10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 29, 2000

Filed November 7, 2000For Securities:LHX

Summary

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (LHX), reporting as Harris Corporation for this period, experienced a significant shift in its financial performance during the quarter ending September 29, 2000, compared to the prior year. The company reported a net loss of $34.8 million, a substantial decline from a net income of $1.3 million in the same period last year. This downturn was largely driven by a substantial charge of $73.5 million for purchased in-process research and development related to the acquisition of Wavtrace, Inc., along with increased amortization of goodwill and purchased intangibles. Despite the net loss, revenue from product sales and services saw a healthy increase of 15.4% to $460.4 million, indicating underlying business growth, particularly in the Commercial Communications segment. The balance sheet shows a decrease in cash and cash equivalents by 58.4% to $157.5 million, partly due to strategic acquisitions and share repurchases. Total debt also saw a slight reduction. Management highlights strong performance in certain high-growth areas within the Commercial Communications segment, such as microwave and network support businesses, and a consistent contribution from the Government Communications segment. While the significant R&D charge impacted current quarter results, the company's strategic focus on growing markets and product development positions it for potential future recovery and growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Reported a net loss of $34.8 million for the quarter ended September 29, 2000, a significant decline from a net income of $1.3 million in the prior year's comparable quarter.
  • 2Revenue from product sales and services increased by 15.4% to $460.4 million, driven by strong performance in the Commercial Communications segment.
  • 3A substantial $73.5 million charge for purchased in-process research and development related to the Wavtrace, Inc. acquisition significantly impacted profitability.
  • 4Amortization of goodwill and purchased intangible assets increased substantially from $1.1 million to $4.5 million, largely due to recent acquisitions.
  • 5Cash and cash equivalents decreased by 58.4% to $157.5 million, reflecting cash outlays for acquisitions, share repurchases, and debt reduction.
  • 6The Government Communications segment revenue grew 1.5%, with operating income up 31.4% due to improved margins and new programs.
  • 7The Commercial Communications segment revenue grew 28.8%, with significant growth in microwave, network support, and broadcast businesses, though operating income was negatively impacted by the R&D charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the net loss was a significant charge of $73.5 million for purchased in-process research and development related to the acquisition of Wavtrace, Inc. This one-time expense, necessary under accounting rules as technological feasibility had not been established, heavily impacted the quarter's profitability.

The acquisition of Wavtrace, Inc. for $135.0 million led to a substantial charge for purchased in-process R&D ($73.5 million) which was expensed immediately. It also contributed to an increase in goodwill and other intangible assets, leading to higher amortization expenses and a pro forma reported loss of $41.4 million for the quarter.

Despite the net loss, revenue from product sales and services grew by 15.4% to $460.4 million. The company expects its focus on key communications markets to drive sales growth and profitability improvements. Specifically, the Government Communications segment saw steady growth and improved margins, while the Commercial Communications segment experienced robust revenue increases across several high-growth businesses.

The decrease in cash and cash equivalents by 58.4% to $157.5 million was primarily due to strategic cash outlays during the quarter. These included approximately $128.7 million for the acquisition of Wavtrace, $51.6 million for treasury stock repurchases, and $41.6 million for debt reduction.