Form 8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported)

 

October 29, 2003

 


 

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

1-16411

(Commission File Number)

 

No. 95-4840775

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

1840 Century Park East, Los Angeles, California 90067

www.northropgrumman.com

(Address of principal executive offices and internet site)

 

(310) 553-6262

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 



Item 7.    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(c)    Exhibits

 

The following press release is included as an exhibit to this report furnished pursuant to Item 12:

 

Exhibit 99 – Northrop Grumman Corporation press release (including financial schedules) dated October 29, 2003

 

Item 12.    Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On October 29, 2003, Northrop Grumman Corporation issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.

 

Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 
   

Northrop Grumman Corporation   


    (Registrant)

 

         

October 29, 2003


      By:  

         /s/ John H. Mullan


(Date)

         

John H. Mullan

Corporate Vice President and Secretary


Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit No.


  

Description


99

   Furnished – Northrop Grumman Corporation press release (including financial schedules) dated October 29, 2003
Press Release dated October 29, 2003
LOGO   

 

 

 

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Public Information

1840 Century Park East

Los Angeles, California 90067-2199

Telephone (310) 553-6262

Fax (310) 556-4561

 

Contact: Frank Moore (Media) (310) 201-3335

Gaston Kent (Investors) (310) 201-3423

 

For Immediate Release

 

NORTHROP GRUMMAN REPORTS

2003 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS –

RAISES 2003 GUIDANCE

 

Income from Continuing Operations Increases 59 Percent

Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations $1.21

Sales Increase 57 Percent to $6.6 Billion

Cash From Operations Totals $400 Million

2003 EPS from Continuing Operations Guidance Raised to $4.20—$4.30

2003 Guidance for Cash from Operations Raised

 

LOS ANGELES — Oct. 29, 2003 — Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) reported income from continuing operations of $224 million, or $1.21 per share for the 2003 third quarter, compared with $141 million, or $1.17 per share, for the same period of 2002. Third quarter 2003 earnings per share are based on weighted average diluted shares outstanding of 184.5 million versus 115.2 million for the third quarter of 2002. Sales for the 2003 third quarter increased to $6.6 billion from $4.2 billion for the same period of 2002.

 

Ronald D. Sugar, Northrop Grumman’s chairman, chief executive officer and president said, “Northrop Grumman’s third quarter results were excellent from every perspective. The strong performance reflects 17 percent organic sales growth in our

 


NORTHROP GRUMMAN REPORTS

2003 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS –

RAISES 2003 GUIDANCE

 

heritage businesses and solid contributions from our new operating segments. To date, we have accomplished all major 2003 business initiatives, while strengthening our balance sheet. With the TRW integration largely behind us, we are focused on delivering continued superior program performance and becoming the most trusted provider of systems and technologies for national security.

 

“We are optimistic about Northrop Grumman’s future and have increased 2003 earnings per share and cash guidance while maintaining 2004 guidance for double-digit growth in earnings per share. We have won the major programs necessary to ensure continued growth, and we are currently competing for several multibillion dollar programs on the horizon,” Sugar added.

 

Total operating margin for the 2003 third quarter increased 38 percent to $431 million from $313 million in the same period a year ago. Double-digit growth at Electronic Systems, Ships and Integrated Systems, and operating margin from the company’s new Mission Systems and Space Technology segments, contributed to the year over year increase. Last year’s third quarter results included an $87 million pre-tax charge on Ships Polar Tanker program and a $65 million pre-tax charge on Electronic Systems F-16 Block 60 contract. These third quarter 2002 charges were partially offset by positive pre-tax adjustments of $69 million on Ships cancelled commercial cruise ship program and $20 million on an Information Technology contract.

 

Total operating margin in the third quarter of 2003 included pension expense of $143 million compared with pension income of $22 million for the 2002 third quarter. The CAS pension expense increased to $64 million in the third quarter of 2003 from $25 million for the comparable 2002 period.

 

Third quarter total operating margin also includes a $17 million net gain in “Unallocated expenses” resulting from two legal settlements, the subsequent reversal of

 

 

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN REPORTS

2003 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS –

RAISES 2003 GUIDANCE

 

a previously established reserve, and the establishment of loss provisions for other legal matters. During the third quarter the company settled two civil False Claims Act cases, Newport News and Jordan, for $60 million and $20 million, respectively. As a result of the Newport News settlement, the company reversed a reserve, which, when established, had no effect on the company’s net income as it was recorded as a liability on the balance sheet as part of the purchase accounting for the December 2001 acquisition of Newport News. The unused portion of the reserve, approximately $120 million, was reversed in the third quarter, and together with third quarter loss provisions recorded for other legal matters, resulted in the $17 million net gain.

 

The company also reported a loss from discontinued operations of $46 million, including a goodwill impairment charge of $47 million, in the third quarter of 2003 versus a loss of $178 million, including a goodwill impairment charge of $186 million, in the third quarter of 2002. Net income for the 2003 third quarter was $184 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $59 million, or $.56 per diluted share for the same period of 2002.

 

Company wide, contract acquisitions increased 7 percent to $4.3 billion in the 2003 third quarter from $4.0 billion reported for the same period a year ago due to the contributions of the Mission Systems and Space Technology segments. The company also won several major contracts this quarter, including approximately $4 billion for Virginia-class submarines and $1.9 billion for the Advanced Hawkeye. Only a small portion of the total value of these contracts is included in third quarter contract acquisitions and funded backlog due to low initial incremental funding. The company’s business backlog increased 10 percent to $23.6 billion at Sept. 30, 2003, from $21.5 billion reported a year earlier.

 

Page 3


NORTHROP GRUMMAN REPORTS

2003 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS –

RAISES 2003 GUIDANCE

 

Guidance for 2003/2004

 

The company now expects 2003 sales to be between $25.5 and $26 billion and increased its 2003 guidance for earnings per share from continuing operations to $4.20 to $4.30 per share from the previous range of $4.00 to $4.25. The company also raised its estimate of 2003 cash from operations, before the March 2003 $1.0 billion B-2 tax payment, to approximately $1.5 billion from its previous range of $1.1 to $1.3 billion. For 2004, the company expects sales of approximately $28 billion and double-digit growth in earnings per share, assuming pension costs are the same as in 2003. Cash from operations for 2004 is expected to total approximately $1.5 billion.

 

Segment Results

 

Electronic Systems sales for the third quarter of 2003 increased 16 percent to $1.5 billion from $1.3 billion for the third quarter of 2002. Operating margin for the third quarter of 2003 was $162 million compared with $73 million for the third quarter of 2002. Results for sales and operating margin in the 2003 period include increased volume in Aerospace Electronic Systems F-16 and F-35 programs and Defensive Electronic Systems ALQ-135 and MH-53 programs. Third quarter 2002 operating margin included a $65 million pre-tax charge for the F-16 Block 60 combat avionics program.

 

Ships sales, which include the financial results of the Newport News and Ship Systems sectors, increased 24 percent to $1.4 billion in the 2003 third quarter from $1.1 billion in the 2002 third quarter. The sales growth reflects increased revenue on the DD(X) program, included in the Surface Combatant business area; and on the LPD program, included in the Amphibious and Auxiliary business area. Operating margin for the third quarter of 2003 was $83 million compared with $50 million for the third quarter of 2002, which included an $87 million pre-tax charge to operating margin on the

 

Page 4


NORTHROP GRUMMAN REPORTS

2003 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS –

RAISES 2003 GUIDANCE

 

commercial Polar Tanker program partially offset by a $69 million positive pre-tax adjustment on the cancelled commercial cruise ship program.

 

Information Technology sales for the third quarter of 2003 increased 9 percent to $1.2 billion from $1.1 billion in the third quarter of 2002 primarily due to strong growth in the Government Information Technology and Enterprise Information Technology business areas. Operating margin for the third quarter of 2003 was $74 million compared with $91 million for the third quarter of 2002. Last year’s results included a $20 million positive pre-tax adjustment resulting from the restructuring of a contract included in the Technology Services business area.

 

Mission Systems sales and operating margin for the third quarter of 2003 were $1.0 billion and $66 million, respectively, led by its Command, Control & Intelligence business area.

 

Integrated Systems sales rose 21 percent in the third quarter of 2003 to $974 million from $807 million for the third quarter of 2002, primarily reflecting increased F-35 and Global Hawk sales. Operating margin for the third quarter increased 10 percent to $92 million from $84 million for the third quarter of 2002, primarily due to increased E-2C and B-2 operating margin, partially offset by lower Joint STARS operating margin due to reduced volume.

 

Space Technology sales and operating margin for the third quarter of 2003 were $742 million and $53 million, respectively.

 

Cash and Debt Measurements

 

Northrop Grumman’s total debt at Sept. 30, 2003, declined to $6.4 billion from $9.6 billion at Dec. 31, 2002, primarily reflecting the successful execution of the company’s plan to reduce acquired fixed-rate TRW debt. Interest expense for the third

 

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN REPORTS

2003 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS –

RAISES 2003 GUIDANCE

 

quarter of 2003 increased to $118 million from $106 million for the 2002 third quarter. Net debt to total capital at Sept. 30, 2003, decreased to 29 percent from 34 percent at the end of 2002. The company’s cash provided by operations for the 2003 third quarter totaled $400 million. Cash provided by operations for the 2002 third quarter was $459 million. During the third quarter the company repurchased 550,000 shares of its common stock at an average price of approximately $86 per share.

 

About Northrop Grumman

 

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $25 billion global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides a broad array of technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology. The company employs approximately 120,000 employees and operates in all 50 states and 25 countries and serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.

 

Note: Certain statements and assumptions in this release contain or are based on “forward-looking” information (that Northrop Grumman believes to be within the definition in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and involve risks and uncertainties, and include, among others, statements in the future tense, and all statements accompanied by terms such as “project,” “expect,” “estimate,” “assume,” “guidance” or variations thereof. This information reflects the company’s best estimates when made, but the company expressly disclaims any duty to update this information if new data becomes available or estimates change after the date of this release.

 

Such “forward-looking” information is based on numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside Northrop Grumman’s control. These include Northrop Grumman’s ability to successfully integrate its acquisitions including TRW, to realize the preliminary estimates for accounting conformance and purchase accounting valuations for TRW which will be finalized in the 2003 fourth quarter and which may materially vary from these estimates, assumptions with respect to future revenues, expected program performance and cash flows, returns on pension plan assets and variability of pension actuarial and related assumptions, the outcome of litigation and appeals, environmental remediation, divestitures of businesses, successful reduction of debt, successful negotiation of contracts with labor unions, effective tax rates and timing and amounts of tax payments, and anticipated costs of capital investments, among other things. Northrop Grumman’s operations are subject to various additional risks and uncertainties resulting from its position as a supplier, either directly or as subcontractor or team member,

 

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN REPORTS

2003 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS –

RAISES 2003 GUIDANCE

 

to the U.S. Government and its agencies as well as to foreign governments and agencies; actual outcomes are dependent upon various factors, including, without limitation, Northrop Grumman’s successful performance of internal plans; government customers’ budgetary constraints; customer changes in short-range and long-range plans; domestic and international competition in both the defense and commercial areas; product performance; continued development and acceptance of new products; performance issues with key suppliers and subcontractors; government import and export policies; acquisition or termination of government contracts; the outcome of political and legal processes; legal, financial, and governmental risks related to international transactions and global needs for military aircraft, military and civilian electronic systems and support, information technology; naval vessels, space systems and related technologies, as well as other economic, political and technological risks and uncertainties and other risk factors set out in Northrop Grumman’s filings from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, Northrop Grumman reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.

 

Northrop Grumman will webcast its security analyst conference call at 2 p.m. EST Oct. 29, 2003. A live audio broadcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations page of the company’s Web site at http://www.northropgrumman.com.

 

#    #    #

 

 

 

 

 

Members of the news media may receive our releases via e-mail by registering at:

http://www.northropgrumman.com/cgi-bin/regist_form.cgi

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT US: Northrop Grumman news releases, product information, photos and video clips are available on the Internet at: http://www.northropgrumman.com

 

Page 7


SCHEDULE 1

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

($ in millions, except per share)

 

     THIRD QUARTER

         FIRST NINE MONTHS

 
     2003

   2002

         2003

   2002

 

OPERATING RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS

                                   

Total acquisitions

   $ 4,291    $ 4,012          $ 16,621    $ 13,463  

Total sales

     6,619      4,214            19,112      12,376  

Total operating margin

     431      313            1,150      980  

Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change

     224      141            605      471  

Net income (loss)

     184      (59 )          642      (160 )

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change

     1.21      1.17            3.21      3.96  

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

     1.00      (.56 )          3.41      (1.56 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

     400      459            25      932  
     SEP 30,
20031


   DEC 31,
2002 *


                 

BALANCE SHEET HIGHLIGHTS

                                   

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 359    $ 1,412                      

Accounts receivable

     2,987      2,949                      

Inventoried costs

     1,125      1,091                      

Property, plant and equipment, net

     3,921      3,605                      

Total debt

     6,413      9,623                      

Net debt 2

     6,054      8,211                      

Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

     350      350                      

Shareholders’ equity

     14,763      14,322                      

Total assets

     33,661      42,326                      

Net debt to capitalization ratio3

     29%      34%                      

 

*   Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation.

 

1   Includes preliminary estimates of the fair market value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the related allocations of the purchase price related to the TRW acquisition. Final valuations and allocations, which are expected to be completed by December 31, 2003, may differ from the amounts included herein.

 

2   Total debt less cash and cash equivalents.

 

3   Net debt divided by the sum of shareholders’ equity and total debt.


SCHEDULE 2

 

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

OPERATING RESULTS

($ in millions, except per share)

 

    

CONTRACT

ACQUISITIONS


    

FUNDED

ORDER
BACKLOG


              
     THIRD
QUARTER


     FIRST NINE
MONTHS


     SEPTEMBER 30

              
     2003

    2002

     2003

    2002

     2003

    2002

              

Electronic Systems

   $ 1,175     $ 1,862      $ 4,089     $ 4,451      $ 6,212     $ 6,536                   

Ships

     625       752        2,350       3,806        8,765       10,243                   

Information Technology

     1,161       1,024        3,565       3,101        1,709       1,474                   

Mission Systems

     950       —          2,955       —          2,670       —                     

Integrated Systems

     314       484        2,821       2,374        3,781       3,454                   

Space Technology

     314       —          1,724       —          909       —                     

Intersegment Eliminations

     (248 )     (110 )      (883 )     (269 )      (484 )     (219 )                 
    


 


  


 


  


 


                

Total Segments

   $ 4,291     $ 4,012      $ 16,621     $ 13,463      $ 23,562     $ 21,488                   
    


 


  


 


  


 


                
     NET SALES

     OPERATING MARGIN

 
     THIRD
QUARTER


     FIRST NINE
MONTHS


     THIRD
QUARTER


     FIRST NINE
MONTHS


 
     2003

    2002

     2003

    2002

     2003

    2002 *

     2003

    2002*

 

Electronic Systems

   $ 1,522     $ 1,311      $ 4,372     $ 3,811      $ 162     $ 73        431     $ 272  

Ships

     1,366       1,101        3,946       3,335        83       50        181       202  

Information Technology

     1,198       1,098        3,445       3,063        74       91        203       182  

Mission Systems

     1,021       —          3,033       —          66       —          196       —    

Integrated Systems

     974       807        2,778       2,443        92       84        302       277  

Space Technology

     742       —          2,123       —          53       —          140       —    

Intersegment Eliminations

     (204 )     (103 )      (585 )     (276 )                                  
    


 


  


 


  


 


  


 


Total Segments

   $ 6,619     $ 4,214      $ 19,112     $ 12,376        530       298        1,453       933  
    


 


  


 


                                 

Reconciliation to operating margin 1

                                                                   

Unallocated expenses

                                       (17 )     (30 )      (69 )     (83 )

Pension (expense) income

                                       (143 )     22        (423 )     68  

Reversal of CAS pension expense included above

                                       64       25        201       74  

Reversal of royalty income included above

                                       (3 )     (2 )      (12 )     (12 )
                                      


 


  


 


Operating margin

                                       431       313        1,150       980  

Interest income

                                       16       2        45       6  

Interest expense

                                       (118 )     (106 )      (381 )     (320 )

Other, net

                                       (5 )     (11 )      23       9  
                                      


 


  


 


Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change

                                       324       198        837       675  

Federal and foreign income taxes

                                       100       57        232       204  
                                      


 


  


 


Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change

                                       224       141        605       471  

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

                                       (46 )     (178 )      36       (177 )

Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax

                                       6       (22 )      1       (22 )
                                      


 


  


 


Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change

                                       184       (59 )      642       272  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

                                       —         —          —         (432 )
                                      


 


  


 


Net income (loss)

                                     $ 184     $ (59 )    $ 642     $ (160 )
                                      


 


  


 


Diluted earnings (loss) per share

                                                                   

From continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change

                                     $ 1.21     $ 1.17      $ 3.21     $ 3.96  

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

                                       (.24 )     (1.54 )      .20       (1.55 )

Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax

                                       .03       (.19 )      —         (.19 )
                                      


 


  


 


Before cumulative effect of accounting change

                                       1.00       (.56 )      3.41       2.22  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

                                       —         —          —         (3.78 )
                                      


 


  


 


Diluted earnings (loss) per share

                                     $ 1.00     $ (.56 )    $ 3.41     $ (1.56 )
                                      


 


  


 


 

*   Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation.

 

1   Pension expense is included in determining the sectors’ operating margin to the extent that the cost is currently recognized under government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). In order to reconcile from segment operating margin to total company operating margin, these amounts are reported under the caption “Reversal of CAS pension expense included above.” Total GAAP pension income or expense is reported separately as a reconciling item under the caption “Pension (expense) income.” The reconciling item captioned “Unallocated expenses” includes unallocated corporate expenses, state tax provisions, and other retiree benefit expenses.


SCHEDULE 3

 

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

ADDITIONAL SEGMENT INFORMATION

($ in millions)

 

SALES BY BUSINESS AREA WITHIN SEGMENTS    THIRD QUARTER

     FIRST NINE MONTHS

 
     2003

     2002 *

     2003

    2002 *

 

Electronic Systems

                                  

Aerospace Electronic Systems

   $ 473      $ 371      $ 1,310     $ 1,080  

C4ISR&N

     311        321        904       842  

Defensive Electronic Systems

     237        179        643       563  

Navigation Systems

     173        159        538       484  

Space Systems

     128        103        376       324  

Other

     200        178        601       518  
                                    
       1,522        1,311        4,372       3,811  
                                    

Ships

                                  

Aircraft Carriers

     462        518        1,460       1,488  

Surface Combatants

     405        216        1,097       596  

Amphibious & Auxiliary

     271        196        739       585  

Submarines

     157        130        449       415  

Commercial & International

     37        15        92       169  

Services & Other

     34        56        109       165  

Intrasegment Eliminations

     —          (30 )      —         (83 )
                                    
       1,366        1,101        3,946       3,335  
                                    

Information Technology

                                  

Government Information Technology

     759        696        2,226       1,972  

Enterprise Information Technology

     225        195        587       500  

Technology Services

     175        172        517       486  

Commercial Information Technology

     67        54        200       160  

Intrasegment Eliminations

     (28 )      (19 )      (85 )     (55 )
                                    
       1,198        1,098        3,445       3,063  
                                    

Mission Systems

                                  

Command, Control & Intelligence

     383                 1,150          

Missile Systems

     271                 785          

Federal & Civil Information Systems

     198                 606          

Technical Services

     179                 521          

Intrasegment Eliminations

     (10 )               (29 )        
                                    
       1,021                 3,033          
                                    

Integrated Systems

                                  

Air Combat Systems

     644        465        1,754       1,422  

Airborne Early Warning/Electronic Warfare

     202        200        629       555  

Airborne Ground Surveillance/Battle Management

     128        140        397       466  

Intrasegment Eliminations

     —          2        (2 )     —    
                                    
       974        807        2,778       2,443  
    


  


  


 


Space Technology

                                  

Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance

     221                 626          

Civil Space

     145                 390          

Satellite Communications

     110                 358          

Missile Defense

     100                 287          

Radio Systems

     106                 286          

Technology

     60                 176          
    


           


       
       742                 2,123          
    


           


       

Intersegment Eliminations

     (204 )      (103 )      (585 )     (276 )
    


  


  


 


Total Sales

   $ 6,619      $ 4,214      $ 19,112     $ 12,376  
    


  


  


 


*       Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation.

                                  

AMORTIZATION OF PURCHASED INTANGIBLES

                                  

Electronic Systems

   $ 21      $ 21      $ 64     $ 64  

Ships

     10        11        31       33  

Information Technology

     5        5        15       15  

Mission Systems

     9        —          25       —    

Integrated Systems

     4        4        11       11  

Space Technology

     8        —          25       —    
    


  


  


 


     $ 57      $ 41      $ 171     $ 123