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, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2020, 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, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, 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, 2020, 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 27, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Change in Accounting Principle

The Company 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 make reasonably dependable estimates regarding the revenue and costs associated with the design, manufacture and

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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 inquiries at the relevant program locations, or virtually, (as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and remote working environment) 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. This includes management’s process to identify COVID-19 impacts to programs, which could include forecasted cost impacts and assumptions on the ability to recover those costs.

▪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

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resulting from such positions and reports the tax effects as a liability for uncertain tax positions in its consolidated statements of financial position. The Company has recognized increased uncertain tax positions in recent years principally related to state apportionment, 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 involves 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:

–Inquired both in-person and virtually (as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the remote working environment) 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.

/s/			Deloitte & Touche LLP
			McLean, Virginia
			January 27, 2021
			We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1975.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions, except per share amounts						2020						2019						2018
Sales
Product						$	27,015					$	23,852					$	20,469
Service						9,784						9,989						9,626
Total sales						36,799						33,841						30,095
Operating costs and expenses
Product						21,559						18,675						15,785
Service						7,762						7,907						7,519
General and administrative expenses						3,413						3,290						3,011
Operating income						4,065						3,969						3,780
Other (expense) income
Interest expense						(593)						(528)						(562)
FAS (non-service) pension benefit						1,198						800						1,049
Mark-to-market pension and OPB expense						(1,034)						(1,800)						(655)
Other, net						92						107						130
Earnings before income taxes						3,728						2,548						3,742
Federal and foreign income tax expense						539						300						513
Net earnings						$	3,189					$	2,248					$	3,229
Basic earnings per share						$	19.08					$	13.28					$	18.59
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, in millions						167.1						169.3						173.7
Diluted earnings per share						$	19.03					$	13.22					$	18.49
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions						167.6						170.0						174.6
Net earnings (from above)						$	3,189					$	2,248					$	3,229
Other comprehensive loss
Change in unamortized prior service credit, net of tax expense of $14 in 2020, $15 in 2019 and $19 in 2018						(41)						(47)						(60)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment and other, net						10						2						(14)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax						(31)						(45)						(74)
Comprehensive income						$	3,158					$	2,203					$	3,155

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

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

						December 31
$ in millions, except par value						2020						2019
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents						$	4,907					$	2,245
Accounts receivable, net						1,501						1,326
Unbilled receivables, net						5,140						5,334
Inventoried costs, net						759						783
Prepaid expenses and other current assets						1,402						997
Assets of disposal group held for sale						1,635						—
Total current assets						15,344						10,685
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $6,335 for 2020 and $5,850 for 2019						7,071						6,912
Operating lease right-of-use assets						1,533						1,511
Goodwill						17,518						18,708
Intangible assets, net						783						1,040
Deferred tax assets						311						508
Other non-current assets						1,909						1,725
Total assets						$	44,469					$	41,089
Liabilities
Trade accounts payable						$	1,806					$	2,226
Accrued employee compensation						1,997						1,865
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred						2,517						2,237
Other current liabilities						3,002						3,106
Liabilities of disposal group held for sale						258						—
Total current liabilities						9,580						9,434
Long-term debt, net of current portion of $742 for 2020 and $1,109 for 2019						14,261						12,770
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities						6,498						6,979
Operating lease liabilities						1,343						1,308
Other non-current liabilities						2,208						1,779
Total liabilities						33,890						32,270
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding						—						—
Common stock, $1 par value; 800,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2020—166,717,179 and 2019—167,848,424						167						168
Paid-in capital						58						—
Retained earnings						10,482						8,748
Accumulated other comprehensive loss						(128)						(97)
Total shareholders’ equity						10,579						8,819
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity						$	44,469					$	41,089

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

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019						2018
Operating activities
Net earnings						$	3,189					$	2,248					$	3,229
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization						1,267						1,265						800
Mark-to-market pension and OPB expense						1,034						1,800						655
Stock-based compensation						90						127						86
Deferred income taxes						210						(509)						234
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net						(285)						122						202
Unbilled receivables, net						160						(335)						(297)
Inventoried costs, net						18						(135)						(37)
Prepaid expenses and other assets						(147)						(78)						(56)
Accounts payable and other liabilities						719						617						381
Income taxes payable, net						(238)						(63)						(258)
Retiree benefits						(1,678)						(703)						(1,083)
Other, net						(34)						(59)						(29)
Net cash provided by operating activities						4,305						4,297						3,827
Investing activities
Acquisition of Orbital ATK, net of cash acquired						—						—						(7,657)
Capital expenditures						(1,420)						(1,264)						(1,249)
Proceeds from sale of equipment to a customer						205						—						—
Other, net						4						57						28
Net cash used in investing activities						(1,211)						(1,207)						(8,878)
Financing activities
Payments of long-term debt						(1,027)						(500)						(2,276)
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt						2,239						—						—
Payments to credit facilities						(78)						(31)						(320)
Net (repayments of) borrowings on commercial paper						—						(198)						198
Common stock repurchases						(490)						(744)						(1,263)
Cash dividends paid						(953)						(880)						(821)
Payments of employee taxes withheld from share-based awards						(66)						(65)						(85)
Other, net						(57)						(6)						(28)
Net cash used in financing activities						(432)						(2,424)						(4,595)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents						2,662						666						(9,646)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year						2,245						1,579						11,225
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year						$	4,907					$	2,245					$	1,579

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

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions, except per share amounts						2020						2019						2018
Common stock
Beginning of year						$	168					$	171					$	174
Common stock repurchased						(1)						(3)						(4)
Shares issued for employee stock awards and options						—						—						1
End of year						167						168						171
Paid-in capital
Beginning of year						—						—						44
Common stock repurchased						—						—						(34)
Stock compensation						63						—						(10)
Other						(5)						—						—
End of year						58						—						—
Retained earnings
Beginning of year						8,748						8,068						6,913
Impact from adoption of ASU 2018-02 and ASU 2016-01						—						—						(21)
Common stock repurchased						(479)						(751)						(1,225)
Net earnings						3,189						2,248						3,229
Dividends declared						(951)						(880)						(822)
Stock compensation						(36)						63						(6)
Other						11						—						—
End of year						10,482						8,748						8,068
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Beginning of year						(97)						(52)						1
Impact from adoption of ASU 2018-02 and ASU 2016-01						—						—						21
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax						(31)						(45)						(74)
End of year						(128)						(97)						(52)
Total shareholders’ equity						$	10,579					$	8,819					$	8,187
Cash dividends declared per share						$	5.67					$	5.16					$	4.70

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

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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 aerospace and defense company. We use our broad portfolio of capabilities and technologies to create and deliver innovative platforms, systems and solutions in space; manned and autonomous airborne systems, including strike; strategic deterrence systems; hypersonics; missile defense; weapons systems; cyber; command, control, communications and computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR); 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.

Effective January 1, 2020, the company reorganized its sectors to better align the company’s broad portfolio to serve its customers’ needs. At December 31, 2020, the company was aligned in four operating sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems.

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 legacy Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date have been included in the company’s consolidated results of operations and, upon our January 1, 2020 sector realignment, are reflected in the Space Systems, Defense Systems and Aeronautics Systems sectors. See Note 2 for further information regarding the Merger.

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

Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, the company no longer considers certain unallowable costs and environmental matters that are principally managed at the corporate office as part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance. As a result, certain unallowable compensation and other costs, which were previously included in segment operating results, are now reported in Unallocated corporate expense within operating income. In addition, certain accrued and deferred costs, as well as unallowable costs, if any, associated with certain environmental matters that were previously reflected in segment assets and operating results are now reflected in corporate assets and Unallocated corporate expense within operating income. The impact of these changes are reflected in the amounts in this Form 10-K. See Part II, Item 5 in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 for further information regarding the impact of these changes on the company’s prior period segment operating income.

On December 7, 2020, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our IT and mission support services business for $3.4 billion in cash. The IT and mission support services business is comprised of the majority of the Information Solutions and Services (IS&S) division of Defense Systems (excluding our Vinnell Arabia business); select cyber, intelligence and missions support programs, which are part of the Cyber and Intelligence Mission Solutions (CIMS) division of Mission Systems; and the Space Technical Services business unit of Space Systems. The assets and liabilities of the IT and mission support services business were classified as held for sale in the consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2020 and no impairment losses were recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2020. We expect to complete the sale of the IT and mission support services business in the first quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. See Note 2 for further information regarding the divestiture and Note 8 for the allocation of goodwill to the divestiture.

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

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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 development or 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 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. For most of our contracts, control is effectively transferred during the period of performance, so we generally recognize revenue over time using the cost-to-cost method (cost incurred relative to total cost estimated at completion). 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.

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The following table presents the effect of aggregate net EAC adjustments:

			Year Ended December 31
$ in millions, except per share data			2020						2019						2018
Revenue			$	504					$	538					$	631
Operating income			466						480						577
Net earnings(1)			368						379						456
Diluted earnings per share(1)			2.20						2.23						2.61

(1)Based on a 21% federal statutory tax rate.

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 years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. During the second quarter of 2018, the company recognized $69 million of favorable EAC adjustments on multiple restricted programs at Aeronautics Systems.

Backlog

Backlog represents the future sales we expect to recognize on firm orders received by the company and is equivalent to the company’s remaining performance obligations at the end of each period. It comprises both funded backlog (firm orders for which funding is authorized and appropriated) and unfunded backlog. Unexercised contract options and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are not included in backlog until the time an option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded.

Company backlog as of December 31, 2020 was $81.0 billion. We expect to recognize approximately 40 percent and 60 percent of our December 31, 2020 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.

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Net contract assets are as follows:

$ in millions			December 31, 2020						December 31, 2019			$ Change			% Change
Unbilled receivables, net			$	5,140					$	5,334		$	(194)		(4)		%
Advance payments and amounts in excess of costs incurred			(2,517)						(2,237)			(280)			13		%
Net contract assets			$	2,623					$	3,097		$	(474)		(15)		%

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, 2020 decreased 15 percent from the prior year, due to an increase in Advance payments and amounts in excess of costs incurred as well as lower Unbilled receivables, net. Higher Advance payments and amounts in excess of costs incurred were driven by Mission Systems and Space Systems. Lower Unbilled receivables, net were driven by Defense Systems and were partially offset by higher Unbilled receivables, net at Aeronautics Systems and Space Systems.

The amount of revenue recognized for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of each year was $1.6 billion, $1.3 billion and $1.3 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.

Research and Development

Company-sponsored research and development activities primarily include efforts related to government programs. Company-sponsored IR&D expenses totaled $1.1 billion, $953 million and $764 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which represented 2.9 percent, 2.8 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.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

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 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, 2020 and 2019, the carrying values associated with these policies were $419 million and $380 million, respectively, and are recorded in Other non-current assets in the consolidated statements of financial position.

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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:

												December 31
Useful life in years, $ in millions						Useful Life						2020						2019
Land and land improvements						Up to 40(1)						$	628					$	619
Buildings and improvements						Up to 45						2,762						2,575
Machinery and other equipment						Up to 20						7,206						6,997
Capitalized software costs						3-5						602						606
Leasehold improvements						Lease Term(2)						2,208						1,965
Property, plant and equipment, at cost												13,406						12,762
Accumulated depreciation												(6,335)						(5,850)
Property, plant and equipment, net												$	7,071					$	6,912

(1)Land is not a depreciable asset.

(2)Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or lease term.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the company completed a sale of equipment to a customer on a restricted Aeronautics Systems program for $444 million. The company previously intended to use the equipment for internal purposes so we recognized the acquisition costs as capital expenditures and included the equipment in property, plant and equipment. As we regularly sell this type of equipment to customers in the ordinary course of business, we recorded the sale as a revenue transaction and included the net book value of the equipment in Operating costs and expenses. We recognized operating income in connection with the sale at a margin rate that was dilutive to the Aeronautics Systems margin rate. Although we generally classify proceeds from revenue transactions as cash inflows from operating activities, we recognized the proceeds from this transaction as cash inflows from investing activities, consistent with our prior recognition of the cost to acquire the equipment as capital expenditures. The company received cash payments of $205 million related to the equipment sale during 2020, and included it in Proceeds from sale of equipment to a customer in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The remaining $239 million was included in non-cash investing activities at December 31, 2020 and is expected to be collected in 2021.

Non-cash investing activities also include capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid of $72 million, $166 million and $185 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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.

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.

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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. We do not 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 received, if the incentive is determined to be a leasehold improvement owned by the lessee, the company generally records the incentives as a reduction to the right-of-use asset, which reduces rent expense over the lease term. 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.

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

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

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 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:

						December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Unamortized prior service credit, net of tax expense of $3 for 2020 and $17 for 2019						$	10					$	51
Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net						(138)						(148)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss						$	(128)					$	(97)

Related Party Transactions

For all periods presented, the company had no material related party transactions.

Accounting Standards Updates

Accounting standards updates adopted and/or issued, but not effective until after December 31, 2020, are not expected to have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial position, annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

2. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

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 legacy Innovation Systems subsequent to the Merger date are included in the company’s consolidated results of operations and reflected in the Space Systems, Defense Systems and Aeronautics Systems sectors. We recognized customer sales of $3.1 billion, operating income of $342 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.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

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.

The Merger date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $7.7 billion in cash, which was comprised of the following:

$ in millions, except per share amounts						Purchase price
Shares of Orbital ATK common stock outstanding as of the Merger date						57,562,152
Cash consideration per share of Orbital ATK common stock						$	134.50
Total purchase price						$	7,742

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:

$ in millions						As of June 6, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents						$	85
Accounts receivable						596
Unbilled receivables						1,237
Inventoried costs						220
Other current assets						237
Property, plant and equipment						1,509
Goodwill						6,259
Intangible assets						1,525
Other non-current assets						151
Total assets acquired						11,819
Trade accounts payable						(397)
Accrued employee compensation						(158)
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred						(222)
Below market contracts(1)						(151)
Other current liabilities						(412)
Long-term debt						(1,687)
Pension and OPB plan liabilities						(613)
Deferred tax liabilities						(248)
Other non-current liabilities						(189)
Total liabilities assumed						(4,077)
Total purchase price						$	7,742

(1)Included in Other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial position.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

The following table presents a summary of purchased intangible assets and their related estimated useful lives:

						Fair Value (in millions)						Estimated Useful Life in Years
Customer contracts						$	1,245					9
Commercial customer relationships						280						13
Total customer-related intangible assets						$	1,525

The purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $6.3 billion of goodwill, which was allocated to the Space Systems, Defense Systems and Aeronautics Systems sectors. The goodwill recognized is attributable to expected revenue synergies generated by the integration of Northrop Grumman 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.

Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Information

The following table presents unaudited pro forma financial information prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X for the year ended December 31, 2018 and computed as if Orbital ATK had been included in our results as of January 1, 2017:

$ in millions, except per share amounts
Sales			$	32,319
Net earnings			3,417
Diluted earnings per share			19.57

The unaudited supplemental pro forma financial data has been calculated after applying our accounting policies and adjusting the historical results of Orbital ATK with pro forma adjustments, net of tax, that assume the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017. Significant pro forma adjustments include the following:

1.The elimination of intercompany sales and costs of sales between the company and Orbital ATK of $80 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

2.The elimination of nonrecurring transaction costs incurred by the company and Orbital ATK in connection with the Merger of $71 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

3.The recognition of additional depreciation expense, net of removal of historical depreciation expense, of $8 million related to the step-up in fair value of acquired property, plant and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2018.

4.The recognition of additional amortization expense, net of removal of historical amortization expense, of $90 million related to the fair value of acquired intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2018.

5.The elimination of Orbital ATK’s historical amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service credits and impact of the revised pension and OPB net periodic benefit cost as determined under the company’s plan assumptions of $51 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

6.The income tax effect on the pro forma adjustments, which was calculated using the 21% federal statutory tax rate in effect in 2018, of $(5) million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect the potential realization of revenue synergies or cost savings, nor does it reflect other costs relating to the integration of the two companies. This unaudited pro forma financial information should not be considered indicative of the results that would have actually occurred if the acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2017, nor are they indicative of future results.

Disposition of IT and Mission Support Services Business

On December 7, 2020, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our IT and mission support services business for $3.4 billion in cash. The IT and mission support services business is comprised of the majority of the Information Solutions and Services (IS&S) division of Defense Systems (excluding our Vinnell Arabia business); select cyber, intelligence and missions support programs, which are part of the Cyber and Intelligence Mission Solutions (CIMS) division of Mission Systems; and the Space Technical Services business unit of Space Systems.

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The pretax profit of the IT and mission support services business was $247 million, $245 million and $288 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of the IT and mission support services business classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:

$ in millions
Accounts receivable, net						$	110
Unbilled receivables, net						269
Other current assets						9
Property, plant and equipment						14
Operating lease right-of-use assets						38
Goodwill(1)						1,195
Total assets of disposal group held for sale						$	1,635
Trade accounts payable						(99)
Accrued employee compensation						(59)
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred						(31)
Other current liabilities						(42)
Non-current operating lease liabilities						(27)
Total liabilities of disposal group held for sale						$	(258)

(1) See Note 8 for a summary by reportable segment of Goodwill reclassified to Assets of disposal group held for sale.

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 0.5 million, 0.7 million and 0.9 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Share Repurchases

On September 16, 2015, the company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock (the “2015 Repurchase Program”). Repurchases under the 2015 Repurchase Program commenced in March 2016 and were completed in March 2020.

On December 4, 2018, the company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to an additional $3.0 billion in share repurchases of the company’s common stock (the “2018 Repurchase Program”). Repurchases under the 2018 Repurchase Program commenced in March 2020 upon the completion of the company’s 2015 Repurchase Program. We had no repurchases of common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, repurchases under the 2018 Repurchase Program totaled $0.2 billion; $2.8 billion remained under this share repurchase authorization. By its terms, the 2018 Repurchase Program is set to expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchases.

On January 25, 2021, 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 “2021 Repurchase Program”), bringing the total outstanding authorization up to $5.8 billion. By its terms, repurchases under the 2021 Repurchase Program will commence upon completion of the 2018 Repurchase Program and will 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.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

The table below summarizes the company’s share repurchases to date under the authorizations described above:

Repurchase Program Authorization Date						Amount Authorized (in millions)						Total Shares Retired (in millions)						Average Price Per Share(1)						Date Completed						Shares Repurchased (in millions)
Year Ended December 31
2020						2019						2018
September 16, 2015						$	4,000					15.4						$	260.33					March 2020						0.9						3.2						3.8
December 4, 2018						$	3,000					0.5						$	326.20											0.5						—						—
																														1.4						3.2						3.8

(1)Includes commissions paid.

Dividends on Common Stock

In May 2020, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 10 percent to $1.45 per share from the previous amount of $1.32 per share.

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.

4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

Accounts receivable, net represent amounts billed and due from customers. Substantially all accounts receivable at December 31, 2020 are expected to be collected in 2021. 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.

Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following:

						December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Due from U.S. government (1)						$	956					$	1,030
Due from international and other customers						578						329
Accounts receivable, gross						1,534						1,359
Allowance for expected credit losses						(33)						(33)
Accounts receivable, net						$	1,501					$	1,326

(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, 2020 are expected to be billed and collected in 2021. Progress and performance-based payments are reflected as an offset to the related unbilled receivable balances.

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Unbilled receivables, net consisted of the following:

						December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Due from U.S. government (1)
Unbilled receivables						$	19,315					$	17,347
Progress and performance-based payments received						(14,615)						(12,838)
Total due from U.S. government						4,700						4,509
Due from international and other customers
Unbilled receivables						3,361						4,063
Progress and performance-based payments received						(2,881)						(3,193)
Total due from international and other customers						480						870
Unbilled receivables, net of progress and performance-based payments received						5,180						5,379
Allowance for expected credit losses						(40)						(45)
Unbilled receivables, net						$	5,140					$	5,334

(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.

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:

						December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Production costs of contracts in process						$	451					$	476
G&A expenses						41						31
						492						507
Progress and performance-based payments received						(62)						(41)
						430						466
Product inventory and raw material						329						317
Inventoried costs, net						$	759					$	783

7. INCOME TAXES

Federal and foreign income tax expense consisted of the following:

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019						2018
Federal income tax expense:
Current						$	246					$	758					$	292
Deferred						288						(474)						213
Total federal income tax expense						534						284						505
Foreign income tax expense:
Current						3						10						7
Deferred						2						6						1
Total foreign income tax expense						5						16						8
Total federal and foreign income tax expense						$	539					$	300					$	513

Earnings from foreign operations before income taxes are not material for all periods presented.

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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:

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions						2020												2019												2018
Income tax expense at statutory rate						$	783					21.0		%				$	535					21.0		%				$	786					21.0		%
Research credit						(206)						(5.5)						(216)						(8.5)						(186)						(5.0)
Foreign derived intangible income						(55)						(1.5)						(28)						(1.1)						(16)						(0.4)
Stock compensation - excess tax benefits						(10)						(0.2)						(14)						(0.5)						(27)						(0.7)
Impacts related to the 2017 Tax Act						—						—						—						—						(84)						(2.2)
Other, net						27						0.7						23						0.9						40						1.0
Total federal and foreign income taxes						$	539					14.5		%				$	300					11.8		%				$	513					13.7		%

The year to date 2020 effective tax rate increased to 14.5 percent from 11.8 percent in the same period of 2019. MTM expense reduced the 2020 effective tax rate by 1.3 percentage points and the 2019 effective tax rate by 3.7 percentage points.

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 FDII of $30 million and $12 million, respectively, and the absence of an $84 million benefit associated with the 2017 Tax Act realized in 2018.

In March 2020, the CARES Act was enacted. The CARES Act includes certain changes to U.S. tax law that impact the company, including a technical correction to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which makes certain qualified improvement property eligible for bonus depreciation. The CARES Act did not have a significant impact on the company’s 2020 effective tax rate. In addition, in December 2020, final revenue recognition regulations under IRC Section 451(b) were issued, which did not have a significant impact on the company’s 2020 effective tax rate. We are evaluating the impact of the 451(b) regulations on 2021 and beyond.

Income tax payments, net of refunds received, were $312 million, $324 million and $270 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Taxes receivable, which are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated statements of financial position, were $792 million and $551 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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 2014-2018 federal tax returns and refund claims related to its 2007-2016 federal tax returns are currently under Internal Revenue Service (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 appeal with the IRS.

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.

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The change in unrecognized tax benefits during 2020, 2019 and 2018, excluding interest, is as follows:

						December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019						2018
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of the year						$	1,223					$	748					$	283
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year						187						158						293
Additions for tax positions of prior years						270						400						207
Reductions for tax positions of prior years						(190)						(65)						(23)
Settlements with taxing authorities						(7)						(15)						(7)
Other, net						(2)						(3)						(5)
Net change in unrecognized tax benefits						258						475						465
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of the year						$	1,481					$	1,223					$	748

Our 2020 increase in unrecognized tax benefits was primarily related to state apportionment, 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 12 months our unrecognized tax benefits related to the final revenue recognition regulations under IRC Section 451(b), as referenced above, and future regulatory interpretations of existing tax laws may change. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate these changes.

Our unrecognized tax liabilities, which include $144 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, $607 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.

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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:

						December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Deferred Tax Assets
Retiree benefits						$	1,738					$	1,827
Accrued employee compensation						360						336
Provisions for accrued liabilities						232						166
Inventory						849						684
Stock-based compensation						40						38
Operating lease liabilities						435						411
Tax credits						343						166
Other						112						73
Gross deferred tax assets						4,109						3,701
Less: valuation allowance						(307)						(160)
Net deferred tax assets						3,802						3,541
Deferred Tax Liabilities
Goodwill						533						515
Purchased intangibles						201						262
Property, plant and equipment, net						737						584
Operating lease right-of-use assets						423						404
Contract accounting differences						1,513						1,225
Other						84						43
Deferred tax liabilities						3,491						3,033
Total net deferred tax assets						$	311					$	508

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, 2020, the company has available tax credits and unused net operating losses of $419 million and $364 million, respectively, that may be applied against future taxable income. The majority of tax credits and net operating losses expire in 2022 through 2046, 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 $221 million and $31 million as of December 31, 2020, respectively.

Undistributed Foreign Earnings

As of December 31, 2020, 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. In addition, we expect future U.S. cash generation will be sufficient to meet future U.S. cash needs.

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8. GOODWILL AND OTHER PURCHASED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, were as follows:

$ in millions						Aeronautics Systems						Defense Systems						Mission Systems						Space Systems						Total
Balance as of December 31, 2018						$	3,467					$	4,377					$	6,062					$	4,766					$	18,672
Acquisition of Orbital ATK(1)						—						—						—						37						37
Other(3)						—						(1)						—						—						(1)
Balance as of December 31, 2019						$	3,467					$	4,376					$	6,062					$	4,803					$	18,708
Reclassification to assets of disposal group held for sale(2)						—						(966)						(181)						(48)						(1,195)
Other(3)						—						5						—						—						5
Balance as of December 31, 2020						$	3,467					$	3,415					$	5,881					$	4,755					$	17,518

(1)Represents changes to goodwill resulting from measurement period adjustments recorded in 2019 associated with Orbital ATK’s purchase price allocation.

(2)Represents the reclassification of goodwill to assets of disposal group held for sale due to the pending divestiture of our IT and mission support services business (See Note 2).

(3)Other consists primarily of adjustments for foreign currency translation.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, accumulated goodwill impairment losses totaled $417 million and $153 million at Aeronautics Systems and Space Systems, respectively.

Other Purchased Intangible Assets

Net customer-related and other intangible assets are as follows:

						December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Gross customer-related and other intangible assets						$	3,362					$	3,356
Less accumulated amortization						(2,579)						(2,316)
Net customer-related and other intangible assets						$	783					$	1,040

Amortization expense for 2020, 2019 and 2018, was $262 million, $332 million and $203 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the expected future amortization of purchased intangibles for each of the next five years is as follows:

$ in millions
2021						$	205
2022						197
2023						79
2024						56
2025						44

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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.

						December 31, 2020																		December 31, 2019
$ in millions						Level 1						Level 2						Total						Level 1						Level 2						Total
Financial Assets (Liabilities)
Marketable securities						$	377					$	1					$	378					$	364					$	1					$	365
Marketable securities valued using NAV																		18																		17
Total marketable securities						377						1						396						364						1						382
Derivatives						—						—						—						—						(3)						(3)

The notional value of the company’s foreign currency forward contracts at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $133 million and $98 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020, no portion of the notional value was designated as a cash flow hedge. The portion of notional value designated as a cash flow hedge at December 31, 2019 was $7 million.

The derivative fair values and related unrealized gains/losses at December 31, 2020 and 2019 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, 2020 and 2019.

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. There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. 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”). In October 2019, the company amended the 2018 Credit Agreement to extend its maturity date by one year from August 2023 to August 2024. 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, 2020, there was no balance outstanding under this facility. Commercial paper borrowings reduce the amount available for borrowing under the 2018 Credit Agreement.

In December 2016, a subsidiary of the company entered into a two-year credit facility, with two additional one-year option periods, in an aggregate principal amount of £120 million (the equivalent of approximately $163 million as of December 31, 2020) (the “2016 Credit Agreement”). The 2016 Credit Agreement is guaranteed by the company. The company exercised the second option to extend the maturity to December 2020. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the remaining credit facility balance of £50 million (the equivalent of approximately $68 million as of December 31, 2020) was paid in full and the credit facility was terminated. Borrowings outstanding under this facility in prior periods 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, 2020, the company was in compliance with all covenants under its credit agreements.

Unsecured Senior Notes

In March 2020, the company issued $2.25 billion of unsecured senior notes for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment and working capital, as follows:

• $750 million of 4.40% senior notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”),

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• $500 million of 5.15% senior notes due 2040 (the “2040 Notes”) and

• $1.0 billion of 5.25% senior notes due 2050 (the “2050 Notes”).

We refer to the 2030 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2050 Notes, together, as the “notes.” Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. The notes are generally subject to redemption, in whole or in part, at the company’s discretion at any time, or from time to time, prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or an applicable “make-whole” amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Long-term debt consists of the following:

$ in millions												December 31
2020						2019
Fixed-rate notes and debentures, maturing in						Interest rate
2020						2.08%						$	—					$	1,000
2021						3.50%						700						700
2022						2.55%						1,500						1,500
2023						3.25%						1,050						1,050
2025						2.93%						1,500						1,500
2026						7.75% - 7.88%						527						527
2027						3.20%						750						750
2028						3.25%						2,000						2,000
2030						4.40%						750						—
2031						7.75%						466						466
2040						5.05% - 5.15%						800						300
2043						4.75%						950						950
2045						3.85%						600						600
2047						4.03%						2,250						2,250
2050						5.25%						1,000						—
Credit facilities						1.89%						—						78
Other						Various						235						272
Debt issuance costs												(75)						(64)
Total long-term debt												15,003						13,879
Less: current portion(1)												742						1,109
Long-term debt, net of current portion												$	14,261					$	12,770

(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 $18.2 billion and $15.1 billion as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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 $572 million, $521 million and $456 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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Maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2020, are as follows:

$ in millions
Year Ending December 31
2021			$	742
2022			1,505
2023			1,053
2024			3
2025			1,503
Thereafter			10,285
Total principal payments			15,091
Unamortized premium on long-term debt, net of discount			(13)
Debt issuance costs			(75)
Total long-term debt			$	15,003

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 were delivered. The company’s lawsuit 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. In the course of the litigation, the United States subsequently amended its counterclaim, reducing it to seek approximately $193 million. 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 February 3, 2020, after extensive discovery and motions practice, the parties commenced what was expected to be a seven-week trial. The first four weeks of trial concluded, but the court postponed the remaining estimated three weeks as a result of COVID-19-related concerns. The court resumed trial in November 2020, and following additional COVID-related interruptions, plans to resume trial again during the first week of February 2021. Although the ultimate outcome of this matter, including any possible loss, cannot be predicted or reasonably estimated at this time, the company intends vigorously to pursue and defend the matter.

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 (NYSDEC), the New York State Department of Health and other federal, state and local governmental authorities, to address legacy environmental conditions in Bethpage. In December 2019, the State of New York issued an Amended Record of Decision seeking to impose additional remedial requirements beyond measures the company previously had been taking; the State also communicated that it was assessing potential natural resource damages. In December 2020, the parties reached a tentative agreement regarding the steps the company will take to implement the State’s Amended Record of Decision and to resolve certain potential other claims, including for natural resource damages. The State of New York is preparing to file a new consent decree reflecting the agreement and to seek court approval. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, as included in Note 12, substantial remediation costs related to the legacy Bethpage environmental conditions. Applicable remediation standards and other requirements to which we are subject may continue to change, our costs may increase materially and those costs may not be fully recoverable. In addition, we are a party to various, and expect to become a party to additional, legal proceedings and disputes related to remediation, environmental impacts, costs, and the allowability of costs we incur, including with federal and state entities (including the Navy, Defense Contract Management Agency, the State, 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, determinations on allocation, allowability and coverage, and non-

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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.

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, 2020, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

U.S. Government Cost Claims and Contingencies

From time to time, the company is advised of claims by the U.S. government concerning certain potential disallowed costs, plus, at times, penalties and interest. When such findings are presented, the company and U.S. government representatives engage in discussions to enable the company to evaluate the merits of these claims, as well as to assess the amounts being claimed. Where appropriate, provisions are made to reflect the company’s estimated exposure for such potential disallowed costs. Such provisions are reviewed periodically using the most recent information available. The company believes it has adequately reserved for disputed amounts that are probable and reasonably estimable, and that the outcome of any such matters would not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2020, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

The U.S. government has raised questions about an interest rate assumption used by the company to determine our CAS pension expense in previous years and in our current forward pricing rate proposal. On June 1, 2020, the government provided written notice that the assumptions the company used during the period 2013-2019 were potentially noncompliant with CAS. We submitted a formal response on July 31, 2020, which we believe demonstrates the appropriateness of the assumptions used. On November 24, 2020, the government replied to the company’s response, disagreeing with our position and requesting additional input. We are engaging further with the government. The sensitivity to changes in interest rate assumptions makes it reasonably possible the outcome of this matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows, although we are not currently able to estimate a range of any potential loss.

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, 2020 and 2019:

$ in millions						Accrued Costs(1)(2)						Reasonably Possible Future Costs in excess of Accrued Costs(2)						Deferred Costs(3)
December 31, 2020						$	614					$	346					$	529
December 31, 2019						531						448						436

(1)As of December 31, 2020, $237 million is recorded in Other current liabilities and $377 million is recorded in Other non-current liabilities.

(2)Estimated remediation costs are not discounted to present value. The reasonably possible future costs in excess of accrued costs do not take into consideration amounts expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts.

(3)As of December 31, 2020, $210 million is deferred in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and $319 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, 2020, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

With respect to Bethpage, as discussed in Note 11, in December 2019, the State of New York issued an Amended Record of Decision, seeking to impose additional remedial requirements beyond those the company previously had been taking; the State also communicated that it was assessing potential natural resource damages. In December

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2020, the parties reached a tentative agreement regarding the steps the company will take to implement the State’s Amended Record of Decision and to resolve the certain potential other claims, including for natural resource damages. The State of New York is preparing to file a new consent decree reflecting the agreement and to seek court approval. As discussed in Note 11, the applicable remediation standards and other requirements to which we are subject may continue to change, our costs may increase materially, and those costs may not be fully recoverable.

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, 2020, there were $456 million of stand-by letters of credit and guarantees and $94 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, 2020, 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 to these defined contribution plans for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were $590 million, $481 million and $403 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.

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Summary Plan Results

The cost to the company of its retirement benefit plans is shown in the following table:

						Year Ended December 31
						Pension Benefits																		Medical and Life Benefits
$ in millions						2020						2019						2018						2020						2019						2018
Components of net periodic benefit cost (benefit)
Service cost						$	409					$	367					$	404					$	17					$	16					$	21
Interest cost						1,226						1,360						1,226						67						80						76
Expected return on plan assets						(2,376)						(2,101)						(2,217)						(102)						(92)						(101)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)						(59)						(59)						(58)						4						(3)						(21)
Mark-to-market expense (benefit)						1,034						1,783						699						—						17						(44)
Other						10						—						—						2						—						—
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)						$	244					$	1,350					$	54					$	(12)					$	18					$	(69)

The table below summarizes the components of changes in unamortized prior service credit (cost) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020:

$ in millions						Pension Benefits						Medical and Life Benefits						Total
Changes in unamortized prior service credit
Amortization of prior service credit						$	58					$	21					$	79
Tax expense						(14)						(5)						(19)
Change in unamortized prior service credit – 2018						44						16						60
Amortization of prior service credit						59						3						62
Tax expense						(14)						(1)						(15)
Change in unamortized prior service credit – 2019						45						2						47
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)						59						(4)						55
Tax expense						(15)						1						(14)
Change in unamortized prior service credit (cost) – 2020						$	44					$	(3)					$	41

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 employees. The company uses a December 31 measurement date for its plans.

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						Pension Benefits												Medical and Life Benefits
$ in millions						2020						2019						2020						2019
Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year						$	30,646					$	27,150					$	1,392					$	1,247
Net gain on plan assets						4,802						5,025						218						234
Employer contributions						851						221						36						42
Participant contributions						8						8						24						24
Benefits paid						(1,865)						(1,763)						(155)						(156)
Acquired plan assets						—						—						—						—
Other						10						5						—						1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year						34,452						30,646						1,515						1,392
Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year						36,914						32,231						2,048						1,930
Service cost						409						367						17						16
Interest cost						1,226						1,360						67						80
Participant contributions						8						8						24						24
Actuarial loss						3,455						4,708						115						159
Benefits paid						(1,865)						(1,763)						(155)						(156)
Acquired benefit obligation						—						—						—						—
Other						35						3						3						(5)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year						40,182						36,914						2,119						2,048
Funded status						$	(5,730)					$	(6,268)					$	(604)					$	(656)

Pension BenefitsThe increase in our pension assets for the year ended December 31, 2020 was principally driven by net plan asset returns of 16.2 percent and a $750 million discretionary pension contribution. In 2019, pension assets increased primarily due to net plan asset returns of 19.1 percent.

The increase in our projected benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2020, was primarily driven by a 71 basis point decrease in the discount rate from year end 2019. In 2019, our projected benefit obligation increased primarily due to a 92 basis point decrease in the discount rate from year end 2018 as well as a change in our mortality assumptions.

						Pension Benefits												Medical and Life Benefits
$ in millions						2020						2019						2020						2019
Classification of amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position
Non-current assets						$	211					$	124					$	179					$	151
Current liability						(180)						(173)						(46)						(47)
Non-current liability						(5,761)						(6,219)						(737)						(760)

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $39.6 billion and $36.5 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Amounts for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of fair value of plan assets are as follows:

						December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Projected benefit obligation						$	37,681					$	34,715
Accumulated benefit obligation						37,135						34,305
Fair value of plan assets						31,741						28,324

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Plan Assumptions

On a weighted-average basis, the following assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost:

						Pension Benefits												Medical and Life Benefits
						2020						2019						2020						2019
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at December 31
Discount rate						2.68		%				3.39		%				2.58		%				3.35		%
Initial cash balance crediting rate assumed for the next year						2.25		%				2.39		%
Rate to which the cash balance crediting rate is assumed to increase (the ultimate rate)						2.25		%				2.64		%
Year that the cash balance crediting rate reaches the ultimate rate						2026						2025
Rate of compensation increase						3.00		%				3.00		%
Initial health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year																		5.60		%				5.90		%
Rate to which the health care cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)																		5.00		%				5.00		%
Year that the health care cost trend rate reaches the ultimate trend rate																		2023						2023
Assumptions used to determine benefit cost for the year ended December 31
Discount rate						3.39		%				4.31		%				3.35		%				4.30		%
Initial cash balance crediting rate assumed for the next year						2.39		%				3.00		%
Rate to which the cash balance crediting rate is assumed to increase (the ultimate rate)						2.64		%				3.25		%
Year that the cash balance crediting rate reaches the ultimate rate						2025						2024
Expected long-term return on plan assets						8.00		%				8.00		%				7.66		%				7.67		%
Rate of compensation increase						3.00		%				3.00		%
Initial health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year																		5.90		%				6.20		%
Rate to which the health care cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)																		5.00		%				5.00		%
Year that the health care cost trend rate reaches the ultimate trend rate																		2023						2023

For 2021 FAS expense, we have assumed an expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets of 7.5 percent and 7.22 percent on OPB plans. We decreased the EROA assumption for 2021 FAS expense following an assessment of the historical and anticipated long-term returns of various asset classes, including consideration of recent Federal Reserve policy changes that are expected to extend the duration of the current low interest rate environment.

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.

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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, 2020:

						Asset Allocation Ranges
Cash and cash equivalents						—% - 12%
Global public equities						30% - 50%
Fixed-income securities						20% - 40%
Alternative investments						18% - 38%

The table below provides the fair values of the company’s pension and Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust plan assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no investments expected to be sold at a value materially different than NAV.

						Level 1												Level 2												Level 3												Total
$ in millions						2020						2019						2020						2019						2020						2019						2020						2019
Asset category
Cash and cash equivalents						$	120					$	233					$	1,238					$	2,572																	$	1,358					$	2,805
U.S. equities						2,981						3,341																														2,981						3,341
International equities						3,354						3,271																		$	2					$	2					3,356						3,273
Fixed-income securities
U.S. Treasuries						22						20						2,273						2,716																		2,295						2,736
U.S. Government Agency																		258						297																		258						297
Non-U.S. Government																		332						194																		332						194
Corporate debt						31						28						6,228						4,513																		6,259						4,541
Asset backed																		1,080						892																		1,080						892
High yield debt						24						30						48						104																		72						134
Bank loans																		59						33																		59						33
Other assets						(2)						(9)						59						59						2						2						59						52
Investments valued using NAV as a practical expedient
U.S. equities																																										1,567						1,131
International equities																																										7,193						5,636
Fixed-income funds																																										1,959						438
Hedge funds																																										65						246
Opportunistic investments																																										2,499						1,459
Private equity funds																																										2,627						2,454
Real estate funds																																										2,180						2,376
Payables, net																																										(232)						—
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year						$	6,530					$	6,914					$	11,575					$	11,380					$	4					$	4					$	35,967					$	32,038

There were no transfers of plan assets into or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

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

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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 $29 million and $49 million, derivative liabilities with a fair value of $27 million and $53 million, and net notional amounts of $2.3 billion and $3.6 billion, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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 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, monthly or quarterly with a notice requirement less than 90 days. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2020, unfunded commitments were $2 million. There were no unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2019.

Hedge funds: Consist of closed-end funds with a 5-10 year life as well as funds that allow redemption requests subject to the liquidity limitations of the underlying investments. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, unfunded commitments were $9 million and $8 million, respectively.

Opportunistic investments: Opportunistic investments are primarily held in partnerships with a 5-10 year life. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, unfunded commitments were $1.9 billion and $1.3 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, 2020 and 2019, unfunded commitments were $2.3 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively.

Real estate funds: Consist 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. Unfunded commitments were $60 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2020:

$ in millions						Pension Plans						Medical and Life Plans						Total
Year Ending December 31
2021						$	1,884					$	152					$	2,036
2022						1,930						153						2,083
2023						1,973						135						2,108
2024						2,017						133						2,150
2025						2,057						130						2,187
2026 through 2030						10,599						556						11,155

In 2021, the company expects to contribute the required minimum funding of approximately $98 million to its pension plans and approximately $43 million to its medical and life benefit plans. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the company made discretionary pension contributions of $750 million.

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14. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS

Stock Compensation Plans

At December 31, 2020, 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, 2020, 5.2 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 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $90 million, $127 million and $86 million, respectively. The related tax benefits for stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $14 million, $14 million and $27 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2020, there was $97 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.

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Stock award activity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, is presented in the table below. Vested awards do not include any adjustments to reflect the final performance measure for issued shares.

						Stock Awards (in thousands)						Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share						Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
Outstanding at January 1, 2018						938						$	192					1.0
Granted						376						321
Vested						(455)						181
Forfeited						(63)						250
Outstanding at December 31, 2018						796						$	244					0.8
Granted						339						274
Vested						(383)						222
Forfeited						(51)						280
Outstanding at December 31, 2019						701						$	278					0.9
Granted						262						350
Vested						(296)						305
Forfeited						(64)						303
Outstanding at December 31, 2020						603						$	311					1.4

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 $118 million, $119 million and $93 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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:

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions						2020			2019			2018
Minimum aggregate payout amount						$	31		$	36		$	36
Maximum aggregate payout amount						175			203			205

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, 2020, there was $121 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to cash awards.

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15. LEASES

Total Lease Cost

Total lease cost is included in Product and Service costs 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:

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Operating lease cost						$	320					$	318
Variable lease cost						28						11
Short-term lease cost						93						75
Total lease cost						$	441					$	404

Rental expense for operating leases classified under ASC 840 for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $375 million. This amount is net of immaterial amounts of sublease income.

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

Supplemental operating lease balance sheet information consists of the following:

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Operating lease right-of-use assets						$	1,533					$	1,511
Other current liabilities						263						261
Operating lease liabilities						1,343						1,308
Total operating lease liabilities						$	1,606					$	1,569

Other Supplemental Information

Other supplemental operating lease information consists of the following:

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities						$	275					$	307
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities						345						462
Weighted average remaining lease term						12.1 years						11.6 years
Weighted average discount rate						3.5		%				3.8		%

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Maturities of Lease Liabilities

Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:

$ in millions
Year Ending December 31
2021						$	298
2022						267
2023						228
2024						185
2025						142
Thereafter						902
Total lease payments						2,022
Less: imputed interest						(416)
Present value of operating lease liabilities						$	1,606

As of December 31, 2020, we have approximately $361 million in rental commitments for real estate leases that have not yet commenced. These leases are expected to commence in 2021 with lease terms of 4 to 15 years.

16. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The company is aligned in four operating sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems.

As discussed in Note 1, beginning in the second quarter of 2020, the company no longer considers certain unallowable costs and environmental matters that are principally managed at the corporate office as part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance. As a result, certain unallowable compensation and other costs, which were previously included in segment operating results, are now reported in Unallocated corporate expense within operating income. In addition, certain accrued and deferred costs, as well as unallowable costs, if any, associated with certain environmental matters that were previously reflected in segment assets and operating results are now reflected in corporate assets and Unallocated corporate expense within operating income. This change to operating income has been applied retrospectively in the amounts below. See Part II, Item 5 in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 for further information regarding the impact of this change on the company’s prior period segment information.

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The following table presents sales and operating income by segment:

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019						2018
Sales
Aeronautics Systems						$	12,169					$	11,116					$	10,293
Defense Systems						7,543						7,495						6,612
Mission Systems						10,080						9,410						8,949
Space Systems						8,744						7,425						5,845
Intersegment eliminations						(1,737)						(1,605)						(1,604)
Total sales						36,799						33,841						30,095
Operating income
Aeronautics Systems						1,206						1,188						1,128
Defense Systems						846						793						697
Mission Systems						1,459						1,408						1,245
Space Systems						893						794						644
Intersegment eliminations						(216)						(205)						(200)
Total segment operating income						4,188						3,978						3,514
Net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment						418						465						613
Unallocated corporate expense						(541)						(474)						(347)
Total operating income						$	4,065					$	3,969					$	3,780

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, advertising and other corporate unallowable costs. Unallocated corporate expense also includes costs not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance, such as amortization of purchased intangible assets and the additional depreciation expense related to the step-up in fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired through business combinations, as well as certain compensation and other costs.

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Disaggregation of Revenue

Sales by Customer Type			Year Ended December 31
			2020									2019									2018
$ in millions			$			%****(3)						$			%(3)						$			%(3)
Aeronautics Systems
U.S. government (1)			$	10,411		86		%				$	9,258		83		%				$	8,732		85		%
International (2)			1,595			13		%				1,688			15		%				1,402			13		%
Other customers			41			—		%				67			1		%				86			1		%
Intersegment sales			122			1		%				103			1		%				73			1		%
Aeronautics Systems sales			12,169			100		%				11,116			100		%				10,293			100		%
Defense Systems
U.S. government (1)			5,103			68		%				4,952			66		%				4,132			62		%
International (2)			1,317			17		%				1,442			19		%				1,249			19		%
Other customers			395			5		%				410			6		%				481			7		%
Intersegment sales			728			10		%				691			9		%				750			12		%
Defense Systems sales			7,543			100		%				7,495			100		%				6,612			100		%
Mission Systems
U.S. government (1)			7,279			72		%				6,765			72		%				6,501			73		%
International (2)			1,945			19		%				1,839			19		%				1,653			18		%
Other customers			77			1		%				78			1		%				77			1		%
Intersegment sales			779			8		%				728			8		%				718			8		%
Mission Systems sales			10,080			100		%				9,410			100		%				8,949			100		%
Space Systems
U.S. government (1)			8,110			93		%				6,959			94		%				5,431			93		%
International (2)			331			4		%				185			2		%				130			2		%
Other customers			195			2		%				198			3		%				221			4		%
Intersegment sales			108			1		%				83			1		%				63			1		%
Space Systems sales			8,744			100		%				7,425			100		%				5,845			100		%
Total
U.S. government (1)			30,903			84		%				27,934			83		%				24,796			82		%
International (2)			5,188			14		%				5,154			15		%				4,434			15		%
Other customers			708			2		%				753			2		%				865			3		%
Total Sales			$	36,799		100		%				$	33,841		100		%				$	30,095		100		%

(1)Sales to the U.S. government include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is the U.S. government. Each of the company’s segments derives substantial revenue from the U.S. government.

(2) International sales include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is an international customer. These sales include foreign military sales contracted through the U.S. government.

(3) Percentages calculated based on total segment sales.

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Sales by Contract Type			Year Ended December 31
			2020									2019									2018
$ in millions			$			%****(1)						$			%(1)						$			%(1)
Aeronautics Systems
Cost-type			$	6,142		51		%				$	5,299		48		%				$	5,066		50		%
Fixed-price			5,905			49		%				5,714			52		%				5,154			50		%
Intersegment sales			122									103									73
Aeronautics Systems sales			12,169									11,116									10,293
Defense Systems
Cost-type			2,345			34		%				2,509			37		%				2,386			41		%
Fixed-price			4,470			66		%				4,295			63		%				3,476			59		%
Intersegment sales			728									691									750
Defense Systems sales			7,543									7,495									6,612
Mission Systems
Cost-type			3,582			39		%				3,335			38		%				3,099			38		%
Fixed-price			5,719			61		%				5,347			62		%				5,132			62		%
Intersegment sales			779									728									718
Mission Systems sales			10,080									9,410									8,949
Space Systems
Cost-type			6,369			74		%				5,336			73		%				4,453			77		%
Fixed-price			2,267			26		%				2,006			27		%				1,329			23		%
Intersegment sales			108									83									63
Space Systems sales			8,744									7,425									5,845
Total
Cost-type			18,438			50		%				16,479			49		%				15,004			50		%
Fixed-price			18,361			50		%				17,362			51		%				15,091			50		%
Total Sales			$	36,799								$	33,841								$	30,095

(1)Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.

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Sales by Geographic Region			Year Ended December 31
			2020									2019									2018
$ in millions			$			%****(2)						$			%(2)						$			%(2)
Aeronautics Systems
United States			$	10,452		87		%				$	9,325		85		%				$	8,818		86		%
Asia/Pacific			841			7		%				810			7		%				677			7		%
Europe			574			5		%				587			5		%				536			5		%
All other (1)			180			1		%				291			3		%				189			2		%
Intersegment sales			122									103									73
Aeronautics Systems sales			12,169									11,116									10,293
Defense Systems
United States			5,498			81		%				5,362			79		%				4,613			79		%
Asia/Pacific			402			6		%				369			5		%				365			6		%
Europe			315			4		%				249			4		%				204			3		%
All other (1)			600			9		%				824			12		%				680			12		%
Intersegment sales			728									691									750
Defense Systems sales			7,543									7,495									6,612
Mission Systems
United States			7,356			79		%				6,843			79		%				6,578			80		%
Asia/Pacific			707			8		%				637			7		%				592			7		%
Europe			893			9		%				850			10		%				682			8		%
All other (1)			345			4		%				352			4		%				379			5		%
Intersegment sales			779									728									718
Mission Systems sales			10,080									9,410									8,949
Space Systems
United States			8,305			96		%				7,157			98		%				5,652			98		%
Asia/Pacific			18			—		%				20			—		%				32			—		%
Europe			300			4		%				147			2		%				92			2		%
All other (1)			13			—		%				18			—		%				6			—		%
Intersegment sales			108									83									63
Space Systems sales			8,744									7,425									5,845
Total
United States			31,611			86		%				28,687			85		%				25,661			85		%
Asia/Pacific			1,968			5		%				1,836			6		%				1,666			6		%
Europe			2,082			6		%				1,833			5		%				1,514			5		%
All other (1)			1,138			3		%				1,485			4		%				1,254			4		%
Total Sales			$	36,799								$	33,841								$	30,095

(1)All other is principally comprised of the Middle East.

(2)Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.

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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:

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions						2020												2019												2018
						Sales			Operating Income									Sales			Operating Income									Sales			Operating Income
Intersegment sales and operating income
Aeronautics Systems						$	122					$	11					$	103					$	10					$	73					$	8
Defense Systems						728						76						691						74						750						74
Mission Systems						779						116						728						113						718						115
Space Systems						108						13						83						8						63						3
Total						$	1,737					$	216					$	1,605					$	205					$	1,604					$	200

Assets

Substantially all of the company’s operating assets are located in the U.S. The following table presents assets by segment:

						December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019
Assets
Aeronautics Systems						$	8,997					$	9,104
Defense Systems						7,352						7,420
Mission Systems						10,029						9,934
Space Systems						10,028						10,595
Corporate assets(1)						8,063						4,036
Total assets						$	44,469					$	41,089

(1)Corporate assets principally consist of cash and cash equivalents, refundable taxes, deferred tax assets, property, plant and equipment, marketable securities and deferred costs associated with certain environmental matters. Beginning in 2020, certain additional environmental matters that were previously reflected in segment assets are now reflected in corporate assets.

Capital Expenditures and Depreciation and Amortization

The following table presents capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization by segment:

						Year Ended December 31
$ in millions						2020						2019						2018						2020						2019						2018
						Capital Expenditures																		Depreciation and Amortization(1)
Aeronautics Systems						$	540					$	528					$	657					$	238					$	224					$	190
Defense Systems						78						71						66						48						44						65
Mission Systems						302						229						197						150						133						121
Space Systems						440						352						226						211						189						130
Corporate						60						84						103						358						428						294
Total						$	1,420					$	1,264					$	1,249					$	1,005					$	1,018					$	800

(1)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.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION

17. UNAUDITED SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA

Unaudited quarterly financial results are set forth in the following tables. 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. This practice is only used at interim periods within a reporting year.

2020
In millions, except per share amounts						1st Qtr						2nd Qtr						3rd Qtr						4th Qtr
Sales						$	8,620					$	8,884					$	9,083					$	10,212
Operating income						934						994						985						1,152
Net earnings						868						1,005						986						330
Basic earnings per share						5.18						6.02						5.91						1.98
Diluted earnings per share						5.15						6.01						5.89						1.97
Weighted-average common shares outstanding						167.7						166.9						166.8						166.8
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding						168.4						167.3						167.3						167.4

2019
In millions, except per share amounts						1st Qtr						2nd Qtr						3rd Qtr						4th Qtr
Sales						$	8,189					$	8,456					$	8,475					$	8,721
Operating income						936						946						951						1,136
Net earnings (loss)						863						861						933						(409)
Basic earnings (loss) per share						5.08						5.07						5.52						(2.43)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share(1)						5.06						5.06						5.49						(2.43)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding						170.0						169.7						169.1						168.4
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding(1)						170.7						170.3						169.9						168.4

(1)Fourth quarter 2019 excludes the dilutive effect of awards granted to employees under stock-based compensation plans as such awards would be antidilutive.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION