10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2001

L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2000

Filed May 9, 2000For Securities:LHX

Summary

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (LHX) reported its third quarter fiscal year 2000 results, demonstrating a period of significant transition and strategic realignment. While overall revenue saw a modest increase of 2% to $455.2 million year-over-year for the quarter, the company experienced a net loss of $14.3 million, or $(0.21) per diluted share, a stark contrast to the prior year's net income of $41.4 million. This shift is largely attributable to substantial restructuring charges of $40 million and a $10.7 million write-off for purchased in-process research and development, primarily related to exiting the telephone switching and alarm management product lines. The company's balance sheet reflects a stronger liquidity position, with cash and marketable securities significantly increasing to $893.9 million, up from $101.2 million in the prior year. This improvement is a direct result of substantial cash inflows from the divestiture of its semiconductor business and the spin-off of its Lanier Worldwide subsidiary. These strategic moves have enabled the company to reduce its total debt by 42% to $486.5 million and initiate a significant share repurchase program, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders amidst its repositioning efforts.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue for the quarter increased by 2% to $455.2 million, compared to $445.4 million in the prior year's quarter.
  • 2The company reported a net loss of $14.3 million for the quarter, a significant decrease from a net income of $41.4 million in the same period last year.
  • 3A substantial $40 million restructuring charge was recorded, primarily for exiting telephone switching and alarm management product lines, along with a $10.7 million write-off for purchased in-process R&D.
  • 4Cash and marketable securities surged to $893.9 million from $101.2 million, driven by proceeds from the sale of the semiconductor business and the spin-off of Lanier.
  • 5Total debt was reduced by 42% to $486.5 million.
  • 6The company repurchased $227.3 million of its common stock during the first three quarters of the fiscal year.
  • 7Government Communications segment revenue decreased by 9%, while Commercial Communications segment revenue increased by 13%.

Frequently Asked Questions

The net loss of $14.3 million in the current quarter is primarily due to a $40 million restructuring charge related to exiting telephone switching and alarm management product lines, and a $10.7 million write-off for purchased in-process research and development. These one-time charges significantly impacted profitability, overshadowing the modest revenue growth.

The company's liquidity has significantly improved, with cash and marketable securities increasing to $893.9 million from $101.2 million in the prior year. This substantial increase is a result of cash generated from the sale of the semiconductor business and the spin-off of the Lanier subsidiary. This enhanced liquidity has allowed for debt reduction and a significant share repurchase program.

Management anticipates continued overall improvement in financial performance in the fourth quarter, despite residual effects from exiting product lines. The company believes that the repositioning actions taken in the current fiscal year will set the stage for strong growth in both sales and income in fiscal year 2001.

The Government Communications segment saw a 9% decrease in revenue, impacted by slower government spending and margin pressure on older contracts. Conversely, the Commercial Communications segment revenue grew by 13%, driven by strong performance in tactical radio, microwave, broadcast, and network support product lines. The acquisition of Louth Automation has bolstered the broadcast communications business.