 
 
Cost-type
392

49
%
 
437

48
%
Fixed-price
403

51
%
 
478

52
%
Intersegment sales
182

 
 
229

 
Technology Services sales
977

 
 
1,144

 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
Cost-type
4,076

50
%
 
3,618

54
%
Fixed-price
4,113

50
%
 
3,117

46
%
Total Sales
$
8,189

 
 
$
6,735

 
(1) 
Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.  

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Sales by Geographic Region
Three Months Ended March 31
 
2019
 
2018
$ in millions
$
%(2)
 
$
%(2)
Aerospace Systems
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
3,056

89
%
 
$
2,950

92
%
Asia/Pacific
239

7
%
 
129

4
%
All other (1)
155

4
%
 
142

4
%
Intersegment sales
46

 
 
59

 
Aerospace Systems sales
3,496

 
 
3,280

 
Innovation Systems
 
 
 
 
 
United States
1,129

82
%
 


Asia/Pacific
45

3
%
 


All other (1)
202

15
%
 


Intersegment sales
62

 
 

 
Innovation Systems sales
1,438

 
 

 
Mission Systems
 
 
 
 
 
United States
2,201

86
%
 
2,220

85
%
Asia/Pacific
146

5
%
 
153

6
%
All other (1)
221

9
%
 
226

9
%
Intersegment sales
318

 
 
284

 
Mission Systems sales
2,886

 
 
2,883

 
Technology Services
 
 
 
 
 
United States
586

74
%
 
695

76
%
Asia/Pacific
38

4
%
 
32

3
%
All other (1)
171

22
%
 
188

21
%
Intersegment sales
182

 
 
229

 
Technology Services sales
977

 
 
1,144

 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
United States
6,972

85
%
 
5,865

87
%
Asia/Pacific
468

6
%
 
314

5
%
All other (1)
749

9
%
 
556

8
%
Total Sales
$
8,189

 
 
$
6,735

 
(1) 
All other is principally comprised of Europe and the Middle East.  
(2) 
Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.  

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Falls Church, Virginia
Results of Review of Interim Financial Information
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial position of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2019, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial information”). Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial information for it to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statement of financial position of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated January 30, 2019, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements, which included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s change in its method of accounting for recognizing pension and other postretirement benefit plans actuarial gains and losses and the manner in which it accounts for revenue from contracts with customers. In our opinion, the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2018, is consistent, in all material respects, with the audited consolidated financial statements from which it has been derived.
Basis for Review Results
This interim financial information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

/s/  Deloitte & Touche LLP
McLean, Virginia
April 23, 2019


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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW
Northrop Grumman Corporation (herein referred to as “Northrop Grumman,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading global security company. We offer a broad portfolio of capabilities and technologies that enable us to deliver innovative platforms, systems and solutions for applications that range from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. We provide capabilities in autonomous systems; cyber; command, control, communications and computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR); space; strike; and logistics and modernization. We participate in many high-priority defense and government programs in the United States (U.S.) and abroad. We conduct most of our business with the U.S. government, principally the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community. We also conduct business with foreign, state and local governments, as well as commercial customers.
The following discussion should be read along with the financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, as well as our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which provides additional information on our business and the environment in which we operate and our operating results.
Acquisition of Orbital ATK
On June 6, 2018 (the “Merger date”), the company completed its previously announced acquisition of Orbital ATK, Inc. (“Orbital ATK”) (the “Merger”). On the Merger date, Orbital ATK became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company and its name was changed to Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc., which we established as a new, fourth business sector (“Innovation Systems”). The operating results of Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date have been included in the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations. See Note 2 to the financial statements for further information regarding the acquisition of Orbital ATK.
U.S. Political and Economic Environment
Since the filing of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, full year appropriations for FY 2019 have been enacted for all remaining U.S. government agencies and the President has proposed a FY 2020 budget requesting $750 billion for national security, which will be the subject of debate in Congress. The President’s budget request addresses various capabilities highlighted in the U.S. National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy and the Missile Defense Review. We believe our capabilities in space, missiles, missile defense, hypersonics, counter-hypersonics, survivability and cyber will allow us to continue to profitably grow our business in support of our customers’ needs.
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
Selected financial highlights are presented in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
%
$ in millions, except per share amounts
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
$
8,189

 
$
6,735

 
22
%
Operating costs and expenses
7,253

 
5,887

 
23
%
Operating costs and expenses as a % of sales
88.6
%
 
87.4
%
 
 
Operating income
936

 
848

 
10
%
Operating margin rate
11.4
%
 
12.6
%
 
 
Federal and foreign income tax expense
171

 
159

 
8
%
Effective income tax rate
16.5
%
 
15.9
%
 
 
Net earnings
863

 
840

 
3
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
5.06

 
$
4.79

 
6
%
Sales
First quarter 2019 sales increased $1.5 billion primarily due to the addition of $1.4 billion of sales from Innovation Systems and higher sales at Aerospace Systems, partially offset by lower sales at Technology Services.
See “Segment Operating Results” below for further information by segment and “Product and Service Analysis” for product and service detail. See Note 11 to the financial statements for information regarding the company’s sales by customer type, contract type and geographic region for each of our segments.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Operating Income and Margin Rate
First quarter 2019 operating income increased $88 million, or 10 percent, primarily due to higher segment operating income, including $167 million of operating income from Innovation Systems, partially offset by a $98 million increase in unallocated corporate expense due to intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation. First quarter 2019 operating margin rate declined to 11.4 percent from 12.6 percent due to the increase in unallocated corporate expense, partially offset by improved segment performance.
General and administrative (G&A) costs as a percentage of sales for the first quarter of 2019 decreased to 9.3 percent from 10.6 percent primarily due to cost management and the addition of Innovation Systems at a lower G&A rate.
For information regarding product and service operating costs and expenses, see “Product and Service Analysis” below.
Federal and Foreign Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2019 increased to 16.5 percent from 15.9 percent in the first quarter of 2018. See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional information.
Net Earnings
Net earnings for the first quarter of 2019 increased $23 million primarily due to the increase in operating income, partially offset by a $54 million decrease in our FAS (non-service) pension benefit and the higher effective tax rate.
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2019 increased $0.27, or 6 percent, reflecting a 3 percent increase in net earnings and a 3 percent reduction in weighted-average diluted shares outstanding.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Basis of Presentation
The company is aligned in four operating sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments: Aerospace Systems, Innovation Systems, Mission Systems and Technology Services. As described above, on the effective date of the Merger, we established Innovation Systems as a new, fourth business sector. The segment operating results below include sales and operating income for Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date.
We present our sectors in the following business areas, which are reported in a manner reflecting core capabilities:
Aerospace Systems
 
Innovation Systems
 
Mission Systems
 
Technology Services
Autonomous Systems
 
Defense Systems
 
Advanced Capabilities
 
Global Logistics and Modernization
Manned Aircraft
 
Flight Systems
 
Cyber and ISR
 
Global Services
Space
 
Space Systems
 
Sensors and Processing
 
 
Effective January 1, 2019, the former Advanced Defense Services and System Modernization and Services business areas of Technology Services were merged to create the Global Services business area. This change had no impact on the segment operating results of Technology Services as a whole.
This section discusses segment sales, operating income and operating margin rates. In evaluating segment operating performance, we look primarily at changes in sales and operating income. Where applicable, significant fluctuations in operating performance attributable to individual contracts or programs, or changes in a specific cost element across multiple contracts, are described in our analysis. Based on this approach and the nature of our operations, the discussion of results of operations below first focuses on our four segments before distinguishing between products and services. Changes in sales are generally described in terms of volume, while changes in margin rates are generally described in terms of performance and/or contract mix. For purposes of this discussion, volume generally refers to increases or decreases in sales or cost from production/service activity levels and performance generally refers to non-volume related changes in profitability. Contract mix generally refers to changes in the ratio of contract type and/or lifecycle (e.g., cost-type, fixed-price, development, production, and/or sustainment).

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Segment Operating Income and Margin Rate
Segment operating income, as reconciled in the table below, and segment operating margin rate (segment operating income divided by sales) are non-GAAP (accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America) measures that reflect total earnings from our four segments, including allocated pension expense recognized under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the related U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and excluding FAS pension expense and unallocated corporate expenses (certain corporate-level expenses, which are not considered allowable or allocable under applicable CAS or FAR, and costs not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance). These non-GAAP measures may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as supplemental measures in evaluating the financial performance and operational trends of our sectors. These measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner and should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to operating results presented in accordance with GAAP.
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Segment operating income
$
967

 
$
762

 
27
 %
Segment operating margin rate
11.8
%
 
11.3
%
 
 
CAS pension expense
200

 
226

 
(12
)%
Less: FAS (service) pension expense
(92
)
 
(99
)
 
(7
)%
Net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment
108

 
127

 
(15
)%
Intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation
(96
)
 

 
NM

Other unallocated corporate expense
(43
)
 
(41
)
 
5
 %
Unallocated corporate expense
(139
)
 
(41
)
 
239
 %
Operating income
$
936

 
$
848

 
10
 %
First quarter 2019 segment operating income increased $205 million, or 27 percent, primarily due to the addition of $167 million of operating income from Innovation Systems and higher operating income at Aerospace Systems. Segment operating margin rate increased due to improved performance at Aerospace Systems and Mission Systems.
Net FAS (service)/CAS Pension Adjustment
The decrease in our net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment during the first quarter of 2019 is primarily due to lower CAS expense largely as a result of changes in actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2018, partially offset by increased CAS expense due to the addition of Innovation Systems.
Unallocated Corporate Expense
The increase in unallocated corporate expense during the first quarter of 2019 is primarily due to $96 million of intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation.
Net Estimate-at-Completion (EAC) Adjustments - We record changes in estimated contract earnings at completion (net EAC adjustments) using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. Net EAC adjustments can have a significant effect on reported sales and operating income and the aggregate amounts are presented in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
Favorable EAC adjustments
$
235

 
$
207

Unfavorable EAC adjustments
(97
)
 
(91
)
Net EAC adjustments
$
138

 
$
116


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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Net EAC adjustments by segment are presented in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
Aerospace Systems
$
50

 
$
54

Innovation Systems(1)
50

 

Mission Systems
30

 
45

Technology Services
11

 
22

Eliminations
(3
)
 
(5
)
Net EAC adjustments
$
138

 
$
116

(1) 
Amounts reflect EAC adjustments after the percent complete on Innovation Systems contracts was reset to zero as of the Merger date.
For purposes of the discussion in the remainder of this Segment Operating Results section, references to operating income and operating margin rate reflect segment operating income and segment operating margin rate, respectively.
AEROSPACE SYSTEMS
Three Months Ended March 31
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
$
3,496

 
$
3,280

 
7
%
Operating income
382

 
341

 
12
%
Operating margin rate
10.9
%
 
10.4
%
 
 
Sales
First quarter 2019 sales increased $216 million, or 7 percent, due to higher sales in all three business areas. Manned Aircraft sales reflect higher volume on restricted, F-35 and E-2D programs. Autonomous Systems sales increased due to higher volume on several programs, including Triton, partially offset by lower NATO AGS volume as that program nears completion. Space sales reflect higher volume on a secure communications satellite program.
Operating Income
First quarter 2019 operating income increased $41 million, or 12 percent, due to higher sales and a higher operating margin rate. Operating margin rate increased to 10.9 percent from 10.4 percent principally due to improved performance on Manned Aircraft and Autonomous Systems programs, partially offset by the timing of risk retirements and changes in contract mix on Space programs.
INNOVATION SYSTEMS
Three Months Ended March 31
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
$
1,438

 

 
Operating income
167

 

 
Operating margin rate
11.6
%
 

 
 
The sales and operating income above reflect the operating results of Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date. In our comparative discussion below, we reference pro forma sales prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and computed as if Orbital ATK had been included in our results in the year prior to the Merger, or as of January 1, 2017. Refer to Note 2 to the financial statements for additional supplemental consolidated pro forma financial information. This pro forma financial information should not be considered indicative of the results that would have actually occurred if the Merger had been consummated on January 1, 2017, nor are they indicative of future results.
Sales
First quarter 2019 sales increased $126 million, or 10 percent, compared with pro forma sales of $1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2018, due to higher sales in all three business areas. Space Systems sales reflect higher volume on national security satellite systems. Defense Systems sales increased due to higher volume on tactical missiles and subsystems, including the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) program, and precision munitions

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

and armament products, partially offset by lower sales on ammunition products. Flight Systems sales reflect higher volume on launch vehicles, principally Ground-based Midcourse Defense, and aerospace structures.
Operating Income
First quarter 2019 operating income totaled $167 million and operating margin rate was 11.6 percent. First quarter results benefited from the timing of favorable negotiations on certain commercial contracts.
MISSION SYSTEMS
Three Months Ended March 31
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
$
2,886

 
$
2,883

 
%
Operating income
383

 
371

 
3
%
Operating margin rate
13.3
%
 
12.9
%
 
 
Sales
First quarter 2019 sales were comparable to the first quarter of 2018, and reflect higher Cyber and ISR volume, offset by lower Advanced Capabilities and Sensors and Processing volume. Cyber and ISR sales increased principally due to higher volume on space payloads and mission programs. Advanced Capabilities sales decreased due to lower missile defense volume, primarily related to the JRDC program, which completed during the first quarter of 2018, partially offset by higher volume on advanced technology restricted programs. Sensors and Processing sales reflect lower volume on targeting programs and communications programs, partially offset by higher restricted volume.
Operating Income
First quarter 2019 operating income increased $12 million, or 3 percent, due to a higher operating margin rate. Operating margin rate increased to 13.3 percent from 12.9 percent, primarily due to improved performance on Advanced Capabilities and Sensors and Processing programs, partially offset by lower performance on Cyber and ISR programs.
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Three Months Ended March 31
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Sales
$
977

 
$
1,144

 
(15
)%
Operating income
102

 
122

 
(16
)%
Operating margin rate
10.4
%
 
10.7
%
 
 
Sales
First quarter 2019 sales declined $167 million, or 15 percent, primarily due to program completions across the sector. Global Services sales declined principally due to the completion of a state and local services contract and certain defense services contracts, largely the JRDC program. Global Logistics and Modernization sales declined primarily due to the completion of a manned aircraft sustainment program, KC-10, partially offset by sales growth on strategic and electronic systems sustainment programs.
Operating Income
First quarter 2019 operating income declined $20 million, or 16 percent, primarily due to lower sales. Operating margin rate decreased to 10.4 percent from 10.7 percent.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

PRODUCT AND SERVICE ANALYSIS
The following table presents product and service sales and operating costs and expenses by segment:
 
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions
2019
2018
Segment Information:
Sales
Operating Costs and Expenses
Sales
Operating Costs and Expenses
Aerospace Systems
 
 
 
 
Product
$
2,974

$
2,652

$
2,751

$
2,465

Service
522

462

529

474

Innovation Systems
 
 
 
 
Product
1,240

1,096



Service
198

175



Mission Systems
 
 
 
 
Product
1,784

1,523

1,719

1,476

Service
1,102

980

1,164

1,036

Technology Services
 
 
 
 
Product
123

116

106

97

Service
854

759

1,038

925

Segment Totals
 
 
 
 
Total Product
$
6,121

$
5,387

$
4,576

$
4,038

Total Service
2,676

2,376

2,731

2,435

Intersegment eliminations
(608
)
(541
)
(572
)
(500
)
Total segment(1)
$
8,189

$
7,222

$
6,735

$
5,973

(1) 
A reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income is included in “Segment Operating Results.”
Product Sales and Costs
First quarter 2019 product sales increased $1.5 billion, or 34 percent. The increase was primarily due to the addition of $1.2 billion of product sales from Innovation Systems and higher restricted and F-35 volume at Aerospace Systems.
First quarter 2019 product costs increased $1.3 billion, or 33 percent, consistent with the higher product sales described above and reflects higher product margin rates at Mission Systems and Aerospace Systems.
Service Sales and Costs
First quarter 2019 service sales decreased $55 million, or 2 percent. The decrease was primarily driven by lower service sales at Technology Services and Mission Systems principally due to several program completions, partially offset by the addition of $198 million of service sales from Innovation Systems.
First quarter 2019 service costs decreased $59 million, or 2 percent, consistent with the lower service sales described above and reflects higher service margin rates at Aerospace Systems.
BACKLOG
Backlog represents the future sales we expect to recognize on firm orders received by the company and is equivalent to the company’s remaining performance obligations at the end of each period. It comprises both funded backlog (firm orders for which funding is authorized and appropriated) and unfunded backlog. Unexercised contract options and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are not included in backlog until the time the option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded. Backlog is converted into sales as costs are incurred or deliveries are made.
Backlog consisted of the following as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

 
 
March 31, 2019
 
2018
 
 
$ in millions
 
Funded
 
Unfunded
 
Total
Backlog
 
Total
Backlog
 
% Change in 2019
Aerospace Systems
 
$
12,269

 
$
15,841

 
$
28,110

 
$
26,440

 
6
 %
Innovation Systems
 
5,623

 
2,478

 
8,101

 
8,207

 
(1
)%
Mission Systems
 
11,073

 
6,767

 
17,840

 
15,408

 
16
 %
Technology Services
 
2,797

 
487

 
3,284

 
3,445

 
(5
)%
Total backlog
 
$
31,762

 
$
25,573

 
$
57,335

 
$
53,500

 
7
 %
New Awards
First quarter 2019 net awards totaled $12.3 billion. Significant new awards include $3.2 billion for restricted space, $1.0 billion for submarine subsystems production, $805 million for F-35, $633 million for IBCS - Poland and $323 million for AARGM-ER.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We endeavor to ensure the most efficient conversion of operating income into cash for deployment in our business and to maximize shareholder value through cash deployment activities. In addition to our cash position, we use various financial measures to assist in capital deployment decision-making, including cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure described in more detail below.
Cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operating activities, supplemented by borrowings under credit facilities, commercial paper and/or in the capital markets, if needed, are expected to be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months.
Operating Cash Flow
The table below summarizes key components of cash flow used in operating activities:
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
%
$ in millions
2019
 
2018
 
Change
Net earnings
$
863

 
$
840

 
3
 %
Non-cash items(1)
361

 
119

 
203
 %
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Trade working capital
(1,964
)
 
(1,008
)
 
95
 %
Retiree benefits
(142
)
 
(190
)
 
(25
)%
Other, net
(31
)
 
2

 
NM

Net cash used in operating activities
$
(913
)
 
$
(237
)
 
(285
)%
(1) 
Includes depreciation and amortization, non-cash lease expense, stock based compensation expense and deferred income taxes.
Net cash used in operating activities during the first quarter of 2019 increased $676 million, principally due to changes in trade working capital. These changes reflect the completion of an ERP conversion as well as the inclusion of Innovation Systems. Although successfully completed, the ERP conversion delayed billings and cash receipts of approximately $350 million, which the company expects will be recovered in the second quarter of 2019. Innovation Systems used approximately $250 million of operating cash during the quarter. First quarter cash trends are generally consistent with prior years where operating cash flows have been heavily weighted toward the second half of the year.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow, as reconciled in the table below, is a non-GAAP measure defined as net cash used in operating activities less capital expenditures, and may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. We use free cash flow as a key factor in our planning for, and consideration of, acquisitions, the payment of dividends and stock repurchases. This non-GAAP measure may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as a supplemental measure of our cash performance, but should not be considered in isolation, as a measure of residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes, or as an alternative to operating cash flows presented in accordance with GAAP.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

The table below reconciles net cash used