10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

FLEX LTD. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Jun 30, 2001

Filed August 14, 2001For Securities:FLEX

Summary

Flextronics International Ltd. (FLEX) reported its first quarter fiscal year 2002 results, showcasing a significant turnaround from the previous year. The company achieved a net profit of $88.3 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, a substantial improvement from the net loss of $370.6 million ($0.88 per diluted share) in the same quarter of fiscal year 2001. This positive performance was driven by a 16% increase in net sales, reaching $3.1 billion, compared to $2.7 billion in the prior year's first quarter. The company's improved profitability reflects its strategic initiatives, including significant cost management and the successful integration of recent acquisitions. While sales declined slightly from the previous quarter due to a general economic downturn in the electronics industry, the year-over-year growth indicates resilience. Investors should note the impact of "unusual charges" in the prior year, which significantly distorted that period's results. The current quarter's performance demonstrates a return to profitability and a stronger financial footing for Flextronics.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 16% year-over-year to $3.11 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2001, up from $2.68 billion in the prior year period.
  • 2The company reported a net income of $88.3 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, a significant improvement from a net loss of $370.6 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, in the same period last year.
  • 3Gross margin improved to 7.5% from 4.6% year-over-year, largely due to the absence of significant "unusual charges" recorded in the prior year's first quarter.
  • 4Cash provided by operating activities was $383.5 million for the current quarter, a strong rebound from cash used in operating activities of $219.2 million in the prior year.
  • 5Inventories were reduced by 15% to $1.53 billion as of June 30, 2001, from $1.79 billion as of March 31, 2001, indicating effective inventory management.
  • 6The company continues to invest in capital expenditures, with $111.2 million spent on property and equipment and $301.7 million on manufacturing facility purchases.
  • 7Goodwill and intangibles amortization decreased significantly to $2.3 million from $9.4 million due to the adoption of SFAS 142, which eliminated goodwill amortization.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the improved net income was the absence of substantial "unusual charges" that impacted the first quarter of fiscal year 2001. These charges, related to acquisitions, mergers, and facility closures, amounted to approximately $493.1 million pre-tax in the prior year's first quarter. The current quarter's results also benefited from a 16% increase in net sales and improved gross margins.

Flextronics has made a focused effort to reduce inventory. Inventories decreased by 15% to $1.53 billion as of June 30, 2001, from $1.79 billion at the end of the prior fiscal year. This reduction is attributed to proactive management and adjustments for anticipated customer demand that did not fully materialize.

As of June 30, 2001, Flextronics had $543.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.3 billion in total bank and other debts, with $422.0 million available under its credit facility. The company expects its existing cash, anticipated cash flows from operations, and available borrowings to be sufficient to fund its operations for at least the next twelve months. They also plan to continue utilizing debt and equity financings for future growth and acquisitions.

The adoption of SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," in the first quarter of fiscal year 2002 has significantly reduced goodwill and intangibles amortization expense. This change eliminated the amortization of goodwill, which was approximately $124.2 million annually. This has had a positive impact on reported earnings, although goodwill is now subject to annual impairment testing.