Item 1. Business
HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION
History
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. For a discussion of risks associated with our operations, see “Risk Factors.”
The company originally was formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1939, as Northrop Aircraft Incorporated and was reincorporated in Delaware in 1985, as Northrop Corporation. Northrop Corporation was a principal developer of flying wing technology, including the B-2 Spirit bomber. The company developed into one of the largest defense contractors in the world through a series of acquisitions, as well as organic growth. In 1994, we acquired Grumman Corporation (Grumman), after which time the company was renamed Northrop Grumman Corporation. Grumman was a premier military aircraft systems integrator and builder of the Lunar Module that first delivered humans to the surface of the moon. In 1996, we acquired the defense and electronics businesses of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, a world leader in the development and production of sophisticated radar and other electronic systems for the nation’s defense, civil aviation, and other U.S. and international applications. In 2001, we acquired Litton Industries, Inc., a global electronics and information technology company, and one of the nation’s leading full service shipbuilders. Also in 2001, we acquired Newport News Shipbuilding Inc., a leading designer and builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. In 2002, we acquired TRW Inc., a leading developer of military and civil space systems and payloads, as well as a leading global integrator of complex, mission-enabling systems and services. In 2011, we completed the spin-off to our shareholders of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII). HII operates our former Shipbuilding business, comprised largely of a part of Litton Industries and Newport News Shipbuilding.
On June 6, 2018 (the “Merger date”), the company completed its 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 consolidated results of operations. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the acquisition of Orbital ATK.
Organization
At December 31, 2019, the company was aligned in four operating sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments: Aerospace Systems, Innovation Systems, Mission Systems and Technology Services.
Subsequent Realignment - Effective January 1, 2020, the company reorganized its sectors to better align the company’s broad portfolio to serve its customers’ needs. The four new sectors are: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems. This realignment is not reflected in the business descriptions below or in any of the accompanying financial information contained in this report.
AEROSPACE SYSTEMS
Aerospace Systems, headquartered in Redondo Beach, California, is a leader in the design, development, integration and production of manned aircraft, autonomous systems, spacecraft, high-energy laser systems, microelectronics and other systems and subsystems. Aerospace Systems’ customers, primarily the DoD and other U.S. government agencies, use these systems in mission areas including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), strike operations, communications, earth observation and space science. The sector is reported in three business areas, which reflect our core capabilities: Autonomous Systems, Manned Aircraft and Space.
Autonomous Systems - designs, develops, manufactures, integrates and sustains autonomous aircraft systems for tactical and strategic ISR missions. Key programs include high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) systems, such as the Global Hawk system, which provides near real-time high resolution imagery of land masses for theater awareness; the Triton system, which provides real-time ISR over vast ocean and coastal regions for maritime domain
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
awareness; the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) system for multinational theater operations; and the ship-based vertical take off and landing (VTOL) Fire Scout system, which provides situational awareness for maritime forces and precision targeting support.
Manned Aircraft - designs, develops, manufactures and integrates long-range strike aircraft systems, airborne C4ISR systems, tactical aircraft systems and directed energy systems. Key long-range strike aircraft programs include the B-21 Raider long-range strike bomber and modernization and sustainment services for the B-2 Spirit bomber. Key airborne C4ISR programs include the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS). Tactical aircraft programs include the design, development, manufacture and integration of Lightning II center fuselage and F/A-18 Super Hornet center/aft fuselage sections. Directed energy involves the design, development and integration of laser weapon systems for air, ground, and sea platforms and production of the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System for the U.S. Navy and international customers.
Space - designs, develops, manufactures and integrates spacecraft systems, subsystems, sensors and communications payloads in support of space C4ISR and science missions. Much of this business is performed through restricted programs. Key unrestricted programs include the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a large infrared telescope being built for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that will be deployed in space to study the origins of the universe; Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) and Enhanced Polar System (EPS) payloads providing survivable, protected communications to U.S. forces; and Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Program (OPIR) satellites and payloads and Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) payloads providing data for missile surveillance, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.
INNOVATION SYSTEMS
Innovation Systems, headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, is a leader in the design, development, integration and production of flight, armament and space systems to enable national security, civil government and commercial customers to achieve their critical missions. Major products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures. The sector is reported in three business areas, which reflect our core capabilities: Defense Systems, Flight Systems and Space Systems.
Defense Systems - develops and produces small-, medium- and large-caliber ammunition; precision weapons and munitions; high-performance gun systems; and propellant and energetic materials. Operations include the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri, and a Naval Sea Systems Command facility in Rocket Center, West Virginia. Competencies include tactical solid rocket motor development and production for a variety of air-, sea- and land-based missile systems propulsion control systems that support U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and NASA programs; airborne missile warning systems; advanced fuzes and defense electronics. Key programs include the U.S. Navy’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) and the development of advanced air-breathing propulsion systems and special-mission aircraft for defense applications.
Flight Systems - designs, develops and manufactures small- and medium-class space launch vehicles to place satellites into earth orbit and escape trajectories; interceptor and target vehicles for missile defense systems; and suborbital launch vehicles that place payloads into a variety of high-altitude trajectories. Competencies also include the production of medium- and large-class rocket propulsion systems for human and cargo launch vehicles; missile defense interceptors; and target vehicles. Key programs include the development and production of solid rocket motors for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) heavy lift vehicle; interceptor boosters for the MDA Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system; the Antares rocket used in the execution of our Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contracts with NASA; medium-class solid rocket motors for the U.S. Navy's Trident II Fleet Ballistic Missile program; and production of the majority of the composite fuselage stringers and frames for the Airbus A350 XWB wide-body passenger jetliner.
Space Systems - develops and produces small- and medium-class satellites for global and regional communications and broadcasting, space-related scientific research and national security; human-rated space systems for earth orbit and deep-space exploration, including delivering cargo to the International Space Station (ISS); and spacecraft components and subsystems as well as specialized engineering and operations services to U.S. government agencies. Key programs include the Cygnus spacecraft used in the execution of our CRS contracts with NASA, restricted national security space programs and science and environmental satellite programs.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
MISSION SYSTEMS
Mission Systems, headquartered in Linthicum, Maryland, is a leader in advanced end-to-end mission solutions and multifunction systems for DoD, intelligence community, international, federal-civil and commercial customers. Major products and services include C4ISR systems; radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) and acoustic sensors; electronic warfare systems; cyber solutions; space systems; intelligence processing systems; air and missile defense (AMD) integration; navigation; and shipboard missile and encapsulated payload launch systems. The sector is reported in three business areas, which reflect our core capabilities: Advanced Capabilities, Cyber and ISR and Sensors and Processing.
Advanced Capabilities - provides integration and interoperability of net-enabled battle management, sensors, targeting and surveillance systems; air and missile defense command and control (C2); and global battlespace awareness. It also delivers products, systems and services that support maritime platforms and embedded navigation and positioning sensors for a range of platforms including ships, aircraft, spacecraft and weapons. Competencies include advanced AMD integration with land, air and space assets; shipboard missile and encapsulated payload launch systems; unmanned maritime vehicles and high-resolution undersea sensors; and inertial navigation systems. Key programs include the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS); Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system; Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block III; the Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems-Modernization; AQS-24B Minehunting System; and Trident and Virginia-Class payload launch systems.
Cyber and ISR - delivers products, systems and services that support full-spectrum cyber solutions, space-based payload and exploitation systems, space-based communications, C2 and processing systems, and enterprise integration of multi-intelligence mission data across all domains. Competencies include cyber mission management; large-scale cyber solutions for national security applications; missile warning and defense systems; weather and satellite communications; ground software systems; and geospatial intelligence and data fusion, specializing in the collection, processing and exploitation of data. Key programs include exploitation and cyber programs; operational services to the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT); worldwide IT coverage and support services through Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise (SITE); the Enterprise Application Managed Services (EAMS) program; the Unified Platform System Coordinator program; and restricted programs.
Sensors and Processing - delivers products, systems and services that support ground-based and fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft platforms with radar, electronic warfare, C2, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and situational awareness mission systems. Competencies include targeting, surveillance, air defense and early warning & control radar systems; EO/IR and radio frequency (RF) self-protection, targeting and surveillance systems; electronic attack and electronic support systems; communications and intelligence systems; digitized cockpits; and multi-sensor processing. Key programs include Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) and air-to-ground sensors; Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN); fire control radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and Communications, Navigation and Identification (CNI) integrated avionics system; Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR); Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW); RF and Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) programs for both fixed wing and rotary wing platforms; EO/IR targeting and surveillance programs; Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR); UH-60V Black Hawk integrated mission equipment package; and restricted programs.
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Technology Services, headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, is a leader in delivering full life-cycle solutions and services in support of mission-critical networks and systems including: sustainment, modernization, training and simulation, software, engineering services, cyber, rapidly-deployable global logistics and information technology. Customers include the DoD, federal, civilian and health agencies, and international customers. The sector is reported in two business areas, which reflect our core capabilities: Global Logistics and Modernization and Global Services.
Global Logistics and Modernization - provides global logistics support, sustainment, operations and modernization for air, sea and ground systems and weapon system components. Competencies include aircraft, electronics and software sustainment and engineering; electronic warfare/attack and avionics/electronics subsystems modernization; supply chain management; manned and unmanned weapon systems deployed logistics support; field services, on-going maintenance and technical assistance; and rapid response in support of global customers. Capabilities include: integration, delivery and global support of unmanned special mission aircraft solutions for platforms such as the MQ-5B Hunter, Global Hawk and Triton autonomous systems; subsystem and component-level depot repair and modernization for electronic/avionic products such as AAQ-24, APN-241, ALQ-135 and ALQ-131A sensors; missile sustainment and modernization solutions for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Minuteman III; and weapon
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
systems sustainment, refurbishment, overhaul, modernization and contractor logistics support for several unique small fleet, high-demand platforms, including the B-2 Spirit bomber, JSTARS E-8 surveillance aircraft, KC-30A multi-role tanker, C-27J transport, UK E-3D Airborne Early Warning and Control System, and special mission electronic surveillance aircraft.
Global Services - provides information technology and mission support services to our customers in defense, civil, health and restricted arenas; delivers technology differentiated services to modernize and sustain mission critical IT systems, improve the health of people, and strengthen the security of the U.S. and its allies. From an information technology perspective, Global Services supports the full software life cycle providing software development, sustainment and modernization services as well as delivering secure and resilient next generation information solutions that enable customer missions. Our services and solutions include agile/DevSecOps, legacy modernization, mission information processing and analytics, cybersecurity, cloud migration and services, and secure networks and infrastructure. From a mission support perspective, we deliver the people and services supporting cyber operations, systems engineering and scientific analysis. We also deliver the full range of training services, from individual training products and courseware to networked and integrated live, virtual and constructive training systems.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
For a summary of selected consolidated financial information, see “Selected Financial Data” under Part II - Item 6.
CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
Our largest customer is the U.S. government. Sales to the U.S. government accounted for 83 percent, 82 percent and 85 percent of sales during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For further information on sales by customer type, contract type and geographic region, see Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements. No single program accounted for more than ten percent of total sales during any period presented. See “Risk Factors” for further discussion regarding risks related to customer concentration.
COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS
We compete with many companies in the defense, intelligence and federal civil markets. BAE Systems, Boeing, Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics, L3Harris Technologies, Leidos, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Thales are some of our primary competitors. Key characteristics of our industry include long operating cycles and intense competition, which is evident through the number of competitors bidding on program opportunities and the number of bid protests (competitor protests of U.S. government procurement awards).
It is common in the defense industry for work on major programs to be shared among a number of companies. A company competing to be a prime contractor may, upon ultimate award of the contract to another competitor, become a subcontractor to the ultimate prime contracting company. It is not unusual to compete for a contract award with a peer company and, simultaneously, perform as a supplier to or a customer of that same competitor on other contracts, or vice versa.
SEASONALITY
No material portion of our business is considered to be seasonal.
BACKLOG
At December 31, 2019, total backlog, which is equivalent to the company’s remaining performance obligations, was $64.8 billion as compared with $53.5 billion at December 31, 2018. For further information, see “Backlog” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (MD&A) and Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We routinely apply for and own a number of U.S. and foreign patents related to the technologies we develop. We also develop and protect intellectual property as trade secrets. In addition to owning a large portfolio of proprietary intellectual property, we license some intellectual property rights to third parties and we license or otherwise obtain access to intellectual property from third parties. The U.S. government typically holds licenses to patents developed in the performance of U.S. government contracts and may use or authorize others to use the inventions covered by these patents for certain purposes. See “Risk Factors” for further discussion regarding risks related to intellectual property.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
RAW MATERIALS
We have not experienced significant delays in the supply or availability of raw materials, nor have we experienced a significant price increase for raw materials. See “Risk Factors” for further discussion regarding risks related to raw materials.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
We believe that we maintain good relations with our approximately 90,000 employees. Approximately 5,000 are covered by 17 collective agreements in the U.S., of which we negotiated two renewals and one new agreement in 2019 and expect to negotiate six renewals in 2020. See “Risk Factors” for further discussion regarding risks related to employee relations.
REGULATORY MATTERS
Government Contract Security Restrictions
We are prohibited by the U.S. government from publicly discussing the details of certain classified programs. These programs are generally referred to as “restricted” in this Annual Report. The consolidated financial statements and financial information in this Annual Report reflect the operating results of our entire company, including restricted programs.
Contracts
We generate the majority of our business from long-term contracts with the U.S. government for development, production and support activities. Unless otherwise specified in a contract, allowable and allocable costs are billed to contracts with the U.S. government pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and U.S. government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). Examples of costs incurred by us and not billed to the U.S. government in accordance with the FAR and CAS include, but are not limited to, certain legal costs, charitable donations, advertising costs, interest expense and unallowable employee compensation costs.
We monitor our contracts on a regular basis for compliance with our policies and procedures and applicable government laws and regulations. In addition, costs incurred and allocated to contracts with the U.S. government are routinely audited by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).
Our long-term contracts typically fall into one of two contract types:
Cost-type contracts - Cost-type contracts include cost plus fixed fee, cost plus award fee and cost plus incentive fee contracts. Cost-type contracts generally provide for reimbursement of a contractor’s allowable costs incurred plus fee. As a result, cost-type contracts have less financial risk associated with unanticipated cost growth but generally provide lower profit margins than fixed-price contracts. Cost-type contracts typically require that the contractor use its best efforts to accomplish the scope of the work within some specified time and stated dollar limitation. Fees on cost-type contracts can be fixed in terms of dollar value or can be variable due to award and incentive fees, which are generally based on performance criteria such as cost, schedule, quality and/or technical performance. Award fees are determined and earned based on customer evaluation of the company’s performance against contractual criteria. Incentive fees are generally based on cost or schedule and provide for an initially negotiated fee to be adjusted later, based on the relationship of total allowable costs to total target costs or as schedule milestones are met. Award and incentive fees are 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.
Fixed-price contracts - Firm fixed-price contracts include a specified scope of work for a price that is a pre-determined, negotiated amount and not generally subject to adjustment regardless of costs incurred by the contractor, absent changes in scope by the customer. As a result, fixed-price contracts have more financial risk associated with unanticipated cost growth, but generally provide the opportunity for higher profit margins than cost-type contracts. Certain fixed-price incentive fee contracts provide for reimbursement of the contractor’s allowable costs plus a fee up to a cost ceiling amount, typically through a cost-sharing ratio that affects profitability. These contracts effectively become firm fixed-price contracts once the cost-share ceiling is reached. Time-and-materials contracts are considered fixed-price contracts as they specify a fixed hourly rate for each labor hour charged.
Profit margins on our contracts may vary materially depending on, among other things, the contract type, contract phase (e.g., development, low-rate production or mature production), negotiated fee arrangements, achievement of performance objectives, and cost, schedule and technical performance.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements and “Risk Factors” for further information regarding our contracts and Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for sales by contract type.
The following table summarizes sales for the year ended December 31, 2019, recognized by contract type and customer category:
(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.
Environmental
Our operations are subject to and affected by federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations and enforcement actions relating to protection of the environment. In 2015, we announced our 2020 environmental sustainability goals: to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent from 2010 levels; to reduce potable water use by 20 percent from 2014 levels; and to achieve a 70 percent solid waste diversion rate (away from landfills).
We have incurred and expect to continue to incur capital and operating costs to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations and to achieve our environmental sustainability commitments. See “Risk Factors” and Notes 1 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding environmental matters.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
See “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” for information about our executive officers.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our principal executive offices are located at 2980 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. Our telephone number is (703) 280-2900 and our home page is www.northropgrumman.com.
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and proxy statement for the annual shareholders’ meeting, as well as any amendments to those reports, are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file them with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). You can learn more about us by reviewing our SEC filings on the investor relations page of our website.
The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about SEC registrants, including Northrop Grumman Corporation.
References to our website and the SEC’s website in this report are provided as a convenience and do not constitute, and should not be viewed as, incorporation by reference of the information contained on, or available through, such websites. Such information should not be considered a part of this report, unless otherwise expressly incorporated by reference in this report.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows are subject to various risks, many of which are not exclusively within our control, that may cause actual performance to differ materially from historical or projected future performance. We encourage you to consider carefully the risk factors described below in evaluating the information contained in this report as the outcome of one or more of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
▪
We depend heavily on a single customer, the U.S. government, for a substantial portion of our business. Changes in this customer’s priorities and spending could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
Our primary customer is the U.S. government, from which we derived 83 percent of our sales in 2019; we have a number of large programs with the U.S. Air Force, in particular. The U.S. government has been implementing significant changes and spending levels have fluctuated and may continue to fluctuate over time. We cannot predict the impact on existing, follow-on, replacement or future programs from potential changes in priorities due to changes in defense spending levels, the threat environment, procurement strategy, military strategy and planning and/or changes in social, economic or political priorities. The U.S. government also has the ability to delay, modify or cancel ongoing competitions, procurements and programs, as well as to change its acquisition strategy.
The U.S. government generally has the ability to terminate contracts, in whole or in part, for its convenience or for default based on performance. In the event of termination for the U.S. government’s convenience, contractors are generally protected by provisions covering reimbursement for costs incurred on the contracts and profit on those costs up to the amount authorized under the contract, but not the anticipated profit that would have been earned had the contract been completed. Termination by the U.S. government of a contract due to default could require us to pay for re-procurement costs in excess of the original contract price, net of the value of work accepted from the original contract, as well as other damages. Termination of a contract due to our default could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, our ability to compete for other contracts and our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
The U.S. government also has the ability to stop work under a contract for a limited period of time for its convenience. It is possible that the U.S. government could invoke this ability across a limited or broad number of contracts. In the event of a stop work order, contractors are typically protected by provisions covering reimbursement for costs incurred on the contract to date and for costs associated with the temporary stoppage of work on the contract plus a reasonable fee. However, such temporary stoppages and delays could introduce inefficiencies and result in financial and other damages for which we may not be able to negotiate full recovery from the U.S. government. They could also ultimately result in termination of a contract (or contracts) for convenience or reduced future orders.
A significant shift in government priorities, programs or acquisition strategies could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
Significant delays or reductions in appropriations for our programs and U.S. government funding more broadly may negatively impact our business and programs and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
U.S. government programs are subject to annual congressional budget authorization and appropriation processes. For many programs, Congress appropriates funds on an annual fiscal year basis even though the program performance period may extend over several years. Consequently, programs are often partially funded initially and additional funds are committed only as Congress makes further appropriations. If we incur costs in excess of funds obligated on a contract, we may be at risk for reimbursement of those costs unless and until additional funds are obligated to the contract. We cannot predict the extent to which total funding and/or funding for individual programs will be included, increased or reduced as part of the annual appropriations ultimately approved by Congress and the President or in separate supplemental appropriations or continuing resolutions, as applicable. Laws and plans adopted by the U.S. government relating to, along with pressures on and uncertainty surrounding the federal budget, potential changes in priorities and defense spending levels, sequestration, the appropriations process, use of continuing resolutions (with restrictions, e.g., on new starts) and the permissible federal debt limit, could adversely affect the funding for individual programs and delay purchasing or payment decisions by our customers. In the event government funding for our significant programs becomes unavailable, or is reduced or delayed, or planned orders are reduced, our contract or subcontract under such programs may be terminated or adjusted by the U.S. government or the prime contractor.
The U.S. continues to face an uncertain political environment and substantial fiscal and economic challenges, which affect funding for discretionary and non-discretionary budgets. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA) mandated spending caps for all federal discretionary spending across a ten-year period (FY 2012 through FY 2021), including specific limits for defense and non-defense spending. In prior years, these spending caps have been revised by separate bills for specific fiscal years.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
In 2019, the President proposed an FY 2020 budget requesting $750 billion for national security. 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. On August 2, 2019, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 was enacted, increasing spending caps under the Budget Control Act (BCA) for FY 2020 and FY 2021, the final two fiscal years covered by the BCA, and suspending the debt ceiling through July 31, 2021. On December 20, 2019, FY 2020 appropriations for all federal agencies were enacted, representing a 3 percent increase from FY 2019.
The budget environment and uncertainty surrounding the appropriations processes and the debt ceiling, remain significant short and long-term risks. Considerable uncertainty exists regarding how future budget and program decisions will unfold, including the defense spending priorities of the Administration and Congress, and what challenges budget reductions will present for the defense industry. If annual appropriations bills are not timely enacted, the U.S. government may continue to operate under a continuing resolution, restricting new contract or program starts, presenting resource allocation challenges and placing limitations on some planned program budgets, and we may face another government shutdown of unknown duration. If a prolonged government shutdown of the DoD were to occur, it could result in program cancellations, disruptions and/or stop work orders and could limit the U.S. government’s ability effectively to progress programs and to make timely payments, and our ability to perform on our U.S. government contracts and successfully compete for new work.
We believe continued budget pressures would have serious negative consequences for the security of our country, the defense industrial base, including Northrop Grumman, and the customers, employees, suppliers, investors and communities that rely on companies in the defense industrial base. It is likely budget and program decisions made in this environment would have long-term implications for our company and the entire defense industry.
Funding for certain programs in which we participate may be reduced, delayed or cancelled. In addition, budget cuts globally could adversely affect the viability of our subcontractors and suppliers, and our employee base. While we believe that our business is well-positioned in areas that the DoD and other customers have indicated are areas of focus for future defense spending, other defense spending cuts, challenges in the appropriations process, the debt ceiling and the ongoing fiscal debates remain uncertain.
Significant delays or reductions in appropriations; long-term funding under a continuing resolution; an extended debt ceiling breach or government shutdown; and/or future budget and program decisions, among other items, may negatively impact our business and programs and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
We are subject to various investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation, arbitration and other legal proceedings that could ultimately be resolved against us.
The size, nature and complexity of our business make us susceptible to investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, prosecutions, litigation and other legal proceedings, particularly those involving governments (including federal, state and outside the U.S.). We are and may become subject to investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions and administrative, civil or criminal litigation, arbitration or other legal proceedings globally and across a broad array of matters, including, but not limited to, government contracts, commercial transactions, false claims, false statements, antitrust, mischarging, contract performance, fraud, procurement integrity, products liability, warranty liability, the use of hazardous materials, personal injury claims, environmental, shareholder derivative actions, prior acquisitions and divestitures, intellectual property, tax, employees, export/import, anti-corruption, labor, health and safety, accidents, launch failures and employee benefits and plans, including plan administration, and improper payments, as well as matters relating to the former Orbital ATK, Inc., and our acquisition of that company, including the FTC decision and order related to it. These matters could divert financial and management resources; result in administrative, civil or criminal fines, penalties or other sanctions (which terms include judgments or convictions and consent or other voluntary decrees or agreements), compensatory, treble or other damages, non-monetary relief or actions, or other liabilities; and otherwise harm our business and our ability to obtain and retain awards. Government regulations provide that certain allegations against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from government contracts or suspension of export privileges for the company or one or more of its components. Suspension or debarment or criminal resolutions in particular could have a material adverse effect on the company because of our reliance on government contracts and export authorizations. An investigation, claim, dispute, enforcement action or litigation, even if not substantiated or fully indemnified or insured, could also negatively impact our reputation among our customers and the public, and make it substantially more difficult for us to compete effectively for business, obtain and retain awards or obtain adequate insurance in the future. Investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation or other legal proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
▪
We use estimates when accounting for contracts. Contract cost growth or changes in estimated contract revenues and costs could affect our profitability and our overall financial position.
Contract accounting requires judgment relative to assessing risks, estimating contract revenues and costs, and making assumptions regarding performance. Due to the size and nature of many of our contracts, the estimation of total revenues and costs at completion is complex and subject to many variables. Incentives, awards and/or penalties related to performance on contracts are considered in estimating revenue and profit rates when there is sufficient information to assess anticipated performance. Suppliers’ expected performance is also assessed and considered in estimating costs and profitability.
Our operating income can be adversely affected when estimated contract costs increase. Reasons for increased estimated contract costs may include: design issues; changes in estimates of the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, including technical or quality issues or requests to perform additional work at the direction of the customer; production challenges, including those resulting from the availability and timeliness of customer funding, unavailability or reduced productivity of qualified and timely cleared labor or the effect of any delays in performance; the availability, performance, quality or financial strength of significant subcontractors; supplier issues, including the costs, timeliness and availability of materials and components; the effect of any changes in laws or regulations; actions deemed necessary for long-term customer satisfaction; and natural disasters or environmental matters. We may file requests for equitable adjustment or claims to seek recovery in whole or in part for our increased costs and aim to protect against these risks through contract terms and conditions when practical.
Our risk varies with the type of contract. Due to their nature, fixed-price contracts inherently tend to have more financial risk than cost-type contracts. In 2019, approximately half of our sales were derived from fixed-price contracts. We typically enter into fixed-price contracts where costs can be more reasonably estimated based on actual experience, such as for production programs. In addition, our contracts contain provisions relating to cost controls and audit rights. If the terms specified in our contracts are not met, our profitability may be reduced and we may incur a loss.
Our fixed-price contracts may include fixed-price development work. This type of work is inherently more uncertain as to future events than production contracts, and, as a result, there is typically more variability in estimates of the costs to complete the development stage. As work progresses through the development stage into production, the risks associated with estimating the total costs of the contract are typically reduced. While management uses its best judgment to estimate costs associated with fixed-price development contracts, future events could result in adjustments to those estimates.
Under cost-type contracts, allowable costs incurred by the contractor are generally subject to reimbursement plus a fee. We often enter into cost-type contracts for development programs with complex design and technical challenges. These cost-type programs typically have award or incentive fees that are subject to uncertainty and may be earned over extended periods or towards the end of the contract. In these cases, the associated financial risks are primarily in recognizing profit, which ultimately may not be earned, or program cancellation if cost, schedule, or technical performance issues arise. We also may face additional financial risk due to an increasing number of contract solicitations requiring the contractor to bid on cost-type development work and related fixed-price production lots and/or options in one submission, or cost-type development work requiring the contractor to provide certain items to the customer at the contractor’s expense or at little or no fee.
Because of the significance of management’s judgments and the estimation processes described above, it is possible that materially different amounts could be obtained if different assumptions were used or if the underlying circumstances were to change. Changes in underlying assumptions, circumstances or estimates, and the failure to prevail on claims for equitable adjustments could have a material adverse effect on the profitability of one or more of the affected contracts and on our overall financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows. See “Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments” in MD&A.
▪
Our international business exposes us to additional risks, including risks related to geopolitical and economic factors, laws and regulations.
Sales to customers outside the U.S. are an increasingly important component of our strategy. Our international business (including our participation in joint ventures and other joint business arrangements, and our global supply chain) is subject to numerous political and economic factors, legal requirements, cross-cultural considerations and other risks associated with doing business globally. These risks differ in some respects from those associated with our U.S. business and our exposure to such risks may increase if our international business continues to grow as we anticipate.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Our international business is subject to both U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to export/import controls, sanctions, technology transfer restrictions, government contracts and procurement, data privacy and protection, investment, exchange rates and controls, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other anti-corruption laws, the anti-boycott provisions of the U.S. Export Administration Act, labor and employment, works councils and other labor groups, anti-human trafficking, taxes, environment, immunity, security restrictions and intellectual property. Failure by us, our employees, affiliates, partners or others with whom we work to comply with applicable laws and regulations could result in administrative, civil, commercial or criminal liabilities, including suspension or debarment from government contracts or suspension of our export/import privileges. Our customers outside of the U.S. generally have the ability to terminate contracts for default based on performance. Suspension or debarment, or termination of a contract due to default, in particular, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, our ability to compete for other contracts and our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows. New regulations and requirements, or changes to existing ones in the various countries in which we operate can significantly increase our costs and risks of doing business internationally.
Changes in laws, regulations, political leadership and environment, and/or security risks may dramatically affect our ability to conduct or continue to conduct business in international markets, including sales to customers outside the U.S. and purchases from suppliers outside the U.S. Our international business may be impacted by changes in U.S. and foreign national policies and priorities, and geopolitical relationships, any of which may be influenced by changes in the threat environment, political leadership, geopolitical uncertainties, world events, bilateral and multi-lateral relationships, government budgets, and economic and political factors more generally, and any of which could impact funding for programs, our ability to perform and/or export authorizations, or delay purchasing decisions or customer payments. We also could be affected by the legal, regulatory and economic impacts of Britain’s anticipated exit from the European Union, the full impact of which is not known at this time. Global economic conditions and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could further impact our business. For example, the tightening of credit in financial markets outside of the U.S. could adversely affect the ability of our customers and suppliers to obtain financing and could result in a decrease in or cancellation of orders for our products and services or impact the ability of our customers to make payments.
Our contracts with non-U.S. customers may also include terms and reflect legal requirements that create additional risks. They may include industrial cooperation agreements requiring specific in-country purchases, investments, manufacturing agreements or other operational or financial obligations, including offset obligations, and provide for significant penalties if we fail to meet such requirements. They may also require us to enter into letters of credit, performance or surety bonds, bank guarantees and/or other financial arrangements to secure our performance obligations. We also increasingly are dependent on in-country suppliers and we face risks related to their failure to perform in accordance with the contracts and applicable laws, particularly where we rely on a sole source supplier. Our ability to sell products outside the U.S. could be adversely affected if we are unable to design our products for export on a cost effective basis or to obtain and retain all necessary export licenses and authorizations on a timely basis. We face risks related to our products that are approved for export, but may be subject to the U.S. government changing or canceling the export license after the product is ordered. Our ability to conduct business outside of the U.S. also depends on our ability to attract and retain sufficient qualified personnel with the skills and/or security clearances in the markets in which we do business.
More broadly, our ability effectively to pursue and execute contracts outside the U.S. also may be impacted by our ability to partner successfully with non-U.S. companies, including through joint ventures, teaming agreements, co-production or other arrangements, in support of such pursuits. This risk includes the ability to timely identify and negotiate appropriate arrangements with local partners as well as potential exposure for their actions. This risk may increase, depending on local requirements regarding who we partner with and under what circumstances, particularly where we are effectively required to partner with government-affiliated entities.
The products and services we provide internationally, including those provided by subcontractors and joint ventures in which we have an interest, are sometimes in countries with unstable governments, economic or fiscal challenges, military or political conflicts and/or developing legal systems. This may increase the risk to our employees, subcontractors or other third parties, and/or increase the risk of a wide range of liabilities, as well as loss of property or damage to our products.
The occurrence and impact of these factors is difficult to predict, but one or more of them could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
▪
Our reputation, our ability to do business and our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows may be impacted by the improper conduct of employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, business partners or joint ventures in which we participate.
We have implemented policies, procedures, training and other compliance controls, and have negotiated terms designed to prevent misconduct by employees, agents or others working on our behalf or with us that would violate the applicable laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate, including laws governing improper payments to government officials, the protection of export controlled or classified information, false claims, procurement integrity, cost accounting and billing, competition, information security and data privacy, or the terms of our contracts. However, we cannot ensure that we will prevent all such misconduct committed by our employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, business partners or others working on our behalf or with us. We have in the past experienced and may in the future experience such misconduct, despite a vigorous compliance program. This risk of improper conduct may increase as we continue to expand globally and do business with new partners. In the ordinary course of our business we form and are members of joint ventures (with that term used throughout to refer to joint efforts or business arrangements of any type). We may be unable to prevent misconduct or violations of applicable laws by these joint ventures (including their officers, directors and employees) or our partners. Improper actions by those with whom or through whom we do business (including our employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, business partners and joint ventures) could subject us to administrative, civil or criminal investigations and enforcement actions; monetary and non-monetary penalties; liabilities; and the loss of privileges and other sanctions, including suspension and debarment, which could negatively impact our reputation and ability to conduct business and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
Our business could be negatively impacted by cyber and other security threats or disruptions.
As a defense contractor, we face various cyber and other security threats, including attempts to gain unauthorized access to and to harm sensitive information and networks; insider threats; threats to the safety of our directors, officers and employees; threats to the security and viability of our facilities, infrastructure and supply chain; and threats from terrorist acts or other acts of aggression. Our customers and partners (including our supply chain and joint ventures) face similar threats and growing requirements. Although we utilize various procedures and controls to monitor and mitigate the risk of these threats, there can be no assurance that these procedures and controls will be sufficient. These threats could lead to losses or misuse of sensitive information or capabilities; theft of data; harm to personnel, infrastructure or products; and financial liabilities, as well as damage to our reputation as a government contractor and provider of cyber-related or cyber-protected goods and services.
Cyber threats are evolving and include, but are not limited to: malicious software, destructive malware, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, disruption or denial of service attacks, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in mission critical systems; unauthorized release of confidential, personal or otherwise protected information (ours or that of our employees, customers or partners); corruption of data, networks or systems; harm to individuals; and loss of assets. In addition, we could be impacted by cyber threats or other disruptions or vulnerabilities found in products we use or in our partners’ or customers’ systems that are used in connection with our business. These events, if not prevented or effectively mitigated, could damage our reputation, require remedial actions and lead to loss of business, regulatory actions, potential liability and other financial losses.
We provide systems, products and services to various customers (government and commercial) who also face cyber threats. Our systems, products and services may themselves be subject to cyber threats and/or they may not be able to detect or deter threats, or effectively to mitigate resulting losses. These losses could adversely affect our customers and our company.
The impact of these various factors is difficult to predict, but one or more of them could result in the loss of information or capabilities, harm to individuals or property, damage to our reputation, loss of business, contractual or regulatory actions and potential liabilities, any one of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
Our earnings and profitability depend, in part, on subcontractor and supplier performance and financial viability as well as raw material and component availability and pricing.
We rely on other companies to provide raw materials, chemicals and components and subsystems for our products and to produce hardware elements and sub-assemblies, provide software and intellectual property, provide information about the parts they supply to us, and perform some of the services we provide to our customers, and to do so in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and contract terms. Disruptions or performance problems caused by our subcontractors and suppliers, or a misalignment between our contractual obligations to our customers
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
and our agreement with our subcontractors and suppliers, could have various impacts on the company, including on our ability to meet our commitments to customers.
Our ability to perform our obligations on time could be adversely affected if one or more of our subcontractors or suppliers were unable to provide the agreed-upon products, materials or information, or perform the agreed-upon services in a timely, compliant and cost-effective manner or otherwise to meet the requirements of the contract. Changes in political or economic conditions, including changes in defense budgets or credit availability or sanctions, or other changes impacting a subcontractor or supplier (including changes in ownership or operations), as well as their ability to retain talent and other resources, and requirements or changes in requirements imposed on them by other customers, could adversely affect the financial stability of our subcontractors and suppliers and/or their ability to perform. The inability of our suppliers to perform, or their inability to perform adequately, could also result in the need for us to transition to alternate suppliers, which could result in significant incremental cost and delay or the need for us to provide other resources to support our existing suppliers. This risk may increase as the demands grow for our subcontractors and suppliers to meet extensive government-related cyber and other requirements.
In connection with our U.S. government contracts, we are required to procure certain materials, components and parts from supply sources approved by the customer. We also are facing increased and changing regulatory requirements, both domestically and internationally, many of which apply to our subcontractors and suppliers. In some cases, there may be only one supplier, or one domestic supplier, for certain components. For example, a single domestic source currently supplies us, as well as the U.S. domestic solid propellant industry, with a principal raw material used in the production of solid rocket motors. If a supplier cannot appropriately meet our needs, experiences disruptions to production or is otherwise unavailable or not fully available, we may be unable to find a suitable alternative.
Our procurement practices are intended to reduce the likelihood of our procurement of counterfeit, unauthorized or otherwise non-compliant parts or materials. We rely on our subcontractors and suppliers to comply with applicable laws, regulations and contract terms, including regarding the parts or materials we procure from them; in some circumstances, we rely on certifications provided by our subcontractors and suppliers regarding their compliance. We also rely on our subcontractors and suppliers effectively to mitigate the risk of cyber and security threats or other disruptions with respect to the products, components and services they deliver to us and the information entrusted to them by us or our customers and to comply with applicable contractual terms and laws and regulations, including cybersecurity requirements.
If our subcontractors or suppliers fail to perform or we are unable to procure, or experience significant delays in deliveries of, needed products, materials or services; or if they do not comply with all applicable laws, regulations, requirements and contract terms, including if what we receive is counterfeit or otherwise improper, our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
▪
As a U.S. government contractor, we and our partners are subject to various procurement and other laws, regulations and contract terms applicable to our industry and we could be adversely affected by changes in such laws, regulations and terms, or any negative findings by the U.S. government as to our compliance with them. We also may be adversely affected by changes in our customers’ business practices globally.
U.S. government contractors (including their subcontractors and others with whom they do business) must comply with many significant procurement regulations and other specific legal requirements. These regulations and other requirements, although often customary in government contracting, increase our performance and compliance costs and risks and are regularly evolving. New laws, regulations or procurement requirements or changes to current ones (including, for example, regulations related to cybersecurity, privacy, information protection, recovery of employee compensation costs, counterfeit parts, anti-human trafficking, specialty metals and conflict minerals) can significantly increase our costs and risks and reduce our profitability.
We operate in a highly regulated environment and are routinely audited and reviewed by the U.S. government and its agencies, such as the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and the DoD Inspector General. These agencies review performance under our contracts, our cost structure and our compliance with applicable laws, regulations, terms and standards, as well as the adequacy of our systems and processes in meeting government requirements. Costs ultimately found to be unallowable or improperly allocated to a specific contract will not be reimbursed or must be refunded if already reimbursed. If an audit uncovers improper or illegal activities, we may be subject to civil and criminal penalties, sanctions, forfeiture of profits or suspension or debarment. Whether or not illegal activities are alleged, the U.S. government has the ability to decrease or withhold certain payments when it deems systems subject to its review to be inadequate, with significant financial impact. In
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
addition, we could suffer serious reputational harm if allegations of impropriety were made against us or our business partners.
Our industry has experienced, and we expect it will continue to experience, significant changes to business practices globally, largely as a result of an increased focus on affordability, efficiencies, business systems, recovery of costs and a reprioritization of available defense funds to key areas for future defense spending. We have experienced and may continue to experience an increased number of audits and challenges to government accounting matters and business systems for current and past years, as well as a lengthened period of time required to close open audits and the risk of withholding of payments. For example, the thresholds for certain allowable costs in the U.S., including compensation costs, have been significantly reduced; the allowability of other types of costs, including environmental, are being challenged, debated and, in certain cases, modified, all with potentially significant financial costs to the company. The U.S. government is also pursuing alternatives to shift additional responsibility and performance risks to the contractor. The U.S. government has been pursuing and may continue to pursue policies that could negatively impact our profitability. Changes in procurement practices favoring incentive-based fee arrangements; different award criteria; non-traditional contract provisions; and government contract negotiation offers that indicate what our costs should be, among others, also may affect our profitability and predictability.
We (again, including our subcontractors and others with whom we do business) also are subject to, and expected to perform in compliance with, a vast array of federal and state laws, regulations, contract terms and requirements related to our industry, our products and the businesses we operate. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, the Truth in Negotiations Act, False Claims Act, Procurement Integrity Act, Federal Communications Commission Act, CAS, FAR, International Traffic in Arms Regulations promulgated under the Arms Export Control Act, Export Administration Regulations promulgated under the Export Control Reform Act, Close the Contractor Fraud Loophole Act and FCPA, as well as rules and regulations administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. If we are found to have violated any such requirements, or are found not to have acted responsibly, we may be subject to reductions of the value of contracts; contract modifications or termination; the withholding of payments from our customer; the loss of export/import privileges; administrative or civil judgments and liabilities; criminal judgments or convictions, liabilities and consent or other voluntary decrees or agreements; other sanctions; the assessment of penalties, fines, or compensatory, treble or other damages or non-monetary relief or actions; or suspension or debarment.
If we or those with whom we do business do not comply with the laws, regulations, contract terms and processes to which we are subject or if customer business practices or requirements change significantly, including with respect to the thresholds for allowable costs, it could affect our ability to compete and have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
Competition within our markets and bid protests may affect our ability to win new contracts and result in reduced revenues and market share.
We operate in highly competitive markets and our competitors may have more financial capacity, more extensive or specialized engineering, manufacturing, or marketing capabilities in some areas, or be willing to accept more risk or lower profitability in competing for contracts. We have seen, and anticipate we will continue to see, increased competition in some of our core markets, especially as a result of budget pressures for many customers, a continued focus on affordability and competition, and our own success in winning business. We are facing increasing competition in the U.S. and outside the U.S. from U.S., foreign and multinational firms. In some instances outside the U.S., foreign companies may receive loans, marketing subsidies and other assistance from their governments that may not be available to U.S. companies and foreign companies may be subject to fewer restrictions on technology transfer. Additionally, some customers, including the DoD, may turn to commercial contractors, rather than traditional defense contractors, for some products and services, or may utilize small business contractors or determine to source work internally rather than hiring a contractor.
We are also seeing a significant number of bid protests from unsuccessful bidders on new program awards. Bid protests could result in contract modifications or the award decision being reversed and loss of the contract award. Even where a bid protest does not result in the loss of an award, the resolution can extend the time until the contract activity can begin, and delay earnings.
If we are unable to continue to compete successfully against our current or future competitors, or prevail in protests, or to prevail against other attempts to interfere with our ability to obtain and retain awards, we may experience declines in future revenues and market share, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
▪
Our ability to win new competitions and meet the needs of our customers depends, in part, on our ability to maintain a qualified workforce.
Our operating results and growth opportunities are heavily dependent upon our ability to attract and retain sufficient personnel with security clearances and requisite skills in multiple areas, including science, technology, engineering and math. Additionally, as we grow our international business, it is increasingly important that we are able to attract and retain personnel with relevant local qualifications and experience. In addition, in a tightened labor market, we are facing increased competition for talent, both with traditional defense companies and commercial companies. If qualified personnel are scarce or difficult to attract or retain or if we experience a high level of attrition, generally or in particular areas, or if such personnel are unable to obtain security clearances on a timely basis, we could experience higher labor, recruiting or training costs in order to attract and retain necessary employees.
Certain of our employees are covered by collective agreements. We generally have been able to renegotiate renewals to expiring agreements without significant disruption of operating activities. If we experience difficulties with renewals and renegotiations of existing collective agreements or if our employees pursue new collective representation, we could incur additional expenses and may be subject to work stoppages, slow-downs or other labor-related disruptions. Any such expenses or delays could adversely affect our programs served by employees who are covered by such agreements or representation.
If we are unable to attract and retain a qualified workforce, we may be unable to maintain our competitive position and our future success could be materially adversely affected.
▪
Many of our contracts contain performance obligations that require innovative design capabilities, are technologically complex, require state-of-the-art manufacturing expertise or are dependent upon factors not wholly within our control. Failure to meet our contractual obligations could adversely affect our profitability, reputation and future prospects.
We design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced and innovative products and services, which are applied by our customers in a variety of environments, including some under highly demanding operating conditions, to accomplish challenging missions. Problems and delays in development or delivery, or system failures, as a result of issues with respect to design, technology, intellectual property rights, labor, inability to achieve learning curve assumptions, inability to manage effectively a broad array of programs, manufacturing materials or components, or subcontractor performance could prevent us from meeting requirements and create significant risk and liabilities. Similarly, failures to perform on schedule or otherwise to fulfill our contractual obligations could negatively impact our financial position, reputation and ability to win future business.
In addition, our products cannot be tested and proven in all situations and are otherwise subject to unforeseen problems. Examples of unforeseen problems that could negatively affect revenue, schedule and profitability include loss on launch or flight of spacecraft, loss of aviation platforms, premature failure of products that cannot be accessed for repair or replacement, unintended explosions or similar events, problems with design, quality and workmanship, country of origin of procured materials, inadequate delivery of subcontractor components or services and degradation of product performance. These failures could result, either directly or indirectly, in loss of life or property. Among the factors that may affect revenue and profitability could be inaccurate cost estimates, design issues, human factors, unforeseen costs and expenses not covered by insurance or indemnification from the customer, diversion of management focus in responding to unforeseen problems, loss of follow-on work, and, in the case of certain contracts, repayment to the government customer of contract cost and fee payments we previously received, or replacement obligations.
Certain contracts, primarily involving space satellite systems, contain provisions that also entitle the customer to recover fees in the event of failure of the system upon launch or subsequent deployment for less than a specified period of time. Under such terms, we could be required to forfeit fees previously recognized and/or collected.
If we are unable to meet our obligations, including due to issues regarding the design, development or manufacture of our products or services, or we experience launch, platform or satellite system failures, it could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, our ability to compete for other contracts and our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
Environmental matters, including unforeseen costs associated with compliance and remediation efforts, and government and third party claims, could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
Our operations are subject to and affected by a variety of federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including as they may be changed or enforced differently over time. Compliance with these
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
environmental laws and regulations requires, and is expected to continue to require, significant operating and capital costs. We may be subject to substantial administrative, civil or criminal fines, penalties or other sanctions (including suspension and debarment) for violations. If we are found to be in violation of the Federal Clean Air Act or the Clean Water Act, the facility or facilities involved in the violation could be placed by the Environmental Protection Agency on a list maintained by the General Services Administration of facilities that generally cannot be used in performing on U.S. government contracts until the violation is corrected.
We incur, and expect to continue to incur, substantial remediation costs related to the cleanup of pollutants previously released into the environment. Stricter or different enforcement of existing laws and regulations; new laws, regulations or cleanup requirements; discovery of previously unknown or more extensive contamination or new contaminants; imposition of fines, penalties, compensatory or other damages (including natural resource damages); a determination that certain environmental costs are unallowable; rulings on allocation or insurance coverage; and/or the insolvency or other inability or unwillingness of other parties to pay their share of such costs could require us to incur material additional costs in excess of those anticipated.
We also are and may become a party to various legal proceedings and disputes involving government and private parties (including individual and class actions) relating to alleged impacts from pollutants released into the environment. These matters could result in compensatory or other damages, fines, penalties, and non-monetary relief, and adverse determinations on allowability or insurance coverage.
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. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, substantial remediation and other costs and liabilities related to environmental conditions in Bethpage. The remediation standards or requirements to which we are subject are being reconsidered and may 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 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, costs, allowability and/or alleged environmental impacts in Bethpage, including with federal and state entities, the United States Navy, local municipalities and water districts, and insurance carriers, as well as 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.
In addition, government and private parties could seek to hold us responsible for liabilities or obligations related to former operations that have been divested or spun-off (including our former shipbuilding business) and/or for which other parties have agreed to be responsible and/or to indemnify us, directly or indirectly. The indemnity related rights we have may not be sufficient to protect us against such liabilities.
The impact of these factors is difficult to predict, but one or more of them could harm our reputation and business and have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
Our business is subject to disruption caused by natural disasters that could adversely affect our profitability and our overall financial position.
We have significant operations, including centers of excellence, located in regions that may be exposed to hurricanes, earthquakes, other damaging storms, water levels, forest fires and other natural disasters. Our subcontractors and suppliers are also subject to natural disasters that could affect their ability to deliver or perform under a contract, including as a result of disruptions to their workforce and critical industrial infrastructure needed for normal business operations. Although preventative measures may help to mitigate damage, the damage and disruption resulting from natural disasters and delays in recovery may be significant.
If insurance or other risk transfer mechanisms are unavailable or insufficient to recover all costs or if we experience a significant disruption to our business due to a natural disaster, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
Our insurance coverage, customer indemnifications or other liability protections may be unavailable or inadequate to cover all of our significant risks or our insurers may deny coverage of or be unable to pay for material losses we incur, which could adversely affect our profitability and overall financial position.
We endeavor to obtain insurance agreements from financially solid, responsible, highly rated counterparties in established markets to cover significant risks and liabilities (including, for example, natural disasters, space launches, hazardous operations and products liability). Not every risk or liability can be insured, and for risks that
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
are insurable, the policy limits and terms of coverage reasonably obtainable in the market may not be sufficient to cover all actual losses or liabilities incurred. Even if insurance coverage is available, we may not be able to obtain it at a price or on terms acceptable to us. Disputes with insurance carriers, including over policy terms, reservation of rights, the applicability of coverage (including exclusions), compliance with provisions (including notice) and/or the insolvency of one or more of our insurers may significantly affect the availability or timing of recovery, and may impact our ability to obtain insurance coverage at reasonable rates in the future.
In some circumstances we may be entitled to certain legal protections or indemnifications from our customers through contractual provisions, laws, regulations or otherwise. However, these protections are not always available, can be difficult to obtain, are typically subject to certain terms or limitations, including the availability of funds, and may not be sufficient to cover all losses or liabilities incurred.
If insurance coverage, customer indemnifications and/or other legal protections are not available or are not sufficient to cover our risks or losses, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
We provide products and services related to hazardous and high risk operations, which subjects us to various environmental, regulatory, financial, reputational and other risks.
We provide products and services related to hazardous and high risk operations. Among other such operations, our products and services are used in nuclear-related activities (including nuclear-powered platforms) and used in support of nuclear-related operations of third parties. In addition, certain of our products are provided with space launch services. With our acquisition of legacy Orbital ATK in 2018, we have expanded our portfolio to include energetic materials, including products that involve highly explosive or flammable elements. All of these activities subject us to various extraordinary risks, including potential liabilities relating to nuclear or launch-related incidents or unintended initiation of energetic materials, including risk of personal injury and property damage; to the harmful effects on the environment and human health that may result from nuclear-related activities, operations or incidents, as well as the storage, handling and disposal of radioactive materials; and to failed launches of spacecraft. We may be subject to reputational harm and potential liabilities arising out of a nuclear, launch or explosive incident, among others, whether or not the cause was within our control. Under some circumstances, the U.S. government and prime contractors may provide for certain indemnification and other protection under certain of our government related contracts, including pursuant to, or in connection with, Public Law 85-804, the Price-Anderson Nuclear Industries Indemnity Act and the Terrorism Risk Insurance Reauthorization Act, for certain risks, but those protections may not be available and they are limited in scope.
Certain of our products, such as small, medium and large caliber ammunition and solid rocket motors and liquid propulsion engines, involve the use, manufacture and/or handling of a variety of explosive and flammable materials. From time to time, these activities have resulted in incidents, such as an explosion at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in 2017, that have caused workplace injuries and fatalities, the temporary shut down or other disruption of manufacturing processes, production delays, environmental harm and expense, fines and liability to third parties. We have safety and loss prevention programs which provide for pre-construction reviews of process changes and new operations, along with safety audits of operations involving explosive materials, to attempt to mitigate such incidents, as well as insurance coverage. We and our customers may experience similar or more serious incidents in the future which could result in various liabilities and production delays.
In addition, our customers may otherwise use our products and services in connection with hazardous activities, or in ways that can be unusually hazardous or risky, creating potential liabilities to our customers and/or our company as the provider of such products and services. In the event of an incident, if our customers fail to use our products properly or if our products or services do not operate as intended, we could be subject to reputational harm and potential liabilities.
If there was a nuclear incident or other nuclear-related damages, an incident related to launch activities, an incident related to the use of energetics or an incident or other damages related to or caused by the use of our products and services in connection with hazardous activities or risks, and if insurance coverage or indemnification or other protection was not fully available to cover our losses and liabilities, it could adversely affect our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
▪
Pension and other postretirement benefit (OPB) obligations and related expenses recorded in our financial statements may fluctuate significantly depending upon investment performance of plan assets, changes in actuarial assumptions, and legislative or other regulatory actions.
A substantial portion of our current and retired employee population is covered by pension and OPB plans. Defined benefit pension and OPB obligations and related expenses as recorded in our financial statements are dependent upon the investment performance of plan assets and various assumptions, including discount rates applied to future payment obligations, mortality assumptions, estimated long-term rates of return on plan assets, rates of future cost growth and trends for future costs. In addition, funding requirements for benefit obligations of our pension plans, including Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation premiums for certain of our defined benefit plans, are subject to legislative and other government regulatory actions.
In accordance with government regulations, pension plan cost recoveries under our U.S. government contracts may occur in different periods from when those pension costs are recognized for financial statement purposes or when pension funding is made. These timing differences could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows. The cost accounting rules have been revised in order to partially harmonize the measurement and period of assignment of defined benefit pension plan costs allocable to U.S. government contracts and minimum required contributions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended by the Pension Protection Act (PPA) of 2006. These rules better align, but do not eliminate, mismatches between ERISA funding requirements and CAS pension costs for U.S. government CAS covered contracts.
Investment performance of plan assets, changes in assumptions associated with our pension and OPB plans, and government challenges could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
We may be unable fully to exploit or adequately to protect intellectual property rights, which could materially affect our ability to compete, our reputation and our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
To perform on our contracts and to win new business, we depend on our ability to develop, protect and exploit our intellectual property and also to access the intellectual property of others under reasonable terms. We may not be able adequately to exploit, protect or access intellectual property and the conduct of our customers, competitors and suppliers may make it more difficult for us to do so.
We own many forms of intellectual property, including U.S. and foreign patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets and we license or otherwise obtain access to various intellectual property rights of third parties. The U.S. government and certain foreign governments hold licenses or other rights to certain intellectual property that we develop in performance of government contracts, and may seek to use or authorize others to use such intellectual property, including in competition with us and including where we do not believe they have, or should have, the right to do so. Governments continue to increase efforts to assert or obtain more extensive rights in intellectual property, which could reduce our ability to develop, protect and exploit certain of our intellectual property rights and to compete. Governments also decline at times to make intellectual property of others available to us under acceptable terms.
We also rely significantly upon proprietary technology, information, processes and know-how. We typically seek to protect this information, including by entering into confidentiality agreements with our employees and other parties such as consultants, teammates and subcontractors. These agreements and other measures may not provide adequate protection for our trade secrets and other proprietary information. In the event of an infringement of such intellectual property rights, a breach of a confidentiality agreement, a misuse or theft of our intellectual property or divulgence of proprietary information, we may not have adequate legal remedies. In addition, our trade secrets or other proprietary information may otherwise become known or be independently developed by competitors.
In some instances, our ability to seek, win or perform contracts may require us to access and use third party intellectual property. This may require that the government or our customer is willing and able to provide rights to such third party intellectual property, or that we are able to negotiate directly to obtain necessary rights on reasonable terms.
Our intellectual property is subject to challenge, invalidation, misappropriation or circumvention by third parties. Our access to and use of intellectual property licensed or otherwise obtained from third parties is also subject to challenges. Litigation to determine the scope of intellectual property rights, even if ultimately successful, could be costly and could divert management’s attention away from other aspects of our business. Moreover, the laws concerning intellectual property rights vary among countries and the protection provided to our intellectual property by foreign laws and courts may not be the same as the remedies available under U.S. law.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
If we are unable adequately to exploit our intellectual property rights, to protect our intellectual property rights, or to obtain rights to intellectual property of others, it could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, ability to compete for and perform on contracts, financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to develop new products and new technologies and maintain technologies, facilities and equipment to win new competitions and meet the needs of our customers.
Many of the markets in which we operate are characterized by rapidly changing technologies. The product, program and service needs of our customers change and evolve regularly. Our success in the competitive defense industry depends upon our ability to identify emerging technological trends, develop technologically advanced, innovative and cost-effective products and services and market these products and services to our customers in the U.S. and internationally. In addition, our ability to develop innovative and technologically advanced products depends, in part, on continued funding for, and investment in, research and development projects. Our success also depends on our continued access to assured suppliers of important technologies and components and our ability to provide the people, technologies, facilities, equipment and financial capacity needed to deliver those products and services with maximum efficiency. If we are unable to develop new products and technologies, or if we fail to achieve market acceptance more rapidly than our competitors, we may be unable to maintain our competitive position and our future success could be materially adversely affected. If we fail to maintain our competitive position, we could lose a significant amount of future business to our competitors, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate favorable financial results and maintain market share.
▪
Unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional tax liabilities could affect our profitability and cash flow.
We are subject to income and other taxes in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. Changes in applicable U.S. or foreign tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation and application, including the possibility of retroactive effect, could affect our tax expense and profitability as they did in 2017 upon passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In addition, the final determination of any tax audits or related litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals.
The distribution (Distribution) by Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) of the shares of Vista Outdoor Inc. (Vista) and ATK’s acquisition of Orbital Sciences Corporation (Orbital) to create then Orbital ATK (the Orbital-ATK Merger) were intended to qualify as tax-free to ATK, ATK’s stockholders, Vista and Orbital for U.S. income tax purposes. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS or the courts will agree with the conclusion of the parties and their counsel regarding the tax treatment of the Distribution and Orbital-ATK Merger. If the Distribution or certain related transactions were taxable, ATK’s shareholders immediately prior to the Distribution could be required to recognize income on their receipt of Vista Outdoor stock in the Distribution, ATK could be considered to have made a taxable sale of certain of its assets to Vista Outdoor and Vista could be subject to income taxes.
Under the tax matters agreement between Orbital ATK and Vista (the Tax Matters Agreement), in certain circumstances, and subject to certain limitations, Vista is required to indemnify Orbital ATK against taxes on the Distribution that arise as a result of actions or failures to act by Vista, or as a result of Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code applying due to acquisitions of Vista stock after the Distribution. In other cases, however, we might recognize a taxable gain on the Distribution without being entitled to an indemnification payment under the Tax Matters Agreement. If such tax is imposed on Vista, then we may, depending on the circumstances, be required to indemnify Vista for that tax.
Changes in our tax provision or an increase in our tax liabilities, whether due to changes in applicable laws and regulations, the interpretation or application thereof, or a final determination of tax audits or litigation, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
▪
Changes in future business conditions could cause business investments and/or recorded goodwill and other long-lived assets to become impaired, resulting in substantial losses and write-downs that would reduce our operating income.
Goodwill accounts for approximately 46 percent of our total assets. Although we currently have excess fair value of our reporting units over their respective carrying values, market-based inputs to the calculations in our goodwill impairment test, such as weighted average cost of capital and terminal value (based on market comparisons) could change significantly from our current assumptions. Additionally, we acquired a significant amount of purchased intangible and other long-lived assets in the Merger, whose recovery is dependent, in part, on future business conditions. We continue to monitor the recoverability of the carrying value of our goodwill and other long-lived
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
assets. Significant write-offs of goodwill or other long-lived assets could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and/or results of operations.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the information we are incorporating by reference contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “outlook,” “trends,” “goals” and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to our future financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, expectations, plans and projections that we believe to be reasonable when made, but which may change over time. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Specific risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those identified under “Risk Factors” and other important factors disclosed in this report and from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. They include:
•
our dependence on the U.S. government for a substantial portion of our business
•
significant delays or reductions in appropriations for our programs, and U.S. government funding and program support more broadly
•
investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation and/or other legal proceedings
•
the use of estimates when accounting for our contracts and the effect of contract cost growth and/or changes in estimated contract revenues and costs
•
our exposure to additional risks as a result of our international business, including risks related to geopolitical and economic factors, suppliers, laws and regulations
•
the improper conduct of employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, business partners or joint ventures in which we participate and the impact on our reputation and our ability to do business
•
cyber and other security threats or disruptions faced by us, our customers or our suppliers and other partners
•
the performance and financial viability of our subcontractors and suppliers and the availability and pricing of raw materials and components
•
changes in procurement and other laws, regulations, contract terms and practices applicable to our industry, findings by the U.S. government as to our compliance with such requirements, and changes in our customers’ business practices globally
•
increased competition within our markets and bid protests
•
the ability to maintain a qualified workforce with the required security clearances and requisite skills
•
our ability to meet performance obligations under our contracts, including obligations that require innovative design capabilities, are technologically complex, require certain manufacturing expertise or are dependent on factors not wholly within our control
•
environmental matters, including unforeseen environmental costs and government and third party claims
•
natural disasters
•
the adequacy and availability of our insurance coverage, customer indemnifications or other liability protections
•
products and services we provide related to hazardous and high risk operations, including the production and use of such products, which subject us to various environmental, regulatory, financial, reputational and other risks
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
•
the future investment performance of plan assets, changes in actuarial assumptions associated with our pension and other postretirement benefit plans and legislative or other regulatory actions impacting our pension and postretirement benefit obligations
•
our ability appropriately to exploit and/or protect intellectual property rights
•
our ability to develop new products and technologies and maintain technologies, facilities, and equipment to win new competitions and meet the needs of our customers
•
unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional tax liabilities
•
changes in business conditions that could impact business investments and/or recorded goodwill or the value of other long-lived assets
We urge you to consider the limitations on, and risks associated with, forward-looking statements and not unduly rely on the accuracy of forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date this report is first filed or, in the case of any document incorporated by reference, the date of that document. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
At December 31, 2019, we had approximately 54 million square feet of floor space at 545 separate locations, primarily in the U.S., for manufacturing, warehousing, research and testing, administration and various other uses.
At December 31, 2019, we leased to third parties approximately 304,000 square feet of our owned and leased facilities.
At December 31, 2019, we had major operations at the following locations:
Aerospace Systems
Azusa, Carson, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Mojave, Oxnard, Palmdale, Redondo Beach and San Diego, CA; Melbourne and St. Augustine, FL; Devens, MA; Moss Point, MS; and Oklahoma City, OK.
Innovation Systems
Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe, AZ; Los Angeles and San Diego, CA; Beltsville, Cumberland and Elkton, MD; Eden Prairie, Elk River and Plymouth, MN; Independence, MO; Iuka, MS; Beavercreek, OH; Fort Worth, TX; Brigham City, Clearfield, Magna, Salt Lake City and Tremonton, UT; Dulles, Radford and Sterling, VA; and Keyser, WV.
Mission Systems
Huntsville, AL; McClellan, Redondo Beach, San Diego, Sunnyvale and Woodland Hills, CA; Aurora and Colorado Springs, CO; Apopka, FL; Rolling Meadows, IL; Annapolis, Annapolis Junction, Elkridge, Halethorpe, Linthicum and Sykesville, MD; Bethpage and Williamsville, NY; Beavercreek and Cincinnati, OH; Salt Lake City, UT; and Chantilly, Charlottesville, Fairfax, McLean and Richmond, VA. Locations outside the U.S. include Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Technology Services
Sierra Vista, AZ; Warner Robins, GA; Lake Charles, LA; and Herndon, VA. Locations outside the U.S. include Australia and France.
Corporate
Falls Church and Lebanon, VA and Irving, TX.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
The following is a summary of our floor space at December 31, 2019:
We maintain our properties in good operating condition and believe the productive capacity of our properties is adequate to meet current contractual requirements and those for the foreseeable future.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We have provided information about certain legal proceedings in which we are involved in Notes 11 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
We are a party to various investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions and other legal proceedings, including government investigations and claims, that arise in the ordinary course of our business. These types of matters could result in administrative, civil or criminal fines, penalties or other sanctions (which terms include judgments or convictions and consent or other voluntary decrees or agreements); compensatory, treble or other damages; non-monetary relief or actions; or other liabilities. Government regulations provide that certain allegations against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from future government contracts or suspension of export privileges for the company or one or more of its components. The nature of legal proceedings is such that we cannot assure the outcome of any particular matter. For additional information on pending matters, please see Notes 11 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements, and for further information on the risks we face from existing and future investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions and other legal proceedings, please see “Risk Factors.”
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
No information is required in response to this item.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
COMMON STOCK
We have 800,000,000 shares authorized at a $1 par value per share, of which 167,848,424 shares and 170,607,336 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
PREFERRED STOCK
We have 10,000,000 shares authorized at a $1 par value per share, of which no shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
MARKET INFORMATION
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol NOC.
HOLDERS
As of January 27, 2020, there were 21,374 common shareholders of record.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
The table below summarizes our repurchases of common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2019:
(1)
Includes commissions paid.
Share repurchases take place from time to time, subject to market conditions and management’s discretion, in the open market or 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.
See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on our share repurchase programs.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Comparison of Cumulative Five Year Total Return
Among Northrop Grumman, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Aerospace & Defense (A&D) Index
•
Assumes $100 invested at the close of business on December 31, 2014, in Northrop Grumman Corporation common stock, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index and the S&P Aerospace & Defense Index.
•
The cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.
•
The S&P Aerospace & Defense Index is comprised of Arconic, Inc., The Boeing Company, General Dynamics Corporation, Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc., L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Company, Textron, Inc., TransDigm Group and United Technologies Corporation.
•
The total return is weighted according to market capitalization of each company at the beginning of each year.
•
This graph is not deemed to be “filed” with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), and should not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any of our prior or subsequent filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The data presented in the following table is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements and other information.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(1)
Selected financial data includes the operating results of Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date.
(2)
Years prior to 2016 do not reflect the effects from our January 1, 2018 adoption of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
(3)
We adopted ASC Topic 842, Leases, on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method and, as a result, did not recast prior period consolidated comparative financial statements.
(4)
Other long-term obligations include pension and other postretirement benefit (OPB) plan liabilities, operating lease liabilities, deferred tax liabilities and other non-current liabilities, including unrecognized tax benefits, deferred compensation and environmental liabilities.
(5)
Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” - “Free Cash Flow” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations (MD&A) for our definition of this measure, including a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash provided by operating activities.
(6)
We applied the ASC Topic 606 transition practical expedient related to remaining performance obligations for reporting periods presented before the date of initial application. As such, years prior to 2017 have not been restated for the adoption of ASC Topic 606. For comparative purposes, we have recast our backlog as of December 31, 2017 to reflect the impact of ASC Topic 606.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW
The following discussion should be read along with the financial statements included in this Form 10-K, as well as Part II, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which provides additional information on comparisons of years 2018 and 2017.
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. We established Innovation Systems as a new, fourth business sector. The operating results of Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger Date have been included in the company’s consolidated financial results. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the acquisition of Orbital ATK.
In June 2018, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Decision and Order enabling the acquisition to proceed and providing for solid rocket motors to be available on a non-discriminatory basis under certain circumstances and processes. The company has taken and continues to take robust actions to help ensure compliance with the terms of the Order. Similarly, the Compliance Officer, appointed under the Order, and the FTC have taken and continue to take various actions to oversee compliance. In October 2019, the company received a civil investigative demand from the FTC requesting certain information relating to a potential issue of the company’s compliance with the Order in connection with a pending strategic missile competition. The company has provided information in response to the request. We believe the company has been and continues to be in full compliance with the Order, but we cannot predict any potential impact on the procurement.
Global Security and Economic Environment
The U.S. and its allies continue to face a global security environment of heightened tensions and instability, threats from state and non-state actors as well as terrorist organizations, emerging nuclear tensions, diverse regional security concerns and political instability. Global threats persist across all domains, from undersea to space to cyber. The market for defense products, services and solutions globally is driven by these complex and evolving security challenges, considered in the broader context of political and socioeconomic priorities.
The global geopolitical and economic environments also continue to be impacted by uncertainty. Geopolitical relationships are changing and global economic growth is expected to remain in the low single digits in 2020, reflecting the impact of and uncertainty surrounding geopolitical tensions globally and financial market volatility. The global economy may also be affected by Britain’s anticipated exit from the European Union, the full impact of which is not known at this time. Additionally, economic tensions and changes in international trade policies, including higher tariffs on imported goods and materials and renegotiation of free trade agreements, could impact the global market for defense products, services and solutions.
U.S. Political and Economic Environment
The U.S. continues to face an uncertain political environment and substantial fiscal and economic challenges, which affect funding for discretionary and non-discretionary budgets. The Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA) mandated spending caps for all federal discretionary spending across a ten-year period (FY 2012 through FY 2021), including specific limits for defense and non-defense spending. In prior years, these spending caps have been revised by separate bills for specific fiscal years.
In 2019, the President proposed an FY 2020 budget requesting $750 billion for national security. 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. On August 2, 2019, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 was enacted, increasing spending caps under the Budget Control Act (BCA) for FY 2020 and FY 2021, the final two fiscal years covered by the BCA, and suspending the debt ceiling through July 31, 2021. On December 20, 2019, FY 2020 appropriations for all federal agencies were enacted, representing a 3 percent increase from FY 2019. We believe our capabilities, particularly in space, missiles, missile defense, hypersonics, counter-hypersonics, low observable technology and cyber will allow us to continue to profitably grow our business in support of our customers’ needs.
The political environment, federal budget and debt ceiling are expected to continue to be the subject of considerable debate, which could have significant impacts on defense spending broadly and the company’s programs in particular.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
For further information on the risks we face from the current political and economic environment, see “Risk Factors.”
Operating Performance Assessment and Reporting
We manage and assess our business based on our performance on contracts and programs (typically larger contracts or two or more closely-related contracts). We recognize sales from our portfolio of long-term contracts as control is transferred to the customer, primarily over time on a cost-to-cost basis (cost incurred relative to costs estimated at completion). As a result, sales tend to fluctuate in concert with costs incurred across our large portfolio of contracts. Due to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules that govern our U.S. government business and related Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), most types of costs are allocable to U.S. government contracts. As such, we do not focus on individual cost groupings (such as manufacturing, engineering and design labor, subcontractor, material, overhead and general and administrative (G&A) costs), as much as we do on total contract cost, which is the key driver of our sales and operating income.
In evaluating our 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 life cycle (e.g., cost-type, fixed-price, development, production, and/or sustainment).
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
For purposes of the operating results discussion below, we assess our performance using certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude Mark-to-market pension and OPB (“MTM”) (expense) benefit and related tax impacts, and are described as MTM-adjusted net earnings and MTM-adjusted diluted earnings per share. These non-GAAP measures may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as supplemental measures in evaluating the company’s underlying financial performance by presenting the company’s operating results before the non-operational impact of pension and OPB actuarial gains and losses. These measures are also consistent with how management views the underlying performance of the business as the impact of MTM accounting is not considered in management’s assessment of the company’s operating performance or in its determination of incentive compensation awards. We reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures below. These non-GAAP measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to operating results presented in accordance with GAAP.
Selected financial highlights are presented in the table below:
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Sales
2019 sales increased $3.7 billion reflecting a full year of sales from Innovation Systems as well as higher sales at Aerospace Systems and Mission 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 16 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding the company’s sales by customer type, contract type and geographic region for each of our segments.
Operating Income and Margin Rate
2019 operating income increased $189 million, or 5 percent, primarily due to a $462 million increase in segment operating income, which includes a full year of operating income from Innovation Systems. This was partially offset by a $148 million decrease in the net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment and a $125 million increase in unallocated corporate expense, all of which are further discussed in “Segment Operating Results.” Operating margin rate declined to 11.7 percent from 12.6 percent due to the pension and unallocated corporate expense items noted above, partially offset by a higher segment operating margin rate, as described in “Segment Operating Results.”
2019 G&A costs as a percentage of sales decreased to 9.7 percent from 10.0 percent, primarily due to higher sales as well as cost management, including cost synergies realized in connection with the 2018 acquisition of Orbital ATK.
For further information regarding product and service operating costs and expenses, see “Product and Service Analysis” below.
Mark-to-Market Pension and OPB (Expense) Benefit
The primary components of pre-tax MTM (expense) benefit are presented in the table below:
2019 MTM expense of $1.8 billion was primarily driven by a 92 basis point decrease in the discount rate from year end 2018 as well as a change in our mortality assumptions, partially offset by actual net plan asset returns of approximately 19.1 percent compared to our 8.0 percent asset return assumption.
Federal and Foreign Income Taxes
The 2019 effective tax rate decreased to 11.8 percent from 13.7 percent in 2018. MTM expense reduced the 2019 effective tax rate by 3.7 percentage points and the 2018 effective tax rate by 1.1 percentage points. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Net Earnings
The table below reconciles net earnings to MTM-adjusted net earnings:
(1)
Deferred state taxes are recorded in unallocated corporate expense within operating income.
(2)
Based on a 21% federal statutory tax rate.
Net earnings decreased $981 million in 2019 principally due to an $863 million increase in our MTM expense, net of tax. Excluding these impacts, MTM-adjusted net earnings decreased by $118 million, or 3 percent, primarily due to a $397 million decrease in the total net FAS/CAS pension adjustment and $170 million of higher intangible asset
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation. These decreases were partially offset by $462 million of higher segment operating income.
Diluted Earnings Per Share
The table below reconciles diluted earnings per share to MTM-adjusted diluted earnings per share:
(1)
Deferred state taxes are recorded in unallocated corporate expense within operating income.
(2)
Based on a 21% federal statutory tax rate.
Diluted earnings per share decreased $5.27, or 29 percent, principally due to a $5.15 reduction associated with our MTM expense, net of tax. Excluding these impacts, MTM-adjusted diluted earnings per share decreased $0.12, or 1 percent, reflecting a 3 percent decrease in MTM-adjusted net earnings and a 3 percent decrease 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. The segment operating results below include sales and operating income for Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date. For a more complete description of each segment’s products and services, see “Business.”
We present our sectors in the following business areas, which are reported in a manner reflecting core capabilities:
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 prior segment operating results of Technology Services as a whole.
In September 2019, the company announced changes effective January 1, 2020, which are intended to better align the company’s broad portfolio to serve its customers’ needs. The four new sectors are: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems. This realignment is not reflected in any of the accompanying financial information.
This section discusses segment sales, operating income and operating margin rates. A reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income is provided below.
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 we have recognized under FAR and CAS, and excluding FAS pension expense and unallocated corporate items (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.
(1)
Represents the deferred state tax impact of MTM (expense) benefit, which is recorded in unallocated corporate expense consistent with other changes in deferred state taxes.
Segment Operating Income and Margin Rate
2019 segment operating income increased $462 million, or 13 percent, reflecting a full year of Innovation Systems operating income as well as higher operating income at the other three sectors. Segment operating margin rate of 11.6 percent was comparable to the prior year.
Net FAS (service)/CAS Pension Adjustment
The decrease in our 2019 net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment 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 2019 unallocated corporate expense is primarily due to the absence in 2019 of a $223 million benefit recognized for the finalization of certain prior year cost claims, as well as $170 million of higher intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation. This increase was partially offset by $140 million of lower deferred state taxes and an $89 million benefit recognized in 2019 related to the favorable resolution of a cost accounting litigation matter.
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:
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Net EAC adjustments by segment are presented in the table below:
(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
Sales
2019 sales increased $766 million, or 6 percent, due in large part to higher volume on restricted programs. In addition, manned aircraft sales reflect a higher rate of production activity and higher volume on the E-2 program. Space sales reflect higher volume on Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next Gen OPIR) programs and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Autonomous systems sales include higher Global Hawk volume and lower NATO AGS volume as that program nears completion.
Operating Income
2019 operating income increased $23 million, or 2 percent, due to higher sales. 2019 operating margin rate decreased to 10.3 percent from 10.8 percent principally due to lower net favorable EAC adjustments.
INNOVATION SYSTEMS
The sales and operating income in the table 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 the Merger had been completed as of January 1, 2017. Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated 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
2019 sales increased $541 million, or 10 percent, compared with 2018 pro forma sales of $5.6 billion due to higher sales in all three business areas. Flight Systems sales reflect higher volume on military aerospace structures and launch vehicles. 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 AARGM-ER and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System programs.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Operating Income
2019 operating income totaled $671 million and operating margin rate was 11.0 percent. Year to date results benefited from favorable negotiations on certain contracts.
MISSION SYSTEMS
Sales
2019 sales increased $554 million, or 5 percent, due to higher sales in all three business areas. Advanced Capabilities sales increased principally due to higher volume on restricted and marine systems programs. Sensors and Processing sales increased principally due to higher volume on airborne radar and restricted programs, partially offset by lower volume on communications programs. Cyber and ISR sales increased principally due to higher volume on space and restricted programs.
Operating Income
2019 operating income increased $119 million, or 8 percent, due to higher sales and a higher operating margin rate. Operating margin rate increased to 13.4 percent from 13.0 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
Sales
2019 sales decreased $187 million, or 4 percent, primarily due to program completions across the sector. Global Services sales declined principally due to the 2018 completions of a state and local services contract and the JRDC program, partially offset by higher volume on a civil program. Global Logistics and Modernization sales declined primarily due to the 2018 completion of the KC-10 program, partially offset by higher volume on electronic systems sustainment programs.
Operating Income
2019 operating income increased $14 million, or 3 percent, and operating margin rate increased to 11.1 percent from 10.3 percent primarily due to improved performance in both business areas, including a favorable adjustment on a Global Logistics and Modernization sustainment program.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
PRODUCT AND SERVICE ANALYSIS
The following table presents product and service sales and operating costs and expenses by segment:
(1)
A reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income is included in “Segment Operating Results.”
Product Sales and Costs
2019 product sales increased $3.7 billion, or 17 percent, primarily due to a full year of product sales from Innovation Systems and higher volume on restricted, and Next Gen OPIR programs at Aerospace Systems.
2019 product costs increased $3.4 billion, or 17 percent, consistent with the higher product sales described above.
Service Sales and Costs
2019 service sales increased $261 million, or 2 percent. The increase was primarily driven by a full year of service sales from Innovation Systems and higher service sales at Mission Systems, partially offset by lower service sales at Technology Services principally due to program completions.
2019 service costs increased $127 million, or 1 percent, consistent with the higher service sales described above and reflects improved margin rates on service contracts at each sector.
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.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Backlog consisted of the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
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.
As of December 31, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2.2 billion; approximately $269 million was held outside of the U.S. by foreign subsidiaries. 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. Capital expenditure commitments were $790 million at December 31, 2019, and are expected to be paid with cash on hand.
Operating Cash Flow
The table below summarizes key components of cash flow provided by operating activities:
(1)
Includes depreciation and amortization, MTM (expense) benefit, non-cash lease expense, stock based compensation expense and deferred income taxes.
2019 cash provided by operating activities increased $470 million principally due to improved trade working capital and lower pension contributions.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow, as reconciled in the table below, is a non-GAAP measure defined as net cash provided by 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 share 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.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
The table below reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow:
2019 free cash flow increased $455 million principally driven by an increase in net cash provided by operating activities.
Investing Cash Flow
2019 net cash used in investing activities decreased to $1.2 billion from $8.9 billion principally due to $7.7 billion paid in 2018 for the acquisition of Orbital ATK, net of cash acquired.
Financing Cash Flow
2019 net cash used in financing activities decreased to $2.4 billion from $4.6 billion principally due to lower debt and credit facility repayments of $2.1 billion and lower share repurchases, partially offset by net repayments of commercial paper in 2019 as compared to net borrowings in 2018.
Share Repurchases - See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on our share repurchase programs.
Commercial Paper, Credit Facilities and Unsecured Senior Notes - See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on our commercial paper, credit facilities and unsecured senior notes.
Financial Arrangements - See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on our use of standby letters of credit and guarantees.
Other Sources of Capital - We believe we can obtain additional capital, if necessary for long-term liquidity, from such sources as the public or private capital markets, the sale of assets, sale and leaseback of operating assets, and leasing rather than purchasing new assets. We have an effective shelf registration statement on file with the SEC, which allows us to access capital in a timely manner.
Contractual Obligations
At December 31, 2019, we had contractual commitments to repay debt with interest, make payments under operating leases, settle obligations related to agreements to purchase goods and services and make payments on various other liabilities. Payments due under these obligations and commitments, and the estimated timing of those payments, are as follows:
(1)
A “purchase obligation” is defined as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding on us and that specifies all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum, or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. These amounts are primarily comprised of open purchase order commitments to suppliers and subcontractors pertaining to funded contracts.
(2)
Other long-term liabilities, including their current portions, primarily consist of total accrued environmental reserves, deferred compensation, and other miscellaneous liabilities. It excludes obligations for uncertain tax positions of $1.2 billion as we are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows related to such positions.
The table above excludes estimated minimum funding requirements for the company’s pension and OPB plans, as set forth by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended. For further information about future minimum contributions for these plans, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements. Further details
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
regarding long-term debt and operating leases can be found in Notes 10 and 15, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND JUDGMENTS
Our consolidated financial statements are based on GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements. We employ judgment in making our estimates in consideration of historical experience, currently available information and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from our estimates and assumptions, and any such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. We believe the following accounting policies are critical to the understanding of our consolidated financial statements and require the use of significant management judgment in their application. For a summary of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Due to the long-term nature of our contracts, we generally recognize revenue over time using the cost-to-cost method, which requires us to make reasonably dependable estimates regarding the revenue and cost associated with the design, manufacture and delivery of our products and services.
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.
Our cost estimation process is based on the professional knowledge of our engineering, program management and financial professionals, and draws on their significant experience and judgment. We prepare EACs for our contracts and calculate an estimated contract profit based on total estimated contract sales and cost. Since our contracts typically span a period of several years, estimation of revenue, cost, and progress toward completion requires the use of judgment. Factors considered in these estimates include our historical performance, the availability, productivity and cost of labor, the nature and complexity of work to be performed, the effect of change orders, availability and cost of materials, components and subcontracts, the effect of any delays in performance and the level of indirect cost allocations.
We generally review and reassess our sales, cost and profit estimates for each significant contract at least annually or more frequently as determined by the occurrence of events, changes in circumstances and evaluations of contract performance to reflect the latest reliable information available. The company performs on a broad portfolio of long-term contracts, including the development of complex and customized military platforms and systems, as well as advanced electronic equipment and software, that often include technology at the forefront of science. Cost estimates on fixed-price development contracts are inherently more uncertain as to future events than production contracts, and, as a result, there is typically more variability in those estimates, as well as financial risk associated with unanticipated cost growth. Changes in estimates occur for a variety of reasons, including changes in contract scope, the resolution of risk at lower or higher cost than anticipated, unanticipated performance and other risks affecting contract costs, performance issues with subcontractors or suppliers, changes in indirect cost allocations, such as overhead and G&A costs, and changes in estimated award and incentive fees. Identified risks typically include technical, schedule and/or performance risk based on our evaluation of the contract effort. Similarly, the changes in estimates may include changes in, or resolution of, identified opportunities for operating margin improvement.
For the impacts of changes in estimates on our consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, see “Segment Operating Results” and Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
Retirement Benefits
Overview - The determination of projected benefit obligations, the fair value of plan assets, and pension and OPB expense for our retirement benefit plans requires the use of estimates and actuarial assumptions. We perform an annual review of our actuarial assumptions in consultation with our actuaries. As we determine changes in the assumptions are warranted, or as a result of plan amendments, future pension and OPB expense and our projected benefit obligation could increase or decrease. The principal estimates and assumptions that have a significant effect on our consolidated financial position and annual results of operations are the discount rate, cash balance crediting rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, estimated fair market value of plan assets, and the mortality rate of those covered by our pension and OPB plans. The effects of actual results differing from our assumptions and
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
the effects of changing assumptions (i.e. actuarial gains or losses) are recognized immediately through earnings upon annual remeasurement in the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis as triggering events warrant remeasurement.
Discount Rate - The discount rate represents the interest rate used to determine the present value of future cash flows currently expected to be required to settle our pension and OPB obligations. The discount rate is generally based on the yield of high-quality corporate fixed-income investments. At the end of each year, we determine the discount rate using a theoretical bond portfolio model of bonds rated AA or better to match the notional cash outflows related to projected benefit payments for each of our significant benefit plans. Taking into consideration the factors noted above, our weighted-average composite pension discount rate was 3.39 percent at December 31, 2019, and 4.31 percent at December 31, 2018.
The effects of a hypothetical change in the discount rate may be nonlinear and asymmetrical for future years as the discount rate changes. Holding all other assumptions constant, an increase or decrease of 25 basis points in the December 31, 2019 discount rate assumption would have the following estimated effects on 2019 pension and OPB obligations, which would be reflected in the 2019 MTM expense (benefit), and 2020 expected pension and OPB expense:
Cash Balance Crediting Rate - A portion of the company’s pension obligation and resulting pension expense is based on a cash balance formula, where participants’ hypothetical account balances are accumulated over time with pay-based credits and interest. Interest is credited monthly using the current 30-Year Treasury bond rate. The interest crediting rate is part of the cash balance formula and independent of actual pension investment earnings. The cash balance crediting rate tends to move in concert with the discount rate but has an offsetting effect on pension benefit obligations and the related MTM expense (benefit). The minimum cash balance crediting rate allowed under the plan is 2.25 percent. The cash balance crediting rate assumption has been set to its current level of 2.39 percent as of December 31, 2019, growing to 2.64 percent by 2025. Holding all other assumptions constant, an increase or decrease of 25 basis points in the December 31, 2019 cash balance crediting rate assumption would have the following estimated effects on the 2019 pension benefit obligation, which would be reflected in the 2019 MTM expense (benefit), and 2020 expected pension expense:
Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets - The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (EROA) assumption reflects the average rate of net earnings we expect on current and future benefit plan investments. EROA is a long-term assumption, which we review annually and adjust to reflect changes in our long-term view of expected market returns and/or significant changes in our plan asset investment policy. Due to the inherent uncertainty of this assumption, we consider multiple data points at the measurement date including the plan’s target asset allocation, historical asset returns and third party projection models of expected long-term returns for each of the plans’ strategic asset classes. In addition to the data points themselves, we consider trends in the data points, including changes from the prior measurement date. The EROA assumptions we use for pension benefits are consistent with those used for OPB plans; however, we reduce the EROA for OPB plans to allow for the impact of tax on investment earnings, as certain Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association trusts are taxable.
During 2019, the Investment Committee of the company’s benefit plans reviewed and approved the plans’ major asset class allocations. The current asset allocation is approximately 40% public equities, 30% fixed-income and 30% alternatives, which reflects a shift of approximately 5% from public equities to alternatives. At this time, the Investment Committee is not contemplating any significant changes to that mix. For further information on plan asset investments, see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
While historical market returns are not necessarily predictive of future market returns, given our long history of plan performance supported by the stability in our investment mix, investment managers, and active asset management, we believe our actual historical performance is a reasonable metric to consider when developing our EROA. Our average annual rate of return from 1976 to 2019 was approximately 11.1 percent and our 20-year and 30-year rolling average rates of return were approximately 7.1 percent and 9.7 percent, respectively, each determined on an arithmetic basis and net of expenses. Our 2019 actual net plan asset returns were approximately 19.1 percent.
Consistent with our past practice, we obtained long-term capital market forecasting models from several third parties and, using our target asset allocation, developed an expected rate of return on plan assets from each model. We considered not only the specific returns projected by those third party models, but also changes in the models year-to-year when developing our EROA.
For determining 2019 FAS expense, we assumed an expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets of 8.0 percent and an expected long-term rate of return on OPB plan assets of 7.67 percent. For 2020 FAS expense, we have assumed an expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets of 8.0 percent and 7.66 percent on OPB plans. Holding all other assumptions constant, an increase or decrease of 25 basis points in our December 31, 2019 EROA assumption would have the following estimated effects on 2020 expected pension and OPB expense:
In addition, holding all other assumptions constant, an increase or decrease of 100 basis points in actual versus expected return on plan assets would have the following estimated effects on our 2020 MTM expense (benefit):
Estimated Fair Market Value of Plan Assets - For certain plan assets where the fair market value is not readily determinable, such as real estate, private equity, hedge funds and opportunistic investments, we develop estimates of fair value using the best information available. Estimated fair values on these plan assets are based on redemption values and net asset values, as well as valuation methodologies that include third party appraisals, comparable transactions, discounted cash flow valuation models and public market data.
Mortality Rate - Mortality assumptions are used to estimate life expectancies of plan participants. In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) issued updated mortality tables and a mortality improvement scale, which reflected longer life expectancies than previously projected. In October 2019, the SOA issued an updated mortality base table (the Private Retirement Plans Mortality table for 2012 (Pri-2012)) as well as an updated mortality improvement scale (MP-2019). The updated model is based on a comprehensive study, which shifted the blue/white collar mix in prior tables more toward blue collar in the Pri-2012 table. Considering our employee population, we performed a study of our recent actual pension plan mortality experience to determine whether the Pri-2012 table’s shift toward blue collar was appropriate for our company. After considering the additional information released by the SOA in October 2019, and after reviewing our own historical mortality experience, we adopted the Pri-2012 White Collar table along with their projection scale, but with a long-term improvement rate of 0.75% versus 1.0% assumed by the SOA. Accordingly, we updated the mortality assumptions used in calculating our pension and OPB obligations recognized at December 31, 2019, and the amounts estimated for our 2020 pension and OPB expense.
For further information regarding our pension and OPB plans, see “Risk Factors” and Notes 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
We are subject to a range of claims, disputes, enforcement actions, investigations, lawsuits, overhead cost claims, environmental matters, income tax matters and administrative proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. Estimating liabilities and costs associated with these matters requires judgment based upon the professional knowledge and experience of management. We determine whether to record a reserve and, if so, what amount based on consideration of the facts and circumstances of each matter as then known to us. Determinations regarding whether to record a reserve and, if so, of what amount, reflect management’s assessment regarding what is likely to occur; they do not necessarily reflect what management believes should occur. The ultimate resolution of
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
any such exposure to us may vary materially from earlier estimates as further facts and circumstances develop or become known to us.
Environmental Matters - We are subject to environmental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we do or have done business. Factors that could result in changes to the assessment of probability, range of reasonably estimated costs and environmental accruals include: modification of planned remedial actions; changes in the estimated time required to conduct remedial actions; discovery of more or less extensive (or different) contamination than anticipated; information regarding the potential causes and effects of contamination; results of efforts to involve other responsible parties; financial capabilities of other responsible parties; changes in laws and regulations, their interpretation or application; contractual obligations affecting remediation or responsibilities; and improvements in remediation technology. As we expect to be able to recover a portion of environmental remediation liabilities through overhead charges on government contracts, such amounts are deferred in prepaid expenses and other current assets (current portion) and other non-current assets until charged to contracts. We use judgment to evaluate the recoverability of our environmental remediation costs, assessing, among other things, U.S. government regulations, our U.S. government contract mix and past practices. Portions of the company’s environmental liabilities we do not expect to be recoverable have been expensed.
Income Tax Matters - The evaluation of tax positions taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return or claim, requires the use of judgment. We establish reserves for uncertain tax positions when, despite the belief that our tax positions are supportable, there remains uncertainty in a tax position taken in our filed tax returns or planned to be taken in a future tax return or claim. The company follows a recognition and measurement approach, considering the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. Judgment is exercised by the company in determining the level of evidence necessary and appropriate to support its assessment using all available information. The technical merits of its position are derived from sources of authority in the tax law and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position. In measuring the tax position, the company considers the amounts and probabilities of the outcomes that could be realized upon settlement. When it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained, we record the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. To the extent we prevail in matters for which reserves have been established or are required to pay amounts in excess of reserves, there could be a significant impact on our consolidated financial position and annual results of operations. During 2019, we increased our unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $319 million related to our methods of accounting associated with the timing of revenue recognition and related costs, and the 2017 Tax Act.
For further information on litigation, commitments and contingencies, see “Risk Factors” and Note 1, Note 7, Note 11 and Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets
Overview - We allocate the purchase price of acquired businesses to the underlying tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values, with the excess recorded as goodwill. Such fair value assessments require judgments and estimates that can be affected by contract performance and other factors over time, which may cause final amounts to differ materially from original estimates. Adjustments to the fair value of purchased assets and liabilities after the initial measurement period are recognized in net earnings.
We recognize purchased intangible assets in connection with our business acquisitions at fair value on the acquisition date. The most significant purchased intangible assets recognized from our acquisitions are generally customer-related intangible assets, including customer contracts and commercial customer relationships. We determine the fair value of those customer-related intangible assets based on estimates and judgments, including the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, long-term growth rates and discount rates. In some cases, we use discounted cash flow analyses, which are based on estimates 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.
Impairment Testing - We test for impairment of goodwill annually at each of our reporting units, which comprise our operating segments. The results of our annual goodwill impairment tests as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, indicated that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its respective carrying value. There were no impairment charges recorded in the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
In addition to performing an annual goodwill impairment test, we may perform an interim impairment test if events occur or circumstances change that suggest goodwill in any of our reporting units may be impaired. Such indicators may include, but are not limited to, the loss of significant business, significant reductions in federal government appropriations or other significant adverse changes in industry or market conditions.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
When testing goodwill for impairment, we compare the fair values of each of our reporting units to their respective carrying values. To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we primarily use the income approach based on the cash flows that the reporting unit expects to generate in the future, consistent with our operating plans. This income valuation method requires management to project sales, operating expenses, working capital, capital spending and cash flows for the reporting units over a multi-year period, as well as to determine the weighted-average cost of capital (WACC) used as a discount rate and terminal value assumptions. The WACC takes into account the relative weights of each component of our consolidated capital structure (equity and debt) and represents the expected cost of new capital adjusted as appropriate to consider lower risk profiles associated with longer-term contracts and barriers to market entry. The terminal value assumptions are applied to the final year of the discounted cash flow model. We use industry multiples (including relevant control premiums) of operating earnings to corroborate the fair values of our reporting units determined under the market valuation method of the income approach.
We test for impairment of our purchased intangible assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. Our assessment is based on our projection of the undiscounted future operating cash flows of the related asset group. If such projections indicate that future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount, we recognize a non-cash impairment charge to reduce the carrying amount to fair value. There were no impairment charges recorded in the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Impairment assessment inherently involves management judgments as to assumptions about expected future cash flows and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions. Due to the many variables inherent in the estimation of a business’ fair value and the relative size of our recorded goodwill and other purchased intangible assets, differences in assumptions may have a material effect on the results of our impairment analysis.
OTHER MATTERS
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2019, we had no significant off-balance sheet arrangements.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
EQUITY RISK
We are exposed to market risk with respect to our portfolio of marketable securities with a fair value of $382 million at December 31, 2019. These securities are exposed to market volatilities, changes in price and interest rates.
INTEREST RATE RISK
We are exposed to interest rate risk on variable-rate, short-term borrowings under our credit facilities, for which there was £60 million (the equivalent of approximately $78 million as of December 31, 2019) outstanding at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019, we have $13.9 billion of long-term debt, primarily consisting of fixed-rate debt, with a fair value of approximately $15.1 billion. The terms of our fixed-rate debt obligations do not generally allow investors to demand payment of these obligations prior to maturity. Therefore, we do not have significant exposure to interest rate risk for our fixed-rate debt; however, we do have exposure to fair value risk if we repurchase or exchange long-term debt prior to maturity.
FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK
In certain circumstances, we are exposed to foreign currency risk. We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to manage a portion of the exchange rate risk related to receipts from customers and payments to suppliers denominated in foreign currencies. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. At December 31, 2019, foreign currency forward contracts with a notional amount of $98 million were outstanding. At December 31, 2019, a 10 percent unfavorable foreign exchange rate movement would not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
INFLATION RISK
We have generally been able to anticipate increases in costs when pricing our contracts. Bids for longer-term firm fixed-price contracts typically include assumptions for labor and other cost escalations in amounts that historically have been sufficient to cover cost increases over the period of performance.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Falls Church, Virginia
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated January 29, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases in 2019 due to the adoption of ASC 842, Leases.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. 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 audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Revenue Recognition - Cost and Revenue Estimates for Development Contracts - Refer to Note 1 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
As more fully described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company recognizes substantially all revenue as control is transferred to the customer on their long-term contracts over time using the cost-to-cost method (cost incurred relative to total cost estimated at completion). Use of the cost-to-cost-method requires the Company to
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
make reasonably dependable estimates regarding the revenue and costs associated with the design, manufacture and delivery of their products or services. The Company estimates profit on these contracts as the difference between total estimated sales and total estimated costs at completion and recognizes that profit as costs are incurred. Cost estimates on contracts requiring development work are inherently more uncertain as to future events than production contracts, and, as a result, there is typically more variability in those estimates. Certain of these contracts are fixed price in nature, which results in greater financial risk associated with unanticipated cost growth. Alternatively, cost-type contracts may have award or incentive fees that are subject to uncertainty and may be earned over extended periods or towards the end of the contract. As a result, the estimation of costs required to complete these contracts and the expected revenues that will be earned is complex and requires significant judgment.
Given the judgment necessary to make reasonably dependable estimates regarding the revenue and costs associated with such contracts, auditing these estimates required extensive audit effort due to the complexity of the underlying programs and a high degree of auditor judgment when performing audit procedures and evaluating the results of those procedures.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our auditing procedures related to the cost and revenue estimates for these development contracts included the following, among others:
•
We tested the effectiveness of controls over the estimates of total costs and revenues on such contracts, including development costs and any related award or incentive fee estimates for the relevant performance obligations.
•
We selected certain long-term contracts for testing and performed the following procedures:
-
Evaluated whether the recognition of revenue over time on such contracts was appropriate based on the terms and conditions of each contract, including whether continuous transfer of control to the customer occurred as progress was made toward fulfilling the performance obligation.
-
Tested management’s identification of distinct performance obligations by evaluating whether the underlying goods and services were highly interdependent and interrelated.
-
Tested management’s determination of the transaction price, including any award or incentive fees, based on the consideration expected to be received in accordance with the rights and obligations established under the contracts and any contractual modifications.
-
Evaluated the estimates of total cost and revenue for the performance obligation by:
▪
Conducting site visits to the relevant program locations and directly observing the contract status, as well as making inquiries regarding any challenges related to the program.
▪
Comparing costs incurred to date to the costs management estimated to be incurred to date.
▪
Evaluating management’s ability to achieve the estimates of total cost and revenue by performing corroborating inquiries with the Company’s program and business management, and testing management’s process used to develop the estimates based on their work plans, engineering specifications, program labor, and supplier contracts.
▪
Comparing management’s estimates for the selected contracts to costs and revenues of similar performance obligations, when applicable.
-
Tested the mathematical accuracy of management’s calculation of revenue recognized during the period for the performance obligations.
Income Taxes - Uncertain Tax Positions - Refer to Notes 1 and 7 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. Uncertain tax positions reflect the Company’s expected treatment of tax positions taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return or claim, which have not been reflected in measuring income tax expense or taxes payable for financial reporting purposes. Until these positions are sustained by the taxing authorities or the statute of limitations concerning such issues lapses, the Company does not generally recognize the tax benefits resulting from such positions and reports the tax effects as a liability for uncertain tax positions in its consolidated
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
statements of financial position. The Company has recognized increased uncertain tax positions in recent years principally related to the methods of accounting associated with the timing of revenue recognition and related costs, and the 2017 Tax Act. Until the matters are resolved, the outcome is inherently uncertain and the Company discloses a summary of changes in their uncertain tax positions within the notes to their financial statements.
Auditing the assumptions associated with the Company’s uncertain tax positions involved especially challenging judgments given the complexity and inherent subjectivity involved in evaluating the potential outcomes of these matters.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the assumptions used in determining uncertain tax positions included the following, among others:
•
We tested the effectiveness of internal controls relating to the identification and completeness of, and recognition for, uncertain tax positions, including management’s controls over the underlying key assumptions and inputs used to derive the estimates.
•
With the assistance of our income tax specialists, we selected specific uncertain tax positions for testing and performed the following procedures:
-
Performed inquiries of the Company’s tax department, financial reporting department, and other personnel directly involved in the development of the estimates.
-
Obtained supporting documentation and evaluated how the Company supported the position, including the assumptions and estimates used for measurement, and how the taxing authorities have historically challenged the tax position, if applicable.
-
Obtained and read opinions provided by external counsel, as applicable, regarding the tax position taken by the Company.
-
Evaluated whether the uncertain tax position met the “more likely than not” recognition threshold.
-
Evaluated the appropriateness and consistency of the methodologies and assumptions used by management when developing these estimates.
•
We tested the mathematical accuracy of management’s calculations.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
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.
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 consolidated results of operations. See Note 2 for further information regarding the Merger.
At December 31, 2019, the company was aligned in four operating sectors: Aerospace Systems, Innovation Systems, Mission Systems and Technology Services. In September 2019, the company announced changes effective January 1, 2020, which are intended to better align the company’s broad portfolio to serve its customers’ needs. The company continues to be aligned in four sectors as follows: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems. This realignment is not reflected in any of the accompanying financial information.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Northrop Grumman and its subsidiaries and joint ventures or other investments for which we consolidate the financial results. 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.
Basis of Presentation
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-K.
Accounting Estimates
The company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP” or “FAS”). The preparation thereof 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 performance obligation.
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 life cycle (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 cost plus a reasonable margin. Warranties are provided on certain contracts, but do not typically provide for services beyond standard assurances and are therefore not
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
considered to be separate performance obligations. Assets recognized from the 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 sales 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.
The following table presents the effect of aggregate net EAC adjustments:
(1)
Based on a 21% federal statutory tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and a 35% federal statutory tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017.
EAC adjustments on a single performance obligation can 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 such adjustments were material to the financial statements during the year ended December 31, 2019. During the second quarter of 2018, the company recognized $69 million of favorable EAC adjustments on multiple restricted programs at Aerospace Systems. During the third quarter of 2017, the company recorded a $56 million favorable EAC adjustment on a restricted program 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
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are not included in backlog until the time an option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded.
Company backlog as of December 31, 2019 was $64.8 billion. We expect to recognize approximately 45 percent and 70 percent of our December 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 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 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.
Net contract assets are as follows:
The change in the balances of the company’s contract assets and liabilities primarily results from timing differences between revenue recognition and customer billings and/or payments. Net contract assets as of December 31, 2019 are consistent with the prior year and principally reflect an increase in Advance payments and amounts in excess of costs incurred at Mission Systems and Innovation Systems, and an increase in Unbilled receivables, net at Mission Systems and Aerospace Systems.
The amount of revenue recognized for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of each year was $1.3 billion, $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.
Disaggregation of Revenue
See Note 16 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.
General and Administrative Expenses
In accordance with the regulations that govern cost accounting requirements for government contracts, most general management and corporate expenses incurred at the segment and corporate locations are considered allowable and allocable costs. Allowable and allocable G&A costs, including independent research and development (IR&D) and bid and proposal (B&P) costs, are allocated on a systematic basis to contracts in progress and are included as a component of total estimated contract costs.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Research and Development
Company-sponsored research and development activities primarily include efforts related to government programs. Company-sponsored IR&D expenses totaled $953 million, $764 million and $639 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which represented 2.8 percent, 2.5 percent and 2.5 percent of total sales, respectively. Customer-funded research and development activities are charged directly to the related contracts.
Income Taxes
Provisions for federal and foreign income taxes are calculated on reported earnings before income taxes based on current tax law and include the cumulative effect of any changes in tax rates from those used previously in determining deferred tax assets and liabilities. Such provisions differ from the amounts currently payable because certain items of income and expense are recognized in different periods for financial reporting purposes than for income tax purposes. The company recognizes federal and foreign interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Federal tax penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense.
In accordance with the regulations that govern cost accounting requirements for government contracts, current state and local income and franchise taxes are generally considered allowable and allocable costs and, consistent with industry practice, are recorded in operating costs and expenses. The company generally recognizes changes in deferred state taxes and unrecognized state tax benefits in unallocated corporate expenses.
Uncertain tax positions reflect the company’s expected treatment of tax positions taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return or claim, which have not been reflected in measuring income tax expense or taxes payable for financial reporting purposes. Until these positions are sustained by the taxing authorities or the statute of limitations concerning such issues lapses, the company does not generally recognize the tax benefits resulting from such positions and reports the tax effects as a liability for uncertain tax positions in its consolidated statements of financial position.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash in banks and highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less, primarily consisting of bank time deposits and investments in institutional money market funds. Cash in bank accounts often exceeds federally insured limits.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The company measures the fair value of its financial instruments using observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect internal market assumptions.
These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level 3 - Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.
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. Marketable securities accounted for as trading are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and are included in Other non-current assets in the consolidated statements of financial position. Changes in unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in Other, net in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income. Investments in held-to-maturity instruments with original maturities greater than three months are recorded at amortized cost.
Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities in the financial statements and measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated as fair value hedges are recorded in net earnings, while the changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income until settlement. For derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments, gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value are reported in Other, net in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income.
The company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to foreign currency exchange risk related to receipts from customers and payments to suppliers denominated in foreign currencies (i.e., foreign currency
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
forward contracts). 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 company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, nor does it use leveraged financial instruments. Credit risk related to derivative financial instruments is considered minimal and is managed through the use of multiple counterparties with high credit standards and periodic settlements of positions, as well as by entering into master netting agreements with most of our counterparties.
Inventoried Costs
Inventoried costs generally comprise costs associated with unsatisfied performance obligations on contracts accounted for using point in time revenue recognition, costs incurred in excess of existing contract requirements or funding that are probable of recovery and other accrued contract costs that are expected to be recoverable when allocated to specific contracts. Product inventory primarily consists of raw materials and is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, generally using the average cost method.
Accumulated contract costs in inventoried costs include costs such as direct production costs, factory and engineering overhead, production tooling costs, and allowable G&A. Inventoried costs are classified as current assets and, in accordance with industry practice, include amounts related to contracts having production cycles longer than one year.
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies
The company maintains whole life insurance policies on a group of executives, which are recorded at their cash surrender value as determined by the insurance carrier. The company also has split-dollar life insurance policies on former officers and executives from acquired businesses, which are recorded at the lesser of their cash surrender value or premiums paid. These policies are utilized as a partial funding source for deferred compensation and other non-qualified employee retirement plans. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the carrying values associated with these policies were $380 million and $316 million, respectively, and are recorded in Other non-current assets in the consolidated statements of financial position.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of individual assets. Most assets are depreciated using declining-balance methods, with the remainder using the straight-line method. Depreciation expense is generally recorded in the same segment where the related assets are held. However, the additional depreciation expense related to the step-up in fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired through business combinations is recorded in unallocated corporate expense within operating income as such depreciation is not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance. Major classes of property, plant and equipment and their useful lives are as follows:
(1)
Land is not a depreciable asset.
(2)
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the length of the lease.
Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangible Assets
The company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually as of December 31, or when an indicator of potential impairment exists. When performing the goodwill impairment test, the company uses a discounted cash flow approach corroborated by comparative market multiples, where appropriate, to determine the fair value of its reporting units.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Goodwill and other purchased intangible asset balances are included in the identifiable assets of their assigned business segment. However, the company includes the amortization of other purchased intangible assets in unallocated corporate expense within operating income as such amortization is not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance. The company’s customer-related intangible assets are generally amortized over their respective useful lives based on the pattern in which the future economic benefits of the intangible assets are expected to be consumed. Other intangible assets are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.
Leases
The company leases certain buildings, land and equipment. Under ASC 842, at contract inception we determine whether a contract is or contains a lease and whether the lease should be classified as an operating or finance lease. Operating lease balances are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets, Other current liabilities, and Operating lease liabilities in our consolidated statements of financial position.
The company recognizes operating lease right-of-use 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 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.
Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
We accrue for litigation, commitments and contingencies when management, after considering the facts and circumstances of each matter as then known to management, has determined it is probable a liability will be found to have been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. When only a range of amounts is reasonably estimable and no amount within the range is more likely than another, the low end of the range is recorded. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. Due to the inherent uncertainties surrounding gain contingencies, we generally do not recognize potential gains until realized.
Environmental Costs
We accrue for environmental liabilities when management determines that, based on the facts and circumstances known to the company, it is probable the company will incur costs to address environmental impacts and the costs are reasonably estimable. When only a range of amounts is reasonably estimable and no amount within the range is more probable than another, we record the low end of the range. The company typically projects environmental costs for up to 30 years, records environmental liabilities on an undiscounted basis, and excludes asset retirement obligations and certain legal costs. At sites involving multiple parties, we accrue environmental liabilities based upon our expected share of liability, taking into account the financial viability of other liable parties.
Retirement Benefits
The company sponsors various defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution retirement plans covering substantially all of its employees. In most cases, our defined contribution plans provide for a company match of employee contributions. The company also provides postretirement benefits other than pensions to eligible retirees and qualifying dependents, consisting principally of health care and life insurance benefits.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
The liabilities, unamortized prior service credits and annual income or expense of the company’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans (OPB) are determined using methodologies that involve several actuarial assumptions.
Because U.S. government regulations provide for the costs of pension and OPB plans to be charged to our contracts in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the related U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) that govern such plans, we calculate retiree benefit plan costs under both FAS and CAS methods. While both FAS and CAS recognize a normal service cost component in measuring periodic pension cost, there are differences in the way the components of annual pension costs are calculated under each method. Measuring plan obligations under FAS and CAS includes different assumptions and models, such as in estimating returns on plan assets, calculating interest expense and the periods over which gains/losses related to pension assets and actuarial changes are recognized. As a result, annual retiree benefit plan expense amounts for FAS are different from the amounts for CAS in any given reporting period even though the ultimate cost of providing benefits over the life of the plans is the same under either method. CAS retiree benefit plan costs are charged to contracts and are included in segment operating income, and the difference between the service cost component of FAS expense and total CAS expense is recorded in operating income at the consolidated company level. Not all net periodic pension expense is recognized in net earnings in the year incurred because it is allocated as production costs and a portion remains in inventory at the end of a reporting period.
Actuarial gains and losses are immediately recognized in net periodic benefit cost for FAS through Mark-to-market pension and OPB (“MTM”) (expense) benefit upon annual remeasurement in the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis as triggering events warrant remeasurement. Prior service credits are recognized as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss and amortized into earnings in future periods.
Stock Compensation
The company’s stock compensation plans are classified as equity plans and compensation expense is generally recognized over the vesting period of stock awards (typically three years), net of estimated forfeitures. The company issues stock awards in the form of restricted performance stock rights and restricted stock rights. The fair value of stock awards is determined based on the closing market price of the company’s common stock on the grant date. At each reporting date, the number of shares used to calculate compensation expense and diluted earnings per share is adjusted to reflect the number ultimately expected to vest.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
Related Party Transactions
For all periods presented, the company had no material related party transactions.
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 consolidated 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
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
recording of additional lease assets and lease liabilities on the 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 December 31, 2019, are not expected to have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial position, annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
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 has enabled 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.
The operating results of Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date are included in the company's consolidated results of operations. Innovation Systems recognized sales of $3.3 billion, operating income of $343 million and net earnings of $273 million for the period from the Merger date to December 31, 2018.
The company recognized $29 million of acquisition-related costs that were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2018. These costs are included in Product and Service cost in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income.
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 2019, the company finalized its determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Merger date. Based on additional information obtained during the measurement period, 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 OPB plan liabilities increased $56 million, Other non-current liabilities increased $53 million, Other current assets increased $44 million and Goodwill decreased $36 million. These adjustments did not result in a material impact on the financial results of prior periods.
The Merger date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $7.7 billion in cash, which was comprised of the following:
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
The following purchase price allocation table presents the company’s final determination of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Merger date:
(1)
Included in Other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position.
The following table presents a summary of purchased intangible assets and their related estimated useful lives:
The purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $6.3 billion of goodwill, a majority of which was allocated to the Innovation Systems sector (refer to Note 8). 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.
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:
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 impact of the adoption of ASC Topic 606 on Orbital ATK’s historical sales of $21 million and cost of sales of $21 million, for the year ended December 31, 2017.
2.
The elimination of intercompany sales and costs of sales between the company and Orbital ATK of $80 million and $155 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
3.
The elimination of nonrecurring transaction costs incurred by the company and Orbital ATK in connection with the Merger of $71 million and $57 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
4.
The recognition of additional depreciation expense, net of removal of historical depreciation expense, of $8 million and $40 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the step-up in fair value of acquired property, plant and equipment.
5.
Additional interest expense related to the debt issued to finance the Merger, including amortization of the debt issuance costs associated with the newly issued debt, of $208 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs have been included in the company's historical financial statements since the date of issuance (October 12, 2017).
6.
The recognition of additional amortization expense, net of removal of historical amortization expense, of $90 million and $290 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the fair value of acquired intangible assets.
7.
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 $51 million and $110 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
8.
The income tax effect on the pro forma adjustments, which was calculated using the federal statutory tax rate in effect in each respective period, of $(5) million and $130 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
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, 0.9 million and 1.2 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
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 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 December 31, 2019, repurchases under the 2015 Repurchase Program totaled $3.7 billion; $0.3 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 or 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:
(1)
Includes commissions paid.
Dividends on Common Stock
In May 2019, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 10 percent to $1.32 per share from the previous amount of $1.20 per share.
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.
In May 2017, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 11 percent to $1.00 per share from the previous amount of $0.90 per share.
4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
Accounts receivable, net represent amounts billed and due from customers. Substantially all accounts receivable at December 31, 2019 are expected to be collected in 2020. The company does not believe it has significant exposure to credit risk as the majority of our accounts receivable are due from the U.S. government either as the ultimate customer or in connection with foreign military sales.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
(1)
Includes receivables due from the U.S. government associated with foreign military sales (FMS). For FMS, we contract with and are paid by the U.S. government.
5. UNBILLED RECEIVABLES, NET
Unbilled receivables, net represent revenue recognized under the cost-to-cost method that exceeds amounts billed to customers. Substantially all unbilled receivables at December 31, 2019 are expected to be billed and collected in 2020. Progress and performance-based payments are reflected as an offset to the related unbilled receivable balances.
Unbilled receivables consisted of the following:
(1)
Includes unbilled receivables due from the U.S. government associated with FMS sales. For FMS, we contract with and are paid by the U.S. government.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
6. INVENTORIED COSTS, NET
Inventoried costs are primarily associated with contracts where the U.S. government is the primary customer, therefore the company does not believe it has significant exposure to recoverability risk related to these amounts.
Inventoried costs, net consisted of the following:
7. INCOME TAXES
The 2017 Tax Act was enacted in December 2017 and included a number of changes to previous U.S. tax laws that impacted the company, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No.118, the company recognized provisional tax expense of $285 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and additional tax expense of $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 related to the 2017 Tax Act.
Federal and foreign income tax expense consisted of the following:
Earnings from foreign operations before income taxes are not material for all periods presented.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Income tax expense differs from the amount computed by multiplying earnings before income taxes by the statutory federal income tax rate due to the following:
(1)
Impact of applying the 2017 Tax Act enacted statutory tax rate of 21 percent versus 35 percent.
The year to date 2019 effective tax rate decreased to 11.8 percent from 13.7 percent in the same period of 2018. MTM expense reduced the 2019 effective tax rate by 3.7 percentage points and the 2018 effective tax rate by 1.1 percentage points. In addition, the company’s effective tax rate for 2019 reflects an increase in benefits for research credits and foreign derived intangible income of $30 million and $12 million, respectively, and the absence of an $84 million benefit associated with the 2017 Tax Act realized in 2018.
The year to date 2018 effective tax rate decreased to 13.7 percent from 32.2 percent in the same period of 2017 principally due to the reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent as a result of the 2017 Tax Act and a $56 million increase in research credits. In addition, the company’s effective tax rate for 2017 includes $285 million of tax expense recorded in connection with the 2017 Tax Act, largely due to the write-down of net deferred tax assets, offset by $97 million of tax benefits associated with manufacturing deductions and a $72 million tax benefit from the impact of applying the 2017 Tax Act enacted statutory tax rate of 21 percent versus 35 percent to the 2017 MTM benefit.
Income tax payments, net of refunds received, were $324 million, $270 million and $517 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Uncertain Tax Positions
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 years 2016-2017 are currently under IRS examination.
Tax returns for open tax years related to state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination. As state income taxes are generally considered allowable and allocable costs, any individual or aggregate state examination impacts are not expected to have a material impact on our financial results. Amounts currently subject to examination related to foreign jurisdictions are not material.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
The change in unrecognized tax benefits during 2019, 2018 and 2017, excluding interest, is as follows:
During 2019, we increased our unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $319 million related to our methods of accounting associated with the timing of revenue recognition and related costs, and the 2017 Tax Act. It is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months our unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by up to $60 million. Since enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, the IRS and U.S. Treasury Department have issued and are expected to further issue interpretive guidance that impacts taxpayers. We will continue to evaluate such guidance as it is issued.
These liabilities, along with $56 million of accrued interest and penalties, are included in other current and non-current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position. If the income tax benefits from these tax positions are ultimately realized, $570 million of federal and foreign tax benefits would reduce the company’s effective tax rate.
Net interest expense within the company’s federal, foreign and state income tax provisions was not material for all years presented.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and tax purposes. Net deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as non-current in the consolidated statements of financial position.
The tax effects of significant temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to year-end deferred federal, state and foreign tax balances, as presented in the consolidated statements of financial position, are as follows:
Realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future periods. The company believes it is more-likely-than-not our net deferred tax assets will be realized.
At December 31, 2019, the company has available tax credits and unused net operating losses of $324 million and $310 million, respectively, that may be applied against future taxable income. The majority of tax credits and net operating losses expire in 2020 through 2040, however, some may be carried forward indefinitely. Due to the uncertainty of the realization of the tax credits and net operating losses, the company has recorded valuation allowances of $121 million and $32 million as of December 31, 2019, respectively.
Undistributed Foreign Earnings
As of December 31, 2019, the company has accumulated undistributed earnings generated by our foreign subsidiaries and most have been taxed in the U.S. as a result of the 2017 Tax Act. The 2017 Tax Act allows for a dividend received deduction for repatriation of earnings. We intend to indefinitely reinvest these earnings, as well as future earnings from our foreign subsidiaries, to fund our international operations and foreign credit facility. In addition, we expect future U.S. cash generation will be sufficient to meet future U.S. cash needs.
8. GOODWILL AND OTHER PURCHASED INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
As discussed in Note 2, the Merger resulted in the recognition of $6.3 billion of goodwill, a majority of which was allocated to the Innovation Systems sector. A portion of this goodwill was allocated to the company’s other sectors based on expected revenue synergies generated by the integration of their products and technologies with those of Innovation Systems.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, were as follows:
(1)
Other consists primarily of adjustments for foreign currency translation.
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses at December 31, 2019 and 2018, totaled $570 million at Aerospace Systems.
Other Purchased Intangible Assets
Net customer-related and other intangible assets are as follows:
Amortization expense for 2019, 2018 and 2017, was $332 million, $203 million and $14 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, the expected future amortization of purchased intangibles for each of the next five years is as follows:
9. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
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. See Note 1 for the definitions of these levels and for further information on our financial instruments.
The notional value of the company’s foreign currency forward contracts at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $98 million and $114 million, respectively. The portion of notional value designated as a cash flow hedge at
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
December 31, 2019 was $7 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 December 31, 2019 and 2018 were not material.
There were no transfers of financial instruments between the three levels of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and commercial paper approximates fair value.
10. DEBT
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 December 31, 2019, there were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding. At December 31, 2018, there were $198 million of outstanding short-term commercial paper borrowings at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.77 percent that had 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 consolidated statements of financial position.
Credit Facilities
In August 2018, the company entered into a five-year senior unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.0 billion (the “2018 Credit Agreement”). The revolving credit facility established under the 2018 Credit Agreement is intended to support the company’s commercial paper program and other general corporate purposes. At December 31, 2019, there was no balance outstanding under this facility. Commercial paper borrowings reduce the amount available for borrowing under the 2018 Credit Agreement. In October 2019, the company amended the 2018 Credit Agreement to extend its maturity date by one year from August 2023 to August 2024.
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 $155 million as of December 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 December 31, 2019, there was £60 million (the equivalent of approximately $78 million as of December 31, 2019) outstanding under this facility, which bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.10 percent. All of the borrowings outstanding under this facility are recorded in Other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position.
Our credit agreements contain generally customary terms and conditions, including covenants restricting the company’s ability to sell all or substantially all of its assets, merge or consolidate with another entity or undertake other fundamental changes and incur liens. The company also cannot permit the ratio of its debt to capitalization (as set forth in the credit agreements) to exceed 65 percent. At December 31, 2019, the company was in compliance with all covenants under its credit agreements.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Unsecured Senior Notes
Long-term debt consists of the following:
(1) The current portion of long-term debt is recorded in Other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position.
The estimated fair value of long-term debt was $15.1 billion and $14.3 billion as of December 31, 2019 and 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.
Indentures underlying long-term debt issued by the company or its subsidiaries contain various restrictions with respect to the issuer, including one or more restrictions relating to limitations on liens, sale-leaseback arrangements and funded debt of subsidiaries. The majority of these fixed rate notes and debentures are subject to redemption at the company’s discretion at any time prior to maturity in whole or in part at the principal amount plus any make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest. Interest on these fixed rate notes and debentures are payable semi-annually in arrears.
Total interest payments, net of interest received, were $521 million, $456 million and $273 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2019, are as follows:
11. INVESTIGATIONS, CLAIMS AND 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 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 February 16, 2018, both the company and the United States filed motions to dismiss many of the claims and counterclaims referenced above, 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. After a mediation that did not resolve the dispute, the court has set trial to commence on February 3, 2020, running through March or early April. 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 $27 million as of December 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 $22 million as of December 31, 2019) in damages. In October 2013, ECT asserted an additional damage claim of R$22 million (the equivalent of approximately $5 million as of December 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
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
equivalent of approximately $35 million as of December 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 December 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 assessing whether there is a possible path for a negotiated resolution of the dispute.
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 12, substantial remediation costs related to these environmental conditions. The remediation standards or requirements to which we are subject are being reconsidered and may change and costs may increase materially. As discussed in Note 12, the State of New York issued a Feasibility Study and an Amended Record of Decision, seeking to impose additional remedial requirements. The company is engaged in discussions with the State of New York and certain other potentially responsible parties. The State of New York has said that, among other things, it is also evaluating potential 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, costs, allowability and/or alleged environmental impacts in Bethpage, including with federal and state entities, the Navy, local municipalities and water districts, and insurance carriers, as well as 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, plaintiffs filed a putative class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against Orbital ATK and certain individuals, captioned Steven Knurr, et al. v. Orbital ATK, Inc., No. 16-cv-01031 (TSE-MSN). As later amended, the complaint asserted claims on behalf of Orbital ATK shareholders for violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5, and Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act 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, Orbital ATK 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. The complaint sought damages and other relief. On June 7, 2019, the court approved the parties’ proposal to resolve the litigation for $108 million, subject to certain terms and conditions. The company continues to pursue recovery of allowable costs and coverage litigation against various of its insurance carriers.
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 consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2019, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
12. 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
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
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 effect on its consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2019, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
Environmental Matters
The table below summarizes the amount accrued for environmental remediation costs, management’s estimate of the amount of reasonably possible future costs in excess of accrued costs and the deferred costs expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
(1)
As of December 31, 2019, $148 million is recorded in Other current liabilities and $383 million is recorded in Other non-current liabilities.
(2)
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.
(3)
As of December 31, 2019, $119 million is deferred in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and $317 million is deferred in Other non-current assets. These amounts are evaluated for recoverability on a routine basis.
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 consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2019, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows. With respect to Bethpage, the State of New York issued a Feasibility Study and an Amended Record of Decision, seeking to impose additional remedial requirements. The company is engaged in discussions with the State of New York and other potentially responsible parties. As discussed in Note 11, the remediation standards or requirements to which we are subject are being reconsidered and may change and costs may increase materially.
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 December 31, 2019, there were $498 million of stand-by letters of credit and guarantees and $182 million of surety bonds outstanding.
Indemnifications
The company has provided indemnifications for certain environmental, income tax and other potential liabilities in connection with certain of its divestitures. The settlement of these liabilities is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company’s consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2019, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
13. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Plan Descriptions
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans - The company sponsors several defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. Pension benefits for most participants are based on years of service, age and compensation. It is our policy to fund at least the minimum amount required for all qualified plans, using actuarial cost methods and assumptions acceptable under U.S. government regulations, by making payments into benefit trusts separate from the company.
U.S. Defined Contribution Plans - The company also sponsors defined contribution plans covering the majority of its employees, including certain employees covered under collective bargaining agreements. Company contributions vary depending on date of hire, with a majority of employees being eligible for employer matching of employee contributions. Based on date of hire, certain employees are eligible to receive a company non-elective contribution or an enhanced matching contribution in lieu of a defined benefit pension plan benefit. The company’s contributions
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
to these defined contribution plans for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, were $481 million, $403 million and $344 million, respectively.
Non-U.S. Benefit Plans - The company sponsors several benefit plans for non-U.S. employees. These plans are designed to provide benefits appropriate to local practice and in accordance with local regulations. Some of these plans are funded using benefit trusts separate from the company.
Medical and Life Benefits - The company funds a portion of the costs for certain health care and life insurance benefits for a substantial number of its active and retired employees. In addition to a company and employee cost-sharing feature, the health plans also have provisions for deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance percentages, out-of-pocket limits, conformance to a schedule of reasonable fees, the use of managed care providers and coordination of benefits with other plans. The plans also provide for a Medicare carve-out. The company reserves the right to amend or terminate the plans at any time.
Certain covered employees and dependents are eligible to participate in plans upon retirement if they meet specified age and years of service requirements. The company provides subsidies to reimburse certain retirees for a portion of the cost of individual Medicare-supplemental coverage purchased directly by the retiree through a private insurance exchange. The company has capped the amount of its contributions to substantially all of its remaining postretirement medical and life benefit plans. In addition, after January 1, 2005 (or earlier at some businesses), newly hired employees are not eligible for subsidized postretirement medical and life benefits.
Summary Plan Results
The cost to the company of its retirement benefit plans is shown in the following table:
The table below summarizes the components of changes in unamortized prior service credit for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019:
We expect to recognize $60 million and $(4) million of prior year service credit (cost) related to our pension benefit and medical and life benefit plans, respectively, in net periodic benefit cost in 2020.
The following table sets forth the funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position for the company’s defined benefit retirement plans. Pension benefits data includes the qualified plans, foreign plans and U.S. unfunded non-qualified plans for benefits provided to directors, officers and certain
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
employees. The company uses a December 31 measurement date for its plans.
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $36.5 billion and $31.9 billion at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Amounts for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of fair value of plan assets are as follows:
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Plan Assumptions
On a weighted-average basis, the following assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost:
Plan Assets and Investment Policy
Plan assets are invested in various asset classes that are expected to produce a sufficient level of diversification and investment return over the long term. Through consultation with our investment management team and outside investment advisers, management develops expected long-term returns for each of the plans’ strategic asset classes. In doing so, we consider a number of factors, including our historical investment performance, current market data such as yields/price-earnings ratios, historical market returns over long periods and periodic surveys of investment managers’ expectations. Liability studies are conducted on a regular basis to provide guidance in setting investment goals with an objective to balance risk. Risk targets are established and monitored against acceptable ranges.
Our investment policies and procedures are designed to ensure the plans’ investments are in compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Guidelines are established defining permitted investments within each asset class. Derivatives are used for transitioning assets, asset class rebalancing, managing currency risk and for management of fixed-income and alternative investments.
For the majority of the plans’ assets, the investment policies require that the asset allocation be maintained within the following ranges as of December 31, 2019:
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
The table below provides the fair values of the company’s pension and Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust plan assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018, by asset category. The table also identifies the level of inputs used to determine the fair value of assets in each category. See Note 1 for the definitions of these levels. Certain investments that are measured at fair value using NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient are not required to be categorized in the fair value hierarchy table. The total fair value of these investments is included in the table below to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to amounts presented in the funded status table above. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no investments expected to be sold at a value materially different than NAV.
There were no transfers of plan assets between the three levels of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Generally, investments are valued based on information in financial publications of general circulation, statistical and valuation services, records of security exchanges, appraisal by qualified persons, transactions and bona fide offers. Cash and cash equivalents are predominantly held in money market or short-term investment funds. U.S. and international equities consist primarily of common stocks and institutional common trust funds. Investments in certain equity securities, which include domestic and international securities and registered investment companies, and exchange-traded funds with fixed income strategies are valued at the last reported sales or quoted price on the last business day of the reporting period. Fair values for certain fixed-income securities, which are not exchange-traded, are valued using third-party pricing services.
Other assets include derivative assets with a fair value of $49 million and $76 million, derivative liabilities with a fair value of $53 million and $52 million, and net notional amounts of $3.6 billion and $3.2 billion, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Derivative instruments may include exchange traded futures contracts, interest rate swaps, options on futures and swaps, currency contracts, total return swaps and credit default swaps. Notional amounts do not quantify risk or represent assets or liabilities of the pension and VEBA trusts, but are used in the calculation of cash settlement under the contracts. The volume of derivative activity is commensurate with the
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
amounts disclosed at year-end. Certain derivative financial instruments within the pension trust are subject to master netting agreements with certain counterparties.
Investments in certain equity and fixed-income funds, which include common/collective trust funds, and alternative investments, including hedge funds, opportunistic investments, private equity funds and real estate funds, are valued based on the NAV derived by the investment managers, as a practical expedient, and are described further below.
U.S. and International equities: Generally, redemption periods are daily or monthly with a notice requirement less than 30 days. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no unfunded commitments.
Fixed-income funds: Redemption periods are daily, monthly or quarterly with various notice requirements but generally are less than 30 days. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no unfunded commitments.
Hedge funds: Generally, redemption periods are monthly or quarterly with notice requirements from 30 to 95 days. As of December 31, 2019, unfunded commitments were $8 million. There were no unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2018.
Opportunistic investments: Opportunistic investments are primarily held in partnerships with a 5-10 year life. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, unfunded commitments were $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.
Private equity funds: The term of each fund is typically 10 or more years and the fund’s investors do not have an option to redeem their interest in the fund. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, unfunded commitments were $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively.
Real estate funds: Consists of closed-end real estate funds and infrastructure funds with terms that are typically 10 or more years. This class also contains open-end funds that generally allow investors to redeem their interests in the fund. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, unfunded commitments were $60 million and $73 million, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the defined benefit pension and VEBA trusts did not hold any Northrop Grumman common stock.
Benefit Payments
The following table reflects estimated future benefit payments for the next ten years, based upon the same assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation, and includes expected future employee service, as of December 31, 2019:
In 2020, the company expects to contribute the required minimum funding of approximately $96 million to its pension plans and approximately $44 million to its medical and life benefit plans. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the company made voluntary pension contributions of $120 million.
14. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
Stock Compensation Plans
At December 31, 2019, the company had stock-based compensation awards outstanding under the following shareholder-approved plans: the 2011 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan (2011 Plan), applicable to employees and non-employee directors, and the 1993 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (1993 SPND).
Employee Plans - In May 2015, the company’s shareholders approved amendments to the 2011 Plan. These amendments provided that shares issued under the plan would be counted against the aggregate share limit on a one-for-one basis. As amended, 5.1 million shares plus 2.4 million of newly authorized shares were available for issuance under the 2011 Plan; as of December 31, 2019, 5.5 million shares remain available for issuance.
The 2011 Plan provides for the following equity awards: stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs) and stock awards. Under the 2011 Plan, no SARs have been granted and there are no outstanding stock options. Stock awards include restricted performance stock rights (RPSR) and restricted stock rights (RSR). RPSRs generally vest and are
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
paid following the completion of a three-year performance period, based primarily on achievement of financial objectives determined by the Board. RSRs generally vest 100% after three years. Each includes dividend equivalents, which are paid concurrently with the RPSR or RSR. The terms of equity awards granted under the 2011 Plan provide for accelerated vesting, and in some instances forfeiture, of all or a portion of an award upon termination of employment.
Non-Employee Director Plans - Awards to non-employee directors are made pursuant to the Northrop Grumman Corporation Equity Grant Program for Non-Employee Directors under the 2011 Plan (the Director Program), which was amended and restated effective January 1, 2016. Under the amended Director Program, each non-employee director is awarded an annual equity grant in the form of Automatic Stock Units, which vest on the one-year anniversary of the grant date. Directors may elect to have all or any portion of their Automatic Stock Units paid on (A) the earlier of (i) the beginning of a specified calendar year after the vesting date or (ii) their separation from service as a member of the Board, or (B) on the vesting date.
Directors also may elect to defer to a later year all or a portion of their remaining cash retainer or committee retainer fees into a stock unit account as Elective Stock Units or in alternative investment options. Elective Stock Units are awarded on a quarterly basis. Directors may elect to have all or a portion of their Elective Stock Units paid on the earlier of (i) the beginning of a specified calendar year or (ii) their separation from service as a member of the Board. Stock units awarded under the Director Program are paid out in an equivalent number of shares of Northrop Grumman common stock. Directors are credited with dividend equivalents in connection with the accumulated stock units until the shares of common stock relating to such stock units are issued.
Compensation Expense
Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $127 million, $86 million and $94 million, respectively. The related tax benefits for stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $14 million, $27 million and $48 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2019, there was $101 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock awards granted under the company’s stock-based compensation plans. These amounts are expected to be charged to expense over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.
Stock Awards
Compensation expense for stock awards is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the vesting period (generally three years). The fair value of stock awards and performance stock awards is determined based on the closing market price of the company’s common stock on the grant date. The fair value of market-based stock awards is determined at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model. For purposes of measuring compensation expense for performance awards, the number of shares ultimately expected to vest is estimated at each reporting date based on management’s expectations regarding the relevant performance criteria.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Stock award activity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, is presented in the table below. Vested awards do not include any adjustments to reflect the final performance measure for issued shares.
The majority of our stock awards are granted annually during the first quarter.
The grant date fair value of shares issued in settlement of fully vested stock awards was $119 million, $93 million and $96 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Cash Awards
The company grants certain employees cash units (CUs) and cash performance units (CPUs). Depending on actual performance against financial objectives, recipients of CPUs earn between 0 and 200 percent of the original grant. The following table presents the minimum and maximum aggregate payout amounts related to those cash awards granted for the periods presented:
The majority of our cash awards are granted annually during the first quarter. 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 primarily on the achievement of financial metrics over a three-year period. At December 31, 2019, there was $133 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to cash awards.
15. 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 consolidated financial statements and all prior period amounts and disclosures are presented under ASC 840. Finance leases are not material to our consolidated financial statements and are therefore not included in the following disclosures.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Total Lease Cost
Total lease cost is included in Product and Service costs and G&A expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings and comprehensive income and is recorded net of immaterial sublease income. Total lease cost is comprised of the following:
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Supplemental operating lease balance sheet information consists of the following:
Other Supplemental Information
Other supplemental operating lease information consists of the following:
Maturities of Lease Liabilities
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019 are as follows:
As of December 31, 2019, we have approximately $125 million in rental commitments for real estate leases that have not yet commenced. These leases are expected to commence in 2020 and 2021 with lease terms of 3 to 11 years.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Rental expense for operating leases classified under ASC 840 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $375 million and $300 million, respectively. These amounts are 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:
16. 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:
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 FAR and the related 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
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
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.
Disaggregation of Revenue
(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.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
(1)
Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
(1)
All other is principally comprised of Europe and the Middle East.
(2)
Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Intersegment Sales and Operating Income
Sales between segments are recorded at values that include intercompany operating income for the performing segment based on that segment’s estimated average operating margin rate for external sales. Such intercompany operating income is eliminated in consolidation, so that the company’s total sales and total operating income reflect only those transactions with external customers. See Note 1 for additional information.
The following table presents intersegment sales and operating income before eliminations:
Assets
Substantially all of the company’s operating assets are located in the U.S. The following table presents assets by segment:
(1)
Corporate assets principally consist of cash and cash equivalents, refundable taxes, deferred tax assets, property, plant and equipment and marketable securities.
Capital Expenditures and Depreciation and Amortization
The following table presents capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization by segment:
(1)
Beginning in 2018, corporate amounts include the 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 as they are not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
17. UNAUDITED SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA
Unaudited quarterly financial results are set forth in the following tables and include the operating results of Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date. It is the company’s long-standing practice to establish actual interim closing dates using a “fiscal” calendar in which we close our books on a Friday near each quarter-end date, in order to normalize the potentially disruptive effects of quarterly closings on business processes. Similarly, Innovation Systems used a “fiscal” calendar by closing its books on a Sunday near these quarter-end dates. Beginning in the second quarter of 2019, Innovation Systems aligned its “fiscal” calendar with legacy Northrop Grumman. This practice is only used at interim periods within a reporting year.
(1)
Fourth quarter 2019 excludes the dilutive effect of awards granted to employees under stock-based compensation plans as such awards would be antidilutive.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our principal executive officer (Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President) and principal financial officer (Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) have evaluated the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)) as of December 31, 2019, and have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
During the three months ended December 31, 2019, no change occurred in our internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of Northrop Grumman Corporation (the company) prepared and is responsible for the consolidated financial statements and all related financial information contained in this Annual Report. This responsibility includes establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. The company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
To comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the company designed and implemented a structured and comprehensive assessment process to evaluate its internal control over financial reporting across the enterprise. The assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting is based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Management regularly monitors its internal control over financial reporting, and actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified. Based on its assessment, management has concluded that the company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.
Deloitte & Touche LLP issued an attestation report dated January 29, 2020, concerning the company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is contained in this Annual Report. The company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, have been audited by the independent registered public accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
/s/ Kathy J. Warden
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
/s/ Kenneth L. Bedingfield
Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
January 29, 2020
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Falls Church, Virginia
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 of the Company and our report dated January 29, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s adoption of ASC 842, Leases, during 2019.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
McLean, Virginia
January 29, 2020
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
DIRECTORS
Information about our Directors will be incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) within 120 days after the end of the company’s fiscal year.
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Our executive officers as of January 29, 2020, are listed below, along with their ages on that date, positions and offices held with the company, and principal occupations and employment, focused primarily on the past five years.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The information as to the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee Financial Expert will be incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
CODE OF ETHICS
We have adopted Standards of Business Conduct for all of our employees, including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Standards of Business Conduct can be found on our internet website at www.northropgrumman.com under “Investor Relations - Corporate Governance - Overview.” A copy of the Standards of Business Conduct is available to any stockholder who requests it by writing to: Northrop Grumman Corporation, c/o Office of the Secretary, 2980 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042. We disclose amendments to provisions of our Standards of Business Conduct by posting amendments on our website. Waivers of the provisions of our Standards of Business Conduct that apply to our directors and executive officers are disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
The website and information contained on it or incorporated in it are not intended to be incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other filings with the SEC.
OTHER DISCLOSURES
Other disclosures required by this Item will be incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information concerning Executive Compensation, including information concerning Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation and the Compensation Committee Report, will be incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information as to Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans and Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management will be incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
For a description of securities authorized under our equity compensation plans, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information as to Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence will be incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information as to Principal Accounting Fees and Services will be incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)
1. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or the information has been otherwise supplied in the consolidated financial statements or notes to the consolidated financial statements.
3. Exhibits
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
*4(ll)
Description of Securities
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
*(i)
First Amendment to Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems Defined Benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective December 31, 2019
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
*23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
*101
Northrop Grumman Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language); (i) the Cover Page, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
+
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
*
Filed with this Report
**
Furnished with this Report
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 29th day of January 2020.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Michael A. Hardesty
Michael A. Hardesty
Corporate Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on behalf of the registrant this the 29th day of January 2020, by the following persons and in the capacities indicated.
Signature
Title
Kathy J. Warden*
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer), and Director
Kenneth L. Bedingfield*
Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Michael A. Hardesty
Corporate Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Marianne C. Brown*
Director
Donald E. Felsinger*
Director
Ann M. Fudge*
Director
Bruce S. Gordon*
Director
William H. Hernandez*
Director
Madeleine A. Kleiner*
Director
Karl J. Krapek*
Director
Gary Roughead*
Director
Thomas M. Schoewe*
Director
James S. Turley*
Director
Mark A. Welsh III*
Director
*By:
/s/ Jennifer C. McGarey
Jennifer C. McGarey
Corporate Vice President and Secretary
Attorney-in-Fact
pursuant to a power of attorney