Post 200: Top D.C.-Area Businesses

Orbital Sciences / ORB

About Orbital Sciences

21839 Atlantic Blvd., Dulles, Va. 20166
www.orbital.com | 703-406-5000 | Founded: 1982

Industry: Aerospace And Defense | Category: Public Companies

Orbital has profited from the growth in funding for the U.S. missile defense program in the past three years, landing roles in major contracts with NASA and defense and intelligence agencies. Its sales of commercial satellites have also increased substantially.
In 2006, Orbital reported a 14 percent increase in revenue over the year before; profit was up 25 percent.
In October, an internal review found misdated stock options, most of which were granted more than five years ago. The company said it found no fraud or misconduct related to the backdated options, and it set in place guidelines for future grants.
In December, Orbital sold $143 million in convertible senior notes and repurchased more than $50 million in outstanding shares of its common stock.
Now, Orbital is working with Boeing to develop systems to propel warheads that intercept missiles. It also has worked with Northrop Grumman to develop target missiles. This year, Orbital entered into a project with Lockheed Martin to produce the next generation of manned spacecraft vehicles to replace the current shuttles, which are to be taken out of service in 2010.

Chairman and CEO: David W. Thompson

2006 Financial Data

Revenues: $802,761,000 | Net Income: $34,884,000
Asssets: $744,494,000 | Earnings Per Share: $0.56
Total employees: 2,750 | Local employees: 1,800

Company Leadership

David W. Thompson Chairman and CEO
James R. Thompson President and COO
Garrett E. Pierce Vice chairman and CFO
Ronald J. Grabe EVP and general manager, Launch Systems Group

Source: Compensation data provided by Equilar, Inc..

David W. Thompson
Chairman and CEO
$1,438,439
Salary: $551,304
James R. Thompson
President and COO
$1,221,995
Salary: $500,059
Garrett E. Pierce
Vice chairman and CFO
$1,173,415
Salary: $525,013
Ronald J. Grabe
EVP and general manager, Launch Systems Group
$982,074
Salary: $360,027

Did You Know

Orbital Sciences Corp. makes small satellites and rockets to create systems capable of broadcasting signals from space, conducting scientific research and launching defense missiles.

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