BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today reported third quarter 2015 net sales of $11.5 billion, compared to $11.1 billion in the third quarter of 2014. Net earnings in the third quarter of 2015 were $865 million, or $2.77 per share, compared to $888 million, or $2.76 per share, in the third quarter of 2014. Cash from operations in the third quarter of 2015 was $1.5 billion, compared to $990 million in the third quarter of 2014.

"Our strong operating results this quarter are a reflection of our corporate-wide focus on program execution and delivery of value to customers and shareholders," said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Marillyn Hewson. "As we look ahead to 2016, we will remain focused on performing with excellence and providing affordable and innovative solutions for our customers, while strategically positioning our business portfolio on the best path to long-term growth and value for the corporation."

Summary Financial Results

The following table presents the Corporation's summary financial results.

2015 Financial Outlook

The following table and other sections of this news release contain forward-looking statements, which are based on the Corporation's current expectations. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. It is the Corporation's practice not to incorporate adjustments into its financial outlook for proposed acquisitions, divestitures, ventures, changes in law and restructuring activities until such items have been consummated or enacted. Accordingly, the Corporation's outlook for 2015 does not reflect any impact from the strategic review of the government IT infrastructure services and technical services businesses (strategic review) or its pending acquisition of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky). For additional factors that may impact the Corporation's actual results, refer to the "Forward-Looking Statements" section in this news release.

The Corporation may determine to fund customer programs itself pending government appropriations and is doing so with increased frequency. If the Corporation incurs costs in excess of funds obligated on a contract, it may be at risk for reimbursement of the excess costs. In 2014, the Corporation received customer authorization and initial customer funding to begin production of C-130J aircraft to be procured under the Multiyear II contract. Similarly, in 2014 and 2015, the Corporation received customer authorization and initial funding to begin producing F-35 aircraft to be acquired under low-rate initial production (LRIP) 9 and 10 contracts, respectively. The Corporation continues to negotiate these contracts with its customer. Throughout the negotiations process the Corporation has incurred costs in excess of funds obligated and has provided notification to its customer that current funding is insufficient to cover the production process. Despite not yet receiving additional funding, the Corporation continued work in an effort to meet its customer's desired aircraft delivery dates. As a result, as of Sept. 27, 2015, the Corporation has $2.4 billion in potential cost and termination liability exposure related to the C-130J Multiyear II and F-35 LRIP 9 and 10 contracts. The Corporation is currently negotiating final contract terms with its customer and expects to receive additional funding by the end of 2015. Depending on when the Corporation receives the additional funding, approximately $750 million of cash the Corporation expects to collect in 2015 may be delayed until 2016. 

2016 Financial Trends

The Corporation expects its 2016 net sales will be comparable with 2015 and that total business segment operating margin will be in the 11.0 percent to 11.5 percent range. The Corporation also expects its 2016 cash from operations will be comparable with 2015. The Corporation's preliminary outlook for 2016 does not reflect any impacts from the ongoing strategic review or its pending acquisition of Sikorsky.  The Corporation's outlook for 2016 will be updated at the conclusion of its strategic review, and when the acquisition of Sikorsky closes. In addition, the preliminary outlook assumes the U.S. Government continues to support and fund the Corporation's key programs, consistent with the continuing resolution funding measure through Dec. 11, 2015, and Congress approves budget legislation for government fiscal year (GFY) 2016 soon. Changes in circumstances may require the Corporation to revise its assumptions, which could materially change its current estimate of 2016 net sales, operating margin and cash flows.

The Corporation expects the 2016 FAS/CAS benefit to be approximately $810 million assuming a 4.25 percent discount rate at the end of 2015, a 25 basis points increase from 2014, and zero return on plan assets in 2015, among other assumptions. The Corporation does not expect to make contributions to its qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2016. A change of plus or minus 25 basis points to the assumed discount rate, with all other assumptions held constant, would result in an incremental increase or decrease of approximately $120 million to the estimated 2016 FAS/CAS pension adjustment. The Corporation will finalize the postretirement benefit plan assumptions and determine the 2015 actual return on plan assets on Dec. 31, 2015. The final assumptions and actual investment returns for 2015 may differ materially from those discussed above.

Cash Deployment Activities

The Corporation's cash deployment activities in the third quarter of 2015 consisted of the following:

• repurchasing 4.1 million shares for $823 million, compared to 2.6 million shares for $446 million in the third quarter of 2014;
• paying cash dividends of $462 million, compared to $421 million in the third quarter of 2014;
• making capital expenditures of $191 million, compared to $203 million in the third quarter of 2014; and
• making no contributions to the Corporation's pension trust, compared to $485 million during the third quarter of 2014.

On Sept. 24, 2015, the Corporation increased its share repurchase program by $3.0 billion. Inclusive of this increase, the total remaining authorization for future common share repurchases under the program was $4.3 billion as of Sept. 27, 2015. The Corporation anticipates at least $2.0 billion of share repurchases in 2016, which is consistent with the Corporation's plan to reduce its total outstanding share count to below 300 million shares by the end of 2017, subject to market conditions and fiduciary obligations permitting.

On Sept. 24, 2015, the Corporation increased its quarterly dividend 10 percent, or $0.15 per share, to $1.65 per share beginning with the payment to be made on Dec. 24, 2015 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on Dec. 1, 2015.

Segment Results

The Corporation currently operates in five business segments: Aeronautics, IS&GS, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Mission Systems and Training (MST) and Space Systems. The Corporation organizes its business segments based on the nature of products and services offered. The Corporation's segment results for the third quarter of 2015 do not reflect any impacts from the ongoing strategic review or the pending acquisition of Sikorsky.

Operating profit of the business segments includes the Corporation's share of earnings or losses from equity method investees as the operating activities of the equity method investees are closely aligned with the operations of the Corporation's business segments. United Launch Alliance (ULA), which is part of the Space Systems business segment, is the Corporation's primary equity method investee. Operating profit of the Corporation's business segments excludes the FAS/CAS pension adjustment, which represents the difference between total pension expense recorded in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) (FAS) and pension costs recoverable on U.S. Government contracts as determined in accordance with U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS); expense for stock-based compensation; the effects of items not considered part of management's evaluation of segment operating performance, such as charges related to significant severance actions and goodwill impairments; gains or losses from divestitures; the effects of certain legal settlements; corporate costs not allocated to the Corporation's business segments; and other miscellaneous corporate activities.

Changes in net sales and operating profit generally are expressed in terms of volume. Changes in volume refer to increases or decreases in sales or operating profit resulting from varying production activity levels, deliveries or service levels on individual contracts. Changes in volume also include the effect of fluctuations in contract profit booking rates that have occurred in reporting periods other than those presented in the comparative segment results. Volume changes in segment operating profit are typically based on the current profit booking rate for a particular contract.

In addition, comparability of the Corporation's segment sales, operating profit and operating margins may be impacted favorably or unfavorably by changes in profit booking rates on the Corporation's contracts accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Increases in the profit booking rates, typically referred to as risk retirements, usually relate to revisions in the estimated total costs that reflect improved conditions on a particular contract. Conversely, conditions on a particular contract may deteriorate resulting in an increase in the estimated total costs to complete and a reduction in the profit booking rate. Increases or decreases in profit booking rates are recognized in the current period and reflect the inception-to-date effect of such changes. Segment operating profit and margins may also be impacted favorably or unfavorably by other items. Favorable items may include the positive resolution of contractual matters, cost recoveries on restructuring charges, insurance recoveries and gains on sales of assets. Unfavorable items may include the adverse resolution of contractual matters; restructuring charges, except for significant severance actions which are excluded from segment operating results; reserves for disputes; asset impairments; and losses on sales of assets. Segment operating profit and items such as risk retirements, reductions of profit booking rates or other matters are presented net of state income taxes.

The following table presents summary operating results of the Corporation's five business segments and reconciles these amounts to the Corporation's consolidated financial results.

The Corporation's consolidated net adjustments not related to volume, including net profit booking rate adjustments and other matters, represented approximately 32 percent of total segment operating profit for the third quarter of 2015, compared to approximately 30 percent in the third quarter of 2014.

Aeronautics

Aeronautics' net sales for the third quarter of 2015 increased $377 million, or 11 percent, compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was attributable to higher net sales of approximately $500 million for F-35 contracts due to increased volume on aircraft production and sustainment activities. These increases were partially offset by lower net sales of approximately $140 million due to decreased volume on various other programs. Net sales for F-35 development contracts were comparable.

Aeronautics' operating profit for the third quarter of 2015 increased $56 million, or 15 percent, compared to the same period in 2014. Operating profit increased by approximately $85 million for F-35 production contracts attributable to higher volume and risk retirements; and about $25 million for the C-5 program due to improved program performance. This increase was partially offset by lower operating profit of approximately $30 million for the F-22 program due to decreased risk retirements; and about $15 million related to the write-off of fixed assets resulting from the consolidation of the Commercial Engine Solutions operations. Adjustments not related to volume, including net profit booking rate adjustments and other matters, were $35 million higher for the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

Information Systems & Global Solutions

IS&GS' net sales for the third quarter of 2015 decreased $79 million, or 4 percent, compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was attributable to lower net sales of approximately $190 million driven by the impact of in-theater force reductions (including Persistent Threat Detection System), lower volume on certain government IT support service programs, and increased competition coupled with the fragmentation of existing large contracts into multiple smaller contracts that are awarded primarily on the basis of price when re-competed (including CMS-CITIC). The decreases were partially offset by higher net sales of approximately $60 million for a business acquired during 2014; and about $50 million due to increased volume on recently awarded programs.

IS&GS' operating profit for the third quarter of 2015 decreased $12 million, or 7 percent, compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily attributable to the activities mentioned above for net sales. Adjustments not related to volume, including net profit booking rate adjustments and other matters, for the third quarter of 2015 were comparable to the same period in 2014.

Missiles and Fire Control

MFC's net sales for the third quarter of 2015 increased $30 million, or 2 percent, compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to higher net sales of approximately $40 million for fire control programs due to increased deliveries (primarily LANTIRN® and Sniper®). 

MFC's operating profit for the third quarter of 2015 was comparable to the same period in 2014. Operating profit increased by approximately $25 million for various technical services programs due to reserves recorded on certain programs in the third quarter of 2014 that were not repeated in 2015 and improved program performance. These increases were mostly offset by lower operating profit of approximately $25 million for tactical missile programs due to decreased risk retirements (primarily Hellfire) and fewer deliveries (primarily Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System). Adjustments not related to volume, including net profit booking rate adjustments and other matters, for the third quarter of 2015 were comparable to the same period in 2014.

Mission Systems and Training

MST's net sales for the third quarter of 2015 increased $123 million, or 7 percent, compared to the same period in 2014. Net sales increased by approximately $85 million for integrated warfare systems and sensors programs due to the start of new programs (primarily Space Fence) and higher volume (including radar surveillance programs); and about $65 million for ship and aviation systems programs attributable to higher volume (including MH-60).

MST's operating profit for the third quarter of 2015 increased $27 million, or 14 percent compared to the same period in 2014. Operating profit increased by approximately $30 million for certain ship and aviation systems programs due to higher risk retirements (primarily MH-60); and about $25 million for integrated warfare systems and sensors programs due to higher risk retirements (primarily Halifax Class Modernization) and increased volume. These increases were partially offset by lower operating profit of approximately $25 million due to reserves recorded on certain ship and aviation programs (primarily Littoral Combat Ship). Adjustments not related to volume, including net profit booking rate adjustments and other matters, for the third quarter of 2015 were comparable to the same period in 2014.

Space Systems

Space Systems' net sales for the third quarter of 2015 decreased $104 million, or 5 percent, compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was attributable to lower net sales of approximately $145 million for commercial space transportation programs due to fewer launch-related activities; and about $70 million for various government satellite programs due to decreased volume (primarily Space Based Infrared System). This decrease was partially offset by higher net sales of approximately $70 million for businesses acquired during the third quarter of 2014; and about $65 million for the Orion program due to increased volume.

Space Systems' operating profit for the third quarter of 2015 decreased $49 million, or 17 percent, compared to the same period in 2014. The decrease was attributable to lower operating profit of approximately $20 million due to decreased equity earnings for joint ventures; and about $10 million for various other programs due to lower risk retirements (including strategic and defensive missile systems). Adjustments not related to volume, including net profit booking rate adjustments and other matters, for the third quarter of 2015 were comparable to the same period in 2014.

Total equity earnings recognized by Space Systems (primarily ULA) represented approximately $70 million, or 30 percent, of this business segment's operating profit for the third quarter of 2015, compared to approximately $90 million, or 32 percent, in the third quarter of 2014.

Income Taxes

The Corporation's effective income tax rate was 30.9 percent for the third quarter of 2015, compared to 32.3 percent for the third quarter of 2014. The rates for both periods benefited from tax deductions for U.S. manufacturing activities and for dividends paid to the Corporation's defined contribution plans with an employee stock ownership plan feature. The effective rates during both periods did not include a benefit from the U.S. research and development tax credit because the credit had expired.

Conference Call Information

Lockheed Martin will webcast the earnings conference call (listen-only mode) at 11 a.m. ET on Oct. 20, 2015. A live audio broadcast, including relevant charts, will be available on the Investor Relations page of the Corporation's website at: www.lockheedmartin.com/investor.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and are based on Lockheed Martin's current expectations and assumptions. The words "believe," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "intend," "expect," "plan," "outlook," "scheduled," "forecast" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially due to factors such as:

• the Corporation's reliance on contracts with the U.S. Government, all of which are conditioned upon the availability of funding;
• declining budgets; affordability initiatives; the implementation of automatic sequestration under the Budget Control Act of 2011; U.S. Government operations under a continuing resolution or the failure to adopt a budget which may cause contracts to be delayed, canceled or funded at lower levels or which may impact the Corporation's operating results, financial position and cash flows;
• risks related to the development, production, performance, schedule, cost and requirements of complex and technologically advanced programs including the Corporation's largest, the F-35 program;
• economic, industry, business and political conditions (domestic and international) including their effects on governmental policy;
• the Corporation's success in growing international sales and expanding into adjacent markets and risks associated with doing business in new markets and internationally;
• the competitive environment for the Corporation's products and services, including increased market pressures in the Corporation's services businesses, competition from outside the aerospace and defense industry, and increased bid protests;
• planned production rates for significant programs and compliance with stringent performance and reliability standards;
• the performance of key suppliers, teammates, venture partners, subcontractors and customers;
• the timing and customer acceptance of product deliveries;
• the Corporation's ability to attract and retain key personnel and transfer knowledge to new personnel; the impact of work stoppages or other labor disruptions;
• the impact of cyber or other security threats or other disruptions to the Corporation's businesses;
• the Corporation's ability to implement capitalization changes such as share repurchase activity and pension funding or debt levels;
• the Corporation's ability to recover certain costs under U.S. Government contracts and changes in contract mix;
• the accuracy of the Corporation's estimates and projections;
• risk of a future impairment of goodwill or other long-term assets;
• movements in interest rates and other changes that may affect pension plan assumptions and actual returns on pension plan assets;
• realizing the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or divestitures, ventures, teaming arrangements or internal reorganizations, and the Corporation's efforts to increase the efficiency of its operations and improve the affordability of its products and services;
• the satisfaction of conditions to (including regulatory approvals) and consummation of the Corporation's previously announced acquisition of Sikorsky, the timing and terms of any financing for such acquisition, and its ability to successfully integrate the Sikorsky business and realize synergies and other expected benefits of the transaction;  
• the terms, timing or structure of a potential transaction related to the Corporation's government IT infrastructure services and technical services businesses (or whether any such transaction will take place at all);
• the adequacy of the Corporation's insurance and indemnities;
• materials availability;
• the effect of changes in or interpretation of legislation, regulation or policy, including those applicable to procurement (including competition from fewer and larger prime contractors), cost allowability or recovery, accounting, taxation, or export; and
• the outcome of legal proceedings, bid protests, environmental remediation efforts, government allegations that we have failed to comply with law, other contingencies and U.S. Government identification of deficiencies in the Corporation's business systems.

These are only some of the factors that may affect the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. For a discussion identifying additional important factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, see the Corporation's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) including, but not limited to, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The Corporation's filings may be accessed through the Investor Relations page of its website, www.lockheedmartin.com/investor, or through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

The Corporation's actual financial results likely will be different from those projected due to the inherent nature of projections. Given these uncertainties, forward-looking statements should not be relied on in making investment decisions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of its filing. Except where required by applicable law, the Corporation expressly disclaims a duty to provide updates to forward-looking statements after the date of this news release to reflect subsequent events, changed circumstances, changes in expectations, or the estimates and assumptions associated with them. The forward-looking statements in this news release are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the federal securities laws.