10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 30, 2001

Filed May 14, 2001For Securities:LHX

Summary

This 10-Q filing for L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. /DE/ (LHX) for the period ending March 29, 2001, reveals a mixed financial performance. Revenue saw an increase year-over-year, driven by growth in both the Government Communications and Commercial Communications segments. However, the company reported a net loss for the quarter and the year-to-date period, largely influenced by significant one-time charges, notably a large write-off for purchased in-process research and development related to the Wavtrace acquisition. Despite the net loss, the company demonstrated improved operating income compared to the prior year's quarter, benefiting from increased government spending and strong performance in specific commercial areas like microwave radios and digital broadcast systems. The company is also actively managing its liquidity, with significant cash outlays for acquisitions and stock repurchases, and has recently secured new syndicated credit facilities. Investors should note the strategic investments in emerging technologies like broadband wireless access and digital television, alongside potential headwinds from the ongoing telecom market slowdown and integration of acquired businesses.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 5.3% year-over-year for the quarter to $479.3 million, and by 10.2% for the nine-month period to $1,426.6 million.
  • 2Operating income improved significantly to $23.5 million for the quarter, compared to an operating loss of $21.6 million in the prior year, reflecting stronger performance in both segments.
  • 3A substantial $73.5 million charge for purchased in-process research and development from the Wavtrace acquisition negatively impacted net income, contributing to a net loss of $7.7 million for the nine-month period.
  • 4The Government Communications segment saw revenue growth of 3.7% and a notable 20.4% increase in operating income, attributed to increased government spending and strong program performance.
  • 5The Commercial Communications segment experienced revenue growth of 6.6% for the quarter, driven by strong demand for microwave radios and digital broadcast systems, although certain sub-segments like network support faced challenges.
  • 6Cash and cash equivalents decreased by 69.5% to $115.5 million, and marketable securities decreased by 75.3% to $107.0 million, largely due to acquisitions, stock repurchases, and strategic investments.
  • 7The company secured new syndicated credit facilities totaling $340 million (with an option to increase to $400 million) to support its ongoing operational and investment needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the net loss of $7.7 million in the nine-month period ended March 30, 2001, is 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, coupled with other operating costs, outweighed the revenue gains and operating income improvements.

Both segments showed revenue growth. The Government Communications segment increased revenue by 3.7% for the quarter and 4.4% for the nine months, benefiting from increased government spending and strong performance on defense programs. The Commercial Communications segment saw stronger growth, with revenue up 6.6% for the quarter and 15.0% for the nine months, driven by demand in microwave radios and digital broadcast systems, though some sub-segments faced headwinds.

The acquisition of Wavtrace, Inc. in August 2000 resulted in a significant charge of $73.5 million for purchased in-process research and development, which was expensed upon acquisition. It also led to an increase in goodwill and other intangible assets by $183.6 million as of March 30, 2001, and contributed to the decrease in cash and cash equivalents due to the cash consideration paid.

Harris' liquidity has decreased, with cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities significantly lower compared to the prior fiscal year-end. This is primarily due to substantial outflows for acquisitions (like Wavtrace), stock repurchases, and strategic investments. The company has secured new syndicated credit facilities totaling $340 million to ensure continued access to funds for working capital, capital expenditures, and other corporate needs.