Lockheed Martin Corporation today reported fourth quarter 2021 net sales of $17.7 billion, compared to $17.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020. Net earnings from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 2021 were $2.0 billion, or $7.47 per share, compared to $1.8 billion, or $6.38 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2020. Cash from operations was $4.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to $1.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020. Cash from operations in the fourth quarter of 2020 was after $1.0 billion of discretionary pension contributions.
"We closed the year on a strong note with solid growth in fourth quarter sales, segment operating profit, and earnings per share, while cash exceeded our projections as we delivered on our customer commitments and drove strong execution," said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO James Taiclet. "We delivered significant value back to shareholders in 2021, including $7 billion in dividends and share repurchases, and our team continued to provide world-class support to our customers despite the ongoing challenges of the global pandemic. Through our strong balance sheet, we continue to invest in the many emerging growth opportunities ahead – from new aircraft competitions around the world, to our classified portfolio, to solid demand for our signature programs, to emerging technologies like hypersonics. Looking ahead to 2022, we will remain fully dedicated to service to our customers and dynamic and disciplined capital allocation for the benefit of our shareholders."
Net earnings for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2021, included net gains of $85 million ($64 million, or $0.23 per share, after-tax) due to increases in the fair value of investments held in the Lockheed Martin Ventures Fund. Net earnings for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021, included a noncash pension settlement charge of $1.7 billion ($1.3 billion, or $4.72 per share, after-tax) associated with the $4.9 billion gross pension liability transfer completed in the third quarter; net gains of $265 million ($199 million, or $0.72 per share, after-tax) due to increases in the fair value of investments held in the Lockheed Martin Ventures Fund; and severance and restructuring charges of $36 million ($28 million, or $0.10 per share, after-tax) announced in the first quarter. Net earnings for the year ended Dec. 31, 2020, included a non-cash impairment charge of $128 million ($96 million, or $0.34 per share, after tax) for an investment in a joint venture; and severance charges of $27 million ($21 million, or $0.08 per share, after-tax).