10-KPeriod: FY2003

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2003

Filed March 8, 2004For Securities:LMT

Summary

Lockheed Martin Corporation's 2003 10-K filing reveals a robust year marked by significant revenue growth and strong performance across its diversified business segments, primarily driven by U.S. government contracts. The company reported net sales of $31.8 billion, a substantial increase from the previous year, supported by strong demand in its Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, and Space Systems segments. The Aeronautics segment, in particular, saw a significant boost from programs like the F/A-22 Raptor and the Joint Strike Fighter. The company highlighted its commitment to strategic growth and shareholder value through a combination of operational efficiency, share repurchases, and debt reduction. However, investors should note the ongoing scrutiny of the proposed acquisition of The Titan Corporation, which faced delays due to an internal review concerning payments to international consultants and subsequent investigations by the SEC and Department of Justice. Despite this, Lockheed Martin maintained a strong backlog of $76.9 billion at year-end, indicating a healthy pipeline of future business.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 20% to $31.8 billion in 2003, reflecting strong performance across all business segments.
  • 2The Aeronautics segment experienced significant growth, with net sales up 58%, largely due to increased deliveries of F-16 aircraft and progress on the Joint Strike Fighter program.
  • 3The company's total negotiated backlog grew to $76.9 billion at the end of 2003, indicating a substantial future revenue stream.
  • 4Lockheed Martin's reliance on the U.S. Government remains high, with approximately 78% of net sales generated from government contracts.
  • 5The company issued $1.0 billion in convertible senior debentures, which, along with other financing activities, helped reduce its long-term debt by $2.2 billion during the year.
  • 6An ongoing internal review and external investigations related to the proposed acquisition of The Titan Corporation introduced potential uncertainty and risk.
  • 7Research and development expenses increased to $903 million, demonstrating continued investment in future technologies and programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lockheed Martin reported a strong financial performance in 2003, with net sales increasing by 20% to $31.8 billion. Earnings from continuing operations were $1.05 billion, or $2.34 per diluted share, showing significant improvement over the previous year. The company's backlog also grew to $76.9 billion, signaling a healthy pipeline of future business.

The company remains heavily reliant on U.S. Government contracts, which accounted for approximately 78% of its net sales in 2003. Foreign government sales represented about 16%, and commercial customers accounted for the remaining 6%. This highlights the company's primary focus on the defense and aerospace sectors.

Lockheed Martin operates in five main business segments: Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, Space Systems, Integrated Systems & Solutions (IS&S), and Information & Technology Services (I&TS). In 2003, Aeronautics was the largest segment by sales ($10.2 billion), followed by Electronic Systems ($9.0 billion) and Space Systems ($6.0 billion). The company's diverse portfolio allows it to serve a wide range of defense, space, and technology needs.

Yes, the filing highlights several risks. The heavy reliance on U.S. Government contracts means the company is sensitive to changes in government budgets and priorities. Government contracts can also be terminated at the government's convenience. Additionally, the proposed acquisition of The Titan Corporation is facing delays and investigations due to issues with Titan's international consultants and potential Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, which could impact the transaction's closing and future government contracts.