þ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
A. | Full title of the plan and address of the plan, if different from that of the issuer named below: |
B. | Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office: |
2
Page(s) | ||||
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
4 | |||
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: |
||||
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 |
5 | |||
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits for the Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
6 | |||
Notes to Financial Statements as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the year ended
December 31, 2007 |
7 | |||
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE: |
||||
Form 5500, Schedule H, Part IV, Line 4i, Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year) at December
31, 2007 |
16 | |||
SIGNATURES |
17 | |||
EXHIBIT: |
||||
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Exhibit 23) |
18 |
NOTES: | Schedules required by Section 2520.103-10 of the Department of Labors Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 have been omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required. |
3
4
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Retirement | Savings | Retirement | Savings | |||||||||||||||||||||
Account (1) | Account (2) | Total | Account (1) | Account (2) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
ASSETS: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in
Northrop Grumman
Defined
Contribution Plans
Master Trust at
fair value |
$ | 499,633,867 | $ | 732,097,818 | $ | 1,231,731,685 | $ | 502,767,706 | $ | 734,453,376 | $ | 1,237,221,082 | ||||||||||||
Loans receivable
from participants |
| 26,529,756 | 26,529,756 | | 30,075,960 | 30,075,960 | ||||||||||||||||||
Short-term
investments |
| 1,781,686 | 1,781,686 | | 3,633,638 | 3,633,638 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total
investments |
499,633,867 | 760,409,260 | 1,260,043,127 | 502,767,706 | 768,162,974 | 1,270,930,680 | ||||||||||||||||||
Receivables: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employee
deposits |
| | | 365,296 | 317,807 | 683,103 | ||||||||||||||||||
Employer
contributions |
| | | | 113,060 | 113,060 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total
receivables |
| | | 365,296 | 430,867 | 796,163 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
499,633,867 | 760,409,260 | 1,260,043,127 | 503,133,002 | 768,593,841 | 1,271,726,843 | ||||||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued expenses |
235,190 | 475,646 | 710,836 | 2,924 | 725,886 | 728,810 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total
liabilities |
235,190 | 475,646 | 710,836 | 2,924 | 725,886 | 728,810 | ||||||||||||||||||
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR
BENEFITS AT FAIR VALUE |
499,398,677 | 759,933,614 | 1,259,332,291 | 503,130,078 | 767,867,955 | 1,270,998,033 | ||||||||||||||||||
Adjustment from
fair value to
contract value for
fully
benefit-responsive
investment
contracts |
| (1,166,396 | ) | (1,166,396 | ) | | 1,966,691 | 1,966,691 | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR
BENEFITS |
$ | 499,398,677 | $ | 758,767,218 | $ | 1,258,165,895 | $ | 503,130,078 | $ | 769,834,646 | $ | 1,272,964,724 | ||||||||||||
(1) | Non-participant directed | |
(2) | Participant directed |
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Retirement | Savings | |||||||||||
Account (1) | Account (2) | Total | ||||||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: |
||||||||||||
Plan interest in the Northrop Grumman |
||||||||||||
Defined Contribution Plans Master Trust |
$ | 32,329,516 | $ | 65,600,270 | $ | 97,929,786 | ||||||
Interest |
¾ | 2,089,510 | 2,089,510 | |||||||||
Other |
| 85,538 | 85,538 | |||||||||
Total investment income |
32,329,516 | 67,775,318 | 100,104,834 | |||||||||
DEPOSITS AND CONTRIBUTIONS: |
||||||||||||
Employee deposits |
7,025,031 | 6,691,790 | 13,716,821 | |||||||||
Employer contributions |
| 2,308,623 | 2,308,623 | |||||||||
Total deposits and contributions |
7,025,031 | 9,000,413 | 16,025,444 | |||||||||
Total additions |
39,354,547 | 76,775,731 | 116,130,278 | |||||||||
DEDUCTIONS: |
||||||||||||
Benefits paid to participants |
(42,385,958 | ) | (86,053,212 | ) | (128,439,170 | ) | ||||||
Administrative expenses |
(699,990 | ) | (1,789,947 | ) | (2,489,937 | ) | ||||||
Total deductions |
(43,085,948 | ) | (87,843,159 | ) | (130,929,107 | ) | ||||||
DECREASE IN NET ASSETS |
(3,731,401 | ) | (11,067,428 | ) | (14,798,829 | ) | ||||||
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS: |
||||||||||||
Beginning of year |
503,130,078 | 769,834,646 | 1,272,964,724 | |||||||||
End of year |
$ | 499,398,677 | $ | 758,767,218 | $ | 1,258,165,895 | ||||||
(1) | Non-participant directed | |
(2) | Participant directed |
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1. | DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN | |
The following description of the Northrop Grumman Financial Security and Savings Program (the Plan) provides only general information. Participants should refer to the plan document for a more complete description of the Plans provisions. | ||
General The Plan is a qualified defined contribution plan established for the benefit of certain employees of Northrop Grumman Corporation (the Company or NGC) acquired as part of NGCs acquisition of Litton Industries, Inc. (Litton). Both the savings and employee stock ownership plan features are reported within the Plans financial statements. The Benefit Plan Administrative Committee of the Company controls and manages the operation and administration of the Plan. The Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). | ||
The Plan maintains all retirement account assets (FSSP Retirement Account) and all savings account assets (FSSP Savings Account) in the Northrop Grumman Defined Contribution Plans Master Trust (the DC Master Trust). | ||
Employee Deposits and Company Contributions A participant may deposit from 1 percent to 4 percent of annual cash compensation into the FSSP Retirement Account. A participants FSSP Retirement Account deposits provide the basis for determining the extent to which the participant is entitled to receive pension benefits under the Northrop Grumman Retirement Plan B (the Northrop Plan B), another of the Companys retirement plans. A participant who deposits 4 percent of annual cash compensation into the FSSP Retirement Account could elect to deposit an additional 1 percent to 71 percent into the FSSP Savings Account. The Company matches 50 percent of the first 6 percent of a participants deposits to the Plan, subject to certain collective bargaining agreements, with such contributions remitted to the participants FSSP Savings Account. The aggregate amount of deposits and contributions to the Plan may not exceed the limitations prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). | ||
Investment of FSSP Retirement Account deposits is directed solely by the Plans Investment Committee. FSSP Savings Account deposits are invested, as designated by the participant, in one or more of the investment funds currently available (see Investment Options below). Each year, as required by the plan document, the Plan re-allocates current year deposits to ensure that each participant receives the eligible maximum pension and Company matching contributions, subject to tax deferral and compensation limits imposed by the Code. Match maximization is performed after the end of the calendar year or upon termination of employment, whichever comes first. To the extent that deposits are re-allocated from a participants FSSP Savings Account to the FSSP Retirement Account, the amount of Company matching contributions on any such re-allocated amounts may be forfeited if the re-allocation reduces a participants deposits below the maximum level eligible for Company matching contributions. Forfeitures of Company matching contributions plus investment earnings thereon are used to reduce subsequent Company matching contributions. | ||
Vesting A participant is always fully vested in their deposits (including any investment earnings thereon). Participants vest at 50 percent in all Company matching contributions plus related investment earnings after two full years of service and 100 percent after three full years of service. Full vesting also occurs if a participant (while in the employment of the Company) dies, becomes totally disabled or terminates employment on or after reaching age 65. | ||
Non-vested amounts of a participants Company matching contributions are forfeited upon termination of employment if the participant takes a distribution of his/her vested account balance. Otherwise, forfeiture shall not occur until the participant has incurred a five-year break in service. Forfeitures for a terminated participant may be restored depending on the time elapsed from the termination date and the time that the terminated participant was employed by the Company immediately prior to such termination of employment. |
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Forfeited Accounts Any amounts forfeited may be used to reduce the Companys obligation to make company matching contributions under the Plan. $740,825 was used to reduce the company matching for the year ended December 31, 2007. | ||
Participant Accounts A separate account is maintained for each participant. Each participants account is credited with the participants deposits and allocations of (a) the Companys contribution, (b) Plan earnings, and (c) administrative expenses. Allocations are based on participant earnings on account balances, as defined in the plan document. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participants vested account. | ||
Investment Options Participant deposits to the FSSP Retirement Account are invested in the DC Master Trust. Once the participant has deposited the maximum 4 percent of tax-deferred compensation into the FSSP Retirement Account, the participant may direct his or her employee deposits and Company matching contributions, in 1 percent increments, to be invested in one or more of the following FSSP Savings Account (participant directed) investment options. |
U.S. Equity Fund The U.S. Equity Fund consists predominantly of holdings in large and medium sized U.S. company stocks. The funds objectives are capital appreciation over the long term, along with current income (dividends). The funds stock investments are selected by independent professional investment managers appointed by the Plans Investment Committee. | |||
U.S. Fixed Income Fund The U.S. Fixed Income Fund consists of holdings in marketable, fixed income securities rated within the three highest investment grades assigned by Moodys Investor Services or Standard & Poors Corporation, U.S. Treasury or federal agency obligations, or cash equivalent instruments. The fund is broadly diversified by investing in a wide range of fixed income securities that mature, on average, 8 to 10 years. The securities are selected by independent professional investment managers appointed by the Plans Investment Committee. | |||
Stable Value Fund The Plan holds an interest in the Northrop Grumman Stable Value Fund (the Stable Value Fund; see Note 5). Investments of the Stable Value Fund are diversified among U.S. Government securities and obligations of government agencies, bonds, short-term investments, cash and investment contracts issued by insurance companies and banks. The Stable Value Fund is managed by an independent professional investment manager appointed by the Plans Investment Committee. | |||
Northrop Grumman Fund The Northrop Grumman Fund (NG Stock Fund) invests primarily in Northrop Grumman Corporation common stock. | |||
Balanced Fund The Balanced Fund is designed to provide investors with a fully diversified portfolio consisting of targeted proportions of fixed income securities (35 percent), U.S. equities (45 percent), and international equities (20 percent). The fund seeks to exceed the return of the bond market and approach the return of the stock market, but with less risk than an investment only in stocks. | |||
International Equity Fund The International Equity Fund consists of stocks of a diversified group of companies in developed countries outside the United States. The funds objectives are capital appreciation over the long term, along with current income (dividends). | |||
Small Cap Fund The Small Cap Fund consists of stocks of a diversified group of small capitalization U.S. companies. The stocks purchased by the fund typically have a market capitalization similar to companies in the Russell 2000 Index, which are companies with an average market capitalization of $500 million. The funds objective is capital appreciation over the long term, rather than current income (dividends). | |||
Emerging Markets Fund The Emerging Markets Fund consists of a diversified portfolio of stocks issued by companies based in developing countries. The funds objective is capital appreciation over the long term. |
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Retirement Path portfolios Each Retirement Path is a diversified portfolio tailored to match the participants retirement year. The portfolios are the Target Retirement Path, the 2010 Retirement Path, the 2020 Retirement Path, the 2030 Retirement Path and the 2040 Retirement Path. | |||
In 2007, three of the investment options were discontinued and the five Retirement Path options were added. The cancelled investments were reallocated by the participant to other investment options. If no selection was made by the participant, balances in the Equity Index Fund were reallocated to the U.S. Equity Fund. The International Bond Fund and the High Yield Bond Fund were reallocated to the U.S. Fixed Income Fund. | |||
Participants may change their investment direction in the FSSP Savings Accounts weekly. Existing account balances can be transferred daily, subject to certain restrictions. | |||
Contributions deposited into each investment fund buy units of that fund based on unit values that are updated daily prior to any Plan transactions, including contributions, withdrawals, distributions and transfers. The value of each participants account within each fund depends on two factors: (1) the number of units purchased to date and (2) the current value of each unit. |
Participant Loans Participants may borrow from their vested FSSP Savings Account balance for a minimum of $1,000, up to a maximum equal to the lesser of $50,000, reduced by the highest outstanding loan balance over the past 12 months, or 50 percent of their account balances (not including certain Company contributions). A participant may not have more than two outstanding loans at any given time (except for those merged from other plans). Loans will be prorated across all investment funds and are secured by the balance in the participants FSSP Savings account. The interest rate is fixed on the last business day of each month at the prime rate as determined by the Plans trustee plus 1 percent. Repayments are made from payroll deductions (for active employees) or other form of payment (for former employees or employees on leave of absence). The maximum loan period for a regular loan is five years, or fifteen years for a loan used to acquire a dwelling that is the principal residence of the participant. Loans may be repaid early in full; partial early repayments are not permitted. However, loans merged from other plans may have maximum periods greater than 15 years. | ||
Payment of Benefits On termination of employment with the Company (including termination due to death, disability or retirement), a participant may receive a lump sum payment of FSSP Retirement and/or Savings Account balances (net of any outstanding loan balances). A participant may also delay payment until the age of 701/2, if the total account balance exceeds $1,000. In addition, a participant has the option of choosing to take the total distribution as an annuity subject to Plan terms, or, at retirement, to elect a rollover of his or her FSSP Retirement Account to the Litton Retirement Plans. Certain partial distributions after termination of employment and before age 701/2 are permitted by the Plan. Participants may rollover account balances to individual retirement accounts or another employers qualified retirement plan to postpone federal and most state income taxes. Participants with frozen account balances under a previous savings plan may be eligible to elect special distribution options under the previous plan. | ||
Distributions from the NG stock fund will be paid in cash, stock, or a combination of both, depending on the participants election. | ||
A participants benefit under the Northrop Plan B is determined by the amount of deposits to the participants FSSP Retirement Account. To achieve the maximum retirement benefit under such retirement plans, the Plan provides that employees must, on an annual basis, deposit the lesser of: (i) 4 percent of their annual compensation, (ii) the 401(k) deferral limit as defined by the Code, (iii) 4 percent of the pay cap limit as defined by the Code or (iv) such lesser maximum amount as may result from the application of the nondiscrimination tests. | ||
Withdrawals A participant may withdraw all or a portion of his or her Company matching contributions (plus earnings) and all or a portion of his or her FSSP Savings Account deposits, net of any loan balances outstanding, for any reason after reaching age 591/2, or prior to reaching age 591/2 in the case of hardship (as described in the plan document). | ||
2. | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | |
Basis of Accounting The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. |
9
Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and changes therein, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. | ||
Risks and Uncertainties The Plan invests in various securities, including U.S. Government securities, corporate debt instruments and corporate stocks. Investment securities, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit and overall market volatility. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities may occur in the near term, and those changes could materially affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. | ||
New Accounting Guidance Effective January 1, 2008, the Plan will adopt the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements for its financial assets and liabilities. The statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Under SFAS No. 157, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Plans management is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on the Plans financial statements. | ||
Investment Valuation and Income Recognition The Plans investments are stated at fair value as determined by State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street or the Trustee). The Plans investments, including the underlying investments in the DC Master Trust, are valued as follows: | ||
Investments in common and preferred stock are valued at the last reported sales price of the stock on the last business day of the plan year. The shares of registered investment companies are valued at quoted market prices that represent the net asset values of shares held by the Plan at year end. Investments in common trust funds are valued based on the redemption price of units owned by the Plan, which is based on the current fair value of the funds underlying assets. Fair values for securities are based on information in financial publications of general circulation, statistical and valuation services, records of security exchanges, appraisals by qualified persons, transactions and bona fide offers in assets of the type in question and other information customarily used in the valuation of assets or if market values are not available, at their fair values as provided to the Trustee by the party with authority to trade in such securities (investment managers or the Plans Investment Committee, as applicable). | ||
Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts (SICs) held by the Plan through the Stable Value Fund of the DC Master Trust are recorded at fair value. The fair value of the SICs equals the total fair value of the underlying assets plus the total wrapper contract rebid value, which is calculated by discounting the excess annual rebid fee over the duration of the contract assets. The SICs are considered to be fully benefit-responsive and therefore their carrying value is adjusted from fair market value to contract value in the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits. | ||
All securities and cash or cash equivalents are quoted in the local currency and then converted into U.S. dollars using the appropriate exchange rate obtained by the Trustee. Purchases and sales of securities are recorded on a trade-date basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Broker commissions, transfer taxes, and other charges and expenses incurred in connection with the purchase, sale, or other disposition of securities or other investments are added to the cost of such securities or other investments, or are deducted from the proceeds of the sale or other disposition thereof, as appropriate. Taxes, if any, on the assets of the funds, or on any gain resulting from the sale or other disposition of such assets, or on the earnings of the funds, are apportioned among the participants whose interests in the Plan are affected, and the share of such taxes apportioned to each such person is charged against his or her account in the Plan. | ||
The Trustee relies on the prices provided by pricing sources, the investment managers or Plans Investment Committee as a certification as to value in performing any valuations or calculations required of the Trustee. | ||
Participant loans are valued at their outstanding balances, which approximate fair value. | ||
The DC Master Trust allocates investment income, realized gains and losses, and unrealized appreciation and depreciation on the underlying securities to the participating plans daily based on the market value of each plans investment. The unrealized appreciation or depreciation amount is the aggregate difference between the current fair market value and the cost of investments. |
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The realized gain or loss on investments is the difference between the proceeds received and the average cost of the investments sold. | ||
Expenses Administrative expenses of the Plan are paid by either the Plan or the Plans sponsor as provided in the plan document. | ||
Payment of Benefits Benefit payments to participants are recorded upon distribution. Amounts allocated to accounts of participants who have elected to withdraw from the Plan but have not yet been paid were $254,058 at December 31, 2007 and such amounts continue to accrue income due to participants until paid. No such amounts were owed to withdrawing participants at December 31, 2006. | ||
3. | INVESTMENTS | |
The Plans investments consist of a proportionate interest in certain investments held by the DC Master Trust. Those investments are stated at fair values determined and reported by the Trustee, in accordance with the master trust agreements established by the Company. | ||
Proportionate interests of each participating plan are determined based on the standard trust method of plan accounting for master trust arrangements. Plan assets represent 8 percent and 9 percent of total net assets as reported by the Trustees of the DC Master Trust as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. | ||
The net assets of the DC Master Trust as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows: |
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Assets: |
||||||||
Common/collective trust funds |
$ | 5,006,022,852 | $ | 4,556,690,453 | ||||
Common and preferred stock |
4,796,556,561 | 4,757,585,128 | ||||||
Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts |
2,383,381,968 | 2,282,222,763 | ||||||
U.S. and foreign government securities |
487,419,253 | 299,474,038 | ||||||
Corporate debt instruments |
204,932,467 | 257,544,712 | ||||||
Asset-backed securities and other investments |
111,730,100 | | ||||||
Cash equivalents and temporary investments |
198,612,949 | 188,972,545 | ||||||
Assets on loan to third party borrowers |
1,612,026,368 | 928,727,321 | ||||||
Collateral held under securities lending agreements |
1,651,697,124 | 949,665,893 | ||||||
Receivable for investments sold |
146,848,320 | 24,672,594 | ||||||
Dividends, interest and taxes receivable |
14,220,848 | 11,849,337 | ||||||
Total assets |
16,613,448,810 | 14,257,404,784 | ||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||
Collateral held under securities lending agreements |
1,651,697,124 | 949,665,893 | ||||||
Due to broker for securities purchased |
227,577,621 | 115,467,407 | ||||||
Accrued expenses |
11,454,197 | 19,107,809 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
1,890,728,942 | 1,084,241,109 | ||||||
Net assets of the DC Master Trust at fair value |
14,722,719,868 | 13,173,163,675 | ||||||
Adjustment from fair value to contract value for
fully benefit-responsive investment contracts |
(20,540,943 | ) | 32,599,231 | |||||
Net assets of the DC Master Trust |
$ | 14,702,178,925 | $ | 13,205,762,906 | ||||
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Investment income for the DC Master Trust for the Plan year ended December 31, 2007 is as follows: |
Investment income: |
||||
Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of
investments: |
||||
Common/collective trust funds |
$ | 443,396,842 | ||
Common and preferred stock |
369,819,004 | |||
Corporate debt instruments |
(1,634,859 | ) | ||
Cash equivalents and temporary investments |
627,397 | |||
Asset backed securities and other investments |
4,612,561 | |||
U.S. and foreign government securities |
10,048,726 | |||
Net appreciation |
826,869,672 | |||
Dividends |
215,254,353 | |||
Interest |
208,925,816 | |||
Other income |
3,426,753 | |||
Investment manager fees |
(22,578,679 | ) | ||
Other expenses |
(13,864,639 | ) | ||
Total investment income |
$ | 1,218,033,275 | ||
Other than the Plans investment in the DC Master Trust in 2007, there are no assets held for investment that represent 5 percent or more of the Plans net assets at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. | ||
DC Master Trust Assets on loan to domestic and international third party borrowers under security lending agreements at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows: |
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts |
$ | 809,549,668 | $ | 709,574,297 | ||||
Common and preferred stock |
699,159,006 | 150,323,643 | ||||||
U.S. and foreign government securities |
14,747,789 | 58,905,107 | ||||||
Corporate debt instruments |
84,907,759 | 9,924,274 | ||||||
International common and preferred stock |
3,662,146 | | ||||||
Total DC Master Trust Assets on loan to third
party borrowers |
$ | 1,612,026,368 | $ | 928,727,321 | ||||
Such assets could be subject to sale restrictions in the event security-lending agreements are terminated and the securities have not been returned to the DC Master Trust. The DC Master Trust held $1,651,697,124 and $949,665,893 of collateral for securities on loan as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, consisting primarily of cash equivalents. In 2007, the presentation of assets on loan to third party borrowers and collateral held under securities lending agreements in the table of net assets of the DC Master Trust were revised to separately identify such amounts and the comparable 2006 amounts were revised to conform to the 2007 presentation. | ||
4. | DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | |
Derivative financial instruments may be used by the investment managers of the DC Master Trust as part of their respective strategies. These strategies include the use of futures contracts, interest rate swaps, options on futures and options as substitutes for certain types of securities. Notional amounts disclosed below do not quantify risk or represent assets or liabilities of the DC Master Trust, but are used in the calculation of cash settlements under the contracts. | ||
The fair value of these instruments is recorded as investments of the DC Master Trust. To the extent that a gain has been recognized, these instruments are recorded as assets and to the extent that a loss has been recognized, these instruments are recorded as liabilities. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are reflected in investment income as appreciation (depreciation) in the DC Master Trust. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, these derivative financial instruments were held for trading purposes. The notional amounts and fair values are presented below: |
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December 31, 2007 | December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
Notional | Asset | Notional | Asset | |||||||||||||
Amount | (Liability) | Amount | (Liability) | |||||||||||||
Futures Contracts (net position): |
||||||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury |
$ | (61,120,631 | ) | $ | 759,398 | $ | 317,994,229 | $ | 312,568 | |||||||
Eurodollar |
774,254,258 | 6,888,495 | 708,589,029 | 814,321 | ||||||||||||
Index |
2,565,339 | (122,460 | ) | 1,649,367 | 28,532 | |||||||||||
Interest rate swaps |
388,980,000 | 4,327,338 | 78,200,000 | (39,543 | ) | |||||||||||
Options on futures and swap rates
(net position) |
110,030,350 | 262,697 | 133,585,067 | (335,544 | ) |
Futures Contracts The DC Master Trust enters into futures contracts in the normal course of investing activities to manage market risk associated with equity and fixed income investments and to achieve overall investment portfolio objectives. These contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of amounts recognized in the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits. The credit risk associated with these contracts is minimal as they are traded on organized exchanges and settled daily. The terms of these contracts typically do not exceed one year. Notional amounts related to these contracts in the table above are stated as a net buy (sell) position. | ||
Interest Rate Swaps The DC Master Trust enters into interest rate swap contracts in the normal course of its investing activities to manage the interest rate exposure associated with fixed income investments. The credit risk associated with these contracts is minimal as they are entered into with a limited number of highly-rated counterparties. | ||
Options on Futures and Swap Rates The DC Master Trust enters into option contracts in the normal course of its investing activities to manage the interest rate exposure associated with fixed income investments. The credit risk associated with these contracts is minimal as they are entered into with a limited number of highly-rated counterparties. Notional amounts related to these contracts in the table above are stated as a net buy (sell) position. | ||
5. | INTEREST IN NORTHROP GRUMMAN STABLE VALUE FUND | |
The DC Master Trust includes amounts in the Northrop Grumman Stable Value Fund, which was established for the investment of the assets of certain savings plans sponsored by the Company and its affiliates. Each participating savings plan has an undivided interest in the Stable Value Fund. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Plans interest in the net assets of the Stable Value Fund was approximately 6 percent of the total fund value. Investment income and administrative expenses relating to the Stable Value Fund are allocated among the participating plans on a daily basis. | ||
Investments held in the Stable Value Fund as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows: |
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Synthetic guaranteed investment contracts (at contract value) |
$ | 3,172,390,693 | $ | 3,024,396,291 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
69,114,543 | 45,024,892 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 3,241,505,236 | $ | 3,069,421,183 | ||||
Investment income of the Stable Value Fund totaled $153,180,141 for the year ended December 31, 2007. | ||
The DC Master Trust has an arrangement with the investment manager of the Stable Value Fund whereby the investment manager has the ability to borrow amounts from third parties to satisfy liquidity needs of the Stable Value Fund, if necessary. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, no borrowings under this arrangement were outstanding. | ||
The Stable Value Fund holds wrapper contracts in order to manage the market risk and return of certain securities held by the Stable Value Fund. The wrapper contracts generally modify the investment characteristics of certain underlying securities such |
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that they perform in a manner similar to guaranteed investment contracts. Each wrapper contract and the related underlying assets comprise the SICs and are recorded at contract value. Contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest at the contract rate, less withdrawals and contract administrative expenses. | ||
The fair value of the underlying assets related to the SICs was $3,192,931,636 and $2,991,797,060 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and the fair value of the wrapper contracts was nil at December 31, 2007 and 2006. The weighted-average yield (excluding administrative expenses) for all investment contracts was 4.88 percent and 5.18 percent at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Average duration for all investment contracts was 3.2 years and 3.3 years at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The crediting interest rate for all investment contracts was 5.00 percent and 5.13 percent at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Crediting interest rates are reset on a monthly basis and guaranteed the wrapper contracts not to be less than zero. Resets are determined based upon the market-to-book ratio, along with the yield and duration of the underlying investments. | ||
In certain circumstances, the amounts withdrawn from a wrapper contract would be payable at fair value rather than at contract value. These events include termination of the Plan, a material adverse change to the provisions of the Plan, a withdrawal from a wrapper contract in order to switch to a different investment provider, or adoption of a successor plan in the event of the spin-off or sale of a division that does not meet the wrapper contract issuers underwriting criteria for issuance of a clone wrapper contract. Plan management believes that the events described above that could result in the payment of benefits at fair market value rather than contract value is not probable of occurring in the foreseeable future. | ||
6. | EXEMPT PARTY-IN-INTEREST TRANSACTIONS | |
Party-in-interest transactions through the DC Master Trust include the purchase and sale of investments managed by affiliates of the Plans Trustee; transactions involving Northrop Grumman Corporation common stock, and payments made to the Company for certain Plan administrative costs. The NG Stock Fund within the DC Master Trust held 21,948,209 and 23,126,761 shares of common stock of the Company with a fair value of $1,726,007,156 and $1,565,681,720 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Plans interest in the net assets of the NG Stock Fund was approximately 0.1 percent at December 31, 2007 and 2006. During 2007, the NG Stock Fund earned dividends of $32,673,744 from its investment in Northrop Grumman Corporation common stock. A significant decline in the market value of the Companys common stock would significantly affect the net assets available for benefits. | ||
State Street affiliates managed $1,781,686 and $3,633,638 of Plan assets held in the short-term investment fund as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Plan paid $149,884 to the trustee in fees for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Plan had transactions with the trustees short-term investment fund, a liquidity pooled fund in which participation commences and terminates on a daily basis. In Plan managements opinion, fees paid during the year for services rendered by parties-in-interest were based upon customary and reasonable rates for such services. | ||
The DC Master Trust utilized various investment managers to manage its net assets. These net assets may be invested into funds also managed by the investment managers. Therefore, these transactions qualify as party-in-interest transactions. | ||
7. | PLAN TERMINATION | |
Although it has not expressed any intention to do so, the Company has the right under the Plan to discontinue its contributions at any time and to terminate the Plan subject to the provisions of ERISA. In the event of the Plans termination, the interests of all participants in their accounts are 100 percent vested and non-forfeitable. | ||
8. | LITIGATION | |
As previously disclosed, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California consolidated two separately filed ERISA lawsuits, which the plaintiffs sought to have certified as class actions, into the In Re Northrop Grumman Corporation ERISA Litigation. On August 7, 2007, the Court denied plaintiffs motion for class certification, and the plaintiffs appealed the Courts decision on class certification to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On October 11, 2007, the Ninth Circuit granted appellate review and stayed the action in the trial court, which delayed the commencement of trial previously scheduled to begin January 22, 2008. Each lawsuit seeks unspecified damages against the fiduciaries, removal of individuals acting as fiduciaries to |
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the respective plans, payment of attorney fees and costs, and an accounting. The damages are not being sought against the Plan or the Northrop Grumman Savings Plan. | ||
9. | FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS | |
The Plan obtained its latest determination letter dated August 15, 2005, in which the Internal Revenue Service determined that the Plan terms at the time of the determination letter application were in compliance with applicable sections of the Code and, therefore, the related trust is exempt from taxation. The Plan has been amended since receiving the determination letter. Although the amendments have not yet been filed for a favorable determination letter, management will make any changes necessary to maintain the Plans qualified status. However, management believes that the Plan and related trust are currently designed and operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Code. Therefore, no provision for income taxes has been included in the Plans financial statements. | ||
10. | RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FORM 5500 | |
The following is a reconciliation of net assets available for Plan benefits per the financial statements to Form 5500 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006: |
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Net assets available for benefits per the
financial statements |
$ | 1,258,165,895 | $ | 1,272,964,724 | ||||
Less: Amounts allocated to withdrawing
participants |
(254,058 | ) | | |||||
Net assets available for benefits per Form 5500 |
$ | 1,257,911,837 | $ | 1,272,964,724 | ||||
The following is a reconciliation of benefits paid to participants per the financial statements to Form 5500 for the year ended December 31, 2007: |
Benefits paid to participants per the financial statements |
$ | 128,439,170 | ||
Add: Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants at December 31, 2007 |
254,058 | |||
Less: Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants at December 31, 2006 |
| |||
Benefits paid to participants per Form 5500 |
128,693,228 | |||
Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants are recorded on Form 5500 for benefit claims that have been processed and approved for payment prior to December 31, 2007 but not yet paid as of that date. |
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(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | |||||||
Identity of Issue, Borrower, | Description of | |||||||||
Lessor, or Similar Party | Investment | Cost | Current Value | |||||||
*
|
Northrop Grumman Defined Contribution Plans Master Trust | Participation in Northrop Grumman Defined Contribution Plans Master Trust | ** | $ | 1,231,731,685 | *** | ||||
Plan Participants | Participant loans (maturing 2008 to 2025 at interest rates ranging from 8.50% to 9.25%) | ** | 26,529,756 | |||||||
*
|
State Street Bank and Trust Company | Participation in the Cash or Short-Term Investment Fund Accounts | ** | 1,781,686 | ||||||
TOTAL | $ | 1,260,043,127 | ||||||||
* | Party-in-interest | |
** | Cost information is not required for participant-directed investments and loans, and therefore is not included. | |
*** | Excludes adjustment from fair value to contract value for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts. |
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN FINANCIAL SECURITY AND SAVINGS PROGRAM | ||||
Dated: June 26, 2008 | By: | /s/ Ian Ziskin | ||
Ian Ziskin | ||||
Chairman, Benefit Plan Administrative Committee | ||||
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