Northrop Grumman 10-Q 2024-03-31
Filed 2024-04-25. 8 sections, 159K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON
Cover and table of contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
| FORM | 10-Q |
| ☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2024
or
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number 1-16411
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 80-0640649 | ||||||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| 2980 Fairview Park Drive | |||||||||||
| Falls Church, | Virginia | 22042 | |||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(703) 280-2900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Common Stock | NOC | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large Accelerated Filer ☒ Accelerated Filer ☐
Non-accelerated Filer ☐ Smaller Reporting Company ☐
Emerging Growth Company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
As of April 22, 2024, 147,989,969 shares of common stock were outstanding.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions, except per share amounts | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | $ | 8,102 | $ | 7,271 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 2,031 | 2,030 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total sales | 10,133 | 9,301 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | 6,411 | 5,727 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 1,589 | 1,589 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 1,062 | 1,038 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | 9,062 | 8,354 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 1,071 | 947 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (expense) income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (146) | (129) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating FAS pension benefit | 168 | 132 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | 38 | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 1,131 | 998 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal and foreign income tax expense | 187 | 156 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 944 | $ | 842 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 6.34 | $ | 5.52 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding, in millions | 148.9 | 152.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 6.32 | $ | 5.50 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions | 149.3 | 153.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (from above) | $ | 944 | $ | 842 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in cumulative translation adjustment | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in other, net | (16) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | (15) | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | 929 | $ | 844 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Unaudited)
| $ in millions, except par value | March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,061 | $ | 3,109 | |||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 1,832 | 1,454 | |||||||||
| Unbilled receivables, net | 6,450 | 5,693 | |||||||||
| Inventoried costs, net | 1,370 | 1,109 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 2,083 | 2,341 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 14,796 | 13,706 | |||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $8,149 for 2024 and $7,964 for 2023 | 9,690 | 9,653 | |||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 1,763 | 1,818 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 17,515 | 17,517 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 290 | 305 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | 1,123 | 1,020 | |||||||||
| Other non-current assets | 2,641 | 2,525 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 47,818 | $ | 46,544 | |||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Trade accounts payable | $ | 2,580 | $ | 2,110 | |||||||
| Accrued employee compensation | 1,701 | 2,251 | |||||||||
| Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred | 3,530 | 4,193 | |||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 5,321 | 3,388 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 13,132 | 11,942 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, net of current portion of $1,582 for 2024 and $70 for 2023 | 14,742 | 13,786 | |||||||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities | 1,250 | 1,290 | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 1,830 | 1,892 | |||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 2,641 | 2,839 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 33,595 | 31,749 | |||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 7) | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Preferred stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||||||
| Common stock, $1 par value; 800,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2024—148,088,480 and 2023—150,109,271 | 148 | 150 | |||||||||
| Paid-in capital | — | — | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 14,218 | 14,773 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (143) | (128) | |||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 14,223 | 14,795 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 47,818 | $ | 46,544 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Operating activities | |||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 944 | $ | 842 | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile to net cash used in operating activities: |
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW
Northrop Grumman Corporation (herein referred to as “Northrop Grumman,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. We deliver a broad range of products, services and solutions to United States (U.S.) and international customers, and principally to the U.S Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community. Our broad portfolio is aligned to support national security priorities and our solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, protect and advance humanity.
The company is a leading provider of space systems, advanced aircraft, missile defense, advanced weapons and long-range fires capabilities, mission systems, networking and communications, strategic deterrence systems, and breakthrough technologies, such as artificial intelligence, advanced computing and cyber. We are focused on competing and winning programs that enable continued growth, performing on our commitments and affordably delivering capability our customers need. With the investments we've made in advanced technologies, combined with our talented workforce and digital transformation capabilities, Northrop Grumman is well positioned to meet our customers' needs today and in the future.
The following discussion should be read along with the financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks” and “Risk Factors” in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which provides additional information on our business, the environment in which we operate and our operating results.
Global Security Environment
The U.S. and its allies continue to face a global security environment of heightened tensions and instability, threats from state and non-state actors, including in particular major global powers, as well as terrorist organizations, increasing nuclear tensions, diverse regional security concerns and political instability. The market for defense products, services and solutions globally is driven by these complex and evolving security challenges, considered in the broader context of political and socioeconomic circumstances and priorities. Our operations and financial performance, as well as demand for our products and services, are impacted by global events, including violence and unrest. The same is true for our suppliers and other business partners.
The conflict in Ukraine has increased global tensions and instability, highlighted threats and increased global demand, as well as further disrupted global supply chains. We continue to not anticipate significant adverse financial impacts directly from the ongoing conflict. We have experienced, and, while difficult to predict, may continue to experience an increase in demand for certain of our goods and services directly and indirectly related to the conflict in Ukraine, either through direct sales or if the U.S. provides increased military assistance and support to Ukraine.
More recently, hostilities in the Middle East have further heightened global tensions and instability. At this time, it is unknown whether hostilities in this region will escalate into an even larger conflict. We do not have a significant business presence in the region, and therefore do not anticipate significant adverse financial impacts directly from the current conflict.
More broadly, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and threats elsewhere, particularly in the Pacific region, have heightened tensions and highlighted security requirements globally, including in Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific region, as well as the U.S. These conflicts may result in increased demand for defense products and services from allies and partner nations, particularly in those areas. We are actively exploring both opportunities and risks associated with the broader global security environment.
We believe the current global security environment highlights the significant national security threats to the U.S. and its allies, and the need for strong deterrence and robust defense capabilities. We believe our capabilities, particularly in space, C4ISR, missile defense, battle management, advanced weapons, and survivable aircraft and mission systems should help our customers in the U.S. and globally defend against current and future threats and, as a result, continue to allow for long-term profitable business growth.
Global Economic Environment
Over the past several years, the global economic environment has experienced extraordinary challenges, including inflationary pressures; widespread delays and disruptions in supply chains; business slowdowns or shutdowns; workforce challenges and labor shortfalls; and market volatility. The macroeconomic factors have contributed, and we expect will continue to contribute, to increased costs, delays, disruptions and other performance challenges, as well as increased competing demands for limited resources to address such increased costs and other challenges, for our company, our suppliers and partners, and our customers.
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We continue to work hard to mitigate challenges caused by the macroeconomic environment on our business, including by taking steps to support our suppliers and small businesses and enhancing our workforce through extensive hiring, development and retention efforts. Direct financial impacts on our business related to the broader macroeconomic environment have begun to subside; however, pockets of our business continued to be adversely affected by the macroeconomic environment during the first quarter of 2024. We cannot clearly predict how long these macroeconomic challenges will continue, how they will change over time, or what additional resources will be available, but we expect to see this challenging macroeconomic environment continue to adversely impact the global economy, our customers and suppliers, our industry and our company in 2024.
In addition, increased interest rates, raising the cost of borrowing for governments, could further impact government spending priorities (in the U.S. and allied countries, in particular), including their demand for defense products. Economic tensions and changes in international trade policies, including higher tariffs on imported goods and materials and renegotiation of free trade agreements, could also further impact the global market for defense products, services and solutions.
U.S. Political, Budget and Regulatory Environment
The U.S. continues to face an uncertain and evolving political, budget and regulatory environment. In particular, it is difficult to predict the specific course of future defense budgets. Current and future requirements related to the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, threats in the Pacific regions and other security priorities, as well as global inflation, the national debt, and other domestic priorities, among other things, in the U.S. and globally, will continue to impact our customers’ budgets, spending and priorities, and our industry. The U.S. political environment, including the U.S. election cycle, may also impact defense budgets and priorities, issues related to the national debt, and government spending more broadly. We anticipate that issues related to budgetary priorities and defense spending levels, the debt ceiling, and the spending caps imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA), particularly with respect to discretionary spending, will continue to be a subject of considerable debate, with a potentially significant impact on our programs and the company.
On March 11, 2024, the Administration released its budget request for FY 2025. The request included $895 billion for national security, $850 billion of which is for the DoD. On March 23, 2024, the President signed into law the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY 2024, which provides funding for government agencies, including $825 billion for the DoD, through September 30, 2024. On April 24, 2024, the President signed into law bills providing $95 billion in supplemental funding for Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific, to include funding for the restock of U.S. munitions and additional capacity.
The political environment, federal budget, debt ceiling and regulatory environment are expected to continue to be the subject of considerable debate, especially in light of the ongoing conflicts and heightened global tensions, the inflationary environment and political tensions. The results of those debates could have material impacts on defense spending broadly and the company’s programs in particular. We anticipate that the broader macroeconomic environment, with ongoing inflationary pressures, pockets of labor challenges, and supply chain disruption, among other considerations, will continue to play a significant role in the outcome of these debates and, in turn, on our industry and company.
Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (“GBSD” or “Sentinel”) Program Nunn-McCurdy Breach Review
Due in part to the impact of macroeconomic factors, in January 2024 the customer provided congressional notification that the Sentinel program is currently under a Nunn-McCurdy breach review, which is required when total program cost estimates exceed certain defined thresholds. This notification, which has been driven primarily by increases in construction and procurement cost projections for the Production and Deployment phases, commenced the process to achieve recertification for continuance of the program and update its baseline cost estimates. We are currently executing under a cost-type contract for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, and the Production and Deployment phases are yet to be priced and negotiated. We are continuing to partner with our customer to address this critical mission.
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CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
Selected financial highlights are presented in the table below:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions, except per share amounts | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 10,133 | $ | 9,301 | 9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses | 9,062 | 8,354 | 8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses as a % of sales | 89.4 | % | 89.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 1,071 | 947 | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 10.6 | % | 10.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal and foreign income tax expense | 187 | 156 | 20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective income tax rate | 16.5 | % | 15.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | 944 | 842 | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 6.32 | $ | 5.50 | 15 | % |
Sales
First quarter 2024 sales increased $832 million, or 9 percent, due to higher sales at all four sectors, including 18 percent growth at Aeronautics Systems. First quarter 2024 sales reflect continued strong demand for our products and services.
See “Segment Operating Results” below for further information by segment and “Product and Service Analysis” for product and service detail. See Note 10 to the financial statements for information regarding the company’s sales by customer type, contract type and geographic region for each of our segments.
Operating Income and Margin Rate
First quarter 2024 operating income increased $124 million, or 13 percent, and operating margin rate increased to 10.6 percent, primarily due to higher segment operating income and a benefit associated with the FAS/CAS operating adjustment.
First quarter 2024 G&A costs as a percentage of sales decreased to 10.5 percent from 11.2 percent in the prior year period primarily due to higher sales.
See “Segment Operating Results” below for further information by segment. For information regarding product and service operating costs and expenses, see “Product and Service Analysis” below.
Federal and Foreign Income Taxes
The first quarter 2024 ETR increased to 16.5 percent from 15.6 percent in the prior year period principally due to higher interest expense on unrecognized tax benefits. See Note 4 to the financial statements for additional information.
Net Earnings
First quarter 2024 net earnings increased $102 million, or 12 percent, primarily due to a 13 percent increase in operating income and a $36 million increase in the non-operating FAS pension benefit, partially offset by a higher effective tax rate.
Diluted Earnings Per Share
First quarter 2024 diluted earnings per share increased 15 percent, reflecting higher net earnings and a 3 percent reduction in weighted-average diluted shares outstanding.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Basis of Presentation
The company is aligned in four operating sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems.
This section discusses segment sales, operating income and operating margin rates. In evaluating segment operating performance, we look primarily at changes in sales and operating income. Where applicable, significant fluctuations in operating performance attributable to individual contracts or programs, or changes in a specific cost element across multiple contracts, are described in our analysis. Based on this approach and the nature of our operations, the
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discussion of results of operations below first focuses on our four segments before distinguishing between products and services. Changes in sales are generally described in terms of volume, while changes in margin rates are generally described in terms of performance and/or contract mix. For purposes of this discussion, volume generally refers to increases or decreases in sales or cost from production/service activity levels and performance generally refers to non-volume related changes in profitability. Contract mix generally refers to changes in the ratio of contract type and/or lifecycle (e.g., cost-type, fixed-price, development, production, and/or sustainment).
Segment Operating Income and Margin Rate
Segment operating income, as reconciled in the table below, and segment operating margin rate (segment operating income divided by sales) are non-GAAP measures that reflect the combined operating income of our four segments less the operating income associated with intersegment sales. Segment operating income includes pension expense allocated to our sectors under FAR and CAS and excludes FAS pension service expense and unallocated corporate items (certain corporate-level expenses, which are not considered allowable or allocable under applicable FAR and CAS requirements, and costs not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance). These non-GAAP measures may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as supplemental measures in evaluating the financial performance and operational trends of our sectors. These measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner and should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to operating results presented in accordance with GAAP.
| Three Months Ended March 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 1,071 | $ | 947 | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 10.6 | % | 10.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation to segment operating income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CAS pension expense | (66) | (38) | 74 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FAS pension service expense | 60 | 59 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FAS/CAS operating adjustment | (6) | 21 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation | 25 | 30 | (17) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other unallocated corporate expense | 14 | 4 | 250 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unallocated corporate expense | 39 | 34 | 15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 1,104 | $ | 1,002 | 10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating margin rate | 10.9 | % | 10.8 | % |
First quarter 2024 segment operating income increased $102 million, or 10 percent, primarily due to higher sales. Segment operating margin rate increased to 10.9 percent and reflects higher operating margin rates at Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems and Mission Systems, partially offset by a lower operating margin rate at Space Systems.
FAS/CAS Operating Adjustment
First quarter 2024 FAS/CAS operating adjustment reflects higher CAS pension expense largely driven by plan asset returns in prior years and changes in certain CAS actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2023.
Unallocated Corporate Expense
The increase in unallocated corporate expense is primarily due to changes in deferred state taxes largely related to the deferral of research credits under IRC Section 174.
Net EAC Adjustments - We record changes in estimated contract earnings at completion (net EAC adjustments) using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. Net EAC adjustments can have a significant effect on segment operating income; the aggregate amounts are presented in the table below:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Favorable EAC adjustments | $ | 362 | $ | 326 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unfavorable EAC adjustments | (268) | (280) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net EAC adjustments | $ | 94 | $ | 46 |
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Net EAC adjustments by segment are presented in the table below:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | $ | 76 | $ | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | 27 | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | 16 | 57 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | (19) | (32) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Eliminations | (6) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net EAC adjustments | $ | 94 | $ | 46 |
For purposes of the discussion in the remainder of this Segment Operating Results section, references to operating income and operating margin rate reflect segment operating income and segment operating margin rate, respectively.
| AERONAUTICS SYSTEMS | Three Months Ended March 31 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 2,969 | $ | 2,515 | 18 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 297 | 237 | 25 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 10.0 | % | 9.4 | % |
Sales
First quarter 2024 sales increased $454 million, or 18 percent, primarily due to higher volume on restricted programs, a $114 million increase on the F-35 program driven by higher volume on sustainment and production contracts, and higher volume on the E-2, Triton and Global Hawk programs. The increases on F-35 and restricted programs are due, in part, to material timing in the first quarter.
Operating Income
First quarter 2024 operating income increased $60 million, or 25 percent, due to higher sales and a higher operating margin rate. Operating margin rate increased to 10.0 percent from 9.4 percent principally due to higher net EAC adjustments largely driven by improved performance and cost efficiencies on certain production programs, including F-35 and F/A-18, which more than offset sales growth on a low margin restricted program.
| DEFENSE SYSTEMS | Three Months Ended March 31 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 1,412 | $ | 1,376 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 177 | 160 | 11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 12.5 | % | 11.6 | % |
Sales
First quarter 2024 sales increased $36 million, or 3 percent, primarily due to ramp-up on the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) program and higher volume on Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) and certain military ammunition and cannon systems programs, partially offset by lower volume due to the completion of an international training program.
Operating Income
First quarter 2024 operating income increased $17 million, or 11 percent, due to a higher operating margin rate and higher sales. Operating margin rate increased to 12.5 percent from 11.6 percent principally due to improved performance driven by changes in contract mix and cost efficiencies.
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| MISSION SYSTEMS | Three Months Ended March 31 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 2,659 | $ | 2,563 | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 378 | 360 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 14.2 | % | 14.0 | % |
Sales
First quarter 2024 sales increased $96 million, or 4 percent, primarily due to higher restricted sales on advanced microelectronics programs, partially offset by lower sales on the Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) program.
Operating Income
First quarter 2024 operating income increased $18 million, or 5 percent, due to higher sales and a higher operating margin rate. Operating margin rate increased to 14.2 percent from 14.0 percent, primarily due to sales growth on higher margin advanced microelectronics programs and a prior year loss related to an unconsolidated joint venture. These benefits were partially offset by lower net EAC adjustments on certain radar production programs.
| SPACE SYSTEMS | Three Months Ended March 31 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 3,655 | $ | 3,350 | 9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 332 | 313 | 6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 9.1 | % | 9.3 | % |
Sales
First quarter 2024 sales increased $305 million, or 9 percent, primarily due to a $117 million increase on the Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) programs and higher volume on restricted programs, Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) missions, hypersonics programs and the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program. These increases were partially offset by lower volume on the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program.
Operating Income
First quarter 2024 operating income increased $19 million, or 6 percent, due to higher sales, partially offset by a lower operating margin rate. Operating margin rate decreased to 9.1 percent from 9.3 percent principally due to a prior year benefit from the sale of a license to a customer, partially offset by an improvement in net EAC adjustments.
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
PRODUCT AND SERVICE ANALYSIS
The following table presents product and service sales and operating costs and expenses by segment:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Information: | Sales | Operating Costs and Expenses | Sales | Operating Costs and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | $ | 2,258 | $ | 2,035 | $ | 1,907 | $ | 1,740 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 652 | 583 | 543 | 480 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 59 | 54 | 65 | 58 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Aeronautics Systems | 2,969 | 2,672 | 2,515 | 2,278 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | 772 | 675 | 678 | 598 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 441 | 387 | 529 | 468 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 199 | 173 | 169 | 150 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Defense Systems | 1,412 | 1,235 | 1,376 | 1,216 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | 1,861 | 1,605 | 1,815 | 1,563 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 521 | 446 | 511 | 441 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 277 | 230 | 237 | 199 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Mission Systems | 2,659 | 2,281 | 2,563 | 2,203 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | 3,211 | 2,928 | 2,871 | 2,609 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 417 | 370 | 447 | 400 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 27 | 25 | 32 | 28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Space Systems | 3,655 | 3,323 | 3,350 | 3,037 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Totals | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Product | $ | 8,102 | $ | 7,243 | $ | 7,271 | $ | 6,510 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Service | 2,031 | 1,786 | 2,030 | 1,789 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Segment**(1)** | $ | 10,133 | $ | 9,029 | $ | 9,301 | $ | 8,299 |
(1)A reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income is included in “Segment Operating Results.”
Product Sales and Costs
First quarter 2024 product sales increased $831 million, or 11 percent, primarily due to an increase in product sales at all four sectors. The increase was principally driven by higher volume on restricted programs, F-35 and E-2 at Aeronautics Systems, growth on SDA T2TL and restricted programs at Space Systems, higher volume on the SiAW and GMLRS programs at Defense Systems, and higher restricted sales at Mission Systems.
First quarter 2024 product costs increased $733 million, or 11 percent, consistent with the higher product sales described above.
Service Sales and Costs
First quarter 2024 service sales were comparable to the prior year period and reflect an increase in service sales at Aeronautics Systems driven by higher volume on restricted programs and the Global Hawk program, partially offset by a decrease in service sales at Defense Systems principally due to the completion of an international training program.
First quarter 2024 service costs were comparable to the prior year period, consistent with the service sales described above.
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
BACKLOG
Backlog consisted of the following as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | Funded | Unfunded | Total Backlog | Total Backlog | % Change in 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | $ | 9,212 | $ | 9,750 | $ | 18,962 | $ | 19,583 | (3) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | 6,042 | 1,709 | 7,751 | 8,064 | (4) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | 10,838 | 4,898 | 15,736 | 16,108 | (2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | 9,386 | 27,085 | 36,471 | 40,475 | (10) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total backlog | $ | 35,478 | $ | 43,442 | $ | 78,920 | $ | 84,230 | (6) | % |
In January 2024, the company received a termination for convenience in our restricted Space business. The company reduced unfunded backlog by $1.6 billion during the first quarter of 2024 related to the termination.
New Awards
First quarter 2024 net awards totaled $6.5 billion and backlog totaled $78.9 billion. Significant first quarter new awards include $3.1 billion for restricted programs (primarily at Aeronautics Systems, Space Systems, and Mission Systems).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We are focused on the efficient conversion of operating income into cash to provide for the company’s material cash requirements, including working capital needs, satisfaction of contractual commitments, funding of our pension and OPB plans, investment in our business through capital expenditures, and shareholder return through dividend payments and share repurchases.
At March 31, 2024, we had $3.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents. We expect cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operating activities, supplemented by borrowings under credit facilities, commercial paper and/or in the capital markets through our shelf registration with the SEC, if needed, to be sufficient to provide liquidity to the company in the short-term and long-term. The company has a five-year senior unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.5 billion, and in April 2024, we renewed our one-year $500 million uncommitted credit facility. At March 31, 2024, there were no borrowings outstanding under these credit facilities. In January 2024, we issued $2.5 billion of unsecured senior notes for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment, share repurchases and working capital.
IRC Section 174
Beginning in 2022, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) eliminated the option to deduct research and development expenditures in the current year and requires taxpayers to amortize them over five years pursuant to IRC Section 174. Our 2023 cash from operations were reduced by approximately $500 million for federal estimated tax payments we made related to Section 174. Congress is considering legislation that would defer the amortization requirement to later years, possibly with retroactive effect. In the meantime, we expect to continue to make additional federal tax payments based on the current Section 174 tax law, which we estimate will reduce our 2024 cash from operations by approximately $350 million. The impact of Section 174 on our cash from operations depends on the amount of research and development expenditures incurred by the company and whether the IRS issues guidance on the provision which differs from our current interpretation, among other things.
Cash Flow Measures
In addition to our cash position, we consider various cash flow measures in capital deployment decision-making, including cash provided by operating activities and free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure described in more detail below.
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Operating Cash Flow
The table below summarizes key components of cash used in operating activities:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 944 | $ | 842 | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-cash items(1) | 103 | 36 | 186 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension and OPB contributions | (36) | (40) | (10) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in trade working capital | (1,710) | (1,525) | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | (7) | (15) | (53) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (706) | $ | (702) | (1) | % |
(1)Includes depreciation and amortization, non-cash lease expense, stock based compensation expense, deferred income taxes and net periodic pension and OPB income.
First quarter 2024 net cash used in operating activities was comparable with the prior year period. Higher net earnings were offset by changes in trade working capital. The net use of cash during the first quarter is consistent with the company’s historical timing of operating cash flows, which are generally more heavily weighted towards the second half of the year.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow, as reconciled in the table below, is a non-GAAP measure defined as net cash provided by or used in operating activities less capital expenditures, and may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. We use free cash flow as a key factor in our planning for, and consideration of, acquisitions, the payment of dividends and stock repurchases. This non-GAAP measure may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as a supplemental measure of our cash performance, but should not be considered in isolation, as a measure of residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes, or as an alternative to operating cash flows presented in accordance with GAAP.
The table below reconciles net cash used in operating activities to free cash flow:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (706) | $ | (702) | (1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (270) | (309) | (13) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | (976) | $ | (1,011) | 3 | % |
First quarter 2024 free cash flow increased $35 million, or 3 percent, as compared with the same period in 2023 principally due to lower capital expenditures.
Investing Cash Flow
First quarter 2024 net cash used in investing activities decreased $40 million as compared with the same period in 2023 principally due to lower capital expenditures largely driven by timing.
Financing Cash Flow
First quarter 2024 net cash provided by financing activities was comparable with the prior year period and reflects a $500 million increase in proceeds from long-term debt, partially offset by a $467 million increase in share repurchases.
Credit Facilities, Commercial Paper and Financial Arrangements - See Note 7 to the financial statements for further information on our credit facilities, commercial paper and our use of standby letters of credit and guarantees.
Share Repurchases - See Note 2 to the financial statements for further information on our share repurchase programs.
Long-term Debt - See Note 5 to the financial statements for further information.
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from those discussed in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES
See Note 1 to our financial statements for further information on accounting standards updates.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS
This Form 10-Q and the information we are incorporating by reference contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “trends,” “goals” and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to our future financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, expectations, plans and projections that we believe to be reasonable when made, but which may change over time. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Specific risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those identified and discussed more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. These risks and uncertainties are amplified by the global macroeconomic, security and political environments, including inflationary pressures, labor and supply chain challenges, which have caused and will continue to cause significant challenges, instability and uncertainty. They include:
Industry and Economic Risks
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our dependence on the U.S. government for a substantial portion of our business
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significant delays or reductions in appropriations and/or for our programs, and U.S. government funding and program support more broadly, including as a result of a prolonged continuing resolution and/or government shutdown, and/or related to the global security environment or other global events
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significant delays or reductions in payments as a result of or related to a breach of the debt ceiling
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the use of estimates when accounting for our contracts and the effect of contract cost growth and our efforts to recover or offset such costs and/or changes in estimated contract costs and revenues, including as a result of inflationary pressures, labor shortages, supply chain challenges and/or other macroeconomic factors, and risks related to management’s judgments and assumptions in estimating and/or projecting contract revenue and performance which may be inaccurate
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continued pressures from macroeconomic trends, including on costs, schedules, performance and ability to meet expectations
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increased competition within our markets and bid protests
Legal and Regulatory Risks
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investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation (including criminal, civil and administrative) and/or other legal proceedings
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the improper conduct of employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, business partners or joint ventures in which we participate, including the impact on our reputation and our ability to do business
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changes in procurement and other laws, SEC, DoD and other rules and regulations, contract terms and practices applicable to our industry, findings by the U.S. government as to our compliance with such requirements, more aggressive enforcement of such requirements and changes in our customers’ business practices globally
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environmental matters, including climate change, unforeseen environmental costs and government and third party claims
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unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional tax liabilities
Business and Operational Risks
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
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cyber and other security threats or disruptions faced by us, our customers or our suppliers and other partners, and changes in related regulations
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our ability to attract and retain a qualified, talented and diverse workforce with the necessary security clearances to meet our performance obligations
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the performance and viability of our subcontractors and suppliers and the availability and pricing of raw materials and components, particularly with inflationary pressures, increased costs, shortages in labor and financial resources, supply chain disruptions, and extended material lead times
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impacts related to health epidemics and pandemics and similar outbreaks
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our exposure to additional risks as a result of our international business, including risks related to global security, geopolitical and economic factors, misconduct, suppliers, laws and regulations
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our ability to innovate, develop new products and technologies, progress and benefit from digital transformation and maintain technologies to meet the needs of our customers
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natural disasters
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products and services we provide related to hazardous and high risk operations, including the production and use of such products, which subject us to various environmental, regulatory, financial, reputational and other risks
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our ability appropriately to exploit and/or protect intellectual property rights
General and Other Risk Factors
- the adequacy and availability of, and ability to obtain, insurance coverage, customer indemnifications or other liability protections
*•*the future investment performance of plan assets, gains or losses associated with changes in valuation of marketable securities related to our non-qualified benefit plans, changes in actuarial assumptions associated with our pension and other postretirement benefit plans and legislative or other regulatory actions impacting our pension and postretirement benefit obligations
- changes in business conditions that could impact business investments and/or recorded goodwill or the value of other long-lived assets, and other potential future liabilities
We urge you to consider the limitations on, and risks associated with, forward-looking statements and not unduly rely on the accuracy of forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date this report is first filed or, in the case of any document incorporated by reference, the date of that document. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes to our market risks from those discussed in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our principal executive officer (Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President) and principal financial officer (Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) have evaluated the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)) as of March 31, 2024, and have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, no changes occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We have provided information about certain legal proceedings in which we are involved in Notes 6 and 7 to the financial statements.
We are a party to various investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions and other legal proceedings, including government investigations and claims, that arise in the ordinary course of our business. These types of matters could result in administrative, civil or criminal fines, penalties or other sanctions (which terms include judgments or convictions and consent or other voluntary decrees or agreements); compensatory, treble or other damages; non-monetary relief actions; or other liabilities. Government regulations provide that certain allegations against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from future government contracts or suspension of export privileges for the company or one or more of its components. The nature of legal proceedings is such that we cannot assure the outcome of any particular matter. For additional information on pending matters, please see Notes 6 and 7 to the financial statements, and for further information on the risks we face from existing and future investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions and other legal proceedings, please see “Risk Factors” in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Consistent with SEC Regulation S-K Item 103, we have elected to disclose those environmental proceedings with a governmental entity as a party where the company reasonably believes such proceeding would result in monetary sanctions, exclusive of interest and costs, of $1.0 million or more.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
For a discussion of our risk factors please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The table below summarizes our repurchases of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share**(1)(2)** | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, 2024 - January 26, 2024 | 116,315 | $ | 465.22 | 116,315 | $ | 3,571 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| January 27, 2024 - February 23, 2024 | 1,971,110 | NM(2) | 1,971,110 | 2,505 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 24, 2024 - March 29, 2024 | 129,283 | $ | 462.44 | 129,283 | 2,446 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,216,708 | NM(2) | 2,216,708 | $ | 2,446 |
(1)Excludes commissions paid and other costs of execution, including taxes.
(2)During the first quarter of 2024, the company entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Morgan Stanley to repurchase $1.0 billion of the company’s common stock and received an initial delivery of shares representing 80 percent of the share repurchase agreement.
Share repurchases take place from time to time, subject to market conditions and management’s discretion, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The company retires its common stock upon repurchase and, in the periods presented, has not made any purchases of common stock other than in connection with these publicly announced repurchase programs.
See Note 2 to the financial statements for further information on our share repurchase programs.
Item 5. Other Information
Consistent with Item 408 of Regulation S-K, the following table reflects Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements and non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (as defined in Item 408) entered into by any director or officer (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
| Name (Title) | Type of Trading Arrangement | Date of Adoption | Expiration Date of Trading Arrangement | Aggregate Number of Securities to Be Purchased or Sold | ||||||||||
| Thomas H. Jones | Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangement | March 7, 2024 | Until March 5, 2025 or such earlier date upon the completion of all trades under the plan (or the expiration of the orders relating to such trades without execution) or the occurrence of such other termination events as specified in the plan. | Sale of 4,167 shares of common stock Gift of 731 shares of common stock | ||||||||||
| (Corporate Vice President and President, Aeronautics Systems) | ||||||||||||||
| Roshan S. Roeder | Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangement | February 16, 2024 | Until February 14, 2025 or such earlier date upon the completion of all trades under the plan (or the expiration of the orders relating to such trades without execution) or the occurrence of such other termination events as specified in the plan. | Sale of 799.58 shares of common stock | ||||||||||
| (Corporate Vice President and President, Defense Systems) | ||||||||||||||
| Kathryn G. Simpson | Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangement | March 5, 2024 | Until March 5, 2025 or such earlier date upon the completion of all trades under the plan (or the expiration of the orders relating to such trades without execution) or the occurrence of such other termination events as specified in the plan. | Sale of 889 shares of common stock Sale of shares to be received upon payout of 2022 RPSRs and RSRs(1) | ||||||||||
| (Corporate Vice President and General Counsel) | ||||||||||||||
| (1) The aggregate number of shares to be sold will depend, in part, on future company performance. |
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
Item 6. Exhibits
| * | Filed with this report | ||||
| ** | Furnished with this report | ||||
| + | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement |
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION (Registrant) | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Michael A. Hardesty | |||||||
| Michael A. Hardesty Corporate Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) |
Date: April 24, 2024
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