Northrop Grumman Corp 10-Q for FY2021 Q1
Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC)
10-Q
2021-04-29
For: 2021-03-31
View Original
Added on
April 08, 2026
About this 10-Q
Northrop Grumman Corp filed this 10-Q on April 29, 2021, covering the quarter ended March 31, 2021 (FY2021 Q1).
Headline figures
Quarter ended March 31, 2021, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $9.16B
- up 6.2% from $8.62B a year earlier
- Net income
- $2.2B
- up 152.9% from net income of $868M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $13.43
- up 160.8% from $5.15 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
| FORM | |||||
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||||||
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2021
or
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||||||
Commission File Number 1-16411
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
(703 ) 280-2900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Non-accelerated Filer ☐ Smaller Reporting Company ☐
Emerging Growth Company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
As of April 26, 2021, 160,961,208 shares of common stock were outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 3. | ||||||||
| Item 4. | ||||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
| Item 1A. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 6. | ||||||||
i
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions, except per share amounts | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (expense) income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating FAS pension benefit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal and foreign income tax expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding, in millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (from above) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unamortized prior service credit, net of tax | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in cumulative translation adjustment and other, net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
-1-
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Unaudited)
| $ in millions, except par value | March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | |||||||||||
| Unbilled receivables, net | |||||||||||
| Inventoried costs, net | |||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |||||||||||
| Assets of disposal group held for sale | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $ | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax assets | |||||||||||
| Other non-current assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Trade accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued employee compensation | |||||||||||
| Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred | |||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Liabilities of disposal group held for sale | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
Long-term debt, net of current portion of $ | |||||||||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 6) | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||
Preferred stock, $ | |||||||||||
Common stock, $ | |||||||||||
| Paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
-2-
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| Operating activities | |||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile to net cash used in operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | ( | ||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Unbilled receivables, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Inventoried costs, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | ( | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Income taxes payable, net | |||||||||||
| Retiree benefits | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other, net | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Investing activities | |||||||||||
| Divestiture of IT services business | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other, net | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | ( | ||||||||||
| Financing activities | |||||||||||
| Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Payments of long-term debt | ( | ||||||||||
| Payments to credit facilities | ( | ||||||||||
| Net borrowings on commercial paper | |||||||||||
| Common stock repurchases | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Payments of employee taxes withheld from share-based awards | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | ( | ||||||||||
| (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
-3-
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions, except per share amounts | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock repurchased | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| End of period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paid-in capital | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock repurchased | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock compensation | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| End of period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock repurchased | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends declared | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock compensation | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| End of period | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of period | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| End of period | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared per share | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
-4-
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Principles of Consolidation and Reporting
Effective January 30, 2021 (the “Divestiture date”), we completed the previously announced sale of our IT and mission support services business (the “IT services divestiture”) for $3.4 billion in cash and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of $2.0 billion. The IT and mission support services business was comprised of the majority of the Information Solutions and Services (IS&S) division of Defense Systems (excluding our Vinnell Arabia business); select cyber, intelligence and missions support programs, which were part of the Cyber and Intelligence Mission Solutions (CIMS) division of Mission Systems; and the Space Technical Services business unit of Space Systems. The assets and liabilities of the IT and mission support services business were classified as held for sale in the consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2020. Operating results include sales and operating income for the IT and mission support services business prior to the Divestiture date. Sales for the IT and mission support services business were $162 million and $559 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and pre-tax profit was $20 million and $51 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
These financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP” or “FAS”) and in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim reporting. The financial statements include adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary by management for a fair presentation of the company’s unaudited condensed 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 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. During the first quarter of 2021, we changed the naming convention for our FAS/CAS pension accounts. The Net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment is now referred to as the FAS/CAS operating adjustment and the FAS (non-service) pension benefit is now referred to as the Non-operating FAS pension benefit. This change does not impact any current or previously reported amounts.
Accounting Estimates
Revenue Recognition
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Contract Estimates
Use of the cost-to-cost method requires us to make reasonably dependable estimates regarding the revenue and cost associated with the design, manufacture and delivery of our products and services. The company estimates profit on these contracts as the difference between total estimated sales and total estimated cost at completion and recognizes that profit as costs are incurred. Significant judgment is used to estimate total sales and cost at completion.
Contract sales may include estimates of variable consideration, including cost or performance incentives (such as award and incentive fees), contract claims and requests for equitable adjustment (REAs). Variable consideration is included in total estimated sales to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We estimate variable consideration as the most likely amount to which we expect to be entitled.
We recognize changes in estimated contract sales or costs and the resulting changes in contract profit on a cumulative basis. Cumulative estimate-at-completion (EAC) adjustments represent the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods; sales and operating margins in future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since contract inception. If it is determined that a loss is expected to result on an individual performance obligation, the entire amount of the estimable future loss, including an allocation of general and administrative (G&A) expense, is charged against income in the period the loss is identified.
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions, except per share data | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
EAC adjustments on a single performance obligation can have a material effect on the company’s financial statements. When such adjustments occur, we generally disclose the nature, underlying conditions and financial impact of the adjustments. No such adjustments were material to the financial statements during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Backlog
Backlog represents the future sales we expect to recognize on firm orders received by the company and is equivalent to the company’s remaining performance obligations at the end of each period. It comprises both funded backlog (firm orders for which funding is authorized and appropriated) and unfunded backlog. Unexercised contract options and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are not included in backlog until the time an option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded.
Company backlog as of March 31, 2021 was $79.3 billion. Of our March 31, 2021 backlog, we expect to recognize approximately 40 percent as revenue over the next 12 months and 60 percent as revenue over the next 24 months, with the remainder to be recognized thereafter.
Disaggregation of Revenue
See Note 9 for information regarding the company’s sales by customer type, contract type and geographic region for each of our segments. We believe those categories best depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.
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Property, Plant, and Equipment
Non-cash investing activities include capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid of $58 million and $92 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
| $ in millions | March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||
Unamortized prior service credit, net of tax expense of $ | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net | ( | ( | ||||||
| Total accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Related Party Transactions
For all periods presented, the company had no material related party transactions.
Accounting Standards Updates
2. EARNINGS PER SHARE, SHARE REPURCHASES AND DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK
Basic Earnings Per Share
Diluted Earnings Per Share
Share Repurchases
On September 16, 2015, the company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock (the “2015 Repurchase Program”). On December 4, 2018, the company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to an additional $3.0 billion in share repurchases of the company’s common stock (the “2018 Repurchase Program”). Repurchases under the 2015 Repurchase Program commenced in March 2016 and were completed in March 2020 at which time repurchases under the 2018 Repurchase Program commenced. As of March 31, 2021, repurchases under the 2018 Repurchase Program totaled $1.9 billion; $1.1 billion remained under this share repurchase authorization. By its terms, the 2018 Repurchase Program is set to expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchases.
On January 25, 2021, the company’s board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to an additional $3.0 billion in share repurchases of the company’s common stock (the “2021 Repurchase Program”). By its terms, repurchases under the 2021 Repurchase Program will commence upon completion of the 2018 Repurchase Program and will expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchases.
During the first quarter of 2021, the company entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (Goldman Sachs) to repurchase $2.0 billion of the company’s common stock as part of the 2018 Repurchase Program. Under the agreement, we made a payment of $2.0 billion to Goldman Sachs and received an initial delivery of 5.9 million shares valued at $1.7 billion that were immediately canceled by the company. The remaining balance of $300 million is included as a reduction to Retained earnings on the consolidated statement of financial position. The final number of shares to be repurchased will be based on the company’s daily volume-weighted average share price during the term of the transaction, less a discount, and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021. Goldman Sachs may be required to deliver additional shares of common stock to the company at final settlement or, under certain circumstances, the company may be required to either, at the company’s election, deliver shares or make a cash payment to Goldman Sachs.
Share repurchases take place from time to time, subject to market conditions and management’s discretion, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The company retires its common stock upon repurchase and, in
-7-
the periods presented, has not made any purchases of common stock other than in connection with these publicly announced repurchase programs.
The table below summarizes the company’s share repurchases to date under the authorizations described above:
| Shares Repurchased (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase Program Authorization Date | Amount Authorized (in millions) | Total Shares Retired (in millions) | Average Price Per Share(1) | Date Completed | Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 16, 2015 | $ | $ | March 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 4, 2018 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 25, 2021 | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Includes commissions paid.
Dividends on Common Stock
In May 2020, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 10 percent to $1.45 per share from the previous amount of $1.32 per share.
3. INCOME TAXES
27.2 percent from 17.6 percent in the prior year period primarily due to federal income taxes resulting from the IT services divestiture, including $250 million of income tax expense related to $1.2 billion of nondeductible goodwill in the divested business. The company’s first quarter 2021 ETR also includes $52 million of research credits. The company’s first quarter 2020 ETR includes $41 million of research credits and $13 million of excess tax benefits for employee share-based compensation, partially offset by nondeductible losses on marketable securities.
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal and foreign income tax expense | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective income tax rate | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Taxes receivable are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position. We had no taxes receivable as of March 31, 2021 and $792 million as of December 31, 2020.
The company has recorded unrecognized tax benefits related to our methods of accounting associated with the timing of revenue recognition and related costs, and the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months our unrecognized tax benefits related to the final revenue recognition regulations issued in December 2020 under IRC Section 451(b) and future regulatory interpretations of existing tax laws may change. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate these changes.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Northrop Grumman 2014-2018 federal tax returns and refund claims related to its 2007-2016 federal tax returns are currently under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examination. In addition, legacy Orbital ATK federal tax returns for the year ended March 31, 2015, the nine-month transition period ended December 31, 2015 and calendar years 2016-2017 are currently under appeal with the IRS.
4. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The company’s derivative portfolio consists primarily of foreign currency forward contracts. Where model-derived valuations are appropriate, the company utilizes the income approach to determine the fair value and uses the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap rates.
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| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets (Liabilities) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketable securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketable securities valued using NAV | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total marketable securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The notional value of the company’s foreign currency forward contracts at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $144 million and $133 million, respectively. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, no
The derivative fair values and related unrealized gains/losses at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were not material. There were no transfers of financial instruments into or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and commercial paper approximates fair value.
Long-term Debt
The estimated fair value of long-term debt was $14.9 billion and $18.2 billion as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. We calculated the fair value of long-term debt using Level 2 inputs, based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the company’s existing debt arrangements. The current portion of long-term debt is recorded in Other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
Repayments of Senior Notes
In March 2021, the company repaid $700 million of 3.50 percent unsecured notes upon maturity.
In March 2021, the company redeemed $1.5 billion of 2.55 percent unsecured notes due October 2022. The company recorded a pre-tax charge of $54 million principally related to the premium paid on the redemption, which was recorded in Other, net in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income.
5. INVESTIGATIONS, CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
On May 4, 2012, the company commenced an action, Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. v. United States, in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This lawsuit relates to an approximately $875 million firm fixed-price contract awarded to the company in 2007 by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for the construction and delivery of flats sequencing systems (FSS) as part of the postal automation program. The FSS were delivered. The company’s lawsuit seeks approximately $63 million for unpaid portions of the contract price, and approximately $115 million based on the company’s assertions that, through various acts and omissions over the life of the contract, the USPS adversely affected the cost and schedule of performance and materially altered the company’s obligations under the contract. The United States responded to the company’s complaint with an answer, denying most of the company’s claims, and counterclaims seeking approximately $410 million, less certain amounts outstanding under the contract. In the course of the litigation, the United States subsequently amended its counterclaim, reducing it to seek approximately $193 million. The principal counterclaim alleges that the company delayed its performance and caused damages to the USPS because USPS did not realize certain costs savings as early as it had expected. On February 3, 2020, after extensive discovery and motions practice, the parties commenced what was expected to be a seven-week trial. The first four weeks of trial concluded, but the court postponed the remaining estimated three weeks as a result of COVID-19-related concerns. After additional COVID-19-related interruptions, trial concluded on March 5, 2021 and the court scheduled post-trial briefing. Although the ultimate outcome of this matter, including any possible loss, cannot be predicted or reasonably estimated at this time, the company intends vigorously to pursue and defend the matter.
We are engaged in remediation activities relating to environmental conditions allegedly resulting from historic operations at the former United States Navy and Grumman facilities in Bethpage, New York. For over 20 years, we have worked closely with the United States Navy, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the New
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6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
U.S. Government Cost Claims and Contingencies
The U.S. government has raised questions about an interest rate assumption used by the company to determine our CAS pension expense. On June 1, 2020, the government provided written notice that the assumptions the company used during the period 2013-2019 were potentially noncompliant with CAS. We submitted a formal response on July 31, 2020, which we believe demonstrates the appropriateness of the assumptions used. On November 24, 2020, the government replied to the company’s response, disagreeing with our position and requesting additional input, which we provided on February 22, 2021. We are engaging further with the government. The sensitivity to changes in interest rate assumptions makes it reasonably possible the outcome of this matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows, although we are not currently able to estimate a range of any potential loss.
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Environmental Matters
The table below summarizes the amount accrued for environmental remediation costs, management’s estimate of the amount of reasonably possible future costs in excess of accrued costs and the deferred costs expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| $ in millions | Accrued Costs(1)(2) | Reasonably Possible Future Costs in Excess of Accrued Costs(2) | Deferred Costs(3) | |||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1) As of March 31, 2021, $246 million is recorded in Other current liabilities and $375 million is recorded in Other non-current liabilities.
(2) Estimated remediation costs are not discounted to present value. The reasonably possible future costs in excess of accrued costs do not take into consideration amounts expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts.
(3) As of March 31, 2021, $218 million is deferred in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and $316 million is deferred in Other non-current assets. These amounts are evaluated for recoverability on a routine basis.
Although management cannot predict whether new information gained as our environmental remediation projects progress, or as changes in facts and circumstances occur, will materially affect the estimated liability accrued, except with respect to Bethpage, we do not anticipate that future remediation expenditures associated with our currently identified projects will have a material adverse effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2021, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
With respect to Bethpage, as discussed in Note 5, in December 2019, the State of New York issued an Amended Record of Decision, seeking to impose additional remedial requirements beyond those the company previously had been taking; the State also communicated that it was assessing potential natural resource damages. In December 2020, the parties reached a tentative agreement regarding the steps the company will take to implement the State’s Amended Record of Decision and to resolve certain potential other claims, including for natural resource damages. The State of New York is preparing to file a new consent decree reflecting the agreement and to seek court approval. As discussed in Note 5, the applicable remediation standards and other requirements to which we are subject may continue to change, our costs may increase materially, and those costs may not be fully recoverable.
Financial Arrangements
In the ordinary course of business, the company uses standby letters of credit and guarantees issued by commercial banks and surety bonds issued principally by insurance companies to guarantee the performance on certain obligations. At March 31, 2021, there were $480 million of stand-by letters of credit and guarantees and $80 million of surety bonds outstanding.
Commercial Paper
The company maintains a commercial paper program that serves as a source of short-term financing with capacity to issue unsecured commercial paper notes up to $2.0 billion. At March 31, 2021, there were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding.
Credit Facilities
The company maintains a five-year senior unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.0 billion (the “2018 Credit Agreement”) that matures in August 2024 and is intended to support the company’s commercial paper program and other general corporate purposes. Commercial paper borrowings reduce the amount available for borrowing under the 2018 Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2021, there was no balance outstanding under this facility.
At March 31, 2021, the company was in compliance with all covenants under its credit agreements.
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7. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension Benefits | OPB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Components of net periodic benefit cost (benefit) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service (credit) cost | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employer Contributions
The company sponsors defined benefit pension and OPB plans, as well as defined contribution plans. We fund our defined benefit pension plans annually in a manner consistent with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 .
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Defined benefit pension plans | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| OPB plans | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defined contribution plans | |||||||||||||||||||||||
8. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
Stock Awards
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||
| in millions | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| RSRs granted | ||||||||||||||
| RPSRs granted | ||||||||||||||
| Grant date aggregate fair value | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
RSRs typically vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, while RPSRs generally vest and pay out based on the achievement of certain performance metrics over a -year period.
Cash Awards
| Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| Minimum aggregate payout amount | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Maximum aggregate payout amount | ||||||||||||||
CUs typically vest and settle in cash on the third anniversary of the grant date, while CPUs generally vest and pay out in cash based on the achievement of certain performance metrics over a -year period.
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9. SEGMENT INFORMATION
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total segment operating income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| FAS/CAS operating adjustment | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unallocated corporate income (expense) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
FAS/CAS Operating Adjustment
For financial statement purposes, we account for our employee pension plans in accordance with FAS. However, the cost of these plans is charged to our contracts in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the related U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). The FAS/CAS operating adjustment, previously referred to as the net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment, reflects the difference between CAS pension expense included as cost in segment operating income and the service cost component of FAS expense included in total operating income.
Unallocated Corporate Income (Expense)
Unallocated corporate income (expense) includes the portion of corporate costs not considered allowable or allocable under applicable CAS or FAR, and therefore not allocated to the segments, such as a portion of management and administration, legal, environmental, compensation, retiree benefits, advertising and other corporate unallowable costs. Unallocated corporate income (expense) also includes costs not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance, such as amortization of purchased intangible assets and the additional depreciation expense related to the step-up in fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired through business combinations, as well as certain compensation and other costs.
During the first quarter of 2021, the $2.0 192 million of unallowable state taxes and transaction costs associated with the divestiture were recorded in Unallocated corporate income (expense).
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Disaggregation of Revenue
| Sales by Customer Type | Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | $ | %(3) | $ | %(3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government(1) | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International(2) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other customers | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems sales | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government(1) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International(2) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other customers | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems sales | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government(1) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International(2) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other customers | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems sales | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government(1) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International(2) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other customers | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems sales | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. government(1) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International(2) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other customers | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Sales to the U.S. government include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is the U.S. government. Each of the company’s segments derives substantial revenue from the U.S. government.
(2) International sales include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is an international customer. These sales include foreign military sales contracted through the U.S. government.
(3) Percentages calculated based on total segment sales.
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| Sales by Contract Type | Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | $ | %(1) | $ | %(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost-type | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-price | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost-type | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-price | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost-type | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-price | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost-type | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-price | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost-type | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed-price | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sales by Geographic Region | Three Months Ended March 31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | $ | %(2) | $ | %(2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asia/Pacific | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All other(1) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asia/Pacific | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All other(1) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asia/Pacific | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All other(1) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asia/Pacific | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All other(1) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asia/Pacific | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All other(1) | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Sales | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)All other is principally comprised of the Middle East.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Falls Church, Virginia
Results of Review of Interim Financial Information
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial position of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2021, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial information”). Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial information for it 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) (PCAOB), the consolidated statement of financial position of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020, and the related consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated January 27, 2021, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements, which included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s change in its method of accounting for leases in 2019 due to the adoption of ASC 842, Leases. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2020, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the audited consolidated statement of financial position from which it has been derived.
Basis for Review Results
This interim financial information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. 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 PCAOB, 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.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
McLean, Virginia
April 28, 2021
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW
Northrop Grumman Corporation (herein referred to as “Northrop Grumman,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading global aerospace and defense company. We use our broad portfolio of capabilities and technologies to create and deliver innovative platforms, systems and solutions in space; manned and autonomous airborne systems, including strike; strategic deterrence systems; hypersonics; missile defense; weapons systems; cyber; command, control, communications and computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR); and logistics and modernization. We participate in many high-priority defense and government programs in the United States (U.S.) and abroad. We conduct most of our business with the U.S. government, principally the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community. We also conduct business with foreign, state and local governments, as well as commercial customers.
The following discussion should be read along with the financial statements included in this Form 10-Q, as well as our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which provides additional information on our business and the environment in which we operate and our operating results.
Divestiture of IT and Mission Support Services Business
Effective January 30, 2021 (the “Divestiture date”), we completed the previously announced sale of our IT and mission support services business (the “IT services divestiture”) for $3.4 billion in cash and recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of $2.0 billion. The IT and mission support services business was comprised of the majority of the Information Solutions and Services (IS&S) division of Defense Systems (excluding our Vinnell Arabia business); select cyber, intelligence and missions support programs, which were part of the Cyber and Intelligence Mission Solutions (CIMS) division of Mission Systems; and the Space Technical Services business unit of Space Systems. Operating results include sales and operating income for the IT and mission support services business prior to the Divestiture date.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) was first reported in late 2019 and has since dramatically impacted the global health and economic environment, including millions of confirmed cases, business slowdowns or shutdowns, government challenges and market volatility. We discuss in some detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K the pandemic, its impacts and actions taken up to the time of filing. In this Form 10-Q, we provide an update. We continue closely to monitor and address the developments, including the impact on our company, our employees, our customers, our suppliers and our communities. The company continues to consider health data and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other health organizations, federal, state and local governmental authorities, and our customers, among others. In the first quarter of 2021, COVID-19 case rates and the health and economic impacts of the pandemic increased and decreased in different communities in the US and globally. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorization for COVID-19 vaccines and the government began to administer them. The company has taken various steps to facilitate access for our employees, in accordance with federal guidelines and state and local vaccination plans. We have provided paid leave and flexibility for employees to get vaccinated. The company continues to take robust actions globally to protect the health, safety and well-being of our employees, and to serve our customers with continued performance. We also continue to take steps to support our suppliers, with a particular focus on critical small and midsized business partners, including passing through increased progress payments from the DoD to our suppliers and accelerating payments to certain suppliers.
The company’s first quarter 2021 revenue and operating income were not significantly impacted by COVID-19. However, our employees, suppliers and customers, the company and our global community continue to face tremendous challenges and we cannot predict how this dynamic situation will evolve or the impact it will have on the company. For further information on the pandemic and the potential impact to the company of COVID-19, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below and “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
U.S. Political and Economic Environment
Since the filing of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Administration has not released a budget request for fiscal year 2022. However, the Administration released a summary of the President’s discretionary funding request for fiscal year 2022, which proposes $753 billion for national defense programs and $769 billion in non-defense discretionary funding. On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was enacted to address certain impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and extend certain measures previously enacted under earlier relief bills. The Administration also recently announced a $2 trillion infrastructure plan. The COVID-19 relief bill and, if enacted, an
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infrastructure bill, may have broader implications for the defense industry, our customers’ budgets and priorities, and the overall economic environment, including the national debt. It is difficult to predict the specific course of future defense budgets. However, the threat to national security remains very substantial and we believe that our capabilities, particularly in space, missiles, missile defense, hypersonics, counter-hypersonics, survivable aircraft and mission systems should help our customers to meet the threats and, as a result, continue to allow for long-term profitable growth in our business.
The political environment, federal budget and debt ceiling are expected to continue to be the subject of considerable debate, which could have material impacts on defense spending broadly and the company’s programs in particular.
For further information on the risks we face from the current political and economic environment, see “Risk Factors” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
For purposes of the operating results discussion below, we assess our performance using certain financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. Organic sales is defined as total sales excluding sales attributable to the company's IT services divestiture. 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 providing an understanding of our ongoing business and future sales trends by presenting the company’s sales before the impact of divestiture activity.
Transaction-adjusted net earnings and transaction-adjusted earnings per share exclude impacts related to the IT services divestiture, including the gain on sale of the business, associated federal and state income tax expenses, transaction costs, and the make-whole premium for early debt redemption. They also exclude the impact of mark-to-market pension and OPB (“MTM”) expense and related tax impacts, which are generally only recognized during the fourth quarter. These non-GAAP measures may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as supplemental measures in evaluating the company’s underlying financial performance by presenting the company’s operating results before the non-operational impact of divestiture activity and pension and OPB actuarial gains and losses. These measures are also consistent with how management views the underlying performance of the business as the impact of the IT services divestiture and MTM accounting are not considered in management’s assessment of the company’s operating performance or in its determination of incentive compensation awards.
We reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures below. These non-GAAP measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to operating results presented in accordance with GAAP.
Selected financial highlights are presented in the table below:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions, except per share amounts | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 9,157 | $ | 8,620 | 6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses | 8,315 | 7,686 | 8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses as a % of sales | 90.8 | % | 89.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | 1,980 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 2,822 | 934 | 202 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 30.8 | % | 10.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal and foreign income tax expense | 821 | 185 | 344 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective income tax rate | 27.2 | % | 17.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | 2,195 | 868 | 153 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 13.43 | $ | 5.15 | 161 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sales
The table below reconciles sales to organic sales:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | Sales | IT services sales | Organic sales | Sales | IT services sales | Organic sales | Organic sales % change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | $ | 2,990 | $ | — | $ | 2,990 | $ | 2,843 | $ | — | $ | 2,843 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | 1,562 | (106) | 1,456 | 1,881 | (389) | 1,492 | (2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | 2,589 | (42) | 2,547 | 2,347 | (130) | 2,217 | 15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | 2,521 | (16) | 2,505 | 1,948 | (44) | 1,904 | 32 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | (505) | 2 | (503) | (399) | 4 | (395) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 9,157 | $ | (162) | $ | 8,995 | $ | 8,620 | $ | (559) | $ | 8,061 | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First quarter 2021 sales increased $537 million, or 6 percent, due to higher sales at Space Systems, Mission Systems and Aeronautics systems, partially offset by lower sales at Defense Systems principally due to the impact of the IT services divestiture. First quarter 2021 organic sales increased $934 million, or 12 percent. As a result of the company using a fiscal calendar convention for interim reporting periods (as described in Note 1 to the financial statements), sales at each sector during the first quarter of 2021 benefited approximately 5 percent from three additional working days when compared to the first quarter of 2020.
See “Segment Operating Results” below for further information by segment and “Product and Service Analysis” for product and service detail. See Note 9 to the financial statements for information regarding the company’s sales by customer type, contract type and geographic region for each of our segments.
Operating Income and Margin Rate
First quarter 2021 operating income increased $1.9 billion, or 202 percent, primarily due to the IT services divestiture, including the $2.0 billion pre-tax gain on sale and $192 million of unallocated corporate expense for unallowable state taxes and transaction costs. Operating income also increased due to higher segment operating income, partially offset by a lower FAS/CAS operating adjustment. First quarter 2021 operating margin rate increased to 30.8 percent reflecting the items above.
First quarter 2021 general and administrative (G&A) costs as a percentage of sales increased to 9.8 percent from 9.1 percent in the prior period primarily due to the timing of indirect cost recognition during the year.
See “Segment Operating Results” below for further information by segment. For information regarding product and service operating costs and expenses, see “Product and Service Analysis” below.
Federal and Foreign Income Taxes
The first quarter 2021 effective tax rate increased to 27.2 percent from 17.6 percent in the prior year period primarily due to federal income taxes resulting from the IT services divestiture. See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional information.
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Net Earnings
The table below reconciles net earnings to transaction-adjusted net earnings:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 2,195 | $ | 868 | 153 | % | |||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | (1,980) | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
State tax impact1 | 160 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
| Transaction costs | 32 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
| Make-whole premium | 54 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
Federal tax impact of items above2 | 614 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
| Adjustment, net of tax | $ | (1,120) | $ | — | NM | ||||||||||||
| Transaction-adjusted net earnings | $ | 1,075 | $ | 868 | 24 | % | |||||||||||
(1)The state tax impact includes $62 million of incremental tax expense related to $1.2 billion of nondeductible goodwill in the divested business.
(2)The federal tax impact was calculated by applying the 21 percent federal statutory rate to the adjustment items and also includes $250 million of incremental tax expense related to $1.2 billion of nondeductible goodwill in the divested business.
First quarter 2021 net earnings increased $1.3 billion, or 153 percent, primarily due to the IT services divestiture. Transaction-adjusted net earnings increased $207 million or 24 percent, primarily due to higher segment operating income and increases in non-operating FAS pension benefit and Other, net, principally due to favorable returns on marketable securities related to our non-qualified benefit plans.
Diluted Earnings Per Share
The table below reconciles diluted earnings per share to transaction-adjusted earnings per share:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS | $ | 13.43 | $ | 5.15 | 161 | % | |||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business per share | (12.11) | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
State tax impact per share1 | 0.98 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
| Transaction costs per share | 0.19 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
| Make-whole premium per share | 0.33 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
Federal tax impact of line items above per share2 | 3.75 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
| Adjustment, net of tax per share | $ | (6.86) | $ | — | NM | ||||||||||||
| Transaction-adjusted earnings per share | $ | 6.57 | $ | 5.15 | 28 | % | |||||||||||
(1)The state tax impact includes $62 million of incremental tax expense related to $1.2 billion of nondeductible goodwill in the divested business.
(2)The federal tax impact was calculated by applying the 21 percent federal statutory rate to the adjustment items and also includes $250 million of incremental tax expense related to $1.2 billion of nondeductible goodwill in the divested business.
First quarter 2021 diluted earnings per share increased 161 percent, principally due to a $6.86 increase associated with the IT services divestiture. Transaction-adjusted earnings per share increased $1.42, or 28 percent, reflecting a 24 percent increase in transaction-adjusted net earnings and a 3 percent reduction in weighted-average diluted shares outstanding.
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SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS
Basis of Presentation
The company is aligned in four operating sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems. We present our sectors in the following business areas, which are reported in a manner reflecting core capabilities:
| Aeronautics Systems | Defense Systems | Mission Systems | Space Systems | |||||||||||||||||
| Autonomous Systems | Battle Management & Missile Systems | Airborne Multifunction Sensors | Launch & Strategic Missiles | |||||||||||||||||
| Manned Aircraft | Mission Readiness | Maritime/Land Systems & Sensors | Space | |||||||||||||||||
| Navigation, Targeting & Survivability | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Networked Information Solutions | ||||||||||||||||||||
Effective during the first quarter of 2021 within Mission Systems, the businesses of the former Cyber & Intelligence Mission Solutions business area that remained with Northrop Grumman after the IT services divestiture were merged with the Communications business unit and F-35 Communications, Navigation and Identification programs within the former Airborne, Sensors & Networks business area to form the Networked Information Solutions business area. The Airborne Sensors & Networks business area was then renamed the Airborne Multifunction Sensors business area to better reflect its new portfolio. This change had no impact on the segment operating results of Mission Systems as a whole.
This section discusses segment sales, operating income and operating margin rates. In evaluating segment operating performance, we look primarily at changes in sales and operating income. Where applicable, significant fluctuations in operating performance attributable to individual contracts or programs, or changes in a specific cost element across multiple contracts, are described in our analysis. Based on this approach and the nature of our operations, the discussion of results of operations below first focuses on our four segments before distinguishing between products and services. Changes in sales are generally described in terms of volume, while changes in margin rates are generally described in terms of performance and/or contract mix. For purposes of this discussion, volume generally refers to increases or decreases in sales or cost from production/service activity levels and performance generally refers to non-volume related changes in profitability. Contract mix generally refers to changes in the ratio of contract type and/or lifecycle (e.g., cost-type, fixed-price, development, production, and/or sustainment).
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Segment Operating Income and Margin Rate
Segment operating income, as reconciled in the table below, and segment operating margin rate (segment operating income divided by sales) are non-GAAP (accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America) measures that reflect total earnings from our four segments, including allocated pension expense we have recognized under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the related U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and excluding FAS pension service expense and unallocated corporate items (certain corporate-level expenses, which are not considered allowable or allocable under applicable CAS or FAR, and costs not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance). These non-GAAP measures may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as supplemental measures in evaluating the financial performance and operational trends of our sectors. These measures may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner and should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to operating results presented in accordance with GAAP.
| Three Months Ended March 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating income | $ | 1,095 | $ | 967 | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment operating margin rate | 12.0 | % | 11.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CAS pension expense | 123 | 207 | (41) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: FAS pension service expense | (104) | (102) | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FAS/CAS operating adjustment | 19 | 105 | (82) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | 1,980 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IT services divestiture – unallowable state taxes and transaction costs | (192) | — | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation | (65) | (82) | (21) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other unallocated corporate expense | (15) | (56) | (73) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unallocated corporate income (expense) | 1,708 | (138) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 2,822 | $ | 934 | 202 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First quarter 2021 segment operating income increased $128 million, or 13 percent, and reflects higher operating income at Space Systems, Aeronautics Systems and Mission Systems, partially offset by lower operating income at Defense Systems due to the impact of the IT services divestiture. First quarter 2021 segment operating income from the IT services business was $20 million as compared to $51 million in the prior year period. First quarter 2021 segment operating income includes a benefit of approximately $100 million due to the impact of lower overhead rates on the company’s fixed price contracts. The lower projected overhead rates were principally driven by a reduction in projected CAS pension costs as well as operational performance at the sectors, which more than offset lower business base due to the IT services divestiture. Segment operating margin rate increased to 12.0 percent from 11.2 percent and reflects higher operating margins at all four sectors largely as a result of the items discussed above.
FAS/CAS Operating Adjustment
The first quarter 2021 FAS/CAS operating adjustment decreased primarily due to lower CAS pension expense resulting from favorable plan asset returns in 2020 and changes in certain CAS actuarial assumptions as of December 31, 2020.
Unallocated Corporate Income (Expense)
Year to date 2021 unallocated corporate income (expense) increased primarily due to a $2.0 billion pre-tax gain on the sale of our IT services business, partially offset by $192 million of unallowable state taxes and transaction costs associated with the divestiture. It also increased due to a net increase in deferred state tax assets principally resulting from certain state tax legislation adopted in 2020 that places temporary limitations on tax credits, as well as lower intangible asset amortization and PP&E step-up depreciation.
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Net EAC Adjustments - We record changes in estimated contract earnings at completion (net EAC adjustments) using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. Net EAC adjustments can have a significant effect on reported sales and operating income and the aggregate amounts are presented in the table below:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Favorable EAC adjustments | $ | 348 | $ | 276 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unfavorable EAC adjustments | (158) | (152) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net EAC adjustments | $ | 190 | $ | 124 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net EAC adjustments by segment are presented in the table below:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | $ | 37 | $ | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | 30 | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | 88 | 79 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | 37 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Eliminations | (2) | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net EAC adjustments | $ | 190 | $ | 124 | |||||||||||||||||||
For purposes of the discussion in the remainder of this Segment Operating Results section, references to operating income and operating margin rate reflect segment operating income and segment operating margin rate, respectively.
AERONAUTICS SYSTEMS | Three Months Ended March 31 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 2,990 | $ | 2,843 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 308 | 263 | 17 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 10.3 | % | 9.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales
First quarter 2021 sales increased $147 million, or 5 percent, due to higher sales in Manned Aircraft, partially offset by lower sales in Autonomous Systems. Manned Aircraft sales reflect higher volume on restricted programs, as well as the E-2 and F-35 production programs, partially offset by a COVID-19-related reduction in A350 production activity and lower volume on the B-2 Defensive Management Systems Modernization program as it nears completion. Autonomous Systems sales reflect lower volume on certain Global Hawk production programs as they near completion.
Operating Income
First quarter 2021 operating income increased $45 million, or 17 percent, due to higher sales and a higher operating margin rate. Operating margin rate increased to 10.3 percent from 9.3 percent, principally due to higher net favorable EAC adjustments, which were largely driven by the previously described reduction in overhead rates.
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DEFENSE SYSTEMS | Three Months Ended March 31 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 1,562 | $ | 1,881 | (17) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 177 | 198 | (11) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 11.3 | % | 10.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales
First quarter 2021 sales decreased $319 million, or 17 percent, primarily due to a $283 million reduction in sales related to the IT services divestiture. First quarter 2021 organic sales decreased $36 million, or 2 percent, due principally to the close-out of the contract at the Army’s Lake City ammunition plant, partially offset by higher volume on the Guided Missile Launch Rocket System and Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile programs.
Operating Income
First quarter 2021 operating income decreased $21 million, or 11 percent, primarily due to the impact of the IT services divestiture. Operating margin rate increased to 11.3 percent from 10.5 percent primarily due to improved performance at Battle Management and Missile Systems.
MISSION SYSTEMS | Three Months Ended March 31 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 2,589 | $ | 2,347 | 10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 397 | 353 | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 15.3 | % | 15.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales
First quarter 2021 sales increased $242 million, or 10 percent, due to higher volume across the sector, partially offset by an $88 million reduction in sales related to the IT services divestiture. First quarter 2021 organic sales increased $330 million, or 15 percent. Airborne Multifunction Sensors sales increased principally due to higher airborne radar volume, including the Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) program, and higher restricted volume. Maritime/Land Systems and Sensors sales increased primarily due to higher volume on land systems, including the Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) program, and higher marine systems volume. Navigation, Targeting and Survivability sales increased primarily due to higher volume on targeting and navigation programs, including LITENING, as well as higher intercompany volume on the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program. Networked Information Solutions sales increased primarily due to higher volume on electronic warfare programs, including the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) program, and higher restricted volume.
Operating Income
First quarter 2021 operating income increased $44 million, or 12 percent, due to higher sales volume and a higher operating margin rate. Operating margin rate increased to 15.3 percent from 15.0 percent primarily due to higher net favorable EAC adjustments, which reflect a benefit for the previously described reduction in overhead rates and lower net favorable EAC adjustments at Networked Information Solutions.
SPACE SYSTEMS | Three Months Ended March 31 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | $ | 2,521 | $ | 1,948 | 29 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 276 | 202 | 37 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating margin rate | 10.9 | % | 10.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales
First quarter 2021 sales increased $573 million, or 29 percent, primarily due to higher sales in both the Launch & Strategic Missiles and Space business areas, partially offset by a $28 million reduction in sales related to the IT services divestiture. First quarter 2021 organic sales increased $601 million, or 32 percent. Launch & Strategic Missiles sales increased primarily due to ramp-up on GBSD and higher volume on hypersonics programs. Space
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sales were driven by higher volume on restricted programs, NASA Artemis programs and the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Radar (Next Gen OPIR) program.
Operating Income
First quarter 2021 operating income increased $74 million, or 37 percent, due to higher sales volume and a higher operating margin rate. Operating margin rate increased to 10.9 percent from 10.4 percent primarily due to higher net favorable EAC adjustments, which were largely driven by the previously described reduction in overhead rates.
PRODUCT AND SERVICE ANALYSIS
The following table presents product and service sales and operating costs and expenses by segment:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Information: | Sales | Operating Costs and Expenses | Sales | Operating Costs and Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | $ | 2,524 | $ | 2,274 | $ | 2,409 | $ | 2,199 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 422 | 369 | 408 | 358 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 44 | 39 | 26 | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Aeronautics Systems | 2,990 | 2,682 | 2,843 | 2,580 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | 680 | 595 | 770 | 704 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 697 | 624 | 940 | 826 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 185 | 166 | 171 | 153 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Defense Systems | 1,562 | 1,385 | 1,881 | 1,683 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | 1,760 | 1,493 | 1,508 | 1,274 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 592 | 497 | 663 | 570 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 237 | 202 | 176 | 150 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Mission Systems | 2,589 | 2,192 | 2,347 | 1,994 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product | 2,058 | 1,829 | 1,489 | 1,325 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | 424 | 381 | 433 | 397 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment eliminations | 39 | 35 | 26 | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Space Systems | 2,521 | 2,245 | 1,948 | 1,746 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Totals | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Product | $ | 7,022 | $ | 6,191 | $ | 6,176 | $ | 5,502 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Service | 2,135 | 1,871 | 2,444 | 2,151 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Segment(1) | $ | 9,157 | $ | 8,062 | $ | 8,620 | $ | 7,653 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1)A reconciliation of segment operating income to total operating income is included in “Segment Operating Results.”
Product Sales and Costs
First quarter 2021 product sales increased $846 million, or 14 percent, principally due to increases in product sales at Space Systems and Mission Systems. The increase in product sales at Space Systems was driven by higher volume on restricted programs, NASA Artemis Programs and the Next Gen OPIR program, as well as ramp-up on the GBSD program. The increase in Mission Systems product sales was primarily driven by higher volume on restricted, airborne radar and land systems programs.
First quarter 2021 product costs increased $689 million, or 13 percent, consistent with the higher product sales described above.
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Service Sales and Costs
First quarter 2021 service sales decreased $309 million, or 13 percent, primarily due to the IT services divestiture. First quarter 2021 sales from the IT services business, which were largely included in service sales, were $162 million as compared to $559 million in the prior year period.
First quarter 2021 service costs decreased $280 million, or 13 percent, consistent with the lower services sales described above.
BACKLOG
Backlog represents the future sales we expect to recognize on firm orders received by the company and is equivalent to the company’s remaining performance obligations at the end of each period. It comprises both funded backlog (firm orders for which funding is authorized and appropriated) and unfunded backlog. Unexercised contract options and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are not included in backlog until the time an option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded. Backlog is converted into sales as costs are incurred or deliveries are made.
Backlog consisted of the following as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
| March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | Funded | Unfunded | Total Backlog | Total Backlog | % Change in 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aeronautics Systems | $ | 11,886 | $ | 10,337 | $ | 22,223 | $ | 24,002 | (7) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense Systems | 5,873 | 763 | 6,636 | 8,131 | (18) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mission Systems | 10,453 | 3,314 | 13,767 | 13,805 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Space Systems | 7,249 | 29,448 | 36,697 | 35,031 | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total backlog | $ | 35,461 | $ | 43,862 | $ | 79,323 | $ | 80,969 | (2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
New Awards
First quarter 2021 net awards totaled $8.9 billion and backlog was $79.3 billion. Significant first quarter new awards include $2.6 billion for the Next Generation Interceptor program, $1.1 billion for restricted programs, $0.5 billion for SABR, $0.4 billion for F-35 and $0.2 billion for G/ATOR. In connection with the IT services divestiture, the company reduced backlog by $1.4 billion during the first quarter ($1.0 billion at Defense Systems, $0.2 billion at Mission Systems and $0.2 billion at Space Systems).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We endeavor to ensure efficient conversion of operating income into cash and to increase shareholder value through cash deployment activities. In addition to our cash position, we use various financial measures to assist in capital deployment decision-making, including cash used in operating activities and adjusted free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure described in more detail below.
At March 31, 2021, we had $3.5 billion in cash and cash equivalents. Effective January 30, 2021, we completed the IT services divestiture for $3.4 billion in cash. Proceeds were primarily used in the first quarter of 2021 for a $2.0 billion accelerated share repurchase and to fund redemption of $1.5 billion of the company’s 2.55 percent unsecured notes due October 2022. In April 2021, we renewed our one-year $500 million uncommitted credit facility.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) established a program with provisions to allow U.S. companies to defer the employer’s portion of social security taxes between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020 and pay such taxes in two installments in 2021 and 2022. Our first installment of deferred social security taxes of approximately $200 million is due in the fourth quarter of 2021. Under Section 3610, the CARES Act also authorized the government to reimburse qualifying contractors for certain costs of providing paid leave to employees as a result of COVID-19. The company continues to seek, and anticipates continuing to seek, recovery for certain COVID-19-related costs under Section 3610 of the CARES Act and through our contract provisions. In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has, to date, taken steps to increase the rate for certain progress payments from 80 percent to 90 percent for costs incurred and work performed on relevant contracts. While it is unclear how much we will be able to recover, in particular under Section 3610, we believe these actions should continue to mitigate some COVID-19-related negative impacts to our operating cash flows in 2021.
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Cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operating activities, supplemented by borrowings under credit facilities, commercial paper and/or in the capital markets, if needed, are expected to be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months.
Operating Cash Flow
The table below summarizes key components of cash flow used in operating activities:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 2,195 | $ | 868 | 153 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of business | (1,980) | — | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-cash items(1) | 313 | 471 | (34) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade working capital | (310) | (2,163) | (86) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retiree benefits | (314) | (237) | 32 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | 30 | 68 | (56) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (66) | $ | (993) | (93) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Includes depreciation and amortization, non-cash lease expense, stock based compensation expense and deferred income taxes.
First quarter 2021 cash used in operating activities was $66 million as compared with $993 million in the prior year period. This $927 million improvement was principally due to improved trade working capital. The net use of cash during the first quarter is reflective of the company's historical timing of operating cash flows, which are generally more heavily weighted towards the second half of the year.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
Adjusted free cash flow, as reconciled in the table below, is a non-GAAP measure defined as net cash used in operating activities less capital expenditures, plus proceeds from the sale of equipment to a customer (not otherwise included in net cash used in operating activities) and the after-tax impact of discretionary pension contributions. Adjusted free cash flow includes proceeds from the sale of equipment to a customer as such proceeds were generated in a customer sales transaction. It also includes the after-tax impact of discretionary pension contributions for consistency and comparability of financial performance. This measure may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. We use adjusted free cash flow as a key factor in our planning for, and consideration of, acquisitions, the payment of dividends and stock repurchases. This non-GAAP measure may be useful to investors and other users of our financial statements as a supplemental measure of our cash performance, but should not be considered in isolation, as a measure of residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes, or as an alternative to operating cash flows presented in accordance with GAAP.
The table below reconciles net cash used in operating activities to adjusted free cash flow:
| Three Months Ended March 31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ in millions | 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (66) | $ | (993) | (93) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (205) | (272) | (25) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted free cash flow | $ | (271) | $ | (1,265) | (79) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First quarter 2021 adjusted free cash flow improved $1.0 billion principally due to lower net cash used in operating activities and a decrease in capital expenditures as compared to the prior year period.
Investing Cash Flow
First quarter 2021 net cash provided by investing activities was $3.2 billion compared to net cash used in investing activities of $270 million in the prior year period, principally due to $3.4 billion in cash received from the sale of our IT services business during the first quarter of 2021.
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Financing Cash Flow
First quarter 2021 net cash used in financing activities was $4.5 billion compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $2.3 billion in the prior year period, principally due to $2.2 billion in debt repayments and $2.0 billion paid in connection with an accelerated share repurchase during the first quarter of 2021 as compared to $2.2 billion of net proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt in the first quarter of 2020.
Credit Facilities, Commercial Paper and Financial Arrangements - See Note 6 to the financial statements for further information on our credit facilities, commercial paper and our use of standby letters of credit and guarantees.
Share Repurchases - See Note 2 to the financial statements for further information on our share repurchase programs.
Long-term Debt - See Note 4 to the financial statements for further information.
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 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES
See Note 1 to our financial statements for further information on accounting standards updates.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS
This Form 10-Q and the information we are incorporating by reference contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “outlook,” “trends,” “goals” and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to our future financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, expectations, plans and projections that we believe to be reasonable when made, but which may change over time. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Specific risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those identified and discussed more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These risks and uncertainties are amplified by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused and will continue to cause significant challenges, instability and uncertainty. They include:
•the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak or future epidemics on our business, including the potential for worker absenteeism, facility closures, work slowdowns or stoppages, supply chain disruptions, additional costs and liabilities, program delays, our ability to recover costs under contracts, changing government funding and acquisition priorities and processes, changing government payment rules and practices, insurance challenges, and potential impacts on access to capital, the markets and the fair value of our assets
•our dependence on the U.S. government for a substantial portion of our business
•significant delays or reductions in appropriations for our programs, and U.S. government funding and program support more broadly
•investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation and/or other legal proceedings
•the use of estimates when accounting for our contracts and the effect of contract cost growth and/or changes in estimated contract revenues and costs
•our exposure to additional risks as a result of our international business, including risks related to geopolitical and economic factors, suppliers, laws and regulations
•the improper conduct of employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, business partners or joint ventures in which we participate and the impact on our reputation and our ability to do business
•cyber and other security threats or disruptions faced by us, our customers or our suppliers and other partners
•the performance and financial viability of our subcontractors and suppliers and the availability and pricing of raw materials and components
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•changes in procurement and other laws, regulations, contract terms and practices applicable to our industry, findings by the U.S. government as to our compliance with such requirements, and changes in our customers’ business practices globally
•increased competition within our markets and bid protests
•the ability to maintain a qualified workforce with the required security clearances and requisite skills
•our ability to meet performance obligations under our contracts, including obligations that require innovative design capabilities, are technologically complex, require certain manufacturing expertise or are dependent on factors not wholly within our control
•environmental matters, including unforeseen environmental costs and government and third party claims
•natural disasters
•health epidemics, pandemics and similar outbreaks
•the adequacy and availability of our insurance coverage, customer indemnifications or other liability protections
•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
•the future investment performance of plan assets, 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
•our ability appropriately to exploit and/or protect intellectual property rights
•our ability to develop new products and technologies and maintain technologies, facilities, and equipment to win new competitions and meet the needs of our customers
•unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional tax liabilities
•changes in business conditions that could impact business investments and/or recorded goodwill or the value of other long-lived assets
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 report is first filed or, in the case of any document incorporated by reference, the date of that document. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations from those discussed in our 2020 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 2020 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) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)) as of March 31, 2021, and have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit is accumulated and communicated to
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management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, no changes occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We have provided information about certain legal proceedings in which we are involved in Notes 5 and 6 to the financial statements.
We are a party to various investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions and other legal proceedings, including government investigations and claims, that arise in the ordinary course of our business. These types of matters could result in administrative, civil or criminal fines, penalties or other sanctions (which terms include judgments or convictions and consent or other voluntary decrees or agreements); compensatory, treble or other damages; non-monetary relief or actions; or other liabilities. Government regulations provide that certain allegations against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from future government contracts or suspension of export privileges for the company or one or more of its components. The nature of legal proceedings is such that we cannot assure the outcome of any particular matter. For additional information on pending matters, please see Notes 5 and 6 to the financial statements, and for further information on the risks we face from existing and future investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions and other legal proceedings, please see “Risk Factors” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Consistent with SEC Regulation S-K Item 103, we have elected to disclose those environmental proceedings with a governmental entity as a party where the company reasonably believes such proceeding would result in monetary sanctions, exclusive of interest and costs, of $1.0 million or more.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
For a discussion of our risk factors please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The table below summarizes our repurchases of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share(1) | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs ($ in millions)(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, 2021 - January 29, 2021 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 5,849 | ||||||||||||||||||||
January 30, 2021 - February 26, 2021(3) | 5,931,405 | 286.61 | 5,931,405 | 4,149 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| February 27, 2021 - April 2, 2021 | — | — | — | 4,149 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 5,931,405 | $ | 286.61 | 5,931,405 | $ | 4,149 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Includes commissions paid.
(2)The value remaining includes an additional $3.0 billion share repurchase authorization approved by the company’s board of directors on January 25, 2021.
(3)The company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC to repurchase $2.0 billion of the company’s common stock and received an initial delivery of shares representing approximately 85 percent of the share repurchase agreement.
Share repurchases take place from time to time, subject to market conditions and management’s discretion, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The company retires its common stock upon repurchase and, in the periods presented, has not made any purchases of common stock other than in connection with these publicly announced repurchase programs.
See Note 2 to the financial statements for further information on our share repurchase programs.
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Item 6. Exhibits
| 2.1 | |||||
| 2.2 | |||||
| 2.3 | |||||
| 2.4 | |||||
| *+10.1 | |||||
| *+10.2 | |||||
| *+10.3 | |||||
| *+10.4 | |||||
| *15 | |||||
| *31.1 | |||||
| *31.2 | |||||
| **32.1 | |||||
| **32.2 | |||||
| *101 | Northrop Grumman Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Cover Page, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | ||||
| *104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | ||||
| + | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement | ||||
| * | Filed with this report | ||||
| ** | Furnished with this report | ||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION (Registrant) | ||||||||
By: | /s/ Michael A. Hardesty | |||||||
| Michael A. Hardesty Corporate Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | ||||||||
Date: April 28, 2021
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Exhibit 10.1
GROUP PERSONAL EXCESS LIABILITY POLICY
INTRODUCTION
This is your Chubb Group Personal Excess Liability Policy. Together with your Coverage Summary, it explains your coverages and other conditions of your insurance in detail.
This policy is a contract between you and us. READ YOUR POLICY CAREFULLY and keep it in a safe place.
Agreement
We agree to provide the insurance described in this policy in return for the premium paid by you or the Sponsoring Organization and your compliance with the policy conditions.
Definitions
In this policy, we use words in their plain English meaning. Words with special meanings are defined in the part of the policy where they are used. The few defined terms used throughout the policy are defined here:
You means the individual who is a member of the Defined Group shown as the Insured named in the Coverage Summary.
Spouse means a partner in marriage or a partner in a civil union recognized under state law and who lives with you.
We and us mean the insurance company named in the Coverage Summary.
Family member means your spouse or domestic partner or other relative who lives with you, or any other person under 25 in your care or your relative's care who lives with you.
Domestic partner means a person in a legal or personal relationship with you, who lives with you and shares a common domestic life with you, and meeting all of the benefits eligibility criteria as defined by the Sponsoring Organization.
Sponsoring Organization means the entity, corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship sponsoring and defining the criteria for qualification as an Insured.
Policy means your entire Group Personal Excess Liability Policy, including the Coverage Summary.
Coverage Summary means the most recent Coverage Summary we issued to you, including any endorsements.
Occurrence means an accident or offense to which this insurance applies and which begins within the policy period. Continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general conditions unless excluded is considered to be one occurrence.
Business means any employment, trade, occupation, profession, or farm operation including the raising or care of animals or any activities intended to realize a benefit or financial gain engaged in on a full-time, part-time or occasional basis.
Defined Group means those individuals meeting the criteria for qualification as an Insured as defined by the Sponsoring Organization and accepted by us.
Follow form means we cover damages to the extent they are both covered under the Required Primary Underlying Insurance and, not excluded under this policy. Also, the amount of coverage, defense coverages, cancellation and "other insurance" provisions of this policy supersede and replace the similar provisions contained in such other policies. When this policy is called upon to pay losses in excess of required primary underlying policies exhausted by payment of claims, we do not provide broader coverage than provided by such policies. When no primary underlying coverage exists, the extent of coverage provided on a follow form basis will be determined as if the required primary underlying insurance had been purchased from us.
Covered person means:
•you or a family member;
•any person using a vehicle or watercraft covered under this policy with permission from you or a family member with respect to their legal responsibility arising out of its use;
•any other person who is a covered person under your Required Primary Underlying Insurance;
•any person or organization with respect to their legal responsibility for covered acts or omissions of you or a family member; or
•any combination of the above.
Definitions
(continued)
Damages mean the sum that is paid or is payable to satisfy a claim settled by us or resolved by judicial procedure or by a compromise we agree to in writing.
Personal injury means the following injuries, and resulting death:
•bodily injury;
•shock, mental anguish, or mental injury;
•false arrest, false imprisonment, or wrongful detention;
•wrongful entry or eviction;
•malicious prosecution or humiliation; and
•libel, slander, defamation of character, or invasion of privacy.
Bodily injury means physical bodily harm, including sickness or disease that results from it, and required care, loss of services and resulting death.
Property damage means physical injury to or destruction of tangible property and the resulting loss of its use. Tangible property includes the cost of recreating or replacing stocks, bonds, deeds, mortgages, bank deposits, and similar instruments , but does not include the value represented by such instruments. Tangible property does not include the cost of recreating or replacing any software, data or other information that is in electronic form.
Registered vehicle means any motorized land vehicle not described in "unregistered vehicle."
Unregistered vehicle means:
•any motorized land vehicle not designed for or required to be registered for use on public roads;
•any motorized land vehicle which is in dead storage at your residence;
•any motorized land vehicle used solely on and to service your residence premises;
•any motorized land vehicle used to assist the disabled that is not designed for or required to be registered for use on public roads; or
•golf carts.
GROUP PERSONAL EXCESS COVERAGE
This part of your Group Personal Excess Liability Policy provides you or a family member with liability coverage in excess of your underlying insurance anywhere in the world unless stated otherwise or an exclusion applies.
Payment for a Loss
Amount of coverage
The amount of coverage for liability is shown in the Coverage Summary. We will pay on your behalf up to that amount for covered damages from any one occurrence, regardless of how many claims, homes, vehicles, watercraft, or people are involved in the occurrence.
Any costs we pay for legal expenses (see Defense coverages) are in addition to the amount of coverage.
Underlying Insurance
We will pay only for covered damages in excess of all underlying insurance covering those damages, even if the underlying coverage is for more than the minimum amount.
"Underlying insurance" includes all liability coverage that applies to the covered damages, except for other insurance purchased in excess of this policy.
Required primary underlying insurance
Regardless of whatever other primary underlying insurance may be available in the event of a claim or loss, it is a condition of your policy that you and your family members must maintain in full effect primary underlying liability insurance of the types and in at least the amounts set forth below unless a different amount is shown in your Coverage Summary, covering your personal liability and to the extent you or a family member have such liability exposures, all vehicles and watercraft you or your family members own, or rent for longer than 60 days, or have furnished for longer than 60 days, as follows:
Personal liability (homeowners) for personal injury and property damage in the minimum amount of $300,000 each occurrence.
Payment for a Loss
(continued)
Registered vehicles in the minimum amount of:
•$250,000/$500,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage;
•$300,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage; or
•$300,000 single limit each occurrence.
Unregistered vehicles in the minimum amount of $300,000 bodily injury and property damage each occurrence. Registered vehicles with less than four wheels and motor homes in the minimum amount of:
•$250,000/$500,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage;
•$300,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage; or
•$300,000 single limit each occurrence.
Watercraft less than 26 feet and 50 engine rated horsepower or less for bodily injury and property damage in the minimum amount of $300,000 each occurrence.
Watercraft 26 feet or longer or more than 50 engine rated horsepower for bodily injury and property damage in the minimum amount of $500,000 each occurrence.
Uninsured motorists/underinsured motorist protection in the minimum amounts of:
•$250,000/$500,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage;
•$300,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage; or
•$300,000 single limit each occurrence.
With respect to you and your family members residing outside of the United States, the required primary underlying insurance limits of liability shall be the same limits of liability as shown above, unless you and your family members reside in a country where the minimum required primary underlying insurance limits of liability are not available. In these countries, you and your family members must maintain in full effect primary underlying liability insurance limits equal to the maximum limits of liability available in that country for all coverages up to the minimum required primary underlying limits shown in the Coverage Summary under Required Primary Underlying Insurance.
Failure by you or your family members to comply with this condition, or failure of any of your primary underlying insurers due to insolvency or bankruptcy, shall not invalidate this policy. In the event of any such failure, we shall only be liable in excess of the foregoing minimum amounts and to no greater extent with respect to coverages, amounts and defense costs than we would have been had this failure not occurred.
You must also give notice of losses and otherwise cooperate and comply with the terms and conditions of such primary underlying insurance.
Group Personal Excess Liability Coverage
We cover damages a covered person is legally obligated to pay for personal injury or property damage, caused by an occurrence:
•in excess of damages covered by the underlying insurance; or
•from the first dollar of damage where no underlying insurance is required under this policy and no underlying insurance exists; or
•from the first dollar of damage where underlying insurance is required under this policy but no coverage is provided by the underlying insurance for a particular occurrence;
unless stated otherwise or an exclusion applies. Exclusions to this coverage are described in Exclusions.
Excess uninsured motorists/underinsured motorist protection
This coverage is in effect only if excess uninsured motorists/underinsured motorists protection is shown in the Coverage Summary.
Group Personal Excess Liability Coverage
(continued)
We cover damages for bodily injury and property damage a covered person is legally entitled to receive from the owner or operator of an uninsured motorized/underinsured motorized land vehicle. We cover these damages in excess of the underlying insurance or the Required Primary Underlying Insurance, whichever is greater, if they are caused by an occurrence during the policy period, unless otherwise stated.
Amount of coverage. The maximum amount of excess uninsured motorists/underinsured motorists protection available for any one occurrence is the excess uninsured motorists/underinsured motorists protection amount shown in the Coverage Summary regardless of the number of vehicles covered by the Required Primary Underlying Insurance. We will not pay more than this amount in any one occurrence for covered damages regardless of how many claims, vehicles or people are involved in the occurrence. This coverage will follow form.
Uninsured motorists/underinsured motorists protection arbitration
If we and a covered person disagree whether that person is legally entitled to recover damages from the owner or operator of an uninsured motor vehicle/underinsured motor vehicle, or do not agree as to the amount of damages, either party may make a written demand for arbitration. In this event, each party will select an arbitrator. The two arbitrators will select a third. If they cannot agree on a third arbitrator within 45 days, either may request that the arbitration be submitted to the American Arbitration Association. When the covered person's recovery exceeds the minimum limit specified in the applicable jurisdiction's financial responsibility law, each party will pay the expenses it incurs, and bear the expenses of the third arbitrator equally. Otherwise, we will bear all the expenses of the arbitration.
Unless both parties agree otherwise, arbitration will take place in the county and state in which the covered person lives. Local rules of law as to procedure and evidence will apply. A decision agreed to by two arbitrators will be binding unless the recovery amount for bodily injury exceeds the minimum limit specified by the applicable jurisdiction's financial responsibility law. If the amount exceeds that limit, either party may demand the right to a trial. This demand must be made within 60 days of the arbitrator's decision. If this demand is not made, the amount of damages agreed to by the arbitrators will be binding.
Uninsured/underinsured liability coverage
This coverage is in effect only if excess uninsured motorists/underinsured motorists protection is shown in the Coverage Summary.
We cover up to a maximum of $1 million for bodily injury and personal injury you or a family member are legally entitled to receive from an uninsured or underinsured negligent person caused by an occurrence, unless stated otherwise or an exclusion applies. We will not pay more than this amount for covered damages from any one occurrence, regardless of how many claims or people are involved in the occurrence. This coverage is excess over the total of any other collectible insurance that covers damages from the occurrence.
All the exclusions under the Group Personal Excess Liability Coverage are applicable to this Uninsured/underinsured liability coverage, and where used, the definition of you or a family member is extended to include negligent person. This coverage also does not apply to damages from an occurrence arising out of any business activities; any activities involving business property or the sale or transfer of property; or the ownership, maintenance, use, loading, unloading, or towing of any motor vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft. In addition, this coverage does not apply to damages from an occurrence arising from any employment related harassment, termination, demotion, breach of an oral or written employment contract or agreement or violation of any state or federal wrongful employment practices act or similar law.
We also do not cover any fines, penalties, taxes, punitive, exemplary or multiplied damages, or any claim or suit seeking non monetary relief, including but not limited to, injunctive relief, declaratory relief or other equitable remedies.
"Negligent person" means an identifiable natural person by legal name who is not a family member, and who is legally responsible for damages sustained by you or a family member caused by an occurrence.
Duplication of coverage. We will not make a duplicate payment for any portion of damages for which payment has been made by or on behalf of persons who may be legally responsible, or otherwise covered by any other collectible insurance. Nor will we pay for any portion of damages if you or a family member is entitled to receive payment for the same portion of damages under any workers' compensation law, disability benefits law or similar law.
Group Personal Excess Liability Coverage
(continued)
Defense coverages
We will defend a covered person against any suit seeking covered damages for personal injury or property damage that is either:
•not covered by any underlying insurance; or
•covered by an underlying policy. This will apply to each Defense Coverage as it has been exhausted by payment of claims.
We provide this defense at our expense, with counsel of our choice, even if the suit is groundless, false, or fraudulent. We may investigate, negotiate, and settle any such claim or suit at our discretion.
As part of our investigation, defense, negotiation, or settlement, we will pay:
•all premiums on appeal bonds required in any suit we defend;
•all premiums on bonds to release attachments for any amount up to the amount of coverage (but we are not obligated to apply for or furnish any bond);
•all expenses incurred by us;
•all costs taxed against a covered person;
•all interest accruing after a judgment is entered in a suit we defend on only that part of the judgment we are responsible for paying. We will not pay interest accruing after we have paid the judgment up to the amount of coverage;
•all prejudgment interest awarded against a covered person on that part of the judgment we pay or offer to pay.
We will not pay any prejudgment interest based on that period of time after we make an offer to pay the amount of coverage;
•all earnings lost by each covered person at our request, up to $25,000;
•other reasonable expenses incurred by a covered person at our request; and
•the cost of bail bonds required of a covered person because of a covered loss.
In jurisdictions where we may be prevented by local law from carrying out these Defense Coverages, we will pay only those defense expenses that we agree in writing to pay and that are incurred by you.
Extra Coverages
In addition to covering damages and defense costs, we also provide other related coverages. These coverages are in addition to the amount of coverage for damages and defense costs unless stated otherwise.
Shadow defense coverage
If we are defending you or a family member in a suit seeking covered damages, we will pay reasonable expenses you or a family member incur up to $10,000 or the amount shown in the Coverage Summary for a law firm of your choice to review and monitor the defense. However any recommendation by your persona attorney is not binding on us. We will pay these costs provided that you obtain prior approval from us before incurring any fees or expenses.
Identity fraud
We will pay for your or a family member's identity fraud expenses, up to a maximum of $25,000, for each identity fraud occurrence.
"Identity fraud" means the act of knowingly transferring or using, without lawful authority, your or a family member's means of identity which constitutes a violation of federal law or a crime under any applicable state or local law.
"Identity fraud occurrence" means any act or series of acts of identity fraud by a person or group commencing in the policy period.
"Identity fraud expenses" means:
•the costs for notarizing affidavits or similar documents for law enforcement agencies, financial institutions or similar credit grantors, and credit agencies;
•the costs for sending certified mail to law enforcement agencies, financial institutions or similar credit grantors, and credit agencies;
Extra Coverages
(continued)
•the loan application fees for reapplying for loan(s) due to the rejection of the original application because the lender received incorrect credit information;
•the telephone expenses for calls to businesses, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions or similar credit grantors, and credit agencies;
•earnings lost by you or a family member as a result of time off from work to complete fraud affidavits, meet with law enforcement agencies, credit agencies, merchants, or legal counsel;
•the reasonable attorney fees incurred with prior notice to us for:
•the defense of you or a family member against any suit(s) by businesses or their collection agencies;
•the removal of any criminal or civil judgements wrongly entered against you or a family member;
•any challenge to the information in your or a family member's consumer credit report; and
•the reasonable fees incurred with prior notice to us by an identity fraud mitigation entity to:
•provide services for the activities described above;
•restore accounts or credit standing with financial institutions or similar credit grantors and credit agencies; and
•monitor for up to one year the effectiveness of the fraud mitigation and to detect additional identity fraud activity after the first identify fraud occurrence.
However, such monitoring must begin no later than one year after you or a family member first report an identity fraud occurrence to us.
However, "identity fraud expenses" does not include expenses incurred due to any fraudulent, dishonest or criminal act by a covered person or any person acting with a covered person, or by any authorized representative of a covered person, whether acting alone or in collusion with others.
"Identity fraud mitigation entity" means a company that principally provides professional, specialized services to counter identity fraud for individuals or groups of individuals, or a financial institution that provides similar services.
In addition to the duties described in Policy Terms, Liability Conditions, Your duties after a loss, you shall notify an applicable law enforcement agency.
Kidnap expenses
We will pay up to a maximum of $100,000 for kidnap expenses you or a family member incurs solely and directly as a result of a kidnap and ransom occurrence. In addition, we also will pay up to $25,000 to any person for information not otherwise available leading to the arrest and conviction of any person(s) who kidnaps you, a family member or a covered relative. The following are not eligible to receive this reward payment:
•you or a family member; or
•a covered relative who witnessed the occurrence.
"Kidnap and ransom occurrence" means the actual or alleged wrongful taking of: you;
one or more family members; or
one or more covered relatives while visiting or legally traveling with you or a family member;
from anywhere in the world except those places listed on the United States State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs Travel Warnings list at the time of the occurrence. The occurrence must include a demand for ransom payment which would be paid by you or a family member in exchange for the release of the kidnapped person(s).
"Kidnap expenses" means the reasonable costs for:
•a professional negotiator;
•a professional security consultant;
•professional security guard services;
•a professional public relations consultant;
•travel, meals, lodging and phone expenses incurred by you or a family member;
•advertising, communications and recording equipment;
•related medical, cosmetic, psychiatric and dental expenses incurred by a kidnapped person within 12 months from that person's release;
•attorneys fees;
•a professional forensic analyst;
•earnings lost by you or a family member, up to $25,000.
Extra Coverages
(continued)
However, "kidnap expenses" does not include expenses incurred due to any kidnap and ransom occurrence caused by:
•you or a family member;
•a covered relative;
•any guardian, or former guardian of you, a family member or covered relative;
•any estranged spouse or domestic partner, or former spouse or domestic partner of you or a family member;
•any person unrelated to you or a family member who lives with you or a family member or has ever lived with you or a family member for 6 or more months, other than a domestic employee, residential staff, or a person employed by you or a family member for farm work; or
•a civil authority,
or any person acting on behalf of any of the above, whether acting alone or in collusion with others.
"Covered relative" means the following relatives of you, or a spouse or domestic partner who lives with you, or any family member:
•children, their children or other descendents of theirs;
•parents, grandparents or other ancestors of theirs; or
•siblings, their children or other descendents of theirs;
who do not live with you, including spouses or domestic partners of all of the above. Parents, grandparents and other ancestors include adoptive parents, stepparents and step grandparents.
Reputational injury. If we are defending you or a family member in a suit seeking covered damages, we will pay reasonable and necessary fees or expenses that you or a family member incur for services provided by a reputation management firm to minimize potential injury to the reputation of you or a family member solely as a result of personal injury or property damage, caused by an occurrence if:
•the reputational injury is reported to us as soon as reasonably possible but not later than 30 days after the personal injury or property damage occurrence; and
•you obtain approval of the reputation management firm from us before incurring any fees or expenses, unless stated otherwise or an exclusion applies. There is no deductible for this coverage.
A Reputation management firm means a professional public relations consulting firm, a professional security consulting firm or a professional media management consulting firm.
The maximum amount of coverage for Reputational injury available for any one occurrence is $25,000 or the amount shown in the Coverage Summary. We will not pay more than this amount in any one occurrence for covered damages regardless of how many claims or people are involved in the occurrence.
The maximum annual amount of coverage for Reputational injury shown in the Coverage Summary is the most we will pay for the sum of all covered damages you or a family member incur during the policy period regardless of the number of claims, people, or occurrences.
This coverage does not apply to loss caused by a wrongful employment act covered by Employment Practices Liability Insurance.
Exclusions
These exclusions apply to your Group Personal Excess Liability Coverage, unless stated otherwise.
Aircraft. We do not cover any damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, use, loading, unloading, or towing of any aircraft, except aircraft chartered with crew by you. We do not cover any property damages to aircraft rented to, owned by, or in the care, custody or control of a covered person.
Hovercraft. We do not cover any damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, use, loading, unloading or towing of any hovercraft. We do not cover any property damages to hovercraft rented to, owned by, or in the care, custody or control of a covered person.
Motorized land vehicle racing or track usage. We do not cover any damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of any motorized land vehicle:
◦during any instruction, practice, preparation for, or participation in, any competitive, prearranged or organized racing, speed contest, rally, gymkhana, sports event, stunting activity, or timed event of any kind; or
◦on a racetrack, test track or other course of any kind.
Watercraft and aircraft racing or track usage. We do not cover any damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of anv watercraft or aircraft during any instruction, practice, preparation for, or participation in, any competitive, prearranged or organized racing, speed contest, rally, sports event, stunting activity or timed event of any kind. This exclusion does not apply to you or a family member for sailboat racing even if the sailboat is equipped with an auxiliary motor.
Motorized land vehicle-related jobs. We do not cover any damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motorized land vehicle by any person who is employed or otherwise engaged in the business of selling, repairing, servicing, storing, parking, testing, or delivering motorized land vehicles. This exclusion does not apply to you, a family member, or your employee or an employee of a family member for damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of a motorized land vehicle owned by, rented to, or furnished to you or a family member.
Watercraft related jobs. We do not cover any damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a watercraft by any person who is engaged by or employed by, or is operating a marina, boat repair yard, shipyard, yacht club, boat sales agency, boat service station, or other similar organization. This exclusion does not apply to damages arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a watercraft by you, a family member, or your or a family member's captain or full time paid crew member maintaining or using this watercraft with permission from you or a family member.
Motorized land vehicle and watercraft loading. We do not cover any person or organization, other than you or a family member or your or a family member's employees, with respect to the loading or unloading of motorized land vehicles or watercraft.
Workers' compensation or disability. We do not cover any damages a covered person is legally:
◦required to provide; or
◦voluntarily provides under any:
◦workers' compensation;
◦disability benefits;
◦unemployment compensation; or
◦other similar laws.
But we do provide coverage in excess over any other insurance for damages you or a family member is legally required to pay for bodily injury to a domestic employee of a residence covered under the Required Primary Underlying Insurance which are not compensable under workers' compensation, unless another exclusion applies.
Director's liability. We do not cover any damages for any covered person's actions or failure to act as an officer or member of a board of directors of any corporation or organization. However, we do cover such damages if you are or a family member is an officer or member of a board of directors of a:
◦homeowner, condominium or cooperative association; or
◦not for profit corporation or organization for which he or she is not compensated; unless another exclusion applies.
Damage to covered person's property. We do not cover any person for property damage to property owned by any covered person.
Damage to property in your care. We do not cover any person for property damage to property rented to, occupied by, used by, or in the care of any covered person, to the extent that the covered person is required by contract to provide insurance. But we do cover such damages for loss caused by fire, smoke, or explosion unless another exclusion applies.
Wrongful employment act. We do not cover any damages arising out of a wrongful employment act. A wrongful employment act means any employment discrimination, sexual harassment, or wrongful termination of any residential staff actually or allegedly committed or attempted by a covered person while acting in the capacity as an employer, that violates applicable employment law of any federal, state, or local statute, regulation, ordinance, or common law of the United States of America, its territories or possessions, or Puerto Rico.
Exclusions
(continued)
Employment discrimination as it relates solely to a wrongful employment act means a violation of applicable employment discrimination law protecting any residential staff based on his or her race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, disability, national origin or other status according to any federal, state, or local statute, regulation, ordinance, or common law of the United States of America, its territories or possessions, or Puerto Rico.
Sexual harassment as it relates solely to a wrongful employment act means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual nature that:
•is made a condition of employment of any residential staff;
•is used as a basis for employment decisions;
•interferes with performance of any residential staffs duties; or
•creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
Wrongful termination as it relates solely to a wrongful employment act means:
•the actual or constructive termination of employment of any residential staff by you or a family member in violation of applicable employment law; or
•breach of duty and care when you or a family member terminates an employment relationship with any residential staff.
Residential staff as it relates solely to a wrongful employment act means your or a family member's employee who is:
•employed by you or a family member, or through a firm under an agreement with you or a family member, to perform duties related only to a covered person's domestic, personal, or business pursuits covered under this part of your policy;
•compensated for labor or services directed by you or a family member; and
•employed regularly to work 15 or more hours per week.
Residential staff includes a temporary worker. Residential staff does not include an independent contractor or any covered person.
Temporary worker as it relates solely to a wrongful employment act means your or a family member's employee who is:
•employed by you or a family member, or through a firm under an agreement with you or a family member, to perform duties related only to a covered person's domestic, personal, or business pursuits covered under this part of your policy;
•compensated for labor or services directed by you or a family member; and
•employed to work 15 or more hours per week to substitute for any residential staff on leave or to meet seasonal or short- term workload demands for 30 consecutive days or longer during a 6 month period.
Temporary worker does not include an independent contractor or any covered person.
Discrimination. We do not cover any damages arising out of discrimination due to age, race, color, sex, creed, national origin, or any other discrimination.
Intentional acts. We do not cover any damages arising out of a willful, malicious, fraudulent or dishonest act or any act intended by any covered person to cause personal injury or property damage, even if the injury or damage is of a different degree or type than actually intended or expected. But we do cover such damages if the act was intended to protect people or property unless another exclusion applies. An intentional act is one whose consequences could have been foreseen by a reasonable person.
Molestation, misconduct or abuse. We do not cover any damages arising out of any actual, alleged or threatened:
•sexual molestation;
•sexual misconduct or harassment; or
•abuse.
Nonpermissive use. We do not cover any person who uses a motorized land vehicle or watercraft without permission from you or a family member.
Business pursuits. We do not cover any damages arising out of a covered person's business pursuits, investment or other for-profit activities, for the account of a covered person or others, or business property except on a follow form basis.
But we do cover damages arising out of volunteer work for an organized charitable, religious or community group, an incidental business away from home, incidental business at home, incidental business property, incidental farming, or residence premises conditional business liability unless another exclusion applies. We also cover damages arising out of your or a family member's ownership, maintenance, or use of a private passenger motor vehicle in business activities other than selling, repairing, servicing, storing, parking, testing, or delivering motorized land vehicles.
Unless stated otherwise in your Coverage Summary:
"Incidental business away from home" is a self-employed sales activity, or a self-employed business activity normally undertaken by person under the age of 18 such as newspaper delivery, babysitting, caddying, and lawn care. Either of these activities must:
◦not yield gross revenues in excess of $15,000 in any year;
◦have no employees subject to worker's compensation or other similar disability laws;
◦conform to local, state, and federal laws.
"Incidental business at home" is a business activity, other than farming, conducted on your residence premises which must:
◦not yield gross revenues in excess of $15,000, in any year, except for the business activity of managing one's own personal investments;
◦have no employees subject to worker's compensation or other similar disability laws;
◦conform to local, state, and federal laws.
"Incidental business property" is limited to the rental or holding for rental, to be used as a residence, of a condominium or cooperative unit owned by you or a family member, an apartment unit rented to you or a family member, a one or two family dwelling owned by you or a family member, or a three or four family dwelling owned and occupied by you or a family member. We provide this coverage only for premises covered under the Required Primary Underlying Insurance unless the rental or holding for rental is for:
◦a residence of yours or a family member's that is occasionally rented and that is used exclusively as a residence; or
◦part of a residence of yours or a family member's by one or two roomers or boarders; or
◦part of a residence of yours or a family member's as an office, school, studio, or private garage.
"Incidental farming" is a farming activity which meets all of the following requirements:
◦is incidental to your or a family member's use of the premises as a residence;
◦does not involve employment of others for more than 1,500 hours of farm work during the policy period;
◦does not produce more than $25,000 in gross annual revenue from agricultural operations;
◦and with respect to the raising or care of animals:
◦does not produce more than $50,000 in gross annual revenues;
◦does not involve more than 25 sales transactions during the policy period;
◦does not involve the sale of more than 50 animals during the policy period.
"Residence premises conditional business liability" is limited to business or professional activities when legally conducted by you or a family member at your residence. We provide coverage only for personal injury or property damage arising out of the physical condition of that residence if:
◦you or a family member do not have any employees involved in your business or professional activities who are subject to workers' compensation or other similar disability laws; or, if you or a family member are a doctor or dentist, you do not have more than two employees subject to such laws;
◦you or a family member do not earn annual gross revenues in excess of $5,000, if you or a family member are a home day care provider.
We do not cover damages or consequences resulting from business or professional care or services performed or not performed.
Exclusions
(continued)
The following additional exclusion applies only to "incidental farming" as described underthe exclusion, Business pursuits.
Contamination. We do not cover any actual or alleged damages arising out of the discharge, dispersal, seepage, migration or release or escape of pollutants. Nor do we cover any cost or expense arising out of any request, demand or order to:
◦extract pollutants from land or water;
◦remove, restore or replace polluted or contaminated land or water; or
◦test for, monitor, clean up, remove, contain, treat, detoxify or neutralize pollutants, or in any way respond to or assess the effects of pollutants.
However, this exclusion does not apply if the discharge, dispersal, seepage, migration, release or escape is sudden and accidental. A "pollutant" is any solid, liquid, gaseous or thermal irritant or contaminant, including smoke (except smoke from a hostile fire), vapor, soot, fumes, acids, alkalis, chemicals and waste. A "contaminant" is an impurity resulting from the mixture of or contact of a substance with a foreign substance. "Waste" includes materials to be disposed of, recycled, reconditioned or reclaimed.
Financial guarantees. We do not cover any damages for any covered person's financial guarantee of the financial performance of any covered person, other individual or organization.
Professional services. We do not cover any damages for any covered person's performing or failure to perform professional services, or for professional services for which any covered person is legally responsible or licensed.
Acts of war. We do not cover any damages caused directly or indirectly by war, undeclared war, civil war, insurrection, rebellion, revolution, warlike acts by military forces or personnel, the destruction or seizure of property for a military purpose, or the consequen ces of any of these actions.
Contractual liability. We do not cover any assessments charged against a covered person as a member of a homeowners, condominium or cooperative association. We also do not cover any damages arising from contracts or agreements made in connection with any covered person's business. Nor do we cover any liability for unwritten contracts, or contracts in which the liability of others is assumed after a covered loss.
Covered person's or dependent's personal injury. We do not cover any damages for personal injury for any covered person or their dependents where the ultimate beneficiary is the offending party or defendant. We also do not cover any damages for personal injury for which you can be held legally liable, in any way, to a family member, your spouse or domestic partner or for which a family member, your spouse or domestic partner can be held legally liable, in any way, to you.
However, we do cover damages for bodily injury arising out of the use of a motorized land vehicle for which you can be held legally liable to a family member, your spouse or domestic partner or for which a family member, your spouse or domestic partner can be held legally liable to you to the extent that coverage is provided under this policy. This coverage applies only to the extent such damages are covered by primary underlying insurance and exceed the limits of insurance required for that motorized land vehicle under the Required Primary Underlying Insurance provisions of this policy.
Liability for dependent care. We do not cover any damages for personal injury for which a covered person's only legal liability is by virtue of a contract or other responsibility for a dependent's care.
Illness. We do not cover personal injury or property damage resulting from any illness, sickness or disease transmitted intentionally or unintentionally by a covered person to anyone, or any consequence resulting from that illness, sickness or disease. We also do not cover any damages for personal injury resulting from the fear of contracting any illness, sickness or disease, or any consequence resulting from the fear of contracting any illness, sickness or disease.
Fungi and mold. We do not cover any actual or alleged damages or medical expenses arising out of mold, the fear of mold, or any consequences resulting from mold or the fear of mold. "Mold" means fungi, mold, mold spores, mycotoxins, and the scents and other byproducts of any of these.
Nuclear or radiation hazard. We do not cover any damages caused directly or indirectly by nuclear reaction, radiation, or radioactive contamination, regardless of how it was caused.
POLICY TERMS
This part of your Group Personal Excess Liability Policy explains the conditions that apply to your policy.
General Conditions
These conditions apply to your policy in general, and to each coverage provided in the policy.
Policy period
The effective dates of your policy are shown in the Coverage Summary. Those dates begin at 12:01 a.m. standard time at the mailing address shown.
All coverages on this policy apply only to occurrences that take place while this policy is in effect.
Transfer of rights
If we make a payment under this policy, we will assume any recovery rights a covered person has in connection with that loss, to the extent we have paid for the loss.
All of your rights of recovery will become our rights to the extent of any payment we make under this policy. A covered person will do everything necessary to secure such rights; and do nothing after a loss to prejudice such rights. However, you may waive any rights of recovery from another person or organization for a covered loss in writing before the loss occurs.
Concealment or fraud
We do not provide coverage if you or any covered person has intentionally concealed or misrepresented any material fact relating to this policy before or after a loss.
Application of coverage
Coverage applies separately to each covered person. However, this provision does not increase the amount of coverage for any one occurrence.
Assignment
You cannot transfer your interest in this policy to anyone else unless we agree in writing to the transfer.
Policy changes
This policy can be changed only by a written amendment we issue.
Bankruptcy or insolvency
We will meet all our obligations under this policy regardless of whether you, your estate, or anyone else or their estate becomes bankrupt or insolvent.
In case of death
In the event of your death, coverage will be provided until the end of the policy period or policy anniversary date, whichever occurs first, for any surviving member of your household who is a covered person at the time of death. We will also cover your legal representative or any person having proper temporary custody of your property.
Liberalization
We may extend or broaden the coverage provided by this policy. If we do this during the policy period or within 60 days before it begins, without increasing the premium, then the extended or broadened coverage will apply to occurrences after the effective date of the extended or broadened coverage.
Conforming to state law
If any provision of this policy conflict<; with any applicable laws of the state you live in, this policy is amended to conform to those laws.
Conforming to trade sanction laws
This policy does not apply to the extent that trade or economic sanctions or other laws or regulations prohibit us from providing insurance.
Liability Conditions
These conditions apply to all liability coverages in this policy.
Other Insurance
This insurance is excess over any other insurance except for those policies that
◦are written specifically to cover excess over the amount of coverage that applies in this policy; and
◦schedule this policy as underlying insurance.
Your duties after a loss
In case of an accident or occurrence, the covered person shall perform the following duties that apply:
Notification. You must notify us or your agent or broker as soon as possible.
Assistance. You must provide us with all available information. This includes any suit papers or other documents which help us in the event that we defend you.
Cooperation. You must cooperate with us fully in any legal defense. This may include any association by us with the covered person in defense of a claim reasonably likely to involve us.
Examination. A person making a claim under this policy must submit as often as we reasonably require:
◦to physical exams by physicians we select, which we will pay for; and
◦to examination under oath and subscribe the same; and authorize us to obtain:
◦medical reports; and
◦other pertinent records.
Appeals
If a covered person, or any primary insurer, does not appeal a judgment for covered damages, we may choose to do so. We will then become responsible for all expenses, taxable costs, and interest arising out of the appeal. However, the amount of coverage for damages will not be increased.
Special Conditions
In the event of conflict with any other conditions of your policy, these conditions supersede.
Legal action against us
You agree not to bring action against us unless you have first complied with all conditions of this policy.
You also agree not to bring any action against us until the amount of damages you are legally obligated to pay has been finally determined after an actual trial or appeal, if any, or by a written agreement between you, us and the claimant. No person or organization has any right under this policy to bring us into any action to determine the liability of a covered person.
Notice of cancellation and coverage termination conditions
The Sponsoring Organization may cancel this policy by returning it to us or notifying us in writing at any time subject to the following:
◦the Sponsoring Organization must notify us in advance of the requested cancellation date; and
◦the Sponsoring Organization must provide proof of notification to each member of the Defined Group covered under this policy.
We may cancel this policy or any part of it subject to the following conditions. Our right to cancel applies to each coverage or limit in this policy. In the event we cancel this policy, we are under no obligation to provide you with an opportunity to purchase equivalent coverage.
Exhibit 10.2
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
2021 RESTRICTED STOCK RIGHTS GRANT AGREEMENT
This 2021 Restricted Stock Rights Grant Agreement (“Agreement”) applies to certain “Restricted Stock Rights” (“RSRs”) granted by Northrop Grumman Corporation (the “Company”) in 2021 under its 2011 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan. If you were granted an RSR award by the Company in 2021, the date of grant of your RSR award (the “Grant Date”) and the number of RSRs applicable to your award are set forth in the letter from the Company announcing your RSR award (your “Grant Letter”) and are also reflected in the electronic stock plan award recordkeeping system (“Stock Plan System”) maintained by the Company or its designee. This Agreement applies only with respect to the 2021 RSR award, and you are subject to this Agreement upon accepting your grant. If you were granted an RSR award, you are referred to as the “Grantee” with respect to your award. Capitalized terms are generally defined in Section 12 below if not otherwise defined herein.
Each RSR represents a right to receive one share of the Company’s Common Stock, or cash of equivalent value as provided herein, subject to vesting as provided herein. The number of RSRs subject to your award is subject to adjustment as provided herein. The RSR award is subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and is further subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, as it may be amended from time to time, and any rules adopted by the Committee, as such rules are in effect from time to time. If you do not formally accept your RSR award by entering into this Agreement in accordance with the instructions and time limit set forth in your Grant Letter, you will be deemed to have forfeited your RSR award.
1.Vesting; Issuance of Shares.
Subject to Sections 2, 3, 4 and 6 below, one hundred percent (100%) of the number of RSRs (and any Dividend Equivalents (as defined below)) subject to your award (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6.1) shall vest upon the third anniversary of the Grant Date, provided that if the third anniversary of the Grant Date falls on a weekend or holiday, then the award shall vest on the next business day.
1.1 Payment of RSRs. Except as otherwise provided below, the Company shall pay an RSR subject to the award that vests (“Vested RSR”) (and related Dividend Equivalents) within 60 days following the vesting of the RSR on the third anniversary of the Grant Date. The Company shall pay such Vested RSRs in either an equivalent number of shares of Common Stock, or, in the discretion of the Committee, in cash or in a combination of shares of Common Stock and cash. In the event of a cash payment, the amount of the payment for each Vested RSR to be paid in cash will equal the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of a share of Common Stock as of the date that such RSR became vested.
a.1.2 Dividend Equivalents. The Grantee shall be entitled to payment for Dividend Equivalents (if any) with respect to any Vested RSRs. For purposes of this Agreement, “Dividend Equivalents” means the aggregate amount of dividends paid by the Company on a number of shares of Common Stock equivalent to the number of
Vested RSRs during the period from the Grant date until the date the Vested RSRs are paid (without interest or other adjustments to reflect the time value of money). Dividend Equivalents (if any) will be paid at the same time as the Vested RSRs to which they relate are paid. Dividend Equivalents will be paid in cash.
2.Early Termination of Award; Termination of Employment.
a.2.1 General. The RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award, to the extent not previously vested, shall terminate and become null and void if and when (a) the award terminates in connection with a Change in Control pursuant to Section 6 below, or (b) except as provided in Sections 2.6 and 2.7, and in Section 6, the Grantee ceases for any reason to be an employee of the Company or one of its subsidiaries.
b.2.2 Leave of Absence. Unless the Committee otherwise provides (at the time of the leave or otherwise), if the Grantee is granted a leave of absence by the Company, the Grantee (a) shall not be deemed to have incurred a termination of employment at the time such leave commences for purposes of the award, and (b) shall be deemed to be employed by the Company for the duration of such approved leave of absence for purposes of the award. A termination of employment shall be deemed to have occurred if the Grantee does not timely return to active employment upon the expiration of such
ELT (2021 RSR Agreement) 1
approved leave or if the Grantee commences a leave that is not approved by the Company.
c.2.3 Salary Continuation. Subject to Section 2.2 above, the term “employment” as used herein means active employment by the Company and salary continuation without active employment (other than a leave of absence approved by the Company that is covered by Section 2.2) will not, in and of itself, constitute “employment” for purposes hereof (in the case of salary continuation without active employment, the Grantee’s cessation of active employee status shall, subject to Section 2.2, be deemed to be a termination of “employment” for purposes hereof). Furthermore, salary continuation will not, in and of itself, constitute a leave of absence approved by the Company for purposes of the award.
d.2.4 Sale or Spinoff of Subsidiary or Business Unit. For purposes of the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award, a termination of employment of the Grantee shall be deemed to have occurred if the Grantee is employed by a subsidiary or business unit and that subsidiary or business unit is sold, spun off, or otherwise divested, the Grantee does not otherwise continue to be employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries after such event, and the divested entity or business (or its successor or a parent company) does not assume the award in connection with such transaction. In the event of such a termination of employment, the termination shall be deemed to be an Early Retirement unless the Grantee was otherwise eligible at the time of termination for Normal Retirement (in which case, the termination shall be considered a Normal Retirement) treated as provided for in Section 2.7 (subject to Section 6).
e.2.5 Continuance of Employment Required. Except as expressly provided in Section 2.6, Section 2.7 and in Section 6, the vesting of the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award requires continued employment through the third anniversary of the Grant Date as a condition to the vesting of any portion of the award. Employment for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Grantee to any proportionate vesting or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement, the Stock Plan System, or the Plan constitutes an employment commitment by the Company or any subsidiary, affects the Grantee’s status (if the Grantee is otherwise an at-will employee) as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Grantee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary, or interferes in any way with the right of the
Company or of any subsidiary to terminate such employment at any time.
f.2.6 Death or Disability. If the Grantee dies or incurs a Disability while employed by the Company or a subsidiary and such death or Disability occurs more than six months after the Grant Date, the outstanding and previously unvested RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall vest as of the date of the Grantee’s death or Disability, as applicable. RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) vesting under this Section shall be paid within 60 days following the earlier of (a) Grantee’s death or (b) Grantee’s Disability. In the event of the Grantee’s death prior to the delivery of shares or other payment with respect to any vested RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents), the Grantee’s Successor shall be entitled to any payments to which the Grantee would have been entitled under this Agreement with respect to such vested and unpaid RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents).
g.2.7 Termination of Employment Due to Retirement. If the Grantee ceases to be employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries due to the Grantee’s Early Retirement and such Early Retirement occurs more than six months after the Grant Date, the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall vest on a prorated basis. Such prorating of RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) shall be determined based on the number of days the Grantee was employed by the Company or a subsidiary in the period commencing with the Grant Date through and including the date on which the Grantee is last employed by the Company or a subsidiary, over the number of calendar days in the period commencing with the Grant Date through and including the third anniversary of the Grant Date. Any remaining unvested RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents), after giving effect to the foregoing acceleration of vesting, shall terminate immediately upon the Grantee’s Early Retirement. If the Grantee ceases to be employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries due to the Grantee’s Normal Retirement and such Normal Retirement occurs more than six months after the Grant Date, the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall vest in full.
h.Subject to the following provisions of this paragraph, RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) vesting under this Section shall be paid within 60 days following the Grantee’s Separation from Service. However, in the case of a Governmental Service Retirement by the Grantee, payment of the vested RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) will be made within 20 days after the Grantee’s Early or Normal Retirement. If the Grantee is a Key Employee as of the date of the Grantee’s Separation from Service, the Grantee shall not be entitled to payment of his or her vested RSRs (and
1
related Dividend Equivalents) pursuant to this Section until the earlier of (and payment shall be made upon or promptly after, and in all events within thirty (30) days after, the first to occur of) (a) the date which is six (6) months and one day after the Grantee’s Separation from Service, or (b) the date of the Grantee’s death. The provisions of the preceding sentence shall only apply if, and to the extent, required to avoid the imputation of any tax, penalty or interest pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
In determining the Grantee’s eligibility for Early or Normal Retirement, service is measured by dividing (a) the number of days the Grantee was employed by the Company or a subsidiary in the period commencing with his or her last date of hire by the Company or a subsidiary through and including the date on which the Grantee is last employed by the Company or a subsidiary, by (b) 365. If the Grantee ceased to be employed by the Company or a subsidiary and was later rehired by the Company or a subsidiary, the Grantee’s service prior to the break in service shall be disregarded in determining service for such purposes; provided that, if the Grantee’s employment with the Company or a subsidiary had terminated due to the Grantee’s Early Retirement, Normal Retirement, or by the Company or a subsidiary as part of a reduction in force (in each case, other than a termination by the Company or a subsidiary for Cause) and, within the two-year period following such termination of employment (the “break in service”) the Grantee was subsequently rehired by the Company or a subsidiary, then the Grantee’s period of service with the Company or a subsidiary prior to and ending with the break in service will be included in determining service for such purposes. In the event the Grantee is employed by a business that is acquired by the Company or a subsidiary, the Company shall have discretion to determine whether the Grantee’s service prior to the acquisition will be included in determining service for such purposes.
3.Non-Transferability and Other Restrictions.
3.1 Non-Transferability. The award, as well as the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award, are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge. The foregoing transfer restrictions shall not apply to transfers to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may honor any transfer required pursuant to the terms of a court order in a divorce or similar domestic relations matter to the extent that such transfer does not adversely affect the Company’s ability to register the offer and sale of the underlying shares on a Form S-8 Registration Statement and such transfer is
otherwise in compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory and listing requirements.
3.2 Forfeiture or Recoupment of Awards. If, prior to payment or issuance of shares with respect to the award, Grantee’s employment is terminated for Cause (or Grantee has engaged in misconduct that could have resulted in Grantee’s termination of employment for Cause if Grantee had remained an employee), the Company may reduce or eliminate any payments or issuances of shares with respect to the award. Further, any payments or issuances of shares with respect to the award are subject to recoupment pursuant to the Company’s Policy Regarding the Recoupment of Certain Performance-Based Compensation Payments as in effect from time to time, as well as any recoupment or similar provisions of applicable law, and the Grantee shall promptly make any reimbursement requested by the Board or Committee pursuant to such policy or applicable law with respect to the award. The Grantee agrees, by accepting the award, that the Company and its affiliates may deduct from any amounts it may owe the Grantee from time to time (such as wages or other compensation) to the extent of any amounts the Grantee is required to reimburse the Company pursuant to such policy or applicable law with respect to the award.
4.Post-Employment Conduct.
1.Executive Leadership Team Contribution. You acknowledge and agree that as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (“ELT”), you are involved in managing the global operations of the Company, incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in Virginia. You are involved in the most sensitive and proprietary matters affecting the Company, its subsidiaries, predecessors, and/or affiliates (collectively, “Northrop Grumman”), including from a technical, strategic and financial perspective, and are widely exposed to confidential, sensitive and proprietary information concerning Northrop Grumman’s global operations, at the headquarters and each of the operating sectors, including in the areas of autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, sensors, electronics, and logistics and modernization. Your job responsibilities require that you have a primary office location in Virginia and/or you spend substantial time at the corporate headquarters in Virginia, among other things, attending ELT and other leadership meetings, and managing operations and employees in Virginia. You occupy one of the most senior executive positions in the Company and have far-reaching access to highly confidential, valuable and sensitive information, customer, vendor and employee relationships, intellectual property, strategic and tactical plans, and financial information and plans. The Company has a legitimate business interest in restricting your ability to compete in the specific manner set forth
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below. The Company has provided you this grant, subject to this Agreement and as consideration for the restrictive covenants set forth in this Section 4.
2.Non-Competition. For a period of twelve (12) months from the date of the termination of Grantee’s employment for any reason (other than a Reduction-in-Force as determined at the Company’s sole discretion) (“Termination”), you will not, directly or indirectly, oversee, control, participate in, or support the design, operation, research, manufacture, marketing, sale, or distribution of “Competitive Products and Services”. For the purpose of this section, “Competitive Products and Services” shall mean products or services that compete for resources with, or are an alternative or potential alternative to, the products sold or services provided by Northrop Grumman, including without limitation products and services in the areas of autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, sensors, electronics, and logistics and modernization.
3.Non-Solicitation of Customers. For a period of eighteen (18) months from your Termination, you shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit any customer, supplier, or teammate of Northrop Grumman with whom you engaged, or about whom you received confidential, sensitive, or proprietary information, in the course of your employment with Northrop Grumman, for purposes of providing products or services in competition with Northrop Grumman. In the case of a governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, department or other governmental authority, the customer is determined by reference to the specific program offices or activities for which Northrop Grumman provides goods or services.
4.Non-Solicitation of Employees. For a period of twenty-four (24) months from your Termination, you shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit or offer to hire, any person who was, within a period of six months prior to your Termination, employed by Northrop Grumman, with whom you worked or about whom you received information in the course of your employment with Northrop Grumman.
5.Non-Disparagement. You will not issue or communicate any statement, whether verbal or written, or take any other action that disparages or may be interpreted to disparage the Company, its products, services, officers, directors, or employees; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any truthful statements made in connection with a legal process, including government investigation, or as otherwise provided by law.
6.Exceptions. You may request an exception to the covenants in Sections 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4 by making a written request to the Company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, with such exceptions being considered at the sole discretion of the Company and communicated in writing to you.
7.Reasonableness. You agree that the restrictions set forth in Sections 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 are (i) reasonable and necessary in all respects, including duration, territory and scope of activity, in order to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, (ii) that the parties have attempted to limit your right to compete only to the extent necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, and (iii) that you will be able to earn a livelihood without violating the restrictions in this section. It is the intent of the parties that the provisions of this section shall be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law. However, if any portion of Sections 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4 is deemed unenforceable, the parties agree that a court or arbitrator may revise the portion deemed unenforceable to the maximum extent possible to achieve the objective of the parties, and the remainder of the section shall remain in full force and affect.
8.Remedies. If you violate any provision in Section 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and/or 4.5 of this section, the Company shall have the right to terminate without payment to you any unvested and/or unpaid RSRs (and associated Dividend Equivalents) and require that you immediately deliver to the Company an amount in cash equal to the aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the vesting and/or payment date of all RSRs already received, including any Dividend Equivalents, within one year prior to the breach. Further, you acknowledge and agree that a breach of any of the provisions of this section will result in immediate, irreparable, and continuing damage to the Company for which there is no adequate remedy at law, and the Company will be entitled to injunctive relief, a decree of specific performance, and other relief as may be proper, including monetary damages, to the maximum extent available.
4.Compliance with Laws; No Stockholder Rights Prior to Issuance.
The Company’s obligation to make any payments or issue any shares with respect to the award is subject to full compliance with all then applicable requirements of law, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Company and its shares, and of any exchange upon which stock of the Company may be listed. The Grantee shall not have the rights and privileges of a stockholder, including without limitation the right to vote or receive
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dividends (except as expressly provided in this Agreement with respect to Dividend Equivalents), with respect to any shares which may be issued in respect of the RSRs until the date appearing on the certificate(s) for such shares (or, in the case of shares entered in book entry form, the date that the shares are actually recorded in such form for the benefit of the Grantee), if such shares become deliverable.
5.Adjustments; Change in Control.
a..Adjustments. The RSRs, Dividend Equivalents, and the shares subject to the award are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of events such as stock splits, stock dividends and other changes in capitalization in accordance with Section 6(a) of the Plan.
b..Possible Acceleration on Change in Control. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2 hereof, and further subject to the Company’s ability to terminate the award as provided in Section 6.3 below, the outstanding and previously unvested RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall become fully vested as of the date of the Grantee’s termination of employment if the termination occurs either within the Protected Period corresponding to a Change in Control of the Company or within twenty-four (24) calendar months following the date of a Change in Control of the Company, the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries is involuntarily terminated by the Company and its subsidiaries for reasons other than Cause or by the Grantee for Good Reason.
Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the termination of the Grantee’s employment (or other events giving rise to Good Reason) shall not entitle the Grantee to any accelerated vesting pursuant to this Section 6.2 if there is objective evidence that, as of the commencement of the Protected Period, the Grantee had specifically been identified by the Company as an employee whose employment would be terminated as part of a corporate restructuring or downsizing program that commenced prior to the Protected Period and such termination of employment was expected at that time to occur within six (6) months.
Payment of any RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) that vest under this Section will be made at the time provided for in Section 2.7 as though the termination of the Grantee’s employment was due to a Normal Retirement.
c..Automatic Acceleration; Early Termination. If the Company undergoes a Change in Control triggered by clause (iii) or (iv) of the definition thereof and the Company is not the surviving entity and
the successor to the Company (if any) (or a Parent thereof) does not agree in writing prior to the occurrence of the Change in Control to continue and assume the award following the Change in Control, or if for any other reason the award would not continue after the Change in Control, then upon the Change in Control the outstanding and previously unvested RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall vest fully and completely. Unless the Committee expressly provides otherwise in the circumstances, no acceleration of vesting of the award shall occur pursuant to this Section 6.3 in connection with a Change in Control if either (a) the Company is the surviving entity, or (b) the successor to the Company (if any) (or a Parent thereof) agrees in writing prior to the Change in Control to assume the award. The Committee may make adjustments pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Plan and/or deem an acceleration of vesting of the award pursuant to this Section 6.3 to occur sufficiently prior to an event if necessary or deemed appropriate to permit the Grantee to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the shares underlying the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents); provided, however, that, the Committee may reinstate the original terms of the award if the related event does not actually occur.
Payment of any RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) that vest under this Section 6.3 will be made within 60 days of the third anniversary of the Grant Date unless, prior to such date: (i) the Grantee dies or has a Disability, in which case such payment will be made within 60 days of the Grantee’s death or Disability, as the case may be, or (ii) the Grantee has a Separation from Service, in which case such payment will be made at the time provided for in Section 2.7 as though the termination of the Grantee’s employment was due to a Normal Retirement.
6.Tax Matters.
a..Tax Withholding. The Company or the subsidiary which employs the Grantee shall be entitled to require, as a condition of making any payments or issuing any shares upon vesting of the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents), that the Grantee or other person entitled to such shares or other payment pay the minimum sums required to be withheld by federal, state, local or other applicable tax law with respect to such vesting or payment. Alternatively, the Company or such subsidiary, in its discretion, may make such provisions for the withholding of taxes as it deems appropriate (including, without limitation, withholding the taxes due from compensation otherwise payable to the Grantee or reducing the number of shares otherwise deliverable with respect to the award (valued at their then Fair Market Value) by the amount necessary to satisfy such statutory minimum withholding obligations).
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b..Transfer Taxes. The Company will pay all federal and state transfer taxes, if any, and other fees and expenses in connection with the issuance of shares in connection with the vesting of the RSRs.
c..Compliance with Code. The Committee shall administer and construe the award in a manner designed to comply with the Code and to avoid adverse tax consequences under Code Section 409A.
d..Unfunded Arrangement. The right of the Grantee to receive payment under the award shall be an unsecured contractual claim against the Company. As such, neither the Grantee nor any Successor shall have any rights in or against any specific assets of the Company based on the award. Awards shall at all times be considered entirely unfunded for tax purposes.
e..Code Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that any amounts payable to you as a result of Section 6.2 or 6.3 hereof, either alone or together with amounts payable pursuant to any other plan, program or arrangement (a) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (b) but for this Section 7.5 would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any comparable successor provisions (the “Excise Tax”), then the vesting acceleration provided in Section 6.2 or 6.3, as applicable, shall be either (a) provided to you in full, or (b) provided to you to such lesser extent that would result in no portion of the payments so accelerated being subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts, when taking into account applicable federal, state, local and foreign income and employment taxes, the Excise Tax, and any other applicable taxes, results in the receipt by you, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be subject to the Excise Tax. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.5 shall be made by a registered public accounting firm selected by the Company, which shall provide supporting calculations both to the Company and you no later than the date of the applicable Change in Control. In the event that the Payments are to be reduced pursuant to this Section 7.5, such Payments shall be reduced such that the reduction of compensation to be provided to the Executive as a result of this Section 7.5 is minimized. In applying this principle, the reduction shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A and where two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but payable at different times, such amounts shall be reduced on a pro rata basis but not below zero.
8.Choice of Law; Venue; Arbitration.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. Any cause of action or claim arising out of or related to the terms and conditions applicable to this grant will be determined through final and binding arbitration, in accordance with Northrop Grumman Manual USHR 2-32, provided that the prevailing party in the arbitration shall be entitled to receive from the losing party reasonably incurred attorneys’ fees and costs. You and the Company agree that any arbitration hearing and related proceedings shall be convened and conducted in Falls Church, VA. If you or the Company believes they require immediate relief to enforce or challenge this Agreement, before arbitration is commenced or concluded, either party may seek injunctive or other provisional equitable relief from a state or federal court in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All court actions or proceedings arising under this Agreement shall be heard in a state or federal court in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Company and you hereby agree to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in the Commonwealth of Virginia and waive any right to object to such actions on grounds of venue, jurisdiction or convenience.
9.Committee Authority.
The Committee has the discretionary authority to determine any questions as to the date when the Grantee’s employment terminated and the cause of such termination and to interpret any provision of this Agreement, the Grant Letter, the Stock Plan System, the Plan, and any other applicable rules. Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Committee relating to or pursuant to this Agreement, the Grant Letter, the Stock Plan System, the Plan, or any other applicable rules shall be within the absolute discretion of the Committee and shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
10.Plan; Amendment.
The RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award are governed by, and the Grantee’s rights are subject to, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and any other rules adopted by the Committee, as the foregoing may be amended from time to time. The Grantee shall have no rights with respect to any amendment of this Agreement or the Plan unless such amendment is in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the Grant Letter and/or the Stock Plan System and the provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan, the provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan, as applicable, shall control.
11.Required Holding Period.
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The holding requirements of this Section 11 shall apply to any Grantee who is an elected or appointed officer of the Company on the date Vested RSRs are paid (or, if earlier, on the date the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries terminates for any reason). Any Grantee subject to this Section 11 shall not be permitted to sell, transfer, anticipate, alienate, assign, pledge, encumber or charge the number of shares equal to 50% of the total payout of Vested RSRs(net of taxes withheld) until the earlier of (A) the third anniversary of the date such shares of Common Stock are paid to the Grantee, (B) the date the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries terminates due to the Grantee’s death or Disability, (C) the occurrence of a Change in Control that results in termination and payment under Section 6.2 or 6.3 above, or (D) with respected to Grantee’s entering a U.S. federal government position only, the latest of (i) the date the Grantee’s employment with the Company terminates, or (ii) the date the Grantee formally accepts the government position in writing, or (iii) the date the government confirms the Grantee (for positions requiring nomination and confirmation). For purposes of this Section 11, the total payout of Vested RSRs shall be determined on a net basis after taking into account any shares otherwise deliverable with respect to the award that the Company withholds to satisfy tax obligations pursuant to Section 7.1. If Grantee is paid less than 50% of the total payout of Vested RSRs (net of taxes) in shares, then all of the shares received will be subject to the holding period requirements in this Section 11. Any shares of Common Stock received in respect of shares that are covered by the holding period requirements of this Section 11 (such as shares received in respect of a stock split or stock dividend) shall be subject to the same holding period requirements as the shares to which they relate.
12.Definitions.
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below and, when the meaning is intended, the initial letter of the word is capitalized:
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Cause” means the occurrence of either or both of the following:
(i) The Grantee’s conviction for committing an act of fraud, embezzlement, theft, or other act constituting a felony (other than traffic related offenses, as a result of vicarious liability, or as a result of good faith actions as an officer of the Company); or
(ii) Willful misconduct by the Grantee that causes financial or reputational harm to the Company. However, no act, or failure to act, on the Grantee’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Grantee not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his or her action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
“Change in Control” is used as defined in the Plan.
“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Committee” means the Company’s Compensation Committee or any successor committee appointed by the Board to administer the Plan.
“Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock.
“Disability” means, with respect to a Grantee, that the Grantee: (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months; or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Grantee’s employer; all construed and interpreted consistent with the definition of “Disability” set forth in Code Section 409A(a)(2)(C).
“Early Retirement” means that the Grantee’s employment terminates in any of the following circumstances, and other than a termination of employment that constitutes a Normal Retirement or occurs in connection with a termination by the Company or a subsidiary for Cause:
(i) a termination of employment after the Grantee has attained age 55 with at least 10 years of service.
(ii) a termination of employment by the Company or a subsidiary as part of a reduction in force and, at the time of such termination, the Grantee has attained age 53 with at least 10 years of service.
(iii) a termination of employment by the Company or a subsidiary as part of a reduction in force and, at
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the time of such termination, the sum of the Grantee’s age and years of service is at least 75.
“Fair Market Value” is used as defined in the Plan; provided, however, the Committee in determining such Fair Market Value for purposes of the award may utilize such other exchange, market, or listing as it deems appropriate.
“Good Reason” means, without the Grantee’s express written consent, the occurrence of any one or more of the following:
(i) A material and substantial reduction in the nature or status of the Grantee’s authorities or responsibilities (when such authorities and/or responsibilities are viewed in the aggregate) from their level in effect on the day immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period, other than (A) an inadvertent act that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Grantee, and/or (B) changes in the nature or status of the Grantee’s authorities or responsibilities that, in the aggregate, would generally be viewed by a nationally-recognized executive placement firm as resulting in the Grantee having not materially and substantially fewer authorities and responsibilities (taking into consideration the Company’s industry) when compared to the authorities and responsibilities applicable to the position held by the Grantee immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period. The Company may retain a nationally-recognized executive placement firm for purposes of making the determination required by the preceding sentence and the written opinion of the firm thus selected shall be conclusive as to this issue.
In addition, if the Grantee is a vice president, the Grantee’s loss of vice-president status will constitute “Good Reason”; provided that the loss of the title of “vice president” will not, in and of itself, constitute Good Reason if the Grantee’s lack of a vice president title is generally consistent with the manner in which the title of vice president is used within the Grantee’s business unit or if the loss of the title is the result of a promotion to a higher level office. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, the Grantee’s lack of a vice-president title will only be considered generally consistent with the manner in which such title is used if most persons in the business unit with authorities, duties, and responsibilities comparable to those of the Grantee immediately prior to the commencement
of the Protected Period do not have the title of vice-president.
(ii) A material reduction by the Company in the Grantee’s annualized rate of base salary as in effect at the start of the Protected Period, or as the same shall be increased from time to time.
(iii) A material reduction in the aggregate value of the Grantee’s level of participation in any of the Company’s short and/or long-term incentive compensation plans (excluding stock-based incentive compensation plans), employee benefit or retirement plans, or policies, practices, or arrangements in which the Grantee participates immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period; provided, however, that a reduction in the aggregate value shall not be deemed to be “Good Reason” if the reduced value remains substantially consistent with the average level of other employees who have positions commensurate with the position held by the Grantee immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period.
(iv) A material reduction in the Grantee’s aggregate level of participation in the Company’s stock-based incentive compensation plans from the level in effect immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period; provided, however, that a reduction in the aggregate level of participation shall not be deemed to be “Good Reason” if the reduced level of participation remains substantially consistent with the average level of participation of other employees who have positions commensurate with the position held by the Grantee immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period.
(v) The Grantee is informed by the Company that his or her principal place of employment for the Company will be relocated to a location that is greater than fifty (50) miles away from the Grantee’s principal place of employment for the Company at the start of the corresponding Protected Period; provided that, if the Company communicates an intended effective date for such relocation, in no event shall Good Reason exist pursuant to this clause (v) more than ninety (90) days before such intended effective date.
The Grantee’s right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Grantee’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Grantee’s continued employment shall not constitute a consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstances constituting Good Reason herein.
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“Governmental Service Retirement” means an Early or Normal Retirement by the Grantee where the Grantee accepts a position in the federal government or a state or local government and an accelerated distribution under the award is permitted under Code Section 409A based on such government employment and related ethics rules.
“Key Employee” means an employee treated as a “specified employee” under Code section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Company or an Affiliated Company (i.e., a key employee (as defined in Code section 416(i) without regard to paragraph (5) thereof)) if the Company’s or an Affiliated Company’s stock is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise. The Company shall determine in accordance with a uniform Company policy which participants are Key Employees as of each December 31 in accordance with IRS regulations or other guidance under Section 409A. Such determination shall be effective for the twelve (12) month period commencing on April 1 of the following year.
“Normal Retirement” means that the Grantee terminates employment after attaining age 65 with at least 10 years of service (other than in connection with a termination by the Company or a subsidiary for Cause). In the case of a Grantee who is an officer of the Company subject to the Company’s mandatory retirement at age 65 policy and who, at the applicable time, is not otherwise eligible for Normal Retirement as defined in the preceding sentence, “Normal Retirement” as to that Grantee means that the Grantee’s employment is terminated pursuant to such mandatory retirement policy (regardless of the Grantee’s years of service and other than in connection with a termination by the Company or a subsidiary for Cause).
“Parent” is used as defined in the Plan.
“Plan” means the Northrop Grumman 2011 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan, as it may be amended form time to time.
The “Protected Period” corresponding to a Change in Control of the Company shall be a period of time determined in accordance with the following:
(i) If the Change in Control is triggered by a tender offer for shares of the Company’s stock or by the offeror’s acquisition of shares pursuant to such a tender offer, the Protected Period shall commence on the date of the initial tender offer and shall continue through and including the date of the Change in Control; provided that in no case will the Protected Period commence earlier
than the date that is six (6) months prior to the Change in Control.
(ii) If the Change in Control is triggered by a merger, consolidation, or reorganization of the Company with or involving any other corporation, the Protected Period shall commence on the date that serious and substantial discussions first take place to effect the merger, consolidation, or reorganization and shall continue through and including the date of the Change in Control; provided that in no case will the Protected Period commence earlier than the date that is six (6) months prior to the Change in Control.
(iii) In the case of any Change in Control not described in clause (i) or (ii) above, the Protected Period shall commence on the date that is six (6) months prior to the Change in Control and shall continue through and including the date of the Change in Control.
“Separation from Service” means when the Grantee dies, retires, or otherwise has a termination of employment with the Company and its subsidiaries that constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(1), without regard to the optional alternative definitions available thereunder.
“Successor” means the person acquiring a Grantee’s rights to a grant under the Plan by will or by the laws of descent or distribution.
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Exhibit 10.3
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
2021 RESTRICTED PERFORMANCE STOCK RIGHTS GRANT AGREEMENT
2021 RESTRICTED PERFORMANCE STOCK RIGHTS GRANT AGREEMENT
This 2021 Restricted Performance Stock Rights Grant Agreement (“Agreement”) applies to certain “Restricted Performance Stock Rights” (“RPSRs”) granted by Northrop Grumman Corporation (the “Company”) in 2021 under its 2011 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan. If you were granted an RPSR award by the Company in 2021, the date of grant of your RPSR award and the target number of RPSRs applicable to your award are set forth in the letter from the Company announcing your RPSR award (your “Grant Letter”) and are also reflected in the electronic stock plan award recordkeeping system (“Stock Plan System”) maintained by the Company or its designee. This Agreement applies only with respect to the 2021 RPSR award, and you are subject to this Agreement upon accepting your grant. If you were granted an RPSR award, you are referred to as the “Grantee” with respect to your award. Capitalized terms are generally defined in Section 12 below if not otherwise defined herein.
Each RPSR represents a right to receive one share of the Company’s Common Stock, or cash of equivalent value as provided herein subject to vesting as provided herein. The performance period applicable to your award is January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 (the “Performance Period”). The target number of RPSRs subject to your award is subject to adjustment as provided herein. The RPSR award is subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and is further subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, as it may be amended from time to time, and any rules adopted by the Committee, as such rules are in effect from time to time. If you do not formally accept your RPSR award, by entering into this Agreement in accordance with the instructions and time limit set forth in your Grant Letter, you will be deemed to have forfeited your RPSR award.
1.Vesting; Payment of RPSRs.
The RPSRs are subject to the vesting and payment provisions established by the Committee with respect to the Performance Period. RPSRs (and any Dividend Equivalents (as defined below)) that vest based on such provisions will be paid as provided below.
a.Performance-Based Vesting of RPSRs. Subject to Sections 2, 3, 4 and 6 below, the RPSRs subject to the award shall vest and become nonforfeitable based on the performance methodology and goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period. At the conclusion of the Performance Period, the Committee shall determine whether and the extent to which the performance goals have been achieved. The percentage of target RPSRs subject to the award (if any) that have vested for the Performance Period (the “Earnout Percentage”) shall be determined by the Committee based on the methodology and goals as established by the Committee, and its determination of the Earnout Percentage shall be conclusive and binding. Any RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award that are not vested as of the conclusion of the Performance Period after giving effect to the Committee’s determinations under this Section 1.1 shall terminate and become null and void as of the last day of the Performance Period.
b.Payment of RPSRs. The number of RPSRs payable at the conclusion of the Performance Period (“Vested RPSRs”) shall be determined by multiplying the Earnout Percentage by the target number of RPSRs subject to the award. The Vested RPSRs and any RPSRs that vest and become payable pursuant to Section 2 or 6 may be paid out in either an equivalent number of shares of Common Stock, or, in the discretion of the Committee, in cash or in a combination of shares of Common Stock and cash. In the event of a cash payment, the amount of payment for each Vested RPSR to be paid in cash will equal the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of a share of Common Stock as of the date the Committee determines the extent to which the applicable RPSR performance criteria have been achieved. Vested RPSRs will be paid within 60 days of the vesting date, but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the last day of the Performance Period.
c.Dividend Equivalents. The Grantee shall be entitled to payment for Dividend Equivalents (if any) with respect to any Vested RPSRs and any RPSRs that vest and become payable pursuant to Section 2 or 6. For purposes of this Agreement, “Dividend Equivalents” means the aggregate amount of dividends paid by the Company on a number of shares of Common Stock equivalent to the number of Vested RPSRs (or the number of RPSRs that vest and become payable pursuant
ELT (2021 RPSR Agreement) 1
to Section 2 or 6) during the period from the beginning of the Performance Period until the date the Vested RPSRs (or the RPSRs that vest and become payable pursuant to Section 2 or 6) are paid, without interest or other adjustments to reflect the time value of money. For these purposes, any Vested RPSRs or RPSRs that vest and become payable pursuant to Section 2 or 6 in excess of the target number of RPSRs subject to the award shall be considered to have been granted at the beginning of the Performance Period. Dividend Equivalents (if any) will be paid at the same time as the Vested RPSRs (or the RPSRs that vest and become payable pursuant to Section 2 or 6) to which they relate are paid. Dividend Equivalents will be paid in cash.
2.Early Termination of Award; Termination of Employment.
1.General. The RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall terminate and become null and void prior to the conclusion of the Performance Period if and when (a) the award terminates in connection with a Change in Control pursuant to Section 6 below, or (b) except as provided below in this Section 2 and in Section 6, the Grantee ceases for any reason to be an employee of the Company or one of its subsidiaries.
2.Termination of Employment Due to Retirement, Death or Disability. The number of RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall vest on a prorated basis as provided herein if the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries terminates due to the Grantee’s Early Retirement, death, or Disability and, in each case, only if the Grantee has completed at least six (6) consecutive calendar months of employment with the Company or a subsidiary during the three-year Performance Period. Such prorating of RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) shall be based on the number of calendar days the Grantee was actually employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries over the number of calendar days in the Performance Period (the number of prorated RPSRs, the “Prorated RPSRs”). If the Grantee ceases to be employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries due to the Grantee’s Normal Retirement and such Normal Retirement occurs more than six (6) months after the Grant Date, the RPSRs will vest as if the employee had remained an employee for the full Performance Period. Any RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award that do not vest in accordance with this Section 2.2 upon a termination of the Grantee’s employment due to Early Retirement or Normal Retirement (collectively “Retirement”), death or Disability shall terminate immediately upon such termination of employment.
Death or Disability. In the case of death or Disability (a) the Earnout Percentage of the Grantee’s Prorated RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) will be deemed to be 100% (target), regardless of actual performance, and (b) payment of the Prorated RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) that vest pursuant to this Section 2.2 will be made within 60 days of the Grantee’s death or Disability, but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the date of the death or Disability.
Retirement in General. Subject to the following provisions of this Section 2.2, in the case of Retirement, the Earnout Percentage will be used to calculate the Grantee’s Vested RPSRs, and payment of the Vested RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) will be made in accordance with Section 1.2 above.
In determining the Grantee’s eligibility for Retirement, service is measured by dividing (a) the number of days the Grantee was employed by the Company or a subsidiary in the period commencing with his or her last date of hire by the Company or a subsidiary through and including the date on which the Grantee is last employed by the Company or a subsidiary, by (b) 365. If the Grantee ceased to be employed by the Company or a subsidiary and was later rehired by the Company or a subsidiary, the Grantee’s service prior to the break in service shall be disregarded in determining service for such purposes; provided that, if the Grantee’s employment with the Company or a subsidiary had terminated due to the Grantee’s Retirement, or by the Company or a subsidiary as part of a reduction in force (in each case, other than a termination by the Company or a subsidiary for Cause) and, within the two-year period following such termination of employment (the “break in service”) the Grantee was subsequently rehired by the Company or a subsidiary, then the Grantee’s period of service with the Company or a subsidiary prior to and ending with the break in service will be included in determining service for such purposes. In the event the Grantee is employed by a business that is acquired by the Company or a subsidiary, the Company shall have discretion to determine whether the Grantee’s service prior to the acquisition will be included in determining service for such purposes.
Retirement Due to Government Service. In the case of a Governmental Service Retirement by the Grantee (a) the Performance Period used to calculate the Grantee’s Vested RPSRs will be deemed to have ended as of the most recent date that performance has been measured by the Company with respect to the RPSRs prior to the Grantee’s Retirement (but in no event shall such date be more than one year before the Grantee’s Retirement), (b)
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the Earnout Percentage of the Grantee’s Prorated RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) will be determined based on actual performance for that short Performance Period, and (c) payment of the Prorated RPSRs that become Vested RPSRs (and Dividend Equivalents thereon) will be made within 20 days after Retirement.
3.Other Terminations of Employment. Subject to Section 6.2, all RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall terminate immediately upon a termination of the Grantee’s employment: (a) for any reason other than due to the Grantee’s Retirement, death or Disability; or (b) for Retirement, death or Disability, if the six-month employment requirement under Section 2.2 above is not satisfied.
4.Leave of Absence. Unless the Committee otherwise provides (at the time of the leave or otherwise), if the Grantee is granted a leave of absence by the Company, the Grantee (a) shall not be deemed to have incurred a termination of employment at the time such leave commences for purposes of the award, and (b) shall be deemed to be employed by the Company for the duration of such approved leave of absence for purposes of the award. A termination of employment shall be deemed to have occurred if the Grantee does not timely return to active employment upon the expiration of such approved leave or if the Grantee commences a leave that is not approved by the Company.
5.Salary Continuation. Subject to Section 2.4 above, the term “employment” as used herein means active employment by the Company and salary continuation without active employment (other than a leave of absence approved by the Company that is covered by Section 2.4) will not, in and of itself, constitute “employment” for purposes hereof (in the case of salary continuation without active employment, the Grantee’s cessation of active employee status shall, subject to Section 2.4, be deemed to be a termination of “employment” for purposes hereof). Furthermore, salary continuation will not, in and of itself, constitute a leave of absence approved by the Company for purposes of the award.
6.Sale or Spinoff of Subsidiary or Business Unit. For purposes of the RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award, a termination of employment of the Grantee shall be deemed to have occurred if the Grantee is employed by a subsidiary or business unit and that subsidiary or business unit is sold, spun off, or otherwise divested, the Grantee does not otherwise continue to be employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries after such event, and the divested entity or business (or its successor or a parent company) does not assume the award in connection with such
transaction. In the event of such a termination of employment, the termination shall be deemed to be a Retirement treated as provided for in Section 2.2 (subject to Section 6).
7.Continuance of Employment Required. Except as expressly provided in Section 2.2, Section 2.4 and in Section 6, the vesting of the RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award requires continued employment through the last day of the Performance Period as a condition to the vesting of any portion of the award. Employment for only a portion of the Performance Period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Grantee to any proportionate vesting or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement, the Grant Letter, the Stock Plan System, or the Plan constitutes an employment commitment by the Company or any subsidiary, affects the Grantee’s status (if the Grantee is otherwise an at-will employee) as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Grantee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary, or interferes in any way with the right of the Company or of any subsidiary to terminate such employment at any time.
8.Death. In the event of the Grantee’s death subsequent to the vesting of RPSRs but prior to the delivery of shares or other payment with respect to such RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents), the Grantee’s Successor shall be entitled to any payments to which the Grantee would have been entitled under this Agreement with respect to such RPSRs.
9.Non-Transferability and Other Restrictions.
3.1.Non-Transferability. The award, as well as the RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award, are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge. The foregoing transfer restrictions shall not apply to transfers to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may honor any transfer required pursuant to the terms of a court order in a divorce or similar domestic relations matter to the extent that such transfer does not adversely affect the Company’s ability to register the offer and sale of the underlying shares on a Form S-8 Registration Statement and such transfer is otherwise in compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory and listing requirements.
3.2.Forfeiture or Recoupment of Awards. If, prior to payment or issuance of shares with respect to the award, Grantee’s employment is terminated for Cause (or Grantee has engaged in misconduct that could
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have resulted in Grantee’s termination of employment for Cause if Grantee had remained an employee), the Company may reduce or eliminate any payments or issuances of shares with respect to the award. Further, any payments or issuances of shares with respect to the award are subject to recoupment pursuant to the Company’s Policy Regarding the Recoupment of Certain Performance-Based Compensation Payments as in effect from time to time as well as any recoupment or similar provisions of applicable law, and the Grantee shall promptly make any reimbursement requested by the Board or Committee pursuant to such policy or applicable law with respect to the award. The Grantee agrees, by accepting the award, that the Company and its affiliates may deduct from any amounts it may owe the Grantee from time to time (such as wages or other compensation) to the extent of any amounts the Grantee is required to reimburse the Company pursuant to such policy or applicable law with respect to the award.
4.Post-Employment Conduct.
1.Executive Leadership Team Contribution. You acknowledge and agree that as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (“ELT”), you are involved in managing the global operations of the Company, incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in Virginia. You are involved in the most sensitive and proprietary matters affecting the Company, its subsidiaries, predecessors, and/or affiliates (collectively, “Northrop Grumman”), including from a technical, strategic and financial perspective, and are widely exposed to confidential, sensitive and proprietary information concerning Northrop Grumman’s global operations, at the headquarters and each of the operating sectors, including in the areas of autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, sensors, electronics, and logistics and modernization. Your job responsibilities require that you have a primary office location in Virginia and/or you spend substantial time at the corporate headquarters in Virginia, among other things, attending ELT and other leadership meetings, and managing operations and employees in Virginia. You occupy one of the most senior executive positions in the Company and have far-reaching access to highly confidential, valuable and sensitive information, customer, vendor and employee relationships, intellectual property, strategic and tactical plans, and financial information and plans. The Company has a legitimate business interest in restricting your ability to compete in the specific manner set forth below. The Company has provided you this grant, subject to this Agreement and as consideration for the restrictive covenants set forth in this Section 4.
2.Non-Competition. For a period of twelve (12) months from the date of the termination of Grantee’s
employment for any reason (other than a Reduction-in-Force as determined at the Company’s sole discretion) (“Termination”), you will not, directly or indirectly, oversee, control, participate in, or support the design, operation, research, manufacture, marketing, sale, or distribution of “Competitive Products and Services”. For the purpose of this section, “Competitive Products and Services” shall mean products or services that compete for resources with or are an alternative or potential alternative to, the products sold or services provided by Northrop Grumman, including without limitation products and services in the areas of autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, sensors, electronics, and logistics and modernization.
3.Non-Solicitation of Customers. For a period of eighteen (18) months from your Termination, you shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit any customer, supplier, or teammate of Northrop Grumman with whom you engaged, or about whom you received confidential, sensitive, or proprietary information, in the course of your employment with Northrop Grumman, for purposes of providing products or services in competition with Northrop Grumman. In the case of a governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, department or other governmental authority, the customer is determined by reference to the specific program offices or activities for which Northrop Grumman provides goods or services.
4.Non-Solicitation of Employees. For a period of twenty-four (24) months from your Termination, you shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit or offer to hire, any person who was, within a period of six months prior to your Termination, employed by Northrop Grumman, with whom you worked or about whom you received information in the course of your employment with Northrop Grumman.
5.Non-Disparagement. You will not issue or communicate any statement, whether verbal or written, or take any other action that disparages or may be interpreted to disparage the Company, its products, services, officers, directors, or employees; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any truthful statements made in connection with a legal process, including government investigation or as otherwise provided by law.
6.Exceptions. You may request an exception to the covenants in Sections 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4 by making a written request to the Company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, with such exceptions being considered at the sole discretion of the Company and communicated in writing to you.
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7.Reasonableness. You agree that the restrictions set forth in Sections 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 are (i) reasonable and necessary in all respects, including duration, territory and scope of activity, in order to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, (ii) that the parties have attempted to limit your right to compete only to the extent necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, and (iii) that you will be able to earn a livelihood without violating the restrictions in this section. It is the intent of the parties that the provisions of this section shall be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law. However, if any portion of Section 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4 is deemed unenforceable, the parties agree that a court or arbitrator may revise the portion deemed unenforceable to the maximum extent possible to achieve the objective of the parties, and the remainder of the section shall remain in full force and affect.
8.Remedies. If you violate any provision in Section 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and/or 4.5 of this section, the Company shall have the right to terminate without payment to you any unvested and/or unpaid RPSRs (and associated Dividend Equivalents) and require that you immediately deliver to the Company an amount in cash equal to the aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the vesting and/or payment date of all RPSRs already received, including any Dividend Equivalents, within one year prior to the breach. Further, you acknowledge and agree that a breach of any of the provisions of this section will result in immediate, irreparable, and continuing damage to the Company for which there is no adequate remedy at law, and the Company will be entitled to injunctive relief, a decree of specific performance, and other relief as may be proper, including monetary damages, to the maximum extent available.
4.Compliance with Laws; No Stockholder Rights Prior to Issuance.
The Company’s obligation to make any payments or issue any shares with respect to the award is subject to full compliance with all then applicable requirements of law, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Company and its shares, and of any exchange upon which stock of the Company may be listed. The Grantee shall not have the rights and privileges of a stockholder, including without limitation the right to vote or receive dividends (except as expressly provided in this Agreement with respect to Dividend Equivalents), with respect to any shares which may be issued in respect of the RPSRs until the date appearing on the certificate(s) for such shares (or, in the case of shares entered in book entry form, the date that the shares are actually recorded
in such form for the benefit of the Grantee), if such shares become deliverable.
5.Adjustments; Change in Control.
1.Adjustments. The RPSRs and the shares subject to the award are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of events such as stock splits, stock dividends and other changes in capitalization in accordance with Section 6(a) of the Plan. In addition, for RPSRs that do not use a relative total shareholder return metric as the applicable performance criterion, the applicable performance criteria and goals are subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan. Any such adjustment or determination not to make any adjustment shall be conclusive and binding.
2.Possible Acceleration on Change in Control. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2 hereof, and further subject to the Company’s ability to terminate the award as provided in Section 6.3 below, the Grantee shall be entitled to vesting of the award as provided below in the event of the Grantee’s termination of employment if at the time of the termination, the termination occurs either within the Protected Period corresponding to a Change in Control of the Company or within twenty-four (24) calendar months following the date of a Change in Control of the Company, and the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries is involuntarily terminated by the Company and its subsidiaries for reasons other than Cause or by the Grantee for Good Reason.
Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the termination of the Grantee’s employment (or other events giving rise to Good Reason) shall not entitle the Grantee to any accelerated vesting pursuant to this Section 6.2 if there is objective evidence that, as of the commencement of the Protected Period, the Grantee had specifically been identified by the Company as an employee whose employment would be terminated as part of a corporate restructuring or downsizing program that commenced prior to the Protected Period and such termination of employment was expected at that time to occur within six (6) months.
In the event the Grantee is entitled to payment in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.2, then the Grantee will be eligible for payment of a number of RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) determined in accordance with the following formula: (a) the Earnout Percentage determined in accordance with Section 1 but calculated based on performance for the portion of the three-year Performance Period ending on the last day of the month coinciding with or immediately preceding the date of the termination of the Grantee’s employment, multiplied by (b) the target
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number of RPSRs subject to the award. Payment of any amount due under this Section 6.2 will be made within 60 days of the date of the termination of Grantee’s employment, but in no event later than March 15th of the year following the Grantee’s termination of employment.
3.Automatic Acceleration; Early Termination. If the Company undergoes a Change in Control triggered by clause (iii) or (iv) of the definition thereof and the Company is not the surviving entity and the successor to the Company (if any) (or a Parent thereof) does not agree in writing prior to the occurrence of the Change in Control to continue and assume the award following the Change in Control, or if for any other reason the award would not continue after the Change in Control, then upon the Change in Control the Grantee shall be entitled to a payment of the RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) as provided below and the award shall terminate. Unless the Committee expressly provides otherwise in the circumstances, no acceleration of vesting of the award shall occur pursuant to this Section 6.3 in connection with a Change in Control if either (a) the Company is the surviving entity, or (b) the successor to the Company (if any) (or a Parent thereof) agrees in writing prior to the Change in Control to assume the award. The Committee may make adjustments pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Plan and/or deem an acceleration of vesting of the award pursuant to this Section 6.3 to occur sufficiently prior to an event if necessary or deemed appropriate to permit the Grantee to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the shares underlying the award; provided, however, that, the Committee may reinstate the original terms of the award if the related event does not actually occur.
In the event the Grantee is entitled to a payment in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.3, then the Grantee will be eligible for payment of a number of RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) determined in accordance with the following formula: (a) the Earnout Percentage determined in accordance with Section 1 but calculated based on performance for the portion of the three-year Performance Period ending on the date of the Change in Control of the Company, multiplied by (b) the target number of RPSRs subject to the award. Payment of any amount due under this Section 6.3 will be made within 60 days of the Change of Control, but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the Change in Control. In the event the Grantee is employed by the Company or a subsidiary immediately prior to the Change in Control and is entitled to payment in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.3, then this Section 6.3 shall control as to the amount and timing of the payment of the award notwithstanding anything in Section 2.2 or 6.2 to the contrary. In the event of the Grantee’s Retirement
pursuant to Section 2.2 prior to a Change in Control described in the first paragraph of this Section 6.3 in which the award is to be terminated, the Earnout Percentage shall no longer be based on the portion of the Performance Period otherwise considered for purposes of Section 2.2 but shall instead be calculated based on performance for the portion of the three-year Performance Period ending on the date of the Change in Control of the Company.
4.Tax Matters.
a. Tax Withholding. The Company or the subsidiary which employs the Grantee shall be entitled to require, as a condition of making any payments or issuing any shares upon vesting of the RPSRs and related Dividend Equivalents, that the Grantee or other person entitled to such shares or other payment pay the minimum sums required to be withheld by federal, state, local or other applicable tax law with respect to such vesting or payment. Alternatively, the Company or such subsidiary, in its discretion, may make such provisions for the withholding of taxes as it deems appropriate (including, without limitation, withholding the taxes due from compensation otherwise payable to the Grantee or reducing the number of shares otherwise deliverable with respect to the award (valued at their then Fair Market Value) by the amount necessary to satisfy such statutory minimum withholding obligations).
b.Transfer Taxes. The Company will pay all federal and state transfer taxes, if any, and other fees and expenses in connection with the issuance of shares in connection with the vesting of the RPSRs.
c.Compliance. This Agreement is designed to be exempt from Code Section 409A, and the Committee shall administer and construe the award in such a way as to be exempt from and to avoid adverse tax consequences under Code Section 409A.
d.Unfunded Arrangement. The right of the Grantee to receive payment under the award shall be an unsecured contractual claim against the Company. As such, neither the Grantee nor any Successor shall have any rights in or against any specific assets of the Company based on the award. Awards shall at all times be considered entirely unfunded for tax purposes.
e.Code Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that any amounts payable to you as a result of Section 6.2 or 6.3 hereof, either alone or together with amounts payable pursuant to any other plan, program or arrangement (a) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (b) but for this Section 7.5 would be subject to the excise tax
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imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any comparable successor provisions (the “Excise Tax”), then the vesting acceleration provided in Section 6.2 or 6.3, as applicable, shall be either (a) provided to you in full, or (b) provided to you to such lesser extent that would result in no portion of the payments so accelerated being subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts, when taking into account applicable federal, state, local and foreign income and employment taxes, the Excise Tax, and any other applicable taxes, results in the receipt by you, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be subject to the Excise Tax. All determinations required to be made under this Section 7.5 shall be made by a registered public accounting firm selected by the Company, which shall provide supporting calculations both to the Company and you no later than the date of the applicable Change in Control. In the event that the Payments are to be reduced pursuant to this Section 7.5, such Payments shall be reduced such that the reduction of compensation to be provided to the Executive as a result of this Section 7.5 is minimized. In applying this principle, the reduction shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A and where two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but payable at different times, such amounts shall be reduced on a pro rata basis but not below zero.
8.Choice of Law; Venue; Arbitration.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. Any cause of action or claim arising out of or related to the terms and conditions applicable to this grant will be determined through final and binding arbitration, in accordance with Northrop Grumman Manual USHR 2-32, provided that the prevailing party in the arbitration shall be entitled to receive from the losing party reasonably incurred attorneys’ fees and costs. You and the Company agree that any arbitration hearing and related proceedings shall be convened and conducted in Falls Church, VA. If you or the Company believes they require immediate relief to enforce or challenge this Agreement, before arbitration is commenced or concluded, either party may seek injunctive or other provisional equitable relief from a state or federal court in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All court actions or proceedings arising under this Agreement shall be heard in a state or federal court in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Company and you hereby agree to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in the Commonwealth of Virginia and waive any right to object to such actions on grounds of venue, jurisdiction or convenience.
9.Committee Authority.
The Committee has the discretionary authority to determine any questions as to the date when the Grantee’s employment terminated and the cause of such termination and to interpret any provision of this Agreement, the Grant Letter, the Stock Plan System, the Plan, and any other applicable rules. Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Committee relating to or pursuant to this Agreement, the Grant Letter, the Stock Plan System, the Plan, or any other applicable rules shall be within the absolute discretion of the Committee and shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
10.Plan; Amendment.
The RPSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award are governed by, and the Grantee’s rights are subject to, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and any other rules adopted by the Committee, as the foregoing may be amended from time to time. The Grantee shall have no rights with respect to any amendment of this Agreement or the Plan unless such amendment is in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the Grant Letter and/or the Stock Plan System and the provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan, the provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan, as applicable, shall control.
11.Required Holding Period.
The holding requirements of this Section 11 shall apply to any Grantee who is an elected or appointed officer of the Company on the date any RPSRs are paid (or, if earlier, on the date the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries terminates for any reason). Any Grantee subject to this Section 11 shall not be permitted to sell, transfer, anticipate, alienate, assign, pledge, encumber or charge the number of shares equal to 50% of the total payout of Vested RPSRs (net of taxes withheld) until the earlier of (A) the third anniversary of the date such shares of Common Stock are paid to the Grantee, (B) the date the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries terminates due to the Grantee’s death or Disability, (C) the occurrence of a Change in Control that results in termination and payment under Section 6.2 or 6.3 above, or (D) with respected to Grantee’s entering a U.S. federal government position only, the latest of (i) the date the Grantee’s employment with the Company terminates, or (ii) the date the Grantee formally accepts the government position in writing, or (iii) the date the government confirms the Grantee (for positions requiring nomination and confirmation). Should the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries terminate (regardless of the reason for such termination, but other than due to the
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Grantee’s death or Disability or a Change in Control related termination under Section 6.2 or entering a U.S. federal government position), such holding period requirement shall not apply as to any shares acquired upon payment of RPSRs to the extent such payment is made more than one year after such termination of employment. (For purposes of clarity, in such circumstances the holding period requirement will apply as to any shares acquired upon payment of RPSRs within one year after such a termination of employment.) For purposes of this Section 11, the total payout of Vested RPSRs shall be determined on a net basis after taking into account any shares otherwise deliverable with respect to the award that the Company withholds to satisfy tax obligations pursuant to Section 7.1. If Grantee is paid less than 50% of the total payout of Vested RPSRs (net of taxes) in shares, then all of the shares received will be subject to the holding period requirements in this Section 11. Any shares of Common Stock received in respect of shares that are covered by the holding period requirements of this Section 11 (such as shares received in respect of a stock split or stock dividend) shall be subject to the same holding period requirements as the shares to which they relate.
12.Definitions.
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below and, when the meaning is intended, the initial letter of the word is capitalized:
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Cause” means the occurrence of either or both of the following:
(i) The Grantee’s conviction for committing an act of fraud, embezzlement, theft, or other act constituting a felony (other than traffic related offenses, as a result of vicarious liability, or as a result of good faith actions as an officer of the Company); or
(ii) Willful misconduct by the Grantee that causes financial or reputational harm to the Company. However, no act, or failure to act, on the Grantee’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Grantee not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his or her action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
“Change in Control” is used as defined in the Plan.
“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Committee” means the Company’s Compensation Committee or any successor committee appointed by the Board to administer the Plan.
“Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock.
“Disability” means, with respect to a Grantee, that the Grantee: (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months; or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Grantee’s employer.
“Early Retirement” means that the Grantee’s employment terminates in any of the following circumstances, and other than a termination of employment that constitutes a Normal Retirement or occurs in connection with a termination by the Company or a subsidiary for Cause:
(i) a termination of employment after the Grantee has attained age 55 with at least 10 years of service.
(ii) a termination of employment by the Company or a subsidiary as part of a reduction in force and, at the time of such termination, the Grantee has attained age 53 with at least 10 years of service.
(iii) a termination of employment by the Company or a subsidiary as part of a reduction in force and, at the time of such termination, the sum of the Grantee’s age and years of service is at least 75.
“Fair Market Value” is used as defined in the Plan; provided, however, the Committee in determining such Fair Market Value for purposes of the award may utilize such other exchange, market, or listing as it deems appropriate.
“Good Reason” means, without the Grantee’s express written consent, the occurrence of any one or more of the following:
(i) A material and substantial reduction in the nature or status of the Grantee’s authorities or responsibilities (when such authorities and/or responsibilities are viewed in the aggregate) from their level in effect on the day immediately prior
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to the start of the Protected Period, other than (A) an inadvertent act that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Grantee, and/or (B) changes in the nature or status of the Grantee’s authorities or responsibilities that, in the aggregate, would generally be viewed by a nationally-recognized executive placement firm as resulting in the Grantee having not materially and substantially fewer authorities and responsibilities (taking into consideration the Company’s industry) when compared to the authorities and responsibilities applicable to the position held by the Grantee immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period. The Company may retain a nationally-recognized executive placement firm for purposes of making the determination required by the preceding sentence and the written opinion of the firm thus selected shall be conclusive as to this issue.
In addition, if the Grantee is a vice president, the Grantee’s loss of vice-president status will constitute “Good Reason”; provided that the loss of the title of “vice president” will not, in and of itself, constitute Good Reason if the Grantee’s lack of a vice president title is generally consistent with the manner in which the title of vice president is used within the Grantee’s business unit or if the loss of the title is the result of a promotion to a higher level office. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, the Grantee’s lack of a vice-president title will only be considered generally consistent with the manner in which such title is used if most persons in the business unit with authorities, duties, and responsibilities comparable to those of the Grantee immediately prior to the commencement of the Protected Period do not have the title of vice-president.
(ii) A material reduction by the Company in the Grantee’s annualized rate of base salary as in effect on the first to occur of the start of the Performance Period or the start of the Protected Period, or as the same shall be increased from time to time.
(iii) A material reduction in the aggregate value of the Grantee’s level of participation in any of the Company’s short and/or long-term incentive compensation plans (excluding stock-based incentive compensation plans), employee benefit or retirement plans, or policies, practices, or arrangements in which the Grantee participates immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period provided; however, that a reduction in the
aggregate value shall not be deemed to be “Good Reason” if the reduced value remains substantially consistent with the average level of other employees who have positions commensurate with the position held by the Grantee immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period.
(iv) A material reduction in the Grantee’s aggregate level of participation in the Company’s stock-based incentive compensation plans from the level in effect immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period; provided, however, that a reduction in the aggregate level of participation shall not be deemed to be “Good Reason” if the reduced level of participation remains substantially consistent with the average level of participation of other employees who have positions commensurate with the position held by the Grantee immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period.
(v) The Grantee is informed by the Company that his or her principal place of employment for the Company will be relocated to a location that is greater than fifty (50) miles away from the Grantee’s principal place of employment for the Company at the start of the corresponding Protected Period; provided that, if the Company communicates an intended effective date for such relocation, in no event shall Good Reason exist pursuant to this clause (v) more than ninety (90) days before such intended effective date.
The Grantee’s right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Grantee’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Grantee’s continued employment shall not constitute a consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstances constituting Good Reason herein.
“Governmental Service Retirement” means a Retirement by the Grantee where the Grantee accepts a position in the federal government or a state or local government and an accelerated distribution under the award is permitted under Code Section 409A based on such government employment and related ethics rules.
“Normal Retirement” means that the Grantee terminates employment after attaining age 65 with at least 10 years of service (other than in connection with a termination by the Company or a subsidiary for Cause). In the case of a Grantee who is an officer of the Company subject to the Company’s mandatory retirement at age 65 policy and who, at the applicable time, is not otherwise eligible for Normal Retirement as defined in the preceding sentence, “Normal Retirement”
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as to that Grantee means that the Grantee’s employment is terminated pursuant to such mandatory retirement policy (regardless of the Grantee’s years of service and other than in connection with a termination by the Company or a subsidiary for Cause).
“Parent” is used as defined in the Plan.
“Plan” means the Northrop Grumman 2011 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan, as it may be amended form time to time.
The “Protected Period” corresponding to a Change in Control of the Company shall be a period of time determined in accordance with the following:
(i) If the Change in Control is triggered by a tender offer for shares of the Company’s stock or by the offeror’s acquisition of shares pursuant to such a tender offer, the Protected Period shall commence on the date of the initial tender offer and shall continue through and including the date of the Change in Control; provided that in no case will the Protected Period commence earlier than the date that is six (6) months prior to the Change in Control.
(ii) If the Change in Control is triggered by a merger, consolidation, or reorganization of the Company with or involving any other corporation, the Protected Period shall commence on the date that serious and substantial discussions first take place to effect the merger, consolidation, or reorganization and shall continue through and including the date of the Change in Control; provided that in no case will the Protected Period commence earlier than the date that is six (6) months prior to the Change in Control.
(iii) In the case of any Change in Control not described in clause (i) or (ii) above, the Protected Period shall commence on the date that is six (6) months prior to the Change in Control and shall continue through and include the date of the Change in Control.
“Successor” means the person acquiring a Grantee’s rights to a grant under the Plan by will or by the laws of descent or distribution.
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Exhibit 10.4
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
2021 RESTRICTED STOCK RIGHTS GRANT AGREEMENT
This 2021 Restricted Stock Rights Grant Agreement (“Agreement”) applies to certain special retention “Restricted Stock Rights” (“RSRs”) granted by Northrop Grumman Corporation (the “Company”) in 2021 under its 2011 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan. The date of grant of your RSR award (the “Grant Date”) and the number of RSRs applicable to your award are set forth in the letter from the Company announcing your RSR award (your “Grant Letter”) and are also reflected in the electronic stock plan award recordkeeping system (“Stock Plan System”) maintained by the Company or its designee. This Agreement applies only with respect to this 2021 RSR award identified in your Grant Letter, and you are subject to this Agreement upon accepting your grant. You are referred to as the “Grantee” with respect to your award. Capitalized terms are generally defined in Section 12 below if not otherwise defined herein.
Each RSR represents a right to receive one share of the Company’s Common Stock, or cash of equivalent value as provided herein, subject to vesting as provided herein. The number of RSRs subject to your award is subject to adjustment as provided herein. The RSR award is subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and is further subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, as it may be amended from time to time, and any rules adopted by the Committee, as such rules are in effect from time to time. If you do not formally accept your RSR award, by entering into this Agreement in accordance with the instructions and time limit set forth in your Grant Letter, you will be deemed to have forfeited your RSR award.
1.Vesting; Issuance of Shares.
Subject to Sections 2, 3, 4 and 6 below, one hundred percent (100%) of the number of RSRs (and any Dividend Equivalents (as defined below)) subject to your award (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 6.1) shall vest on September 30, 2021.
1.1 Payment of RSRs. Except as otherwise provided below, the Company shall pay an RSR subject to the award that vests (“Vested RSR”) (and related Dividend Equivalents) within 60 days following the vesting of the RSR on September 30, 2021. The Company shall pay such Vested RSRs in either an equivalent number of shares of Common Stock, or, in the discretion of the Committee, in cash or in a combination of shares of Common Stock and cash. In the event of a cash payment, the amount of the payment for each Vested RSR to be paid in cash will equal the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of a share of Common Stock as of the date that such RSR became vested.
a.1.2 Dividend Equivalents. The Grantee shall be entitled to payment for Dividend Equivalents (if any) with respect to any Vested RSRs. For purposes of this Agreement, “Dividend Equivalents” means the aggregate amount of dividends paid by the Company on a number of shares of Common Stock equivalent to the number of Vested RSRs during the period from the Grant date until the date the Vested RSRs are paid (without interest or other adjustments to reflect the time value of money). Dividend Equivalents (if any) will be paid at the same
time as the Vested RSRs to which they relate are paid. Dividend Equivalents will be paid in cash.
2.Early Termination of Award; Termination of Employment.
a.2.1 General. The RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award, to the extent not previously vested, shall terminate and become null and void if and when (a) the award terminates in connection with a Change in Control pursuant to Section 6 below, or (b) except as provided in Sections 2.6 and in Section 6, the Grantee ceases for any reason to be an employee of the Company or one of its subsidiaries.
b.2.2 Leave of Absence. Unless the Committee otherwise provides (at the time of the leave or otherwise), if the Grantee is granted a leave of absence by the Company, the Grantee (a) shall not be deemed to have incurred a termination of employment at the time such leave commences for purposes of the award, and (b) shall be deemed to be employed by the Company for the duration of such approved leave of absence for purposes of the award. A termination of employment shall be deemed to have occurred if the Grantee does not timely return to active employment upon the expiration of such approved leave or if the Grantee commences a leave that is not approved by the Company.
c.2.3 Salary Continuation. Subject to Section 2.2 above, the term “employment” as used herein means active employment by the Company and salary
ELT – Larson – Special RSR 2.16.2021 1
continuation without active employment (other than a leave of absence approved by the Company that is covered by Section 2.2) will not, in and of itself, constitute “employment” for purposes hereof (in the case of salary continuation without active employment, the Grantee’s cessation of active employee status shall, subject to Section 2.2, be deemed to be a termination of “employment” for purposes hereof). Furthermore, salary continuation will not, in and of itself, constitute a leave of absence approved by the Company for purposes of the award.
d.2.4 Sale or Spinoff of Subsidiary or Business Unit. For purposes of the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award, a termination of employment of the Grantee shall be deemed to have occurred if the Grantee is employed by a subsidiary or business unit and that subsidiary or business unit is sold, spun off, or otherwise divested, the Grantee does not otherwise continue to be employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries after such event, and the divested entity or business (or its successor or a parent company) does not assume the award in connection with such transaction.
e.2.5 Continuance of Employment Required. Except as expressly provided in Section 2.6 and in Section 6, the vesting of the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award requires continued employment through September 30, 2021 as a condition to the vesting of any portion of the award. Employment for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle the Grantee to any proportionate vesting or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement, the Stock Plan System, or the Plan constitutes an employment commitment by the Company or any subsidiary, affects the Grantee’s status (if the Grantee is otherwise an at-will employee) as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon the Grantee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any subsidiary, or interferes in any way with the right of the Company or of any subsidiary to terminate such employment at any time.
f.2.6 Death or Disability. If the Grantee dies or incurs a Disability while employed by the Company or a subsidiary and such death or Disability occurs more than six months after the Grant Date, the outstanding and previously unvested RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall vest as of the date of the Grantee’s death or Disability, as applicable. RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) vesting under this Section shall be paid within 60 days following the earlier of (a) Grantee’s death or (b)
Grantee’s Disability. In the event of the Grantee’s death prior to the delivery of shares or other payment with respect to any vested RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents), the Grantee’s Successor shall be entitled to any payments to which the Grantee would have been entitled under this Agreement with respect to such vested and unpaid RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents).
3.Non-Transferability and Other Restrictions.
3.1 Non-Transferability. The award, as well as the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award, are non-transferable and shall not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge. The foregoing transfer restrictions shall not apply to transfers to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may honor any transfer required pursuant to the terms of a court order in a divorce or similar domestic relations matter to the extent that such transfer does not adversely affect the Company’s ability to register the offer and sale of the underlying shares on a Form S-8 Registration Statement and such transfer is otherwise in compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory and listing requirements.
3.2 Forfeiture or Recoupment of Awards. If, prior to payment or issuance of shares with respect to the award, Grantee’s employment is terminated for Cause (or Grantee has engaged in misconduct that could have resulted in Grantee’s termination of employment for Cause if Grantee had remained an employee), the Company may reduce or eliminate any payments or issuances of shares with respect to the award. Further, any payments or issuances of shares with respect to the award are subject to recoupment pursuant to the Company’s Policy Regarding the Recoupment of Certain Performance-Based Compensation Payments as in effect from time to time, as well as any recoupment or similar provisions of applicable law, and the Grantee shall promptly make any reimbursement requested by the Board or Committee pursuant to such policy or applicable law with respect to the award. The Grantee agrees, by accepting the award, that the Company and its affiliates may deduct from any amounts it may owe the Grantee from time to time (such as wages or other compensation) to the extent of any amounts the Grantee is required to reimburse the Company pursuant to such policy or applicable law with respect to the award.
4.Post-Employment Conduct.
1.Executive Leadership Team Contribution. You acknowledge and agree that as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (“ELT”), you are involved in managing the global operations of the Company, incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in Virginia.
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You are involved in the most sensitive and proprietary matters affecting the Company, its subsidiaries, predecessors, and/or affiliates (collectively, “Northrop Grumman”), including from a technical, strategic and financial perspective, and are widely exposed to confidential, sensitive and proprietary information concerning Northrop Grumman’s global operations, at the headquarters and each of the operating sectors, including in the areas of autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, sensors, electronics, and logistics and modernization. Your job responsibilities require that you have a primary office location in Virginia and/or you spend substantial time at the corporate headquarters in Virginia, among other things, attending ELT and other leadership meetings, and managing operations and employees in Virginia. You occupy one of the most senior executive positions in the Company and have far-reaching access to highly confidential, valuable and sensitive information, customer, vendor and employee relationships, intellectual property, strategic and tactical plans, and financial information and plans. The Company has a legitimate business interest in restricting your ability to compete in the specific manner set forth below. The Company has provided you this grant, subject to this Agreement and as consideration for the restrictive covenants set forth in this Section 4.
2.Non-Competition. For a period of twelve (12) months from the date of the termination of Grantee’s employment for any reason (other than a Reduction-in-Force as determined at the Company’s sole discretion) (“Termination”), you will not, directly or indirectly, oversee, control, participate in, or support the design, operation, research, manufacture, marketing, sale, or distribution of “Competitive Products and Services”. For the purpose of this section, “Competitive Products and Services” shall mean products or services that compete for resources with, or are an alternative or potential alternative to, the products sold or services provided by Northrop Grumman, including without limitation products and services in the areas of autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, sensors, electronics, and logistics and modernization.
3.Non-Solicitation of Customers. For a period of eighteen (18) months from your Termination, you shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit any customer, supplier, or teammate of Northrop Grumman with whom you engaged, or about whom you received confidential, sensitive, or proprietary information, in the course of your employment with Northrop Grumman, for purposes of providing products or services in competition with Northrop Grumman. In the case of a governmental, regulatory or administrative agency, commission, department or other governmental authority, the customer is determined by reference to the specific
program offices or activities for which Northrop Grumman provides goods or services.
4.Non-Solicitation of Employees. For a period of twenty-four (24) months from your Termination, you shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit or offer to hire, any person who was, within a period of six months prior to your Termination, employed by Northrop Grumman, with whom you worked or about whom you received information in the course of your employment with Northrop Grumman.
5.Non-Disparagement. You will not issue or communicate any statement, whether verbal or written, or take any other action that disparages or may be interpreted to disparage the Company, its products, services, officers, directors, or employees; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any truthful statements made in connection with a legal process, including government investigation, or as otherwise provided by law.
6.Exceptions. You may request an exception to the covenants in Sections 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4 by making a written request to the Company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, with such exceptions being considered at the sole discretion of the Company and communicated in writing to you.
7.Reasonableness. You agree that the restrictions set forth in Sections 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 are (i) reasonable and necessary in all respects, including duration, territory and scope of activity, in order to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, (ii) that the parties have attempted to limit your right to compete only to the extent necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, and (iii) that you will be able to earn a livelihood without violating the restrictions in this section. It is the intent of the parties that the provisions of this section shall be enforced to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law. However, if any portion of Sections 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4 is deemed unenforceable, the parties agree that a court or arbitrator may revise the portion deemed unenforceable to the maximum extent possible to achieve the objective of the parties, and the remainder of the section shall remain in full force and affect.
8.Remedies. If you violate any provision in Section 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and/or 4.5 of this section, the Company shall have the right to terminate without payment to you any unvested and/or unpaid RSRs (and associated Dividend Equivalents) and require that you immediately deliver to the Company an amount in cash equal to the aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as
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of the vesting and/or payment date of all RSRs already received, including any Dividend Equivalents, within one year prior to the breach. Further, you acknowledge and agree that a breach of any of the provisions of this section will result in immediate, irreparable, and continuing damage to the Company for which there is no adequate remedy at law, and the Company will be entitled to injunctive relief, a decree of specific performance, and other relief as may be proper, including monetary damages, to the maximum extent available.
4.Compliance with Laws; No Stockholder Rights Prior to Issuance.
The Company’s obligation to make any payments or issue any shares with respect to the award is subject to full compliance with all then applicable requirements of law, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Company and its shares, and of any exchange upon which stock of the Company may be listed. The Grantee shall not have the rights and privileges of a stockholder, including without limitation the right to vote or receive dividends (except as expressly provided in this Agreement with respect to Dividend Equivalents), with respect to any shares which may be issued in respect of the RSRs until the date appearing on the certificate(s) for such shares (or, in the case of shares entered in book entry form, the date that the shares are actually recorded in such form for the benefit of the Grantee), if such shares become deliverable.
5.Adjustments; Change in Control.
a..Adjustments. The RSRs, Dividend Equivalents, and the shares subject to the award are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of events such as stock splits, stock dividends and other changes in capitalization in accordance with Section 6(a) of the Plan.
b..Possible Acceleration on Change in Control. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2 hereof, and further subject to the Company’s ability to terminate the award as provided in Section 6.3 below, the outstanding and previously unvested RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall become fully vested as of the date of the Grantee’s termination of employment if, either within the Protected Period corresponding to a Change in Control of the Company or within twenty-four (24) calendar months following the date of a Change in Control of the Company, the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries is involuntarily terminated by the Company and its subsidiaries for reasons other than Cause or by the Grantee for Good Reason.
Notwithstanding anything else contained herein to the contrary, the termination of the Grantee’s employment (or other events giving rise to Good Reason) shall not entitle the Grantee to any accelerated vesting pursuant to this Section 6.2 if there is objective evidence that, as of the commencement of the Protected Period, the Grantee had specifically been identified by the Company as an employee whose employment would be terminated as part of a corporate restructuring or downsizing program that commenced prior to the Protected Period and such termination of employment was expected at that time to occur within six (6) months.
Payment of any RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) that vest under this Section 6.2 will be made within 60 days of the termination of the Grantee’s employment.
c..Automatic Acceleration; Early Termination. If the Company undergoes a Change in Control triggered by clause (iii) or (iv) of the definition thereof and the Company is not the surviving entity and the successor to the Company (if any) (or a Parent thereof) does not agree in writing prior to the occurrence of the Change in Control to continue and assume the award following the Change in Control, or if for any other reason the award would not continue after the Change in Control, then upon the Change in Control the outstanding and previously unvested RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award shall vest fully and completely. Unless the Committee expressly provides otherwise in the circumstances, no acceleration of vesting of the award shall occur pursuant to this Section 6.3 in connection with a Change in Control if either (a) the Company is the surviving entity, or (b) the successor to the Company (if any) (or a Parent thereof) agrees in writing prior to the Change in Control to assume the award. The Committee may make adjustments pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Plan and/or deem an acceleration of vesting of the award pursuant to this Section 6.3 to occur sufficiently prior to an event if necessary or deemed appropriate to permit the Grantee to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the shares underlying the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents); provided, however, that, the Committee may reinstate the original terms of the award if the related event does not actually occur.
Payment of any RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) that vest under this Section 6.3 will be made within 60 days of the Change in Control.
6.Tax Matters.
a..Tax Withholding. The Company or the subsidiary which employs the Grantee shall be entitled to require, as a condition of making any
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payments or issuing any shares upon vesting of the RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents), that the Grantee or other person entitled to such shares or other payment pay the minimum sums required to be withheld by federal, state, local or other applicable tax law with respect to such vesting or payment. Alternatively, the Company or such subsidiary, in its discretion, may make such provisions for the withholding of taxes as it deems appropriate (including, without limitation, withholding the taxes due from compensation otherwise payable to the Grantee or reducing the number of shares otherwise deliverable with respect to the award (valued at their then Fair Market Value) by the amount necessary to satisfy such statutory minimum withholding obligations).
b..Transfer Taxes. The Company will pay all federal and state transfer taxes, if any, and other fees and expenses in connection with the issuance of shares in connection with the vesting of the RSRs.
c..Compliance with Code. This Agreement is designed to be exempt from Code Section 409A, and the Committee shall administer and construe the award in such a way as to be exempt from and to avoid adverse tax consequences under Code Section 409A.
d..Unfunded Arrangement. The right of the Grantee to receive payment under the award shall be an unsecured contractual claim against the Company. As such, neither the Grantee nor any Successor shall have any rights in or against any specific assets of the Company based on the award. Awards shall at all times be considered entirely unfunded for tax purposes.
e..Code Section 280G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that any amounts payable to you as a result of Section 6.2 or 6.3 hereof, either alone or together with amounts payable pursuant to any other plan, program or arrangement (a) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (b) but for this Section 7.5 would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any comparable successor provisions (the “Excise Tax”), then the vesting acceleration provided in Section 6.2 or 6.3, as applicable, shall be either (a) provided to you in full, or (b) provided to you to such lesser extent that would result in no portion of the payments so accelerated being subject to the Excise Tax, whichever of the foregoing amounts, when taking into account applicable federal, state, local and foreign income and employment taxes, the Excise Tax, and any other applicable taxes, results in the receipt by you, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be subject to the Excise Tax. All determinations required to be made under this Section
7.5 shall be made by a registered public accounting firm selected by the Company, which shall provide supporting calculations both to the Company and you no later than the date of the applicable Change in Control. In the event that the Payments are to be reduced pursuant to this Section 7.5, such Payments shall be reduced such that the reduction of compensation to be provided to the Executive as a result of this Section 7.5 is minimized. In applying this principle, the reduction shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A and where two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but payable at different times, such amounts shall be reduced on a pro rata basis but not below zero.
8.Choice of Law; Venue; Arbitration.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. Any cause of action or claim arising out of or related to the terms and conditions applicable to this grant will be determined through final and binding arbitration, in accordance with Northrop Grumman Manual USHR 2-32, provided that the prevailing party in the arbitration shall be entitled to receive from the losing party reasonably incurred attorneys’ fees and costs. You and the Company agree that any arbitration hearing and related proceedings shall be convened and conducted in Falls Church, VA. If you or the Company believes they require immediate relief to enforce or challenge this Agreement, before arbitration is commenced or concluded, either party may seek injunctive or other provisional equitable relief from a state or federal court in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All court actions or proceedings arising under this Agreement shall be heard in a state or federal court in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Company and you hereby agree to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in the Commonwealth of Virginia and waive any right to object to such actions on grounds of venue, jurisdiction or convenience.
9.Committee Authority.
The Committee has the discretionary authority to determine any questions as to the date when the Grantee’s employment terminated and the cause of such termination and to interpret any provision of this Agreement, the Grant Letter, the Stock Plan System, the Plan, and any other applicable rules. Any action taken by, or inaction of, the Committee relating to or pursuant to this Agreement, the Grant Letter, the Stock Plan System, the Plan, or any other applicable rules shall be
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within the absolute discretion of the Committee and shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
10.Plan; Amendment.
The RSRs (and related Dividend Equivalents) subject to the award are governed by, and the Grantee’s rights are subject to, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and any other rules adopted by the Committee, as the foregoing may be amended from time to time. The Grantee shall have no rights with respect to any amendment of this Agreement or the Plan unless such amendment is in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the Grant Letter and/or the Stock Plan System and the provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan, the provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan, as applicable, shall control.
11.Required Holding Period.
The holding requirements of this Section 11 shall apply to any Grantee who is an elected or appointed officer of the Company on the date Vested RSRs are paid (or, if earlier, on the date the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries terminates for any reason). Any Grantee subject to this Section 11 shall not be permitted to sell, transfer, anticipate, alienate, assign, pledge, encumber or charge the number of shares equal to 50% of the total payout of Vested RSRs (net of taxes withheld) until the earlier of (A) the third anniversary of the date such shares of Common Stock are paid to the Grantee, (B) the date the Grantee’s employment by the Company and its subsidiaries terminates due to the Grantee’s death or Disability, (C) the occurrence of a Change in Control that results in termination and payment under Section 6.2 or 6.3 above, or (D) with respected to Grantee’s entering a U.S. federal government position only, the latest of (i) the date the Grantee’s employment with the Company terminates, or (ii) the date the Grantee formally accepts the government position in writing, or (iii) the date the government confirms the Grantee (for positions requiring nomination and confirmation). For purposes of this Section 11, the total payout of Vested RSRs shall be determined on a net basis after taking into account any shares otherwise deliverable with respect to the award that the Company withholds to satisfy tax obligations pursuant to Section 7.1. If Grantee is paid less than 50% of the total payout of Vested RSRs (net of taxes) in shares, then all of the shares received will be subject to the holding period requirements in this Section 11. Any shares of Common Stock received in respect of shares that are covered by
the holding period requirements of this Section 11 (such as shares received in respect of a stock split or stock dividend) shall be subject to the same holding period requirements as the shares to which they relate.
12.Definitions.
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below and, when the meaning is intended, the initial letter of the word is capitalized:
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Cause” means the occurrence of either or both of the following:
(i) The Grantee’s conviction for committing an act of fraud, embezzlement, theft, or other act constituting a felony (other than traffic related offenses, as a result of vicarious liability, or as a result of good faith actions as an officer of the Company); or
(ii) Willful misconduct by the Grantee that causes financial or reputational harm to the Company. However, no act, or failure to act, on the Grantee’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Grantee not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his or her action or omission was in the best interest of the Company.
“Change in Control” is used as defined in the Plan.
“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Committee” means the Company’s Compensation Committee or any successor committee appointed by the Board to administer the Plan.
“Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock.
“Disability” means, with respect to a Grantee, that the Grantee: (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months; or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under
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an accident and health plan covering employees of the Grantee’s employer.
“Fair Market Value” is used as defined in the Plan; provided, however, the Committee in determining such Fair Market Value for purposes of the award may utilize such other exchange, market, or listing as it deems appropriate.
“Good Reason” means, without the Grantee’s express written consent, the occurrence of any one or more of the following:
(i) A material and substantial reduction in the nature or status of the Grantee’s authorities or responsibilities (when such authorities and/or responsibilities are viewed in the aggregate) from their level in effect on the day immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period, other than (A) an inadvertent act that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Grantee, and/or (B) changes in the nature or status of the Grantee’s authorities or responsibilities that, in the aggregate, would generally be viewed by a nationally-recognized executive placement firm as resulting in the Grantee having not materially and substantially fewer authorities and responsibilities (taking into consideration the Company’s industry) when compared to the authorities and responsibilities applicable to the position held by the Grantee immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period. The Company may retain a nationally-recognized executive placement firm for purposes of making the determination required by the preceding sentence and the written opinion of the firm thus selected shall be conclusive as to this issue.
In addition, if the Grantee is a vice president, the Grantee’s loss of vice-president status will constitute “Good Reason”; provided that the loss of the title of “vice president” will not, in and of itself, constitute Good Reason if the Grantee’s lack of a vice president title is generally consistent with the manner in which the title of vice president is used within the Grantee’s business unit or if the loss of the title is the result of a promotion to a higher level office. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, the Grantee’s lack of a vice-president title will only be considered generally consistent with the manner in which such title is used if most persons in the business unit with authorities, duties, and responsibilities comparable to those of the Grantee immediately prior to the commencement
of the Protected Period do not have the title of vice-president.
(ii) A material reduction by the Company in the Grantee’s annualized rate of base salary as in effect at the start of the Protected Period, or as the same shall be increased from time to time.
(iii) A material reduction in the aggregate value of the Grantee’s level of participation in any of the Company’s short and/or long-term incentive compensation plans (excluding stock-based incentive compensation plans), employee benefit or retirement plans, or policies, practices, or arrangements in which the Grantee participates immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period; provided, however, that a reduction in the aggregate value shall not be deemed to be “Good Reason” if the reduced value remains substantially consistent with the average level of other employees who have positions commensurate with the position held by the Grantee immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period.
(iv) A material reduction in the Grantee’s aggregate level of participation in the Company’s stock-based incentive compensation plans from the level in effect immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period; provided, however, that a reduction in the aggregate level of participation shall not be deemed to be “Good Reason” if the reduced level of participation remains substantially consistent with the average level of participation of other employees who have positions commensurate with the position held by the Grantee immediately prior to the start of the Protected Period.
(v) The Grantee is informed by the Company that his or her principal place of employment for the Company will be relocated to a location that is greater than fifty (50) miles away from the Grantee’s principal place of employment for the Company at the start of the corresponding Protected Period; provided that, if the Company communicates an intended effective date for such relocation, in no event shall Good Reason exist pursuant to this clause (v) more than ninety (90) days before such intended effective date.
The Grantee’s right to terminate employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Grantee’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness. The Grantee’s continued employment shall not constitute a consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any circumstances constituting Good Reason herein.
6
“Parent” is used as defined in the Plan.
“Plan” means the Northrop Grumman 2011 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan, as it may be amended form time to time.
The “Protected Period” corresponding to a Change in Control of the Company shall be a period of time determined in accordance with the following:
(i) If the Change in Control is triggered by a tender offer for shares of the Company’s stock or by the offeror’s acquisition of shares pursuant to such a tender offer, the Protected Period shall commence on the date of the initial tender offer and shall continue through and including the date of the Change in Control; provided that in no case will the Protected Period commence earlier than the date that is six (6) months prior to the Change in Control.
(ii) If the Change in Control is triggered by a merger, consolidation, or reorganization of the Company with or involving any other corporation, the Protected Period shall commence on the date that serious and substantial discussions first take place to effect the merger, consolidation, or reorganization and shall continue through and including the date of the Change in Control; provided that in no case will the Protected Period commence earlier than the date that is six (6) months prior to the Change in Control.
(iii) In the case of any Change in Control not described in clause (i) or (ii) above, the Protected Period shall commence on the date that is six (6) months prior to the Change in Control and shall continue through and including the date of the Change in Control.
“Successor” means the person acquiring a Grantee’s rights to a grant under the Plan by will or by the laws of descent or distribution.
7
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
EXHIBIT 15
LETTER FROM INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Northrop Grumman Corporation
2980 Fairview Park Drive
Falls Church, Virginia 22042
We have reviewed, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the unaudited interim financial information of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries for the periods ended March 31, 2021, and 2020, as indicated in our report dated April 28, 2021; because we did not perform an audit, we expressed no opinion on that information.
We are aware that our report referred to above, which is included in your Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, is incorporated by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 033-59815, 033-59853, 333-67266, 333-100179, 333-107734, 333-121104, 333-125120, 333-127317, and 333-175798 on Form S-8; and Registration Statement No. 333-237504 on Form S-3.
We also are aware that the aforementioned report, pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, is not considered a part of the Registration Statement prepared or certified by an accountant or a report prepared or certified by an accountant within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of that Act.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
McLean, Virginia
April 28, 2021
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Kathy J. Warden, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Northrop Grumman Corporation (“company”);
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the company's most recent fiscal quarter (the company’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: April 28, 2021
| /s/ Kathy J. Warden | ||
| Kathy J. Warden | ||
| Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President | ||
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, David F. Keffer, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Northrop Grumman Corporation (“company”);
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the company's most recent fiscal quarter (the company’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: April 28, 2021
| /s/ David F. Keffer | ||
David F. Keffer | ||
| Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Northrop Grumman Corporation (the “company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Kathy J. Warden, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the company.
Date: April 28, 2021
| /s/ Kathy J. Warden | ||
| Kathy J. Warden | ||
| Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President | ||
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Northrop Grumman Corporation (the “company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David F. Keffer, Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the company.
Date: April 28, 2021
| /s/ David F. Keffer | ||
| David F. Keffer | ||
| Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||