10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

FLEX LTD. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed November 14, 2001For Securities:FLEX

Summary

Flextronics International Ltd. reported significant changes in its financial performance for the six months ending September 30, 2001, compared to the prior year. The company experienced a substantial increase in net sales, growing by 10% to $6.4 billion. However, this revenue growth was overshadowed by a considerable net loss of $241.5 million for the six-month period, a stark contrast to the $320.6 million net loss in the same period last year, indicating some improvement but still deep in the red. This performance was heavily impacted by substantial "unusual charges" related to facility closures and restructuring activities, totaling $516.1 million pre-tax in the second quarter of fiscal year 2002 alone. Despite these charges, the company's cash flow from operations turned positive, generating $435.5 million compared to a negative $279.8 million in the prior year, driven by effective inventory reduction and improved accounts payable management. The company continues to expand through acquisitions and strategic alliances, notably with Ericsson and Alcatel, and has adopted new accounting standards like SFAS 142, which will stop the amortization of goodwill.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 10% year-over-year for the six months ended September 30, 2001, reaching $6.4 billion.
  • 2The company reported a net loss of $241.5 million for the six months ended September 30, 2001, an improvement from the $320.6 million net loss in the comparable prior period.
  • 3Significant "unusual charges" of $516.1 million pre-tax were recognized in the second quarter of fiscal year 2002, primarily related to facility closures and asset impairments.
  • 4Cash flow from operating activities turned positive, generating $435.5 million for the six months ended September 30, 2001, a substantial improvement from a use of $279.8 million in the prior year.
  • 5Inventories decreased by 21% to $1.4 billion as of September 30, 2001, reflecting a focused effort to reduce stock levels.
  • 6The company continues its growth strategy through acquisitions and has entered into significant agreements with companies like Ericsson and Alcatel.
  • 7Flextronics adopted SFAS 142, ceasing the amortization of goodwill, which is expected to save approximately $124.2 million annually based on anticipated amortization for fiscal 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

The company reported a net loss primarily due to significant "unusual charges" related to facility closures, restructuring activities, and asset impairments. These charges amounted to approximately $516.1 million pre-tax in the second quarter of fiscal year 2002.

The company has seen a significant improvement in cash flow. For the first six months of fiscal 2002, cash provided by operating activities was $435.5 million, a substantial turnaround from the $279.8 million cash used in operations during the same period in fiscal 2001. This was driven by inventory reductions and improved accounts payable management.

The adoption of SFAS 142 means the company will no longer amortize goodwill. This is expected to eliminate approximately $124.2 million in annual goodwill amortization expenses, based on anticipated amortization for fiscal 2002. Goodwill will now be subject to annual impairment testing.

The restructuring charges are substantial. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2002, the company recognized pre-tax charges of approximately $516.1 million, mainly for facility closures ($500.3 million) and investment impairments ($15.8 million). These charges are impacting profitability in the current period.