10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Dec 28, 2001

Filed February 4, 2002For Securities:LHX

Summary

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (LHX) reported its financial results for the quarter and year-to-date period ending December 28, 2001. The company experienced a decrease in overall revenue, primarily driven by a significant decline in the Commercial Communications segment, while the Government Communications segment showed modest growth. Profitability metrics also saw pressure, with operating income decreasing year-over-year for the quarter, though improving significantly for the year-to-date period due to a prior year's large write-off. The company's liquidity remains adequate, with a decrease in cash and marketable securities but an increase in working capital. Management highlights strategic wins in the Government Communications segment, including a significant contract for the Joint Strike Fighter program and a large order from the UK for tactical radio products, alongside ongoing challenges in certain commercial markets.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue for the quarter decreased by 7.3% to $451.5 million, driven by a 16.5% decline in the Commercial Communications segment, partially offset by a 5.0% increase in Government Communications revenue.
  • 2Operating income for the quarter decreased by 23.5% to $28.0 million, reflecting impacts from workforce reductions and market conditions in the Commercial Communications segment.
  • 3The Government Communications segment showed strong performance, with revenue up 5.0% and operating income up 18.8% for the quarter, benefiting from increased U.S. government procurement and a significant contract award for the Joint Strike Fighter program.
  • 4Commercial Communications faced headwinds, with revenue down 16.5% due to a sharp drop in network support products and services and weakening international demand for microwave products. Significant orders for tactical radio products and broadcast communications products provided some offset.
  • 5Net income for the quarter was $16.4 million, largely stable compared to $16.0 million in the prior year, with earnings per share at $0.25.
  • 6Cash used in operating activities for the first two quarters of fiscal 2002 was $14.7 million, an improvement from $42.3 million in the prior year, with positive free cash flow expected for the full fiscal year.
  • 7The company adopted Statement 142, ceasing the amortization of goodwill and testing it for impairment, which had no adverse impact on operations or financial position.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the revenue decline was the Commercial Communications segment, which saw a 16.5% decrease. This was largely due to a 55% drop in revenues from network support products and services, which had benefited from DSL build-out in the prior year. Weak international market demand also impacted microwave communications products.

The Government Communications segment demonstrated resilience and growth, with revenue increasing by 5.0% and operating income by 18.8% in the second quarter. Growth is attributed to increased U.S. government procurement and significant contract awards, such as the initial phase of a $2 billion contract for work on the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter program.

The company's liquidity appears adequate. Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $84.4 million from $103.0 million at the end of the previous fiscal year, and marketable securities also declined. However, working capital increased by 8.2% due to a reduction in current liabilities. Management expects positive free cash flow for the fiscal year 2002 and believes its current cash, cash flow from operations, marketable securities, and credit facilities will be sufficient for anticipated needs over the next twelve months.

L3Harris adopted Statement 142 at the beginning of fiscal year 2002, ceasing the amortization of goodwill. Instead, goodwill will be tested for impairment periodically. The company completed its transitional impairment test and found no adverse impact on its operations or financial position. This change means goodwill amortization is no longer a charge against earnings, potentially improving reported net income.