Northrop Grumman Corporation reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017. For the year, the company reported total sales of $25,803 million compared to $24,508 million a year ago. Operating income was $3,299 million compared to $3,076 million a year ago. Earnings before income taxes were $3,049 million compared to $2,790 million a year ago. Net earnings were $2,015 million or $11.47 per diluted share compared to $1,990 million or $10.39 per diluted share a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,613 million compared to $2,162 million a year ago. Capital expenditures were $928 million compared to $471 million a year ago.

For the quarter, the company's sales increased 4% to $6.6 billion from $6.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2016. Fourth quarter 2017 net earnings totaled $178 million, or $1.01 per diluted share compared with $525 million, or $2.96 per diluted share, in the prior year period. Operating income was $767 million compared to $831 million a year ago. Earnings before income taxes were $684 million compared to $748 million a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,607 million compared to $1,531 million a year ago. Capital expenditures were $278 million compared to $312 million a year ago.

For the fiscal 2018, the company expects sales of ~$27,000 million, net interest expense of ~390 million, effective tax rate of ~19.5%, diluted EPS of $15 to $15.25, capital expenditure of ~$1,000 million, free cash flow of $2,000 million to $2,300 million.