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Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) Q1 2026 profit jumps, guidance reaffirmed

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(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Northrop Grumman reported strong first quarter 2026 results, with sales up 4% to $9.9 billion and diluted EPS up 85% to $6.14. Net earnings rose 82% to $875 million, driven mainly by much higher operating income and pension benefits versus last year’s B‑21 loss provision.

Segment operating income nearly doubled, lifting the segment margin from 6.0% to 10.8%, led by Aeronautics Systems and Mission Systems. Space Systems saw lower sales and margins due to the NGI wind‑down and a $71 million GEM 63XL charge. Free cash flow was a use of $1.8 billion, similar to last year, reflecting typical first‑half working capital timing. The company ended the quarter with $95.6 billion of backlog and reaffirmed its 2026 guidance for sales, segment operating income, MTM‑adjusted EPS and free cash flow.

Positive

  • Profit and EPS surged: Q1 2026 net earnings increased 82% to $875 million and diluted EPS rose 85% to $6.14, reflecting much higher operating income versus the prior year.
  • Margin expansion across the portfolio: total operating margin improved from 6.1% to 10.0%, and segment operating margin rose from 6.0% to 10.8%, led by Aeronautics Systems and Mission Systems.
  • Strong program demand and backlog: net awards reached $9.8 billion, and total backlog remained very large at $95.6 billion, supported by major restricted, F‑35, infrared countermeasures and Triton awards.
  • Reaffirmed full‑year 2026 outlook: the company maintained guidance for 2026 sales of $43.5–$44.0 billion, segment operating income of $4.85–$5.0 billion, MTM‑adjusted EPS of $27.40–$27.90 and free cash flow of $3.1–$3.5 billion.

Negative

  • Continued heavy cash use early in the year: Q1 2026 free cash flow was a use of $1.823 billion, similar to the prior year, as working capital increased and operating cash flows were seasonally weak.
  • Space Systems margin pressure and one‑time charge: Space Systems sales fell 3% and operating income declined 17%, with margin dropping from 11.0% to 9.5%, including a $71 million unfavorable GEM 63XL adjustment tied to a launch anomaly.
  • Sales headwind from NGI wind‑down: Space Systems revenue decreased partly due to a $98 million reduction related to the wind‑down of work on the Next Generation Interceptor program.

Insights

Q1 2026 delivered a sharp profit rebound, solid demand, but weak near‑term cash flow.

Northrop Grumman grew Q1 2026 sales 4% to $9.9B, but profit expanded much faster. Net earnings rose 82% to $875M and diluted EPS increased 85% to $6.14, helped by the absence of last year’s B‑21 loss provision and stronger segment margins, especially in Aeronautics and Mission Systems.

Demand indicators remain robust. Net awards were $9.8B and total backlog was $95.6B, roughly flat year on year but still very large. The company reached agreements with the U.S. Air Force to increase B‑21 production capacity and accelerate Sentinel initial operating capability, highlighting its role on key strategic programs.

Cash performance was weaker: free cash flow was a use of $1.8B in the quarter, similar to Q1 2025, as working capital built up and operating cash outflows were seasonally heavy. Management reaffirmed 2026 guidance, including sales of $43.5B–$44.0B and MTM‑adjusted EPS of $27.40–$27.90, so subsequent 2026 quarters will show how effectively earnings translate into cash.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Q1 2026 Sales $9.881 billion Total sales for three months ended March 31, 2026; up 4% year over year
Q1 2026 Net Earnings $875 million Net earnings for three months ended March 31, 2026; up 82% year over year
Q1 2026 Diluted EPS $6.14 per share Diluted EPS for three months ended March 31, 2026; increased from $3.32
Q1 2026 Free Cash Flow -$1.823 billion Net cash used in operating activities minus capital expenditures in Q1 2026
Total Backlog $95.608 billion Total backlog as of March 31, 2026, including funded and unfunded
Aeronautics Systems Sales $3.283 billion Q1 2026 segment sales; 17% year-over-year increase
Space Systems Sales $2.480 billion Q1 2026 segment sales; 3% year-over-year decline
2026 Sales Guidance $43.5–$44.0 billion Reaffirmed full-year 2026 sales outlook as of April 21, 2026
MTM-adjusted EPS financial
"MTM-adjusted EPS 1 | $27.40 — $27.90"
segment operating income financial
"Segment operating income 1 | $4,850 — $5,000"
Segment operating income is the profit a company earns from one specific part of its business after subtracting the costs of running that part but before interest, taxes and corporate-level items. For investors, it shows which divisions are actually generating operating profit and lets you compare the health and efficiency of different business “slices,” much like checking the cash a single store in a chain makes before company-wide overhead is applied.
free cash flow financial
"Free cash flow 1 | $3,100 — $3,500"
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
organic sales financial
"Organic sales 1 | $9,881 | $9,396 | 5 %"
Organic sales are the change in a company’s revenue that comes from its existing business operations, excluding effects of acquisitions, divestitures, and currency swings. Think of it like measuring how much a garden grows from the plants you already tended, rather than adding new pots; investors use organic sales to judge whether demand and core business performance are genuinely improving or if growth is driven by one‑time deals or accounting shifts.
FAS/CAS operating adjustment financial
"FAS/CAS operating adjustment | 7 | 63 | (89) %"
effective income tax rate financial
"Effective income tax rate | 15.0 % | 16.8 % | (180) bps"
The effective income tax rate is the share of a company’s pre-tax profit that it actually pays in income taxes, calculated by dividing total tax expense by pre-tax income. For investors, it shows how much tax reduces a company’s earnings — like knowing the difference between a car’s sticker price and what you actually pay after fees and discounts — and helps compare profitability and cash available for growth or dividends.
Sales $9.881 billion +4% year over year
Net earnings $875 million +82% year over year
Diluted EPS $6.14 +85% year over year
Operating margin 10.0% +390 bps year over year
Guidance

Reaffirms 2026 guidance: sales $43.5–$44.0B, segment operating income $4.85–$5.0B, MTM-adjusted EPS $27.40–$27.90, free cash flow $3.1–$3.5B.

Understanding 8-K Material Events →
falseNORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP /DE/000113342100011334212026-04-212026-04-21

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 21, 2026

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware1-1641180-0640649
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

2980 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(703) 280-2900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common StockNOCNew York Stock Exchange


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐


ITEM 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On April 21, 2026, Northrop Grumman Corporation issued an earnings release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, under the heading “Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results.” The earnings release is furnished as Exhibit 99.
ITEM 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
  
(d)Exhibits
  
Exhibit Number
Description
99
Earnings Release dated April 21, 2026 (furnished)
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


SIGNATURE

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

       
  
  NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
  (Registrant)
   By: /s/ Jennifer C. McGarey
     (Signature)
Jennifer C. McGarey
Corporate Vice President and Secretary

Date: April 21, 2026



Exhibit 99
nocearningsreleasengclogoaa.jpg
News ReleaseContact:
Katie Young (Media)
908-520-9948
 
katherine.young@ngc.com
 
 Todd Ernst (Investors)
 
703-280-4535
 todd.ernst@ngc.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
•Reached agreements with the U.S. Air Force to increase B-21 production capacity and accelerate Sentinel initial operating capability
•Continued strong demand with net awards of $9.8 billion and backlog of $96 billion
•Sales increase 4 percent to $9.9 billion; organic sales1 increase 5 percent
•Operating income and margin rate increase to $989 million and 10.0 percent, respectively
•Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increases to $6.14
•Company reaffirms 2026 financial guidance for sales, segment operating income1, MTM-adjusted EPS1, and free cash flow1

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – April 21, 2026 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) reported first quarter 2026 sales increased 4 percent to $9.9 billion, as compared with $9.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025. First quarter sales reflect continued strong demand for our global capabilities. First quarter 2026 net earnings totaled $875 million, or $6.14 per diluted share, as compared with $481 million, or $3.32 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025.
“Northrop Grumman delivered strong first quarter results, with continued robust bookings, mid-single-digit organic sales growth, and solid operating performance, underscoring our ability to deliver in today’s unprecedented global demand environment,” said Kathy Warden, chair, chief executive officer and president. “With our diverse portfolio, robust manufacturing capacity, and proven performance, we’re delivering differentiating technology at speed and scale in support of our customers’ needs.”
1 Non-GAAP measure - see definitions at the end of this earnings release.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
2

Consolidated Operating Results and Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions, except per share amounts20262025Change
Sales
Aeronautics Systems$3,283 $2,814 17 %
Defense Systems1,899 1,805 5 %
Mission Systems2,861 2,807 2 %
Space Systems2,480 2,568 (3)%
Intersegment eliminations(642)(526)
Total sales9,881 9,468 4 %
Operating income (loss)
Aeronautics Systems305 (183)NM
Defense Systems184 179 3 %
Mission Systems433 361 20 %
Space Systems235 283 (17)%
Intersegment eliminations(85)(72)
Segment operating income1
1,072 568 89 %
Segment operating margin rate1
10.8%6.0%480 bps
FAS/CAS operating adjustment7 63 (89)%
Unallocated corporate expense:
Intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation(21)(21)— %
Other unallocated corporate expense(69)(37)86 %
Unallocated corporate expense(90)(58)55 %
Total operating income
$989 $573 73 %
Operating margin rate10.0%6.1%390 bps
Interest expense(162)(156)4 %
Non-operating FAS pension benefit166 130 28 %
Other, net37 31 19 %
Earnings before income taxes1,030 578 78 %
Federal and foreign income tax expense155 97 60 %
Effective income tax rate15.0%16.8%(180) bps
Net earnings
$875 $481 82 %
Diluted earnings per share
6.14 3.32 85 %
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions142.5 144.9 (2)%
Net cash used in operating activities$(1,656)$(1,565)(6)%
Capital expenditures(167)(256)(35)%
Free cash flow1
$(1,823)$(1,821)— %
1 Non-GAAP measure - see definitions at the end of this earnings release.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
3

Sales
Three Months Ended March 31%
$ in millions
20262025Change
Sales$9,881 $9,468 4 %
Less: Training services sales
— (72)
Organic sales1
$9,881 $9,396 5 %
First quarter 2026 sales increased $413 million, or 4 percent, due to higher sales of $469 million at Aeronautics Systems, as well as higher sales at Defense Systems and Mission Systems. These increases were partially offset by $116 million of higher intercompany eliminations and lower sales at Space Systems due to the wind-down of work on the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program.
Operating Income and Margin Rate
First quarter 2026 operating income increased $416 million, or 73 percent, largely driven by the prior year $477 million B-21 loss provision at Aeronautics Systems, partially offset by a $56 million decrease in the FAS/CAS operating adjustment. Operating margin rate increased to 10.0 percent from 6.1 percent reflecting the items above.
Segment Operating Income and Margin Rate1
First quarter 2026 segment operating income1 increased $504 million, or 89 percent, primarily due to $488 million of higher operating income at Aeronautics Systems and $72 million of higher operating income at Mission Systems, partially offset by $48 million of lower operating income at Space Systems. Segment operating margin rate1 increased to 10.8 percent from 6.0 percent primarily due to a higher operating margin rate at Aeronautics Systems and Mission Systems, partially offset by a lower operating margin rate at Space Systems.
Federal and Foreign Income Taxes
First quarter 2026 income tax expense increased $58 million, or 60 percent, due to $452 million of higher earnings before income taxes, partially offset by a lower effective tax rate (ETR). The first quarter 2026 ETR decreased to 15.0 percent from 16.8 percent primarily due to higher research credits, including a benefit related to Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax guidance recently issued by the IRS.
Net Earnings
First quarter 2026 net earnings increased $394 million, or 82 percent, primarily due to the $416 million increase in operating income described above and a $36 million increase in the non-operating FAS pension benefit, partially offset by a $58 million increase in income tax expense.
Cash Flows
First quarter 2026 net cash used in operating activities was comparable with the same period in 2025. Net cash used in operating activities reflects increases in trade working capital, consistent with the company’s historical timing of operating cash flows, which are generally more heavily weighted towards the second half of the year. First quarter 2026 free cash flow1 was comparable with the prior year period and reflects a $91 million increase in net cash used in operating activities and an $89 million reduction in capital expenditures.
1 Non-GAAP measure - see definitions at the end of this earnings release.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
4

Awards and Backlog
First quarter 2026 net awards totaled $9.8 billion, and backlog totaled $95.6 billion. Significant first quarter new awards include $4.9 billion for restricted programs (primarily at Aeronautics Systems, Space Systems, and Mission Systems), $0.5 billion for F-35 (primarily at Aeronautics Systems), $0.5 billion for infrared countermeasures programs, and $0.4 billion for Triton.
Segment Operating Results
AERONAUTICS SYSTEMS
Three Months Ended March 31
%
$ in millions20262025Change
Sales$3,283$2,81417 %
Operating income (loss)
305(183)NM
Operating margin rate9.3 %(6.5)%
Sales
First quarter 2026 sales increased $469 million, or 17 percent, primarily due to higher sales on B-21 and other restricted programs as well as increased volume on the E-130J TACAMO program as it ramps up. The higher B-21 sales reflect the company’s first quarter 2026 agreement with the U.S. Air Force to expand production capacity and increase the aircraft production rate, including the sale of a company-owned test asset. The sales increases were partially offset by a decrease on F/A-18 as final production deliveries have completed.
Operating Income
First quarter 2026 operating income increased $488 million and operating margin rate increased to 9.3 percent primarily due to the absence of the prior year B-21 loss provision.
DEFENSE SYSTEMS
Three Months Ended March 31
%
$ in millions20262025Change
Sales$1,899$1,8055 %
Less: Training services sales
—(72)
Organic sales1
$1,899$1,73310 %
Operating income$184 $179 3 %
Operating margin rate9.7 %9.9 %
Sales
First quarter 2026 sales increased $94 million, or 5 percent, primarily due to higher volume on Sentinel as that program continues to ramp, as well as higher volume on tactical solid rocket motor programs and across the Integrated Battle Command System portfolio. These increases were partially offset by a $72 million reduction in sales related to the divested training services business.
Operating Income
First quarter 2026 operating income increased $5 million, or 3 percent, primarily due to higher sales, partially offset by a lower operating margin rate. Operating margin rate decreased to 9.7 percent from 9.9 percent principally due to lower net EAC adjustments.
1 Non-GAAP measure - see definitions at the end of this earnings release.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
5

MISSION SYSTEMS
Three Months Ended March 31
%
$ in millions20262025Change
Sales$2,861$2,8072 %
Operating income43336120 %
Operating margin rate15.1 %12.9 %
Sales
First quarter 2026 sales increased $54 million, or 2 percent, primarily due to ramp-up on restricted airborne radar programs and higher volume on marine systems programs, partially offset by lower volume on the Scalable Agile Beam Radar program and airborne electronic warfare programs.
Operating Income
First quarter 2026 operating income increased $72 million, or 20 percent, primarily due to a higher operating margin rate and higher sales. Operating margin rate increased to 15.1 percent from 12.9 percent, primarily due to prior year investments made by the sector in connection with restricted business opportunities, as well as higher net EAC adjustments in the current year.
SPACE SYSTEMS
Three Months Ended March 31
%
$ in millions20262025Change
Sales$2,480$2,568(3)%
Operating income235283(17)%
Operating margin rate9.5 %11.0 %
Sales
First quarter 2026 sales decreased $88 million, or 3 percent, primarily due to wind-down of work on the NGI program, which reduced sales by $98 million, as well as lower sales on the Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM) 63XL program related to the unfavorable EAC adjustment described below. These decreases were partially offset by higher volume on Space Development Agency satellite programs driven by ramp-up on the Tranche 3 tracking layer award.
Operating Income
First quarter 2026 operating income decreased $48 million, or 17 percent, due to a lower operating margin rate and lower sales. Operating margin rate decreased to 9.5 percent from 11.0 percent, largely due to lower net EAC adjustments, including a $71 million unfavorable adjustment on GEM 63XL associated with a launch anomaly that occurred during the first quarter.
1 Non-GAAP measure - see definitions at the end of this earnings release.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
6

Guidance
    Financial guidance, as well as outlook, trends, expectations and other forward-looking statements provided by the company for 2026 and beyond, reflect the company's judgment based on the information available to the company at the time of this release. The company’s financial guidance and outlook for 2026 and beyond reflect what the company currently anticipates will be the impacts on the company from, among other factors, the global macroeconomic, security, and political/budget environments, including the impacts from inflationary pressures and labor and supply chain challenges; changes in the threat environment; changes in government budget, appropriations and procurement priorities and processes; changes in the regulatory environment, including trade policy; and changes in support for our programs. We are not assuming, and the company’s financial guidance and outlook for 2026 and beyond do not reflect impacts on the company from, a prolonged government shutdown, or application of spending limits or other spending cuts. However, the company cannot predict how these factors will evolve or what impacts they will have, and there can be no assurance that the company’s current expectations or underlying assumptions are correct. These factors can affect the company’s ability to achieve guidance or meet expectations.
For additional factors that may impact the company’s ability to achieve guidance or meet expectations, please see the “Forward-Looking Statements” section in this release and our Form 10-Q.
2026 Guidance
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
As of 4/21/2026
Sales$43,500 — $44,000
Segment operating income1
$4,850 — $5,000
MTM-adjusted EPS1
$27.40 — $27.90
Free cash flow1
$3,100 — $3,500
2026 Segment Guidance
As of 4/21/2026
Sales ($B)OM Rate %
Aeronautics SystemsMid $13Low to Mid 9%
Defense SystemsMid to High $8~10%
Mission SystemsHigh $12High 14%
Space Systems~$11~11%
Intersegment Eliminations
~($2.4)High 13%
1
Non-GAAP measure - see definitions at the end of this earnings release.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
7

About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman will webcast its earnings conference call at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time on April 21, 2026. A live audio broadcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations page of the company’s website at www.northropgrumman.com.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.

###

Forward-Looking Statements and Projections
This earnings release and the information we are incorporating by reference, and statements to be made on the earnings conference call, contain or may contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “plan,” “strategy,” “project,” “forecast,” “achieve,” “believe,” “estimate,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “trends,” “goals,” “confident,” “targeting,” “on track” and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to our future financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows, including financial guidance, outlook, trends, expectations and other forward-looking statements for 2026 and beyond. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, expectations, plans and projections that we believe to be reasonable when made, but which may change over time. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Specific risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those identified and discussed more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They include:
Industry and Economic Risks
•our dependence on the U.S. government for a substantial portion of our business
•significant delays or reductions in appropriations and/or for our programs, and U.S. government funding and program support more broadly, including as a result of a prolonged continuing resolution and/or government shutdown, and/or related to the global security environment or other global events
•significant delays or reductions in payments as a result of or related to a breach of the debt ceiling or a prolonged government shutdown
•the use of estimates when accounting for our contracts and the effect of contract cost growth and our efforts to recover or offset such costs and/or changes in estimated contract costs and revenues, including as a result of inflationary pressures, labor shortages, supply chain challenges, changes in trade policies and/or other macroeconomic factors, and risks related
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
8

to management’s judgments and assumptions in estimating and/or projecting contract revenue and performance which may be inaccurate
•increased competition within our markets and bid protests
•continued pressures from macroeconomic trends, including on costs, schedules, performance and ability to meet expectations
Legal and Regulatory Risks
•investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation (including criminal, civil and administrative) and/or other legal proceedings
•changes in procurement and other laws, SEC, U.S. Department of War (DoW) and other rules and regulations, including changes through executive orders, contract terms and practices applicable to our industry, findings by the U.S. government as to our compliance with such requirements, more aggressive enforcement of such requirements and changes in our customers’ business practices and preferences globally
•the improper conduct of employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, business partners or joint ventures in which we participate, including the impact on our reputation and our ability to do business
•environmental matters, unforeseen environmental costs and government and third-party claims
•unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional tax liabilities
Business and Operational Risks
•cyber and other security threats or disruptions faced by us, our customers or our suppliers and other partners, and changes in related regulations
•the performance and viability of our subcontractors and suppliers and the availability and pricing of raw materials, critical minerals and metals, chemicals, parts and components, particularly with inflationary pressures, increased costs, pricing changes, shortages in labor and financial resources, supply chain disruptions, and extended material lead times
•our ability to attract and retain a qualified and talented workforce with the necessary security clearances to meet our performance obligations
•our exposure to additional risks as a result of our international business, including risks related to global security and strategic alliances, geopolitical and economic factors, misconduct, suppliers, laws and regulations
•our ability to innovate, develop new products and technologies, progress and benefit from digital transformation and maintain technologies to meet the needs of our customers
•natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks and other significant disruptions
•products and services we provide related to hazardous and high risk operations, including the production and use of such products, which subject us to various environmental, regulatory, financial, reputational and other risks
•our ability appropriately to protect and exploit intellectual property rights
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
9

General and Other Risk Factors
•the adequacy and availability of, and ability to obtain, insurance coverage, customer indemnifications or other liability protections
•the future investment performance of plan assets, gains or losses associated with changes in valuation of marketable securities related to our non-qualified benefit plans, changes in actuarial assumptions associated with our pension and other postretirement benefit plans and legislative or other regulatory actions impacting our pension and postretirement benefit obligations
•changes in business conditions that could impact business investments and/or recorded goodwill or the value of other long-lived assets, and other potential future liabilities
You are urged to consider the limitations on, and risks associated with, forward-looking statements and not unduly rely on the accuracy of forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date this earnings release is first issued 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.
This release and the attachments also contain non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure and a discussion of the company’s use of these measures are included in this release or the attachments.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
10

SCHEDULE 1
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)


 Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions, except per share amounts20262025
Sales
Product$7,958 $7,521 
Service1,923 1,947 
Total sales9,881 9,468 
Operating costs and expenses
Product6,433 6,366 
Service1,488 1,522 
General and administrative expenses971 1,007 
Total operating costs and expenses8,892 8,895 
Operating income989 573 
Other (expense) income
Interest expense(162)(156)
Non-operating FAS pension benefit166 130 
Other, net37 31 
Earnings before income taxes1,030 578 
Federal and foreign income tax expense155 97 
Net earnings$875 $481 
Basic earnings per share$6.16 $3.33 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, in millions142.1 144.6 
Diluted earnings per share$6.14 $3.32 
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions142.5 144.9 
Net earnings (from above)$875 $481 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Change in cumulative translation adjustment(2)2 
Change in other, net(3)8 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(5)10 
Comprehensive income$870 $491 
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
11

SCHEDULE 2
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Unaudited)

$ in millions, except par valueMarch 31, 2026December 31, 2025
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$2,090 $4,403 
Accounts receivable, net1,806 1,375 
Unbilled receivables, net7,556 6,544 
Inventoried costs, net1,450 1,309 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets1,868 1,656 
Total current assets14,770 15,287 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,854 for 2026 and $9,648 for 2025
10,243 10,972 
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,925 1,859 
Goodwill17,439 17,437 
Deferred tax assets743 1,051 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets3,307 3,167 
Other non-current assets1,580 1,604 
Total assets$50,007 $51,377 
Liabilities
Trade accounts payable$2,681 $3,240 
Accrued employee compensation1,732 2,309 
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred3,697 4,086 
Other current liabilities4,711 4,247 
Total current liabilities12,821 13,882 
Long-term debt, net of current portion of $758 for 2026 and $534 for 2025
14,411 15,162 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities1,095 1,110 
Operating lease liabilities1,905 1,857 
Other non-current liabilities2,660 2,692 
Total liabilities32,892 34,703 
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: 2026—142,033,476 and 2025—141,997,194
142 142 
Paid-in capital8 — 
Retained earnings17,096 16,658 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(131)(126)
Total shareholders’ equity17,115 16,674 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$50,007 $51,377 
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
12

SCHEDULE 3
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions20262025
Operating activities
Net earnings$875 $481 
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization372 337 
Stock-based compensation20 20 
Deferred income taxes308 (34)
B-21 loss provision— 477 
Net periodic pension and OPB income(120)(81)
Pension and OPB contributions(33)(28)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net(431)(542)
Unbilled receivables, net(551)(1,069)
Inventoried costs, net(144)(125)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(37)(42)
Trade accounts payable
(559)(93)
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred
(389)(358)
Other liabilities
(802)(563)
Income taxes payable, net(164)58 
Other operating activities(1)(3)
Net cash used in operating activities(1,656)(1,565)
Investing activities
Capital expenditures(167)(256)
Other investing activities(1)4 
Net cash used in investing activities(168)(252)
Financing activities
Payments of long-term debt(527)(1,500)
Net borrowings on commercial paper498 1,474 
Common stock repurchases(68)(480)
Cash dividends paid(333)(302)
Payments of employee taxes withheld from share-based awards(57)(38)
Other financing activities(2)(5)
Net cash used in financing activities(489)(851)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents(2,313)(2,668)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year4,403 4,353 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$2,090 $1,685 
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
13

SCHEDULE 4
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
TOTAL BACKLOG
(Unaudited)


 March 31, 2026December 31, 2025
% Change in 2026
$ in millions
Funded1
Unfunded
Total
Backlog2
Total
Backlog2
Aeronautics Systems$12,996 $11,275 $24,271 $23,052 5 %
Defense Systems7,759 19,970 27,729 27,796 — %
Mission Systems12,887 4,916 17,803 18,632 (4)%
Space Systems10,426 15,379 25,805 26,201 (2)%
Total backlog$44,068 $51,540 $95,608 $95,681 — %
1 Funded backlog represents firm orders for which funding is authorized and appropriated.
2 Total backlog excludes unexercised contract options and indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts until the time the option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
14

SCHEDULE 5
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL PER SHARE INFORMATION
(Unaudited)


Three Months Ended March 31
$ in millions, except per share amounts20262025
Per share impact of total net FAS/CAS pension adjustment
FAS/CAS operating adjustment$7 $63 
Non-operating FAS pension benefit166 130 
Total net FAS/CAS pension adjustment173 193 
Tax effect1
(44)(49)
After-tax impact$129 $144 
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions142.5 144.9 
Per share impact$0.91 $0.99 
Per share impact of intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation
Intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation$(21)$(21)
Tax effect1
5 5 
After-tax impact$(16)$(16)
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions142.5 144.9 
Per share impact$(0.11)$(0.11)
1Based on a 21% federal statutory tax rate and a 5.25% blended state tax rate.
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com
Northrop Grumman Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results
15

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Disclosure: This earnings release contains non-GAAP (accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America) financial measures, as defined by SEC Regulation G and indicated by a footnote in the text of the release. Definitions for the non-GAAP measures are provided below and reconciliations are provided in the body of the release, except that reconciliations of forward-looking non-GAAP measures are not provided because the company is unable to provide such reconciliations without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty and inherent difficulty of predicting the occurrence and financial impact of certain items, including, but not limited to, the impact of any mark-to-market pension adjustment. Other companies may define these measures differently or may utilize different non-GAAP measures.
MTM-adjusted EPS: Diluted earnings per share excluding the per share impact of MTM benefit (expense) and related tax impacts. This measure may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as a supplemental measure in evaluating the company’s underlying financial performance by presenting the company’s diluted earnings per share results before the non-operational impact of pension and OPB actuarial gains and losses.
Segment operating income and segment operating margin rate: Segment operating income and segment operating margin rate (segment operating income divided by sales) reflect the combined operating income of our four segments less the operating income associated with intersegment sales. Segment operating income includes pension expense allocated to our sectors under FAR and CAS and excludes FAS pension service expense and unallocated corporate items. These measures may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as supplemental measures in evaluating the financial performance and operational trends of our sectors. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to operating results presented in accordance with GAAP.
Free cash flow: Net cash provided by or used in operating activities less capital expenditures. We use free cash flow as a key factor in our planning for, and consideration of, acquisitions, the payment of dividends and stock repurchases. This measure may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as a supplemental measure of our cash performance, but should not be considered in isolation, as a measure of residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes, or as an alternative to operating cash flows presented in accordance with GAAP.
Organic sales: Total sales excluding sales attributable to the company’s former training services business. This measure may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as a supplemental measure in evaluating the company’s underlying sales growth as well as in understanding our ongoing business and future sales trends by presenting the company’s sales adjusted for the impact of the divestiture.

#
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive • Falls Church, VA 22042-4511
news.northropgrumman.com

Source: View Original Filing on SEC EDGAR

FAQ

How did Northrop Grumman (NOC) perform financially in Q1 2026?

Northrop Grumman’s Q1 2026 sales rose 4% to $9.9 billion, while net earnings jumped 82% to $875 million. Diluted EPS increased to $6.14 from $3.32, reflecting stronger operating income and pension benefits versus last year’s B‑21 loss provision impact.

What were Northrop Grumman’s segment results for Q1 2026?

Aeronautics Systems sales grew 17% to $3.3 billion with a margin of 9.3%, and Mission Systems sales rose 2% with margins improving to 15.1%. Space Systems sales declined 3% to $2.5 billion, and its margin fell to 9.5% due to lower net EAC adjustments and a GEM 63XL charge.

How strong is Northrop Grumman’s backlog after Q1 2026?

At March 31, 2026, Northrop Grumman reported total backlog of $95.6 billion. Q1 2026 net awards were $9.8 billion, including $4.9 billion of restricted programs, $0.5 billion for F‑35, $0.5 billion for infrared countermeasures, and $0.4 billion for Triton.

What happened to Northrop Grumman’s cash flow in Q1 2026?

Net cash used in operating activities was $1.656 billion, and free cash flow was a use of $1.823 billion. Management notes these outflows reflect increases in trade working capital and Northrop Grumman’s historical pattern of cash flows being more heavily weighted to the year’s second half.

What 2026 guidance did Northrop Grumman provide in this 8-K?

For 2026, Northrop Grumman reaffirmed sales guidance of $43.5–$44.0 billion, segment operating income of $4.85–$5.0 billion, MTM‑adjusted EPS of $27.40–$27.90, and free cash flow of $3.1–$3.5 billion, based on its assessment of the macro and defense demand environment.

How did B-21 and Sentinel programs affect Northrop Grumman’s Q1 2026 results?

Aeronautics Systems benefited from higher B‑21 sales after an agreement with the U.S. Air Force to expand production capacity and increase production rate. Defense Systems saw higher volume on Sentinel as that program continued to ramp, contributing to segment sales and earnings growth in Q1 2026.

What key non-GAAP measures does Northrop Grumman (NOC) highlight?

Northrop Grumman emphasizes MTM-adjusted EPS, segment operating income and margin, free cash flow, and organic sales. These exclude items like pension mark‑to‑market adjustments, divested training services sales, and certain corporate costs to show underlying operating performance and cash generation.

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