Stock Analysis on Net
Stock Analysis on Net

Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:NOC)

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since April 27, 2023.

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

Economic Profit

Northrop Grumman Corp., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 4,975 8,020 3,992 2,243 3,933
Cost of capital2 10.86% 10.38% 9.77% 10.50% 10.03%
Invested capital3 30,111 27,632 26,642 23,507 24,076
 
Economic profit4 1,706 5,153 1,390 (225) 1,518

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2022 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= 4,975 – 10.86% × 30,111 = 1,706


An analysis of the economic value added reveals a period of significant volatility in profitability between 2018 and 2022, characterized by a substantial peak in value creation in 2021 followed by a correction in 2022.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT exhibited high variability over the five-year period. After a decline from 3,933 million USD in 2018 to 2,243 million USD in 2019, a recovery occurred in 2020. A sharp increase was observed in 2021, where NOPAT peaked at 8,020 million USD, before retreating to 4,975 million USD in 2022.
Invested Capital and Cost of Capital
Invested capital showed a consistent upward trajectory, growing from 24,076 million USD in 2018 to 30,111 million USD by the end of 2022, indicating a steady expansion of the asset base. Concurrently, the cost of capital remained relatively stable, fluctuating within a narrow range between 9.77% and 10.86%, with a slight increasing trend observed in the final two years of the period.
Economic Profit Performance
Economic profit mirrored the volatility of NOPAT. A period of value destruction occurred in 2019, as economic profit turned negative at -225 million USD. This was followed by a recovery in 2020 and a significant surge in 2021, reaching a peak of 5,153 million USD. By 2022, economic profit declined to 1,706 million USD, reflecting the combined impact of lower NOPAT and a higher capital charge resulting from the increased invested capital base and a higher cost of capital.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Hi, I’m an AI-powered financial analyst at Stock Analysis on Net.

How can I help you?


Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Northrop Grumman Corp., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Net earnings 4,896 7,005 3,189 2,248 3,229
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1 (352) 529 290 (468) 214
Increase (decrease) in allowance for expected credit losses2 (26) 1 — (1) (5)
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents3 (378) 530 290 (469) 209
Interest expense 506 556 593 528 562
Interest expense, operating lease liability4 72 58 56 60 64
Adjusted interest expense 578 614 649 588 626
Tax benefit of interest expense5 (121) (129) (136) (123) (132)
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes6 457 485 513 464 495
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) 4,975 8,020 3,992 2,243 3,933

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in allowance for expected credit losses.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net earnings.

4 2022 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= 2,123 × 3.40% = 72

5 2022 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= 578 × 21.00% = 121

6 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net earnings.


The financial performance from 2018 to 2022 is characterized by significant volatility in both net earnings and net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT). A distinct pattern of fluctuation is evident, with a notable contraction in 2019 followed by a sharp expansion peaking in 2021, before returning to a lower level in 2022.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT) Trends
NOPAT exhibited a non-linear trajectory over the five-year period. After an initial decline from 3,933 million USD in 2018 to 2,243 million USD in 2019, the metric recovered to 3,992 million USD in 2020. A substantial surge occurred in 2021, where NOPAT reached a peak of 8,020 million USD, representing the highest operational profitability in the observed period. This was followed by a contraction to 4,975 million USD in 2022.
Net Earnings Correlation
Net earnings mirrored the movements of NOPAT closely, indicating that the drivers of operational profit were the primary catalysts for bottom-line results. Net earnings fell to 2,248 million USD in 2019 and spiked to 7,005 million USD in 2021. The synchronized movement between these two metrics suggests a consistent relationship between operating performance and final net income across the reporting years.
Operational vs. Bottom-Line Divergence
A consistent gap is observed where NOPAT generally exceeds net earnings, most notably in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. This divergence suggests the presence of non-operating expenses, such as interest payments or other non-core financial costs, that reduce net earnings relative to the operating profit. The narrowest gap occurred in 2019, where NOPAT and net earnings were nearly identical at 2,243 million USD and 2,248 million USD, respectively.
Volatility and Peak Analysis
The year 2021 represents a significant outlier in the data set, with NOPAT increasing by approximately 100% compared to 2020. The subsequent decline in 2022 indicates that the 2021 peak was a temporary surge rather than a permanent shift in the baseline of operational profitability.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Hi, I’m an AI-powered financial analyst at Stock Analysis on Net.

How can I help you?


Cash Operating Taxes

Northrop Grumman Corp., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Federal and foreign income tax expense 940 1,933 539 300 513
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (352) 529 290 (468) 214
Add: Tax savings from interest expense 121 129 136 123 132
Cash operating taxes 1,413 1,533 385 891 431

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).


The analysis of tax-related expenditures from 2018 to 2022 reveals significant volatility in both reported tax expenses and actual cash outflows. A notable lack of linear correlation exists between the federal and foreign income tax expense and the cash operating taxes paid throughout this period, suggesting the influence of deferred tax assets, liabilities, or one-time tax adjustments.

Cash Operating Taxes Trends
Cash operating taxes exhibited a fluctuating trajectory, starting at 431 million US$ in 2018 and rising sharply to 891 million US$ in 2019. After a decline to 385 million US$ in 2020, a substantial increase occurred in 2021, with payments reaching 1,533 million US$. This level remained relatively elevated in 2022, closing at 1,413 million US$.
Federal and Foreign Income Tax Expense Trends
The accrual-based tax expense showed a different pattern, decreasing from 513 million US$ in 2018 to a period low of 300 million US$ in 2019. Expenses rose to 539 million US$ in 2020 before spiking to a peak of 1,933 million US$ in 2021. A subsequent reduction was observed in 2022, with the expense falling to 940 million US$.
Variance and Divergence Analysis
Significant divergences between cash payments and reported expenses are evident in 2019 and 2022. In 2019, cash operating taxes surged while the reported tax expense declined. In 2022, a reverse divergence occurred where cash operating taxes remained high at 1,413 million US$, while the income tax expense dropped to 940 million US$, indicating that cash outflows for taxes exceeded the reported accounting expense by 473 million US$.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Hi, I’m an AI-powered financial analyst at Stock Analysis on Net.

How can I help you?


Invested Capital

Northrop Grumman Corp., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Current portion of long-term debt 1,072 6 742 1,109 517
Long-term debt, net of current portion 11,805 12,777 14,261 12,770 13,883
Operating lease liability1 2,123 1,874 1,606 1,569 1,724
Total reported debt & leases 15,000 14,657 16,609 15,448 16,124
Shareholders’ equity 15,312 12,926 10,579 8,819 8,187
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2 (30) 290 (311) (508) 14
Allowance for expected credit losses3 8 34 33 33 34
Equity equivalents4 (22) 324 (278) (475) 48
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax5 153 143 128 97 52
Adjusted shareholders’ equity 15,443 13,393 10,429 8,441 8,287
Marketable securities6 (332) (418) (396) (382) (335)
Invested capital 30,111 27,632 26,642 23,507 24,076

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.

4 Addition of equity equivalents to shareholders’ equity.

5 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

6 Subtraction of marketable securities.


Invested capital exhibited a general upward trajectory over the five-year period ending December 31, 2022. Following a marginal decline in 2019, the capital base expanded consistently, growing from 24,076 million USD in 2018 to 30,111 million USD by the end of 2022. This represents an overall increase of approximately 25% in the total resources deployed to generate economic value.

Shareholders' Equity Growth
A consistent and strong upward trend is observed in shareholders' equity, which increased annually throughout the analyzed period. Equity rose from 8,187 million USD in 2018 to 15,312 million USD in 2022. This represents a substantial growth of approximately 87%, indicating a significant strengthening of the company's internal funding and capital reserves.
Debt and Lease Obligations
Total reported debt and leases remained relatively stable, characterized by fluctuations rather than a sustained directional trend. The balance peaked at 16,609 million USD in 2020 before declining to a period low of 14,657 million USD in 2021, ultimately closing at 15,000 million USD in 2022. The relative stability of these obligations suggests that debt was not used as a primary driver for capital expansion during this window.
Capital Structure Composition
The growth in total invested capital was driven almost exclusively by the expansion of shareholders' equity. In 2018, debt and leases represented a significantly larger portion of the invested capital than equity. By 2022, this disparity narrowed considerably as equity nearly doubled while debt levels remained flat. This shift indicates a transition toward a more equity-funded capital structure, reducing the organization's relative reliance on leverage to support its invested capital base.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Hi, I’m an AI-powered financial analyst at Stock Analysis on Net.

How can I help you?


Cost of Capital

Northrop Grumman Corp., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 67,875 67,875 ÷ 82,098 = 0.83 0.83 × 12.46% = 10.30%
Long-term debt, including current portion3 12,100 12,100 ÷ 82,098 = 0.15 0.15 × 4.19% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.49%
Operating lease liability4 2,123 2,123 ÷ 82,098 = 0.03 0.03 × 3.40% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.07%
Total: 82,098 1.00 10.86%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt, including current portion. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 58,381 58,381 ÷ 75,355 = 0.77 0.77 × 12.46% = 9.65%
Long-term debt, including current portion3 15,100 15,100 ÷ 75,355 = 0.20 0.20 × 4.19% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.66%
Operating lease liability4 1,874 1,874 ÷ 75,355 = 0.02 0.02 × 3.10% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.06%
Total: 75,355 1.00 10.38%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt, including current portion. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 48,853 48,853 ÷ 68,659 = 0.71 0.71 × 12.46% = 8.86%
Long-term debt, including current portion3 18,200 18,200 ÷ 68,659 = 0.27 0.27 × 4.00% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.84%
Operating lease liability4 1,606 1,606 ÷ 68,659 = 0.02 0.02 × 3.50% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.06%
Total: 68,659 1.00 9.77%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt, including current portion. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 64,519 64,519 ÷ 81,188 = 0.79 0.79 × 12.46% = 9.90%
Long-term debt, including current portion3 15,100 15,100 ÷ 81,188 = 0.19 0.19 × 3.69% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.54%
Operating lease liability4 1,569 1,569 ÷ 81,188 = 0.02 0.02 × 3.80% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.06%
Total: 81,188 1.00 10.50%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt, including current portion. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 46,771 46,771 ÷ 62,795 = 0.74 0.74 × 12.46% = 9.28%
Long-term debt, including current portion3 14,300 14,300 ÷ 62,795 = 0.23 0.23 × 3.73% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.67%
Operating lease liability4 1,724 1,724 ÷ 62,795 = 0.03 0.03 × 3.73% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.08%
Total: 62,795 1.00 10.03%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt, including current portion. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Northrop Grumman Corp., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1 1,706 5,153 1,390 (225) 1,518
Invested capital2 30,111 27,632 26,642 23,507 24,076
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3 5.66% 18.65% 5.22% -0.96% 6.30%
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Boeing Co. -20.40% -19.01% — — —
Caterpillar Inc. -6.19% -5.60% — — —
Eaton Corp. plc -9.69% -9.30% — — —
GE Aerospace -13.67% -18.58% — — —
Honeywell International Inc. -3.12% -2.03% — — —
Lockheed Martin Corp. 14.01% 14.99% — — —
RTX Corp. -4.90% -4.36% — — —

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2022 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × 1,706 ÷ 30,111 = 5.66%

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The financial performance between 2018 and 2022 is characterized by significant volatility in value creation, with a notable peak in 2021 followed by a correction in 2022. While the organization maintained a positive economic spread for most of the period, the fluctuations indicate varying levels of efficiency in generating returns above the cost of capital.

Economic Spread Ratio and Profitability
The economic spread ratio experienced a sharp decline in 2019, falling to -0.96%, which corresponded with a negative economic profit of -225 million US$. This indicates a period where the return on invested capital failed to cover the cost of that capital. A recovery was observed in 2020, with the ratio returning to 5.22%. The most significant expansion occurred in 2021, where the spread ratio peaked at 18.65% and economic profit reached a high of 5,153 million US$. By 2022, the ratio normalized to 5.66%, bringing economic profit down to 1,706 million US$.
Invested Capital Trends
Invested capital exhibited a consistent upward trend from 2019 onwards. After a slight decrease from 24,076 million US$ in 2018 to 23,507 million US$ in 2019, the capital base grew steadily, reaching 30,111 million US$ by December 31, 2022. This represents a total increase of approximately 28% in the invested capital base over the final four years of the analyzed period.
Correlation Between Capital Investment and Value Creation
The relationship between invested capital and economic spread suggests that the increase in the capital base did not linearly translate into sustained increases in the spread ratio. The peak in 2021 demonstrates a period of high capital efficiency, where the organization generated substantial economic value relative to its investment. However, the subsequent decline in 2022, despite the highest level of invested capital (30,111 million US$), suggests a diminishing marginal return on the additional capital deployed during that timeframe.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Hi, I’m an AI-powered financial analyst at Stock Analysis on Net.

How can I help you?


Economic Profit Margin

Northrop Grumman Corp., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1 1,706 5,153 1,390 (225) 1,518
Sales 36,602 35,667 36,799 33,841 30,095
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2 4.66% 14.45% 3.78% -0.67% 5.04%
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Boeing Co. -15.58% -15.10% — — —
Caterpillar Inc. -5.99% -6.46% — — —
Eaton Corp. plc -14.37% -13.96% — — —
GE Aerospace -12.40% -18.76% — — —
Honeywell International Inc. -4.12% -2.84% — — —
Lockheed Martin Corp. 5.65% 6.40% — — —
RTX Corp. -8.04% -7.58% — — —

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2022 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Sales
= 100 × 1,706 ÷ 36,602 = 4.66%

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The financial performance from 2018 to 2022 is characterized by a general increase in scale accompanied by significant volatility in economic value creation. While revenue showed a steady upward trajectory, the ability to generate returns in excess of the cost of capital fluctuated considerably over the five-year period.

Revenue Growth and Stability
Sales grew from US$ 30,095 million in 2018 to a peak of US$ 36,799 million in 2020. After a marginal decline in 2021, revenue stabilized at US$ 36,602 million by the end of 2022. This represents a sustained increase in top-line volume over the analyzed period.
Economic Profit Fluctuations
Economic profit exhibited extreme variance, beginning at US$ 1,518 million in 2018 and falling to a deficit of US$ 225 million in 2019. A strong recovery occurred in 2020, followed by a substantial peak of US$ 5,153 million in 2021. By 2022, economic profit contracted to US$ 1,706 million, indicating a return to levels similar to the 2018 baseline.
Economic Profit Margin Trends
The economic profit margin followed a mirrored path to absolute economic profit. The margin dropped from 5.04% in 2018 to -0.67% in 2019, signaling a period where capital charges exceeded operating returns. A significant expansion occurred in 2021, where the margin reached a high of 14.45%. In 2022, the margin normalized to 4.66%, suggesting that the exceptional value creation observed in 2021 was a temporary deviation rather than a permanent shift in efficiency.

AI Ask an analyst for more

Hi, I’m an AI-powered financial analyst at Stock Analysis on Net.

How can I help you?