NOC-9.30.2013-10Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
______________________________________ 
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2013
or
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-16411
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
 
80-0640649
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
2980 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, Virginia 22042
www.northropgrumman.com
(Address of principal executive offices and internet site)
(703) 280-2900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x
  
No *
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).
Yes x
  
No *
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer x
  
Accelerated filer *
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer * (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 Smaller reporting company  *
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes *
  
No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
As of October 18, 2013, 221,990,583 shares of common stock were outstanding.

Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

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

i
Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.    Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions, except per share amounts
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product

$3,330

 

$3,487

 

$10,344

 

$10,227

Service
2,776

 
2,783

 
8,160

 
8,515

Total sales
6,106

 
6,270

 
18,504

 
18,742

Operating costs and expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
2,499

 
2,629

 
7,833

 
7,760

Service
2,262

 
2,333

 
6,621

 
6,963

General and administrative expenses
555

 
572

 
1,695

 
1,713

Operating income
790

 
736

 
2,355

 
2,306

Other (expense) income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(70
)
 
(53
)
 
(183
)
 
(158
)
Other, net
—

 
12

 
(16
)
 
30

Earnings before income taxes
720

 
695

 
2,156

 
2,178

Federal and foreign income tax expense
223

 
236

 
682

 
733

Net earnings

$ 497

 

$ 459

 

$ 1,474

 

$ 1,445

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share

$ 2.18

 

$ 1.86

 

$ 6.33

 

$ 5.77

Weighted-average common shares outstanding, in millions
228.2

 
247.2

 
232.8

 
250.4

Diluted earnings per share

$ 2.14

 

$ 1.82

 

$ 6.22

 

$ 5.67

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions
232.6

 
252.1

 
237.0

 
255.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (from above)

$ 497

 

$ 459

 

$ 1,474

 

$ 1,445

Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unamortized benefit plan costs, net of tax
78

 
50

 
237

 
154

Change in cumulative translation adjustment
15

 
12

 
8

 
3

Change in unrealized loss on marketable securities and cash flow hedges, net of tax
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
92

 
61

 
244

 
156

Comprehensive income

$ 589

 

$ 520

 

$ 1,718

 

$ 1,601

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

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Unaudited)
$ in millions
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$ 4,944

 

$ 3,862

Accounts receivable, net of progress payments
3,003

 
2,858

Inventoried costs, net of progress payments
784

 
798

Deferred tax assets
596

 
574

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
264

 
300

Total current assets
9,591

 
8,392

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $4,305 in 2013 and $4,146 in 2012
2,763

 
2,887

Goodwill
12,438

 
12,431

Non-current deferred tax assets
1,274

 
1,542

Other non-current assets
1,339

 
1,291

Total assets

$27,405

 

$26,543

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable

$ 1,221

 

$ 1,392

Accrued employee compensation
1,058

 
1,173

Advance payments and amounts in excess of costs incurred
1,698

 
1,759

Other current liabilities
1,785

 
1,732

Total current liabilities
5,762

 
6,056

Long-term debt, net of current portion
5,928

 
3,930

Pension and post-retirement benefit plan liabilities
5,374

 
6,085

Other non-current liabilities
985

 
958

Total liabilities
18,049

 
17,029

 
 
 
 
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: 2013— 223,775,721 and 2012—239,209,812
224

 
239

Paid-in capital
1,479

 
2,924

Retained earnings
12,196

 
11,138

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(4,543
)
 
(4,787
)
Total shareholders’ equity
9,356

 
9,514

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$27,405

 

$26,543

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

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
Operating activities
 
 
 
Sources of cash
 
 
 
Cash received from customers
 
 
 
Collections on billings

$13,871

 

$15,632

Progress payments
4,281

 
3,233

Other cash receipts
66

 
67

Total sources of cash
18,218

 
18,932

Uses of cash
 
 
 
Cash paid to suppliers and employees
(15,555
)
 
(16,015
)
Pension contributions
(561
)
 
(349
)
Interest paid, net of interest received
(183
)
 
(177
)
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received
(579
)
 
(760
)
Other cash payments
(61
)
 
(48
)
Total uses of cash
(16,939
)
 
(17,349
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
1,279

 
1,583

Investing activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(178
)
 
(196
)
Maturities of short-term investments
—

 
250

Other investing activities, net
9

 
7

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(169
)
 
61

Financing activities
 
 
 
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
2,841

 
—

Common stock repurchases
(1,661
)
 
(846
)
Payments of long-term debt
(877
)
 
—

Cash dividends paid
(411
)
 
(401
)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options
158

 
153

Other financing activities, net
(78
)
 
(27
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(28
)
 
(1,121
)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
1,082

 
523

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
3,862

 
3,002

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$ 4,944

 

$ 3,525

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




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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
 
Net earnings

$1,474

 

$1,445

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
345

 
371

Stock-based compensation
118

 
111

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(37
)
 
(41
)
Deferred income taxes
89

 
47

(Increase) decrease in assets:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
(147
)
 
(27
)
Inventoried costs, net
10

 
224

Prepaid expenses and other assets
(53
)
 
(90
)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accruals
(296
)
 
(370
)
Income taxes payable
92

 
32

Retiree benefits
(331
)
 
(99
)
Other, net
15

 
(20
)
Net cash provided by operating activities

$1,279

 

$1,583

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

 

-4-
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions, except per share amounts
2013
 
2012
Common stock
 
 
 
Beginning of year

$ 239

 

$ 254

Common stock repurchased
(21
)
 
(14
)
Shares issued for stock awards and options
6

 
6

End of period
224

 
246

Paid-in capital
 
 
 
Beginning of year
2,924

 
3,873

Common stock repurchased
(1,652
)
 
(831
)
Stock compensation and options exercised
212

 
249

Shipbuilding spin-off adjustment
(5
)
 
5

End of period
1,479

 
3,296

Retained earnings
 
 
 
Beginning of year
11,138

 
9,699

Net earnings
1,474

 
1,445

Dividends declared
(416
)
 
(405
)
End of period
12,196

 
10,739

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
Beginning of year
(4,787
)
 
(3,490
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
244

 
156

End of period
(4,543
)
 
(3,334
)
Total shareholders’ equity

$9,356

 

$10,947

Cash dividends declared per share

$ 1.77

 

$ 1.60

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

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
1.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Principles of Consolidation and Reporting
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries (herein referred to as "Northrop Grumman," the "company," "we," "us," or "our"). Material intercompany accounts, transactions, and profits are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in equity securities and joint ventures where the company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the company have been prepared by management in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim reporting purposes. These statements include adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary by management for a fair presentation of the company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
The results reported in these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K).
The quarterly information is labeled using a calendar convention; that is, first quarter is consistently labeled as ending on March 31, second quarter as ending on June 30, and third quarter as ending on September 30. It is management’s long-standing practice to establish actual interim closing dates using a “fiscal” calendar, in which we close our books on a Friday near these quarter-end dates in order to normalize the potentially disruptive effects of quarterly closings on business processes. This practice is only used at interim periods within a reporting year.
Accounting Estimates
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation thereof requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues 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.
The majority of our contracts are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. For such contracts, changes in estimates of contract sales, costs, or profits are recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. This method recognizes, in the current period, the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods, and revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance are recognized as if the revised estimate had been used since contract inception. Changes in contract estimates occur for a variety of reasons, including changes in contract scope, estimated revenue and cost estimates. These changes are often driven by events such as changes in estimated incentive fees, unanticipated risks affecting contract costs, the resolution of risk at lower or higher cost than anticipated, and changes in indirect cost allocations, such as overhead and general and administrative expenses. We employ an extensive contract management process involving several functional organizations and numerous personnel who are skilled at managing contract activities. Changes in estimates are frequent; the company performs on a broad portfolio of long-term contracts, many of which include complex and customized aerospace and electronic equipment and software, that often includes technology at the forefront of science.
Significant changes in estimates on a single contract could have a material effect on the company's consolidated financial position or annual results of operations, and where such changes occur, separate disclosure is made of the nature, underlying conditions and financial impact of the change. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, aggregate net changes in contract estimates recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting increased operating income by $236 million ($0.66 per diluted share) and $657 million ($1.80 per diluted share), respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, such changes in contract estimates increased operating income by $214 million ($0.55 per diluted share) and $701 million ($1.79 per diluted share), respectively. No discrete event or adjustment to an individual contract was material to the condensed consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income for any of these periods.
As of September 30, 2013, the amounts related to claims and requests for equitable adjustment recognized in estimated contract values were not material individually or in aggregate.

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Table of Contents

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

As of September 30, 2013, the company did not have any contract terminations in process that would have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or annual results of operations.
Related Party Transactions
For all periods presented, the company had no material related party transactions.
Accounting Standards Updates
Accounting standards updates effective after September 30, 2013, are not expected to have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial position or annual results of operations.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
$ in millions
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Unamortized benefit plan costs, net of tax benefit of $2,990 as of September 30, 2013, and $3,149 as of December 31, 2012
            $
(4,553
)
 
            $
(4,790
)
Cumulative translation adjustment
12

 
4

Net unrealized loss on marketable securities and cash flow hedges, net of tax benefit
(2
)
 
(1
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
            $
(4,543
)
 
            $
(4,787
)
Unamortized benefit plan costs consist primarily of net after-tax actuarial losses totaling $4.8 billion and $5.1 billion as of September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively. Net actuarial gains or losses are re-determined annually and principally arise from changes in the rate used to discount the benefit obligations and differences in expected and actual returns on plan assets.
Reclassifications from other comprehensive income to net earnings related to the amortization of benefit plan costs were $78 million and $237 million, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and were $50 million and $154 million, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The reclassifications represent the amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service credits for the company's retirement benefit plans, and are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (See Note 8 for further information).
Reclassifications from other comprehensive income to net earnings, relating to cumulative translation adjustments, marketable securities and effective cash flow hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not material. Reclassifications for cumulative translation adjustments and marketable securities are recorded in other income, and reclassifications for effective cash flow hedges are recorded in operating income.
2.    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 includes the dilutive effect of options and awards granted to employees under stock-based compensation plans. The dilutive effect of these securities totaled 4.4 million shares and 4.2 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The dilutive effect of these securities totaled 4.9 million shares and 4.6 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding excludes anti-dilutive stock options because such options have exercise prices in excess of the average market price of the company’s common stock during the period. We had no anti-dilutive shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, exclude anti-dilutive stock options to purchase approximately 1.3 million shares and 2.7 million shares, respectively.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Share Repurchases
The table below summarizes the company’s share repurchases:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares Repurchased
(in millions)
Repurchase Program
Authorization Date
 
Amount
Authorized
(in millions)
 
Total Shares Retired (in millions)
 
Average 
Price
Per Share(2)
 
Date Completed
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
2013
 
2012
June 16, 2010
 

$5,350

 
83.7

 

$63.86

 
September 2013
 
18.6

 
13.6

May 15, 2013(1)
 

$4,000

 
2.0

 

$96.39

 
 
 
2.0

 
—

(1)
On May 15, 2013, the company's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock. Repurchases under this program commenced upon the completion of the company's 2010 repurchase program in September 2013. As of September 30, 2013, our repurchases under the program totaled $196 million, and $3.8 billion remained under this share repurchase authorization.The repurchase program will expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchase.
(2)
Includes commissions paid.
Share repurchases take place from time to time, subject to market conditions and management's discretion, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The company retires its common stock upon repurchase and has not made any purchases of common stock other than in connection with these publicly announced repurchase program authorizations.
Dividends on Common Stock
In May 2013, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 11 percent to $0.61 per share from the previous amount of $0.55 per share.
In May 2012, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 10 percent to $0.55 per share from the previous amount of $0.50 per share.
3.    SEGMENT INFORMATION
The company is aligned into four segments: Aerospace Systems, Electronic Systems, Information Systems, and Technical Services. The United States (U.S.) Government is the primary customer for all four of our segments. The company, from time to time, acquires or disposes of businesses and realigns contracts, programs or business areas among and within its operating segments. Portfolio shaping and internal realignments are designed to more fully leverage existing capabilities and enhance development and delivery of products and services.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

The following table presents sales and operating income by segment:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aerospace Systems

$2,484

 

$2,586

 

$7,582

 

$7,373

Electronic Systems
1,774

 
1,707

 
5,266

 
5,175

Information Systems
1,619

 
1,776

 
4,982

 
5,476

Technical Services
713

 
748

 
2,152

 
2,281

Intersegment eliminations
(484
)
 
(547
)
 
(1,478
)
 
(1,563
)
Total sales
6,106

 
6,270

 
18,504

 
18,742

Operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aerospace Systems
330

 
288

 
936

 
859

Electronic Systems
273

 
279

 
891

 
859

Information Systems
162

 
170

 
474

 
577

Technical Services
67

 
62

 
201

 
206

Intersegment eliminations
(69
)
 
(69
)
 
(194
)
 
(200
)
Total segment operating income
763


730

 
2,308

 
2,301

Reconciliation to total operating income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net FAS/CAS pension adjustment
61

 
34

 
125

 
101

Unallocated corporate expenses
(33
)
 
(27
)
 
(73
)
 
(89
)
Other
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
(7
)
Total operating income

$ 790

 

$ 736

 

$2,355

 

$2,306

Net FAS/CAS Pension Adjustment
The net FAS (GAAP Financial Accounting Standards)/CAS (U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards) pension adjustment is the difference between pension expense determined in accordance with GAAP and pension expense allocated to the operating segments determined in accordance with CAS. The change in net FAS/CAS pension adjustment from the prior year periods reflects an update for actual demographic experience as of January 1, 2013, which resulted in an increase to the company's 2013 CAS pension expense.
Unallocated Corporate Expenses
Unallocated corporate expenses include the portion of corporate expenses not considered allowable or allocable under applicable CAS regulations and the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and are therefore not allocated to the segments. Such costs consist of a portion of management and administration, legal, environmental, compensation costs, retiree benefits, and certain unallowable costs such as lobbying activities, among others.
4.    INCOME TAXES
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Federal and foreign income tax expense
      $223

 
      $236

 
      $682

 
$733

Effective income tax rate
31.0
%
 
34.0
%
 
31.6
%
 
33.7
%
The company's lower effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2013, includes an additional $16 million benefit associated with the company's 2012 U.S. federal tax return and $6 million benefit for the American Taxpayer Relief Act, which reinstated research tax credits for 2012 and 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the company recorded $29 million of research tax credits representing estimated full year 2012 research tax credits and three quarters of the expected 2013 research tax credits and an additional $16 million benefit associated with the 2012 U.S. federal tax return noted above.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

The company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in federal and foreign income tax expense. The company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is conducting an examination of the company’s tax returns for the years 2007 through 2011. With respect to the tax years 2007 through 2009, the company has reached a tentative resolution with the IRS subject to final review by the U.S. Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation. It is reasonably possible that during the next twelve months, we will record a reduction in our unrecognized tax benefits up to $80 million and a reduction of our income tax expense up to $50 million. Other open tax years related to state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination, but are not considered material.
5.    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following table presents fair value information for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
$ in millions
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Financial Assets (Liabilities)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading
     $
285

 
     $
285

 
     $
259

 
     $
259

Available-for-sale
2

 
2

 
3

 
3

Derivatives
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Long-term debt, including current portion
     $
(5,930
)
 
     $
(6,358
)
 
     $
(3,935
)
 
     $
(4,834
)
There were no transfers of financial instruments between the three levels of fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
Investments in Marketable Securities
The company holds a portfolio of marketable securities to partially fund long-term deferred compensation programs. The portfolio consists of equity securities that are classified as either trading or available-for-sale, which can be liquidated without restriction. These assets are recorded at fair value, and substantially all of these instruments are valued using Level 1 inputs, with an immaterial amount valued using Level 2 inputs. As of September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, marketable securities of $287 million and $261 million, respectively, were included in other non-current assets in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
The company's derivative portfolio consists primarily of foreign currency forward contracts. The notional values for the company's derivative portfolio at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, were $183 million and $164 million, respectively. The portion of notional values designated as cash flow hedges at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, were $87 million and $110 million, respectively.
Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities in the financial statements and measured at fair value. Substantially all of these instruments are valued using Level 2 inputs.
Unrealized gains or losses on the effective portion of cash flow hedges are reclassified from other comprehensive income to operating income upon the settlement of the underlying transactions. The derivative fair values and related unrealized gains and losses at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, were not material. Hedge contracts not designated for hedge accounting and the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recorded in other income.
Long-term Debt
The fair value of long-term debt is calculated using Level 2 inputs based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the company’s existing debt arrangements.
Debt Issuance and Redemption
In May 2013, the company issued $2.85 billion of unsecured senior notes consisting of $850 million due June 1, 2018 with a fixed interest rate of 1.75 percent; $1.05 billion due August 1, 2023 with a fixed interest rate of 3.25 percent; and $950 million due June 1, 2043 with a fixed interest rate of 4.75 percent (collectively, the Notes). Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. The Notes are subject to redemption at the company’s

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

discretion at any time, or from time to time, prior to maturity in whole or in part at the greater of the principal amount of the Notes or a “make-whole” amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The company used a portion of the net proceeds to fund the redemption of $350 million of the company's 3.70 percent unsecured senior notes due August 1, 2014, and $500 million of 1.85 percent unsecured senior notes due November 15, 2015. During the quarter ended June 30, 2013, the company recorded a pre-tax charge of $30 million principally related to the premiums paid on the redemption, which was recorded in other, net in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income.
6.    LITIGATION, INVESTIGATIONS AND CLAIMS
Litigation
The company is one of several defendants in litigation brought by the Orange County Water District in Orange County Superior Court in California on December 17, 2004, for alleged contribution to volatile organic chemical contamination of the County's shallow groundwater. The lawsuit includes counts against the defendants for violation of the Orange County Water District Act, the California Super Fund Act, negligence, nuisance, trespass and declaratory relief. Among other things, the lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the cost of remediation, payment of attorney fees and costs, and punitive damages. Trial on the statutory claims (those based on the Orange County Water District Act, the California Super Fund Act and declaratory relief) concluded on September 25, 2012. On December 11, 2012, the court issued a tentative decision on these claims in favor of the company and the other remaining defendants. On May 10, 2013, the court issued a supplemental tentative decision, which included additional findings supporting its earlier tentative decision in favor of the company and the other remaining defendants on the statutory causes of action tried in 2012. The court has not yet set a trial date for the remaining causes of action.
On May 4, 2012, the company commenced an action, Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. v. United States, in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This lawsuit relates to an approximately $875 million firm fixed price contract awarded to the company in 2007 by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for the construction and delivery of flats sequencing systems (FSS) as part of the postal automation program. The FSS have been delivered. The company's lawsuit is based on various theories of liability. The complaint seeks approximately $63 million for unpaid portions of the contract price, and approximately $115 million based on the company's assertions that, through various acts and omissions over the life of the contract, the USPS adversely affected the cost and schedule of performance and materially altered the company's obligations under the contract. The United States responded to the company's complaint with an answer, denying most of the company's claims, and counterclaims, seeking approximately $410 million, less certain amounts outstanding under the contract. The principal counterclaim alleges that the company delayed its performance and caused damages to the USPS because USPS did not realize certain costs savings as early as it had expected. On April 2, 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice informed the company of a False Claims Act complaint relating to the FSS contract that was filed under seal by a relator in June 2011 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. On June 3, 2013, the United States filed a Notice informing the Court that the United States had decided not to intervene in this case. On August 26, 2013, the relator filed a corrected First Amended Complaint. The relator alleges that the company violated the False Claims Act in a number of ways with respect to the FSS contract, alleges damage to the USPS in an amount of at least approximately $179 million annually, and seeks an unspecified partial refund of the contract purchase price, penalties, attorney's fees and other costs of suit. Damages under the False Claims Act may be trebled upon a finding of liability. The relator also alleges he or she was improperly discharged in retaliation. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters, including any possible loss, cannot be predicted or estimated at this time, the company intends vigorously to pursue and defend these matters.
On August 8, 2013, the company received a court-appointed expert's report in litigation pending in the Second Federal Court of the Federal District in Brazil brought by the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Corporation (ECT) a Brazilian state-owned entity, against Solystic SAS (Solystic), a French subsidiary of the company, and two of its consortium partners. In this suit, commenced on December 17, 2004 and relatively inactive for some period of time, ECT alleges the consortium breached its contract with ECT and seeks damages of approximately $40 million (all damage amounts are stated in U.S. dollars and are subject to currency exchange fluctuations), plus interest, inflation adjustments, and attorneys’ fees, as authorized by Brazilian law, which amounts could be significant over time. In its counterclaim, Solystic alleges ECT breached the contract by wrongfully refusing to accept the equipment Solystic had designed and built and seeks damages of approximately $42 million, plus interest, inflation adjustments, and attorneys’ fees, as authorized by Brazilian law. The Brazilian court retained the expert to consider certain issues pending before it. On August 8, 2013, the company received a report from the expert, which contains some recommended findings relating to liability and the damages calculations put forth by ECT. Some of the expert's

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findings are favorable to the company and others are favorable to ECT. The parties’ responses to the expert’s recommendations are due to be filed in October 2013. At some point thereafter, the court is expected to issue a decision that could accept or reject the expert’s recommended findings.
The company is a party to various investigations, lawsuits, claims 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, and other than with respect to the FSS matters discussed separately above, the company does not believe that the outcome of any matter pending against the company is likely to have a material adverse effect on the company's consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2013, or its annual results of operations or cash flows.
7.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Guarantees of Subsidiary Performance Obligations
From time to time in the ordinary course of business, the company guarantees obligations of its subsidiaries under certain contracts. Generally, the company is liable under such an arrangement only if its subsidiary is unable to perform under its contract. Historically, the company has not incurred any substantial liabilities resulting from these guarantees.
In addition, the company’s subsidiaries may enter into joint ventures, teaming and other business arrangements (collectively, Business Arrangements) to support the company’s products and services in domestic and international markets. The company generally strives to limit its exposure under these arrangements to its subsidiary’s investment in the Business Arrangements or to the extent of such subsidiary’s obligations under the applicable contract. In some cases, however, the company may be required to guarantee the performance of the Business Arrangements and, in such cases, the company generally obtains cross-indemnification from the other members of the Business Arrangements.
At September 30, 2013, the company is not aware of any significant existing event of default that would require it to satisfy any of these guarantees.
U.S. Government Cost Claims
From time to time, the company is advised of claims by the U.S. Government concerning certain potential disallowed costs, plus, at times, penalties and interest. When such findings are presented, the company and the 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 matters raised by the U.S. Government. Such provisions are reviewed on a quarterly basis using the most recent information available. The company believes that it has adequately reserved for any disputed amounts and that the outcome of any such matters would not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2013, or its annual results of operations or cash flows.
Environmental Matters
The company has been named a Potentially Responsible Party by the Environmental Protection Agency or similarly designated state or local agencies at certain current or formerly owned or leased sites. The estimated cost to complete remediation has been accrued where the company believes, based on the facts and circumstances known to the company, it is probable the company will incur costs to address environmental impacts. As of September 30, 2013, management estimates the range of reasonably possible future costs for environmental remediation is between $321 million and $812 million, before considering the amount recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. Government contracts. At September 30, 2013, the amount accrued for probable environmental remediation costs was $341 million, of which $92 million is accrued in other current liabilities and $249 million is accrued in other non-current liabilities. A portion of the environmental remediation costs is expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on government contracts and, accordingly, such amounts are deferred in inventoried costs and other non-current assets. As of September 30, 2013, $49 million is deferred in inventoried costs and $133 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 projects progress or changes in facts and circumstances will materially affect the estimated liability accrued, management does not anticipate future remediation expenditures will have a material adverse effect on the company's consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2013, or its annual results of operations or cash flows.

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Financial Arrangements
In the ordinary course of business, the company uses stand-by 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 September 30, 2013, there were $188 million of stand-by letters of credit, $224 million of bank guarantees, and $165 million of surety bonds outstanding.
Credit Facility
In August 2013, the company entered into a new five-year senior unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.775 billion (the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement replaced the company’s prior five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion entered into on September 8, 2011, and its 364-day revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million entered into on September 4, 2012.
The Credit Agreement contains 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 Agreement) to exceed 65 percent. At September 30, 2013, there was no balance outstanding under this facility.
The company was in compliance with all covenants under its credit agreement on September 30, 2013.
Indemnifications
The company has retained 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 September 30, 2013, or its annual results of operations or cash flows.
Operating Leases
Rental expense for operating leases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, was $75 million and $223 million, respectively, and was $80 million and $260 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. These amounts are net of immaterial amounts of sublease rental income.
8.    RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The cost to the company of its retirement benefit plans is shown in the following table:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Medical and
Life Benefits
Pension
Benefits
 
Medical and
Life Benefits
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Components of net periodic benefit cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost

$129

 

$131

 

$ 9

 

$ 8


$ 387

 

$ 392

 

$27

 

$25

Interest cost
279

 
296

 
24

 
28

838

 
888

 
72

 
82

Expected return on plan assets
(452
)
 
(427
)
 
(19
)
 
(17
)
(1,357
)
 
(1,281
)
 
(57
)
 
(51
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service credit
(15
)
 
(15
)
 
(13
)
 
(13
)
(44
)
 
(44
)
 
(38
)
 
(38
)
Net loss from previous years
152

 
107

 
8

 
5

456

 
321

 
23

 
15

Other
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

—

 
2

 
—

 
—

Net periodic benefit cost

$ 93

 

$ 92

 

$ 9

 

$ 11


$ 280

 

$ 278

 

$27

 

$33

Employer Contributions
The company’s required minimum funding in 2013 for its defined benefit pension plans and its post-retirement benefit plans is approximately $66 million and $110 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, contributions of $561 million have been made to the company’s defined benefit pension plans, including a voluntary contribution of $500 million in April 2013, and contributions of $87 million have been made to the company’s post-retirement benefit plans.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

The company also sponsors defined contribution plans. For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, contributions of $63 million and $66 million, respectively, were made to these plans. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, contributions of $213 million and $218 million, respectively, were made to these plans.
9.    STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
Stock Awards
In February 2013, the company granted 0.4 million restricted stock rights (RSRs) and 1.1 million restricted performance stocks rights (RPSRs) to certain employees under the company's long-term incentive stock plan, with a grant date aggregate fair value of $96 million. The RSRs will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, while the RPSRs will vest and pay out based on the achievement of financial metrics for the three-year period ending December 31, 2015.
Cash Awards
In February 2013, the company granted 30 million cash units (CUs) and 69 million cash performance units (CPUs) to certain employees, with a minimum aggregate payout amount of $30 million and a maximum aggregate payout amount of $168 million. The CUs will vest and settle in cash on the third anniversary of the grant date, while the CPUs will vest and pay out in cash based on the achievement of financial metrics for the three-year period ending December 31, 2015.


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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Falls Church, Virginia
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial position of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2013, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statement of financial position of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in shareholders' equity for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 4, 2013, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2012, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated statement of financial position from which it has been derived.

/s/  Deloitte & Touche LLP
McLean, Virginia
October 22, 2013
 

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW
Northrop Grumman Corporation (herein referred to as “Northrop Grumman,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide through four segments: Aerospace Systems, Electronic Systems, Information Systems and Technical Services. We participate in many high-priority defense and government services programs in the United States (U.S.) and abroad as a prime contractor, principal subcontractor, partner, or preferred supplier. We conduct the majority 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 domestic and international commercial customers.
The following discussion should be read along with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, as well as our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which provides a more thorough discussion of our systems, products and solutions; political and economic environment; industry outlook; and business trends. See further discussions in the Consolidated Operating Results and Segment Operating Results sections that follow.
Political and Economic Environment
The U.S. Government continues to face substantial fiscal and economic challenges, which affect funding for its non-discretionary and discretionary budgets. Part I of the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Budget Control Act) provided for a reduction in planned defense budgets by at least $487 billion over a ten year period, and the fiscal year (FY) 2013 impacts were incorporated in the government's FY 2013 budget. Part II mandated substantial additional reductions, through a process known as “sequestration,” which took effect March 1, 2013, and resulted in approximately $40 billion of additional reductions to the FY 2013 defense budget.
On March 26, 2013, the President signed into law the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, which included specific appropriations for our major federal customers, including the DoD, subject to further reductions or sequestration under the Budget Control Act.
FY 2014 began on October 1, 2013 without appropriations legislation or a continuing resolution for FY 2014 and many parts of the U.S. Government temporarily shut down. Although Congress has not yet passed FY 2014 appropriations, on October 16, 2013, Congress passed a continuing resolution, which funds the government through January 15, 2014 and suspended the statutory limit on the amount of permissible federal debt (the debt ceiling) through February 7, 2014. It is unclear when or if annual appropriations bills will be enacted for FY 2014. The U.S. Government may operate under a continuing resolution for all of FY 2014, restricting new contract or program starts for that year.
Congressional appropriation and authorization of FY 2014 spending, including defense spending, and the application of sequestration remain marked by significant debate and an uncertain schedule. Congress and the Administration also continue to debate the debt ceiling, among other fiscal issues, as they negotiate plans for long-term national fiscal policy. The outcome of these debates could have a significant impact on future defense spending broadly and the company's programs, in particular.
Unless Congress passes appropriations legislation or provides for a continuing resolution throughout FY 2014, or if the existing debt ceiling is not raised, we may be required to continue to perform for some period of time on certain of our U.S. Government contracts even if the U.S. Government is unable to make timely payments. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, it could result in program cancellations and stop work orders and could limit our ability to perform on our U.S. Government contracts. A debt ceiling breach could, among other impacts, negatively affect the U.S. Government's timely payment of our billings. Either a prolonged shutdown or a breach of the debt ceiling could have significant near and long-term consequences for our company, our employees, our suppliers and the defense industry. Either could result in delayed cash collections and/or have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.  
The budget environment and sequestration as currently mandated remain a significant long-term risk. The President’s FY 2014 defense budget request of $527 billion (which largely reflects defense spending plans presented in the FY 2013 budget) is slightly lower than the final defense appropriations for FY 2013. Neither the President’s FY 2014 defense budget, nor the pending House and Senate defense appropriations bills, conforms to the reductions mandated by Part II of the Budget Control Act. If Congress does not take legislative action, sequestration will be applied to defense spending in FY 2014. The reductions in FY 2014 required by sequestration may well be greater

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than those applied in FY 2013. FY 2014 appropriations legislation or a continuing resolution could result in cancellations or major restructurings of our programs.
Considerable uncertainty exists regarding how budget reductions in the current fiscal year and beyond will be applied and what challenges the reductions will present for the defense industry. We believe sequestration will have serious negative consequences for the security of our country, the defense industrial base, including Northrop Grumman, and the customers, employees, suppliers, investors, and communities that rely on companies in the defense industrial base. Although it is difficult to determine specific impacts, especially over the longer term, we expect the budget environment and/or sequestration, as currently provided for under the Budget Control Act, will result in lower awards, revenues, profits and cash flows for our company. Members of Congress continue to discuss various options to address sequestration in future budget planning, but we cannot predict the outcome of these efforts. It is likely budget decisions made in this environment will have long-term impacts on our company and the entire defense industry.
Faced with continued budget uncertainty and continued threats to national security, the DoD is reviewing the roles and structure of the U.S. military. In January 2012, the DoD announced a new defense strategy intended to guide its priorities and budgeting decisions. The strategy calls for the U.S. military to project power globally and operate effectively in all domains, including cyberspace, and places particular emphasis on Asia Pacific as an area of strategic focus. In March 2013, the Secretary of Defense directed senior Pentagon officials to conduct a comprehensive strategic review of the DoD strategy, including examination of the choices underlying the strategy, force posture, investments and institutional management in light of the budgetary and strategic environment. The DoD briefed the results of this review in late July and provided some broad indications of the choices being weighed. In examining budget constraints within a sequestration environment over the next decade, DoD determined reductions in personnel, compensation and benefits, force structure, and modernization likely would be necessary. On force planning, the review broadly outlined several options, some that favor current capacity and others that emphasize future investments. DoD has stated that while the review demonstrated various alternatives, final decisions have not yet been made. Program and budget deliberations for the FY 2015 defense plan, currently scheduled for delivery to Congress in February 2014, are ongoing within DoD. The next Quadrennial Defense Review is scheduled to be completed and delivered to Congress in 2014. These various strategic reviews, as well as budget plans, proposed by the Administration and considered by Congress, may impact future funding for the company's programs.
We believe spending on recapitalization, modernization and maintenance of defense, intelligence, and homeland security assets will continue to be a national priority. Future defense spending is expected to include the development and procurement of new manned and unmanned military platforms and systems, along with advanced electronics and software to enhance the capabilities of existing individual systems and provide real-time integration of surveillance, information management, strike and battle management platforms. We expect significant new competitive opportunities to include long range strike, missile defense, command and control, network communications, enhanced situational awareness, satellite systems, restricted programs, cybersecurity, technical services and information technology, as well as numerous homeland security programs.
The company believes it has additional international opportunities (direct and foreign military sales), beyond those realized today, to sell its products and services outside the U.S. market, particularly in the domains of unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, logistics and manned military aircraft. The Administration is addressing and supporting export control reforms that could enhance our ability to take advantage of these opportunities. The company is dedicating additional resources to expanding its international sales with emphases on Australia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe, through both organic growth and acquisitions. To the extent these efforts are successful, increases in international awards, revenues, profits and cash flows may offset, or partially offset, potential declines resulting from the U.S. political and economic environment described above.
We are continuing to evaluate our evolving environment, how it might impact our company, and how best to address the challenges and opportunities presented.
Operating Performance Assessment and Reporting
We manage and assess the performance of our business based on our performance on contracts and programs (two or more closely-related contracts), with consideration given to the Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments described in Part II, Item 7 of our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Revenue on our portfolio of long-term contracts is primarily recognized using the cost-to-cost method of percentage of completion accounting, but in some cases the units-of-delivery method of percentage of completion accounting. As a result, sales tend to fluctuate in concert with costs across our large portfolio of contracts. Due to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules that

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

govern our business, most types of costs are allowable, and we do not focus on individual cost groupings (such as manufacturing, engineering and design labor costs, subcontractor costs, material costs, overhead costs, and general and administrative costs), as much as we do on total contract cost, which is the key driver of our sales and operating income.
Our contract management process involves the use of contract estimates-at-completion (EACs) that are generally prepared and evaluated on a bottoms-up basis at least annually and reviewed on a quarterly basis over the contract's period of performance. These EACs include an estimated contract operating margin based initially on the contract award amount, adjusted to reflect estimated risks related to contract performance. These risks typically include technical risk, schedule risk and performance risk based on our evaluation of the contract effort. Similarly, the EACs may include identified opportunities for operating margin rate improvement. Over the contract's period of performance, our program management organizations perform evaluations of contract performance and adjust the contract revenue and cost estimates to reflect the latest reliable information available.
Our business and program management organizations are comprised of skilled professional managers whose objective is to satisfy the customer's expectations, deliver high quality products and services, and manage contract cost risks and opportunities to achieve an appropriate operating margin rate on the contract. Our comprehensive business and contract management process is a coordinated process involving personnel with expertise from various disciplines including engineering, production control, contracts, cost management, mission assurance and quality, finance and supply chain, among others. As part of this overall contract management function, personnel monitor compliance with our critical accounting policies related to contract accounting and compliance with U.S. Government regulations. Contract operating income and period-to-period contract operating margin rates are adjusted over the contract's period of performance to reflect the latest estimated revenue and cost for the contract, including changes in the risks and opportunities affecting the contract. Such adjustments are accounted for under the cumulative catch-up method of accounting and may have a favorable or unfavorable effect on operating income depending upon the specific conditions affecting each contract.
In evaluating our operating performance, we look primarily at changes in sales and operating income, including the effects of meaningful changes in operating income as a result of changes in contract estimates. Where applicable, significant fluctuations in operating performance attributable to individual contracts or programs, or changes in a specific cost element across multiple contracts, are described in our analysis. Based on this approach and the nature of our operations, the discussion of results of operations first focuses on our four segments before distinguishing between products and services. Changes in sales are generally described in terms of volume, deliveries or other indicators of sales activity, and contract mix. For purposes of this discussion, volume generally refers to increases or decreases in cost or sales from production/service activity levels or delivery rates. Performance refers to changes in contract margin rates for the period, primarily related to the changes in estimates referred to above.
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
Selected financial highlights are presented in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions, except per share amounts
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Sales

$6,106

 

$6,270

 

$18,504

 

$18,742

Operating costs and expenses
5,316

 
5,534

 
16,149

 
16,436

Operating income
790

 
736

 
2,355

 
2,306

Operating margin rate
12.9
%
 
11.7
%
 
12.7
%
 
12.3
%
Federal and foreign income tax expense
223

 
236

 
682

 
733

Effective income tax rate
31.0
%
 
34.0
%
 
31.6
%
 
33.7
%
Diluted earnings per share
2.14

 
1.82

 
6.22

 
5.67

Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 950

 

$ 812

 

$ 1,279

 

$ 1,583

Sales
Sales for the three months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $164 million, or 3 percent, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $238 million, or 1 percent, as compared with the same periods in 2012.


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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

The table below shows the variances in segment sales from the prior year periods:
$ in millions
Three Month Variance
 
Nine Month Variance
Aerospace Systems
        $
(102
)
 
(4
%)
 
        $
209

 
3
%
Electronic Systems
67

 
4
%
 
91

 
2
%
Information Systems
(157
)
 
(9
%)
 
(494
)
 
(9
%)
Technical Services
(35
)
 
(5
%)
 
(129
)
 
(6
%)
Intersegment sales elimination
63

 
(12
%)
 
85

 
(5
%)
Total sales variance
        $
(164
)
 
(3
%)
 
        $
(238
)
 
(1
%)
For further information by segment refer to Segment Operating Results below, and for product and service detail, refer to the Product and Service Analysis section that follows Segment Operating Results.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating costs and expenses are primarily comprised of labor, material, subcontractor and overhead costs, and are generally allocated to contracts as incurred. In accordance with industry practice and 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 general and administrative costs are allocated on a systematic basis to contracts in progress.
Operating costs and expenses comprise the following:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Product and service costs

$4,761

 

$4,962

 

$ 14,454

 

$ 14,723

General and administrative expenses
555

 
572

 
1,695

 
1,713

Operating costs and expenses

$5,316

 

$5,534

 

$ 16,149

 

$ 16,436

Product and service costs for the three months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $201 million, or 4 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012, consistent with the change in sales. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total sales of 9.1 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2013, were comparable to the same period in 2012.
Product and service costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $269 million, or 2 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012, consistent with the change in sales. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total sales of 9.2 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, were comparable to the same period in 2012.
For the product and service costs detail, see the Product and Service Analysis section that follows the Segment Operating Results.
Operating Income
We define operating income as sales less operating costs and expenses, which includes general and administrative expenses. Changes in estimated contract operating income at completion, resulting from changes in estimated sales, operating costs and expenses, are recorded using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. The aggregate effects of these changes in our estimated costs at completion, across our portfolio of contracts, can have a significant effect on our reported sales and operating income in each of our reporting periods. Cumulative catch-up operating income adjustments are presented in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Favorable adjustments

$290

 

$277

 

$837

 

$ 886

Unfavorable adjustments
(54
)
 
(63
)
 
(180
)
 
(185
)
Net favorable adjustments

$236

 

$214

 

$657

 

$ 701


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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income, as reconciled below, is a non-GAAP measure and is used by management as an internal measure for financial performance of our operating segments. Segment operating income is defined as operating income less certain corporate-level expenses that are not considered allowable or allocable under applicable Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) or FAR and net Financial Accounting Standards (FAS)/CAS pension differences.
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Segment operating income

$763

 

$730

 

$2,308

 

$2,301

Segment operating margin rate
12.5
%
 
11.6
%
 
12.5
%
 
12.3
%
Segment operating income increased for the three months ended September 30, 2013, due to improved performance and higher net favorable adjustments than in the prior period. Segment operating income increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, principally due to improved performance, partially offset by lower sales and lower net favorable adjustments than in the prior period. For further information by segment refer to Segment Operating Results below.
The table below reconciles segment operating income to total operating income:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Segment operating income

$763

 

$730

 

$2,308

 

$2,301

FAS pension expense in accordance with GAAP
(93
)
 
(92
)
 
(280
)
 
(278
)
Pension expense in accordance with CAS
154

 
126

 
405

 
379

Net FAS/CAS pension adjustment
61

 
34

 
125

 
101

Unallocated corporate expenses
(33
)
 
(27
)
 
(73
)
 
(89
)
Other
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
(7
)
Total operating income

$790

 

$736

 

$2,355

 

$2,306

For financial statement purposes, we account for our employee pension plans in accordance with GAAP under FAS. We charge the costs of these plans to our contracts in accordance with the FAR and the related CAS that govern such plans. The net FAS/CAS pension adjustment is pension expense determined in accordance with GAAP less pension expense charged to contracts and included in segment operating income. Unallocated corporate expenses generally include the portion of corporate expenses, other than FAS pension costs, not considered allowable or allocable under applicable CAS and FAR rules, and therefore not allocated to the segments, such as a portion of management and administration, legal, environmental, certain compensation and retiree benefits, and other expenses. The change in net FAS/CAS pension adjustment from the prior year periods reflects an update for actual demographic experience as of January 1, 2013, which resulted in an increase to the company's 2013 CAS pension expense.
Federal and Foreign Income Tax Expense
The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, were 31.0 percent and 31.6 percent, respectively, compared with 34.0 percent and 33.7 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The company's lower effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2013, includes an additional $16 million benefit associated with the company's 2012 U.S. federal tax return and a $6 million benefit for the American Taxpayer Relief Act, which reinstated research tax credits for 2012 and 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the company recorded $29 million of research tax credits representing estimated full year 2012 research tax credits and three quarters of the expected 2013 research tax credits and an additional $16 million benefit associated with the 2012 U.S. federal tax return.
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2013, increased $0.32, or 18 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012. Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, increased $0.55, or 10 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012. The higher diluted earnings per share for both periods reflects higher earnings and the impact of 2012 and 2013 share repurchases.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Cash from Operating Activities
For the three months ended September 30, 2013, net cash from operating activities increased $138 million, as compared with the same period in 2012, principally driven by a $300 million voluntary pension contribution made in September 2012, partially offset by changes in trade working capital. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, net cash from operating activities decreased $304 million, as compared with the same period in 2012, principally driven by higher pension contributions in 2013 and changes in trade working capital.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Basis of Presentation
We are aligned into four segments: Aerospace Systems, Electronic Systems, Information Systems, and Technical Services. This section discusses segment sales, operating income and operating margin rates. The reconciliation of segment sales to total sales is provided in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1, with the difference being intersegment sales eliminations. The reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income, as well as a discussion of the reconciling items, is provided in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1. For purposes of the discussion in this Segment Operating Results section, references to operating income and operating margin rate reflect segment operating income and segment operating margin rate.
AEROSPACE SYSTEMS
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Sales

$2,484

 

$2,586

 

$7,582

 

$7,373

Operating income
330

 
288

 
936

 
859

Operating margin rate
13.3
%
 
11.1
%
 
12.3
%
 
11.7
%
Current Quarter
Aerospace Systems sales for the three months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $102 million, or 4 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012, due to lower volume on manned military aircraft and unmanned programs, partially offset by higher volume on space programs. The decrease for manned military aircraft was primarily due to lower volume on the F-35 program, partially offset by higher volume on the F/A-18 and B-2 Stealth Bomber (B-2) programs. The decrease for unmanned programs reflects lower volume on the Global Hawk program, partially offset by increased volume due to ramp up on the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) program. The increase in space sales reflects higher volume on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) programs, partially offset by lower volume for restricted programs.
Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2013, increased $42 million, or 15 percent, and operating margin rate increased to 13.3 percent from 11.1 percent. Higher operating income and operating margin rate reflect a $44 million increase in net favorable adjustments principally for space and manned military aircraft programs, compared with the prior period, which more than offset the lower sales volume described above.
Year to Date
Aerospace Systems sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, increased $209 million, or 3 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012, due to higher volume on manned military aircraft, unmanned and space programs. The increase for manned military aircraft was primarily due to higher volume on the F-35 program as a result of increased deliveries, as well as higher volume on the B-2 program. Higher unmanned volume reflects several program ramp-ups including the NATO AGS program, partially offset by lower volume on the Global Hawk program. The increase in space sales reflects higher volume for the JWST and AEHF programs, partially offset by lower volume for restricted programs.
Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, increased $77 million, or 9 percent, and operating margin rate increased to 12.3 percent, from 11.7 percent. Higher operating income and margin rate reflect a $59 million increase in net favorable adjustments principally on space programs compared with the prior period.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Sales

$1,774

 

$1,707

 

$5,266

 

$5,175

Operating income
273

 
279

 
891

 
859

Operating margin rate
15.4
%
 
16.3
%
 
16.9
%
 
16.6
%
Current Quarter
Electronic Systems sales for the three months ended September 30, 2013, increased $67 million, or 4 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012. Higher volume on international and combat avionics programs was partially offset by lower volume on navigation and maritime systems programs.
Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $6 million, or 2 percent, and operating margin rate decreased to 15.4 percent from 16.3 percent. Operating income reflects a reduction in net favorable adjustments, which more than offset the higher sales volume described above.
Year to Date
Electronic Systems sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, increased $91 million, or 2 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012. Higher volume on international, tactical sensor, and space programs was partially offset by lower volume on navigation and maritime systems, laser systems and infrared countermeasures programs.
Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, increased $32 million, or 4 percent, and operating margin rate increased to 16.9 percent from 16.6 percent. Higher operating income and operating margin rate includes the reversal of a $26 million non-programmatic risk reserve and higher sales volume described above.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Sales

$1,619

 

$1,776

 

$4,982

 

$5,476

Operating income
162

 
170

 
474

 
577

Operating margin rate
10.0
%
 
9.6
%
 
9.5
%
 
10.5
%
Current Quarter
Information Systems sales for the three months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $157 million, or 9 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012. The sales decline includes a $17 million impact for the transfer of intercompany efforts to our corporate shared services organization and portfolio shaping. Excluding the transfer and portfolio shaping, sales declined 8 percent due to lower funding levels and program completions across the portfolio, including programs impacted by in-theater force reductions and sequestration.
Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $8 million, or 5 percent, and operating margin rate increased to 10.0 percent, from 9.6 percent. Lower operating income and higher operating margin rate were driven by the lower sales volume described above and improved performance compared with the prior period.
Year to Date
Information Systems sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $494 million, or 9 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012. The sales decline includes a $75 million impact for the transfer of intercompany efforts to our corporate shared services organization. Excluding the transfer, sales declined 8 percent due to lower funding levels and program completions across the portfolio, including programs impacted by in-theater force reductions and sequestration.
Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $103 million, or 18 percent, and operating margin rate decreased to 9.5 percent, from 10.5 percent. Lower operating income and operating margin rate were primarily driven by the lower sales volume described above and a $46 million reduction in net favorable adjustments compared with the prior period.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

TECHNICAL SERVICES
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Sales

$713

 

$748

 

$2,152

 

$2,281

Operating income
67

 
62

 
201

 
206

Operating margin rate
9.4
%
 
8.3
%
 
9.3
%
 
9.0
%
Current Quarter
Technical Services sales for the three months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $35 million, or 5 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012. The decrease was due to lower volume on integrated logistics and modernization programs and the InterContinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) program.
Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2013, increased $5 million, or 8 percent, and operating margin rate increased to 9.4 percent from 8.3 percent. Higher operating income and operating margin rate reflects an increase in net favorable adjustments compared with the prior period, which more than offset the decline in sales.
Year to Date
Technical Services sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $129 million, or 6 percent, as compared with the same period in 2012. The decrease was primarily due to reductions on the KC-10 and ICBM logistics programs, as well as portfolio shaping efforts.
Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $5 million, or 2 percent, and operating margin rate increased to 9.3 percent from 9.0 percent. Lower operating income and higher operating margin rate were driven by lower sales volume described above and an increase in net favorable adjustments compared with the prior period.
PRODUCT AND SERVICE ANALYSIS
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Product sales

$3,330

 

$3,487

 

$10,344

 

$10,227

Product costs(1)
2,499

 
2,629

 
7,833

 
7,760

% of product sales
75.0
%
 
75.4
%
 
75.7
%
 
75.9
%
Service sales
2,776

 
2,783

 
8,160

 
8,515

Service costs(1)
2,262

 
2,333

 
6,621

 
6,963

% of service sales
81.5
%
 
83.8
%
 
81.1
%
 
81.8
%
(1)
Product and service costs do not include an allocation of general and administrative expenses.
Current Quarter
Product costs as a percentage of product sales decreased 40 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2013, as compared with the same period in 2012. The lower product costs as a percentage of sales reflects higher net favorable adjustments at Aerospace Systems, partially offset by lower net favorable adjustments at Electronic Systems.
Service costs as a percentage of service sales decreased 230 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2013, as compared with the same period in 2012. The lower service costs as a percentage of sales reflects improved performance compared to the prior period at Electronic Systems and Aerospace Systems.
Year to Date
Product costs as a percentage of product sales were comparable with the same period in 2012.
Service costs as a percentage of service sales decreased 70 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as compared with the same period in 2012. The lower service costs as a percentage of sales reflects higher service operating margins at Electronic Systems, partially offset by lower service operating margins at Information Systems.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

The following table presents product and service sales and operating costs and expenses by segment:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
2012
 
2013
2012
Segment Information:
Sales
Operating Costs and Expenses
Sales
Operating Costs and Expenses
 
Sales
Operating Costs and Expenses
Sales
Operating Costs and Expenses
Aerospace Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product

$1,867


$1,620


$2,263


$1,996

 

$ 6,204


$ 5,450


$ 6,455


$ 5,714

Service
617

534

323

302

 
1,378

1,196

918

800

Electronic Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
1,377

1,149

1,270

1,023

 
4,063

3,365

3,969

3,243

Service
397

352

437

405

 
1,203

1,010

1,206

1,073

Information Systems
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
260

226

384

339

 
669

598

522

457

Service
1,359

1,231

1,392

1,267

 
4,313

3,910

4,954

4,442

Technical Services
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product
36

38

140

129

 
141

130

147

134

Service
677

608

608

557

 
2,011

1,821

2,134

1,941

Segment Totals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Product

$3,540


$3,033


$4,057


$3,487

 

$11,077


$ 9,543


$11,093


$ 9,548

Total Service
3,050

2,725

2,760

2,531

 
8,905

7,937

9,212

8,256

Intersegment eliminations
(484
)
(415
)
(547
)
(478
)
 
(1,478
)
(1,284
)
(1,563
)
(1,363
)
Total segment(1)

$6,106


$5,343


$6,270


$5,540

 

$18,504


$16,196


$18,742


$16,441

(1) The reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income, as well as a discussion of the reconciling items, is included in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in Item 1.
Product Sales and Costs
Current Quarter
Product sales for the three months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $517 million, as compared with the same period in 2012. The decrease was primarily due to lower product sales at Aerospace Systems and Information Systems. The decrease at Aerospace Systems was primarily due to lower volume on manned military aircraft and unmanned programs as described in the Segment Operating Results section above. The decrease at Information Systems was primarily driven by lower intercompany volume.
Product costs for the three months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $454 million, as compared with the same period in 2012. The decrease was primarily due to lower volume on manned military aircraft and unmanned sales volume at Aerospace Systems.
Year to Date
Product sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $16 million, as compared with the same period in 2012. The decrease was primarily due to lower product sales at Aerospace Systems, partially offset by higher product sales at Information Systems and Electronic Systems. The decrease at Aerospace Systems was primarily driven by lower volume on certain unmanned programs. The increase at Information Systems was primarily due to newly awarded product contracts. The increase at Electronic Systems was primarily driven by higher international and space program volume as described in the Segment Operating Results section above.
Product costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $5 million, as compared with the same period in 2012. The decrease was consistent with lower sales on certain unmanned programs at Aerospace Systems. The decrease was partially offset by the higher sales volume at Electronic Systems and newly awarded product contracts at Information Systems, as described above.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Service Sales and Costs
Current Quarter
Service sales for the three months ended September 30, 2013, increased $290 million, as compared with the same period in 2012, primarily due to higher service sales at Aerospace Systems from a revision in the classification of certain operations, maintenance, and sustainment contracts from product to service in the third quarter of 2013.
Service costs for the three months ended September 30, 2013, increased $194 million, as compared with the same period in 2012, primarily due to higher service sales consistent with the higher sales at Aerospace Systems described above.
Year to Date
Service sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $307 million, as compared with the same period in 2012, primarily due to lower service sales at Information Systems and Technical Services across a number of programs, as described in the Segment Operating Results section above.
Service costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $319 million, as compared with the same period in 2012, primarily due to lower service sales at Information Systems over a number of programs, as described in the Segment Operating Results section above.
BACKLOG
Total backlog includes both funded backlog (firm orders for which funding is authorized and appropriated by the customer) and unfunded backlog. Unexercised contract options and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are not included in backlog until the time the option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded. For multiyear service contracts with non-U.S. Government customers having no stated contract values, backlog includes only the amounts committed by the customer. Backlog is converted into sales as costs are incurred or deliveries are made.
Backlog consisted of the following at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012:
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
$ in millions
Funded
 
Unfunded
 
Total
Backlog
 
Total
Backlog
Aerospace Systems

$10,413

 

$ 8,150

 

$18,563

 

$19,594

Electronic Systems
7,089

 
1,681

 
8,770

 
9,471

Information Systems
3,694

 
3,641

 
7,335

 
8,541

Technical Services
2,228

 
622

 
2,850

 
3,203

Total backlog

$23,424

 

$14,094

 

$37,518

 

$40,809

New Awards
The estimated value of new contract awards recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, was $16.2 billion. On a net basis, awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, totaled $15.2 billion, reflecting $1.0 billion of adjustments during the first half of the year to reduce Information Systems unfunded backlog principally associated with expired periods of performance on active contracts, including several previously awarded task orders on IDIQ contracts. New awards during this period include $1.5 billion for the F-35 program, $1.3 billion for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program, $780 million for the AEHF program, $412 million for the Global Hawk program, and $346 million for the B-2 program.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We endeavor to ensure the most efficient conversion of operating income into cash for deployment in our business and to maximize shareholder value. In addition to our cash position, we use various financial measures to assist in capital deployment decision-making, including cash provided by operating activities, free cash flow, net debt-to-equity, and net debt-to-capital. We believe these measures are useful to investors in assessing our financial performance and condition.
During the second quarter of 2013, the company's board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock. Repurchases under this program commenced upon the completion of the company's 2010 repurchase program in September 2013. At the same time, the company

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

announced its plan to repurchase shares with the goal of retiring approximately 25 percent of its outstanding shares by the end of 2015, market conditions permitting.
During the second quarter of 2013, the company also issued $2.85 billion of unsecured senior notes (the Notes). The company used a portion of the net proceeds to redeem $850 million of unsecured senior notes due in 2014 and 2015 (see Note 5 in Part I, Item 1). The remaining net proceeds from the offering of the Notes will be used for general corporate purposes, including debt repayments, share repurchases, pension plan funding, acquisitions and working capital.
In August 2013, the company entered into a new five-year senior unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.775 billion (the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement replaced the company’s prior five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion entered into on September 8, 2011, and its 364-day revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million entered into on September 4, 2012.
Cash balances and cash generated from operating activities, supplemented by borrowings under credit facilities and/or in the capital markets, if needed, is expected to be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months.
The table below summarizes key components of cash flow provided by operating activities:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net earnings

$497

 

$459

 

$1,474

 

$1,445

Non-cash items(1)
213

 
219

 
515

 
488

Retiree benefit funding less than (in excess of) expense
66

 
(236
)
 
(331
)
 
(99
)
Trade working capital decrease (increase) and other
174

 
370

 
(379
)
 
(251
)
Net cash provided by operating activities

$950

 

$812

 

$1,279

 

$1,583

(1)
Includes depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense and deferred income taxes
Free Cash Flow from Operations
Free cash flow from operations is defined as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. We believe free cash flow from operations is a useful measure for investors to consider as it represents the cash flow the company has available after capital spending to invest for future growth, strengthen the balance sheet and/or return to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Free cash flow is a key factor in our planning for and consideration of strategic acquisitions, the payment of dividends and stock repurchases.
Free cash flow from operations is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP, and may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. This measure should not be considered in isolation as a measure of residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes or as an alternative to operating results presented in accordance with GAAP as indicators of performance.
The table below reconciles cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow from operations:
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
$ in millions
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net cash provided by operating activities

$950

 

$812

 

$1,279

 

$1,583

Less: capital expenditures
(90
)
 
(64
)
 
(178
)
 
(196
)
Free cash flow provided by operations

$860

 

$748

 

$1,101

 

$1,387

Cash Flows
The following is a discussion of our major operating, investing and financing cash flows from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, as classified in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows in Part I, Item 1.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Operating Activities
Net cash from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $304 million, as compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease was principally driven by higher pension contributions in 2013 and changes in trade working capital.
Investing Activities
Net cash from investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, decreased $230 million, as compared to the same period in 2012, due to $250 million in proceeds from the maturity of short-term investments in 2012.
Financing Activities
Net cash from financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, increased $1.1 billion, as compared to the same period in 2012. The increase was primarily due to the net proceeds of $2.0 billion from the debt transaction described above, which was partially offset by higher repurchases of common stock.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES, AND JUDGMENTS
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies, estimates, or judgments from those discussed in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES
Accounting standards updates effective after September 30, 2013, are not expected to have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial position or annual results of operations.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS
This Form 10-Q and the information we are incorporating by reference contain statements, other than statements of historical fact, that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “outlook,” “anticipate,” “trends,” "goals" and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, expectations, plans and projections that we believe to be reasonable when made. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those identified under Risk Factors in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as well as those identified in this report under Part II, Item 1A and other important factors disclosed in this report and from time to time in our other filings with the SEC.
You are urged to consider the limitations on, and risks associated with, forward-looking statements and not unduly rely on the accuracy of predictions contained in such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report 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.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Other than the debt transactions, including associated interest, described in Note 5 of Part I, Item 1, and in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section, there have been no material changes to our contractual obligations from those discussed in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes to our market risks from those discussed in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our principal executive officer (Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President) and principal financial officer (Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) have evaluated the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) and have concluded that, as of September 30, 2013, these controls and procedures were effective.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended September 30, 2013, no change occurred in our internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls 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 our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and updated that information in Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
We are a party to various investigations, lawsuits, claims 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 fines, penalties, compensatory or treble damages or non-monetary relief. United States (U.S.) Government regulations also provide that certain allegations against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from future U.S. Government contracts or suspension of export privileges for the company or one or more of its components. Suspension or debarment could have a material adverse effect on the company because of the company's reliance on government contracts and authorizations. The nature of legal proceedings is such that we cannot assure the outcome of any particular matter. However, based on information available to us to date and other than as noted in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in this report, we do not believe that the outcome of any matter pending against the company is likely to have a material adverse effect on the company's condensed consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2013, or its annual results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following is an update to two of our risk factors described in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with the risk factors therein.
Significant delays or reductions in appropriations for our programs and U.S. Government funding more broadly may negatively impact our business and programs and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Our primary customer is the U.S. Government, from which we derived more than 90 percent of our total revenues during each of the past several years. U.S. Government programs are subject to annual congressional budget authorization and appropriation processes. For many programs, Congress appropriates funds on a fiscal year basis even though the program performance period may extend over several years. Consequently, programs are often partially funded initially and additional funds are committed only as Congress makes further appropriations. If we incur costs in excess of funds obligated on a contract, we may be at risk for reimbursement of those costs unless and until additional funds are obligated to the contract. We cannot predict the extent to which total funding and/or funding for individual programs will be included, increased or reduced as part of the annual budget process ultimately approved by Congress or in separate supplemental appropriations or continuing resolutions, as applicable. The impact, severity and duration of the current U.S. economic situation and plans adopted by the U.S. Government, along with pressures on, and uncertainty surrounding, the federal budget and the permissible federal debt limit, could adversely affect the funding for individual programs and delay purchasing or payment decisions by our customers. In the event that government funding for our significant programs becomes unavailable, or is reduced or delayed, our contract or subcontract under such programs may be terminated or adjusted by the U.S. Government or the prime contractor, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
Part I of the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Budget Control Act) provided for a reduction in planned defense budgets of at least $487 billion over a ten year period, and the fiscal year (FY) 2013 impacts were incorporated in the government's FY 2013 budget. Part II mandated substantial additional reductions through a process known as "sequestration," which took effect March 1, 2013, and resulted in approximately $40 billion of additional reductions to the FY 2013 defense budget.
On March 26, 2013, the President signed into law the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, which included specific appropriations for our major federal customers, including the DoD, subject to further reductions or sequestration under the Budget Control Act.
FY 2014 began on October 1, 2013 without appropriations legislation or a continuing resolution for FY 2014 and many parts of the U.S. Government temporarily shut down. Although Congress has not yet passed FY 2014 appropriations, on October 16, 2013, Congress passed a continuing resolution, which funds the government through January 15, 2014 and suspended the statutory limit on the amount of permissible federal debt (the debt ceiling) through February 7, 2014. It is unclear when or if annual appropriations bills will be enacted for FY

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

2014. The U.S. Government may operate under a continuing resolution for all of FY 2014, restricting new contract or program starts for that year.
Congressional appropriation and authorization of FY 2014 spending, including defense spending, and the application of sequestration remain marked by significant debate and an uncertain schedule. Congress and the Administration also continue to debate the debt ceiling, among other fiscal issues, as they negotiate plans for long-term national fiscal policy. The outcome of these debates could have a significant impact on future defense spending broadly and the company's programs, in particular.
Unless Congress passes appropriations legislation or provides for a continuing resolution throughout FY 2014, or if the existing debt ceiling is not raised, we may be required to continue to perform for some period of time on certain of our U.S. Government contracts even if the U.S. Government is unable to make timely payments. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, it could result in program cancellations and stop work orders and could limit our ability to perform on our U.S. Government contracts. A debt ceiling breach could, among other impacts, negatively affect the U.S. Government's timely payment of our billings. Either a prolonged shutdown or a breach of the debt ceiling could have significant near and long-term consequences for our company, our employees, our suppliers and the defense industry. Either could result in delayed cash collections and/or have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
The budget environment and sequestration as currently mandated remain a significant long-term risk. The President’s FY 2014 defense budget request of $527 billion (which largely reflects defense spending plans presented in the FY 2013 budget) is slightly lower than the final defense appropriations for FY 2013. Neither the President’s FY 2014 defense budget, nor the pending House and Senate defense appropriations bills, conforms to the reductions mandated by Part II of the Budget Control Act. If Congress does not take legislative action, sequestration will be applied to defense spending in FY 2014. The reductions in FY 2014 required by sequestration may well be greater than those applied in FY 2013. FY 2014 appropriations legislation or a continuing resolution could result in cancellations or major restructurings of our programs.
Considerable uncertainty exists regarding how budget reductions in the current fiscal year and beyond will be applied and what challenges the reductions will present for the defense industry. We believe sequestration will have serious negative consequences for the security of our country, the defense industrial base, including Northrop Grumman, and the customers, employees, suppliers, investors, and communities that rely on companies in the defense industrial base. Although it is difficult to determine specific impacts, especially over the longer term, we expect the budget environment and/or sequestration, as currently provided for under the Budget Control Act, will result in lower awards, revenues, profits and cash flows for our company. Members of Congress continue to discuss various options to address sequestration in future budget planning, but we cannot predict the outcome of these efforts. It is likely budget decisions made in this environment will have long-term impacts on our company and the entire defense industry. Long-term funding for certain programs in which we participate may be reduced, delayed or cancelled. In addition, cuts could adversely affect the viability of our suppliers and subcontractors, and our employee base. While we believe that our business is well-positioned in areas that the Department of Defense (DoD) has indicated are areas of focus for future defense spending, the impact of the Budget Control Act, other defense spending cuts, and the ongoing fiscal debates remains uncertain and our business and industry could be materially adversely affected.
Changes to business practices for U.S. Government contractors could have a significant adverse effect on current programs, potential new awards and the processes by which procurements are awarded and managed.
Our industry has experienced, and we expect it will continue to experience, significant changes to business practices as a result of an increased focus on affordability, efficiencies, and recovery of costs, among other items, and a reprioritization of available defense funds to key areas for future defense spending. For example, the DoD's Better Buying Power Initiative continues to evolve in its efforts to reduce costs, gain efficiencies, refocus priorities and enhance business practices used by the DoD, including those used to procure goods, services and solutions from defense contractors. In addition, the DCMA has implemented cost recovery initiatives designed to prioritize efforts to recover costs and close open audits. As a result of certain of these initiatives, we have experienced and may continue to experience an increased number of audits and/or a lengthened period of time required to close open audits. More recently, the thresholds for certain allowable costs, including compensation costs, are being challenged or debated. Significant changes to the thresholds for allowable costs could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

These efforts have had, and we expect them to continue to have, a significant impact on the contracting environment in which we do business. In support of the implementation of the Better Buying Power Initiative, the U.S. Government is issuing new regulations and requirements that are shifting additional responsibility and performance risks to the contractor. While the impact to our business as a result of these changes remains uncertain, our business and industry could be materially adversely affected.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Purchases of Equity Securities – The table below summarizes our repurchases of common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2013:
Period
Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
 
Average 
Price
Paid per
Share(2)
 
Numbers
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)
July
1,147,875

 

$85.63

 
1,147,875

 
 

$4,458

August
3,234,892

 
94.18

 
3,234,892

 
 
4,154

September
3,677,148

 
95.10

 
3,677,148

 
 
3,804

Ending balance
8,059,915

 

$93.38

 
8,059,915

 
 

$3,804

(1)
On May 15, 2013, the company's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock. Repurchases under this program commenced upon the completion of the company's 2010 repurchase program in September 2013. As of September 30, 2013, our repurchases under the program totaled $196 million, and $3.8 billion remained under this share repurchase authorization. The repurchase program will expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchase.
(2)
Includes commissions paid.
Share repurchases take place from time to time, subject to market conditions and management's discretion, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The company retires its common stock upon repurchase and has not made any purchases of common stock other than in connection with these publicly announced repurchase program authorizations.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
No information is required in response to this item.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
No information is required in response to this item.
Item 5. Other Information
No information is required in response to this item.
Item 6. Exhibits
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger among Titan II, Inc. (formerly Northrop Grumman Corporation), Northrop Grumman Corporation (formerly New P, Inc.) and Titan Merger Sub Inc., dated March 29, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed April 4, 2011)
 
 
2.2
Separation and Distribution Agreement dated as of March 29, 2011, among Titan II, Inc. (formerly Northrop Grumman Corporation), Northrop Grumman Corporation (formerly New P, Inc.), Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Inc. and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed April 4, 2011)
 
 
4.1
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 31, 2013 between Northrop Grumman Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, Trustee, to Indenture dated as of November 21, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K filed May 31, 2013
 
 

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NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION                        

4.2
Form of 1.750% Senior Note due 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K filed May 31, 2013)
 
 
4.3
Form of 3.250% Senior Note due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K filed May 31, 2013)
 
 
4.4
Form of 4.750% Senior Note due 2043 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Form 8-K filed May 31, 2013)
 
 
10.1
Credit Agreement dated as of August 29, 2013, among Northrop Grumman Corporation, as Borrower; Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, as Guarantor; the Lenders party thereto; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent; an Issuing Bank and a Swingline Lender, and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Citibank, N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Banks and Syndication Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed August 30, 2013)
 
 
+10.2
Grant Certificate Specifying the Terms and Conditions Applicable to Special 2013 Restricted Stock Rights Granted to James F. Palmer Under the 2011 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed September 23, 2013)
 
 
+*10.3
Appendix B to the Northrop Grumman Supplemental Plan 2: ERISA Supplemental Program 2 (Amended and Restated Effective as of October 1, 2013)
 
 
+*10.4
Northrop Grumman Savings Excess Plan (Amended and Restated Effective as of October 1, 2013)
 
 
+*10.5
Northrop Grumman Officers Retirement Account Contribution Plan (Amended and Restated Effective as of October 1, 2013)
 
 
*12(a)
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
*15
Letter from Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
*31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Wesley G. Bush (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 
 
*31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of James F. Palmer (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 
 
**32.1
Certification of Wesley G. Bush pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
**32.2
Certification of James F. Palmer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
*101
Northrop Grumman Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language); (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

+
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
 
 
*
Filed with this report
 
 
**
Furnished with this report

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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: October 22, 2013

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