Northrop Grumman Announces $2 Billion Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement

Rhea-AI Summary

Northrop Grumman announced an accelerated share repurchase agreement with Goldman Sachs to repurchase $2 billion of its common stock. Initial deliveries of about 5.9 million shares are expected on February 2, 2021, representing approximately 85% of the planned buyback based on a closing price of $286.61. The total shares will depend on the company's volume-weighted average price during the agreement period and is anticipated to conclude in Q2 2021. This buyback utilizes part of the remaining $5.8 billion share repurchase authorization.

Positive

• The $2 billion buyback may enhance shareholder value by reducing the share count.
• Initial repurchase of approximately 5.9 million shares indicates a robust return of capital strategy.

Negative

• None.

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Feb. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) today announced that it has entered into an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC to repurchase $2 billion of Northrop Grumman’s common stock. Under the ASR agreement, Northrop Grumman will receive initial deliveries of approximately 5.9 million shares on Feb. 2, representing approximately 85 percent of the expected share repurchases under the ASR agreement, based on the company’s closing price of $286.61 on Jan. 29, 2021. The final number of shares to be repurchased will be based on Northrop Grumman’s volume-weighted average price during the term of the transaction, less a discount, and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021. The ASR will be completed under the company’s current share repurchase authorization, which currently has $5.8 billion in authorization remaining.

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 97,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release contain or may contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “believe,” “estimate,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “trends,” “goals” and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, expectations, plans and projections that we believe to be reasonable when made, but which may change over time. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and inherently involve a wide range of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Specific risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to those identified and discussed more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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 when made, and the Company undertakes 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.

Contact:		Tim Paynter (Media) 703-280-2720 (office) timothy.paynter@ngc.com
		Todd Ernst (Investors) 703-280-4535 (office) todd.ernst@ngc.com

FAQ

What is Northrop Grumman's accelerated share repurchase amount?

Northrop Grumman has entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement for $2 billion.

When will Northrop Grumman's share repurchase be completed?

The share repurchase is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021.

How many shares will Northrop Grumman repurchase initially?

Northrop Grumman will initially repurchase approximately 5.9 million shares.

What is the purpose of Northrop Grumman's share buyback?

The buyback aims to enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of outstanding shares.

What is the impact of the share buyback on Northrop Grumman's stock?

The buyback could positively influence the stock price by decreasing the share supply and potentially increasing earnings per share.