10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2004

FLEX LTD. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Dec 31, 2003

Filed February 17, 2004For Securities:FLEX

Summary

Flextronics International Ltd. reported net sales of $4.15 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2004, an increase of 8% compared to the same period in the prior year. For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2003, net sales increased by 4% to $10.8 billion. This growth was driven by expansion in existing customer programs, particularly in handheld devices and computer/office automation, as well as new customer programs in industrial and medical markets. However, the company faced challenges from weakness in the consumer and communications infrastructure markets. The company's financial performance in the nine months ended December 31, 2003, was marked by a net loss of $368.4 million, a significant increase from the $103.0 million net loss in the prior year's comparable period. This loss was heavily influenced by substantial restructuring and other charges totaling $458.4 million during the nine-month period, primarily related to facility closures and asset impairments. Despite the overall net loss, the company's cash flow from operations remained positive at $539.1 million for the nine-month period, although lower than the $754.6 million generated in the prior year, mainly due to the net loss and changes in working capital.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2004 increased by 8% to $4.15 billion, and for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, increased by 4% to $10.8 billion, driven by expansion in key end markets.
  • 2The company reported a net loss of $368.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, a significant increase from the $103.0 million loss in the prior year.
  • 3Substantial restructuring and other charges of $458.4 million were incurred during the nine months ended December 31, 2003, impacting profitability.
  • 4Cash flow from operations remained positive at $539.1 million for the nine-month period, though lower than the previous year.
  • 5The company issued $400 million in 6.5% senior subordinated notes and $500 million in 1% convertible subordinated notes, while also repurchasing significant amounts of existing debt.
  • 6Flextronics announced discussions for a significant potential transaction with Nortel Networks, involving the acquisition of substantial manufacturing operations.
  • 7Goodwill increased from $2.12 billion to $2.29 billion, reflecting foreign currency translation adjustments and additions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flextronics reported net sales of $4.15 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2004, an increase of 8% year-over-year. For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2003, net sales were $10.8 billion, up 4% from the prior year. Growth was primarily driven by expanded customer programs in handheld devices and computer/office automation, as well as new business in the industrial and medical sectors, though partially offset by weakness in consumer and communications infrastructure markets.

The company incurred a significant net loss of $368.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2003, compared to a loss of $103.0 million in the same period last year. This worsening loss is largely attributable to substantial restructuring and other charges totaling $458.4 million during the period, related to facility closures and asset impairments. While gross margin improved in the third quarter due to lower restructuring charges and better cost absorption, the nine-month margin decreased due to higher restructuring costs and pricing pressures.

Flextronics has actively managed its debt, issuing $400 million in 6.5% senior subordinated notes and $500 million in 1% convertible subordinated notes during the nine-month period. The company also repurchased a significant portion of its 9.875% senior subordinated notes. Despite these issuances, the company incurred losses on the early extinguishment of debt. The company also has a substantial revolving credit facility of $880 million, with no borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2003.

Flextronics announced it is in discussions for a potential transaction with Nortel Networks involving the acquisition of nearly all of Nortel's optical, wireless, and enterprise manufacturing operations, which could involve cash payments exceeding $500 million. Key risks highlighted include significant restructuring charges, dependence on a few large customers, intense industry competition, rapid technological change, and potential volatility in share price due to various factors, including ongoing securities litigation.