10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2001

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2001

Filed May 10, 2001For Securities:LMT

Summary

Lockheed Martin Corporation reported its first quarter 2001 financial results, indicating a decrease in net sales to $5.01 billion from $5.56 billion in the prior year's comparable period. However, the company demonstrated improved profitability, with net earnings rising to $105 million from $54 million in Q1 2000, leading to a significant increase in diluted earnings per share to $0.25 from $0.14. The company experienced strong cash flow from operations, generating $1.05 billion, a substantial increase from $482 million in the prior year. This was bolstered by a significant milestone payment related to the UAE fighter aircraft contract and proceeds from the sale of surplus real estate. Despite lower sales, strategic non-recurring gains, such as the sale of real estate, and controlled costs contributed to the improved earnings. Investors should note the impact of non-recurring items, including a gain from real estate sales and an impairment charge related to an investment, which significantly influenced the quarter's results.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales decreased by 10% to $5.01 billion in Q1 2001 compared to $5.56 billion in Q1 2000.
  • 2Net earnings increased significantly to $105 million in Q1 2001, up from $54 million in Q1 2000.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share rose to $0.25 in Q1 2001, compared to $0.14 in Q1 2000.
  • 4Cash flow from operating activities surged to $1.05 billion in Q1 2001, a substantial increase from $482 million in Q1 2000.
  • 5The company recorded a $111 million pre-tax gain from the sale of surplus real estate.
  • 6An impairment charge of $100 million related to an investment in Americom Asia-Pacific reduced earnings.
  • 7Backlog of undelivered orders remained stable at $56.4 billion as of March 31, 2001.

Frequently Asked Questions

The increase in net earnings was driven by a combination of factors. Notably, the company recorded a significant pre-tax gain of $111 million from the sale of surplus real estate. Additionally, despite a decrease in net sales, improved operating performance in several segments, coupled with effective cost management, contributed to the higher profitability.

The COMSAT acquisition, completed in August 2000, was accounted for under the purchase method. Its operations were consolidated into the Global Telecommunications segment starting in Q3 2000. While the segment's net sales increased due to the inclusion of COMSAT, the overall segment experienced an operating loss. The impact of COMSAT is more fully detailed in the notes to the financial statements, including purchase accounting adjustments and subsequent impairments.

The non-recurring and unusual items significantly impacted the reported results. The sale of surplus real estate provided a substantial gain, boosting net earnings. Conversely, an impairment charge related to an investment in Americom Asia-Pacific led to a significant loss. Investors should consider these items when evaluating the underlying operational performance of the company.

Lockheed Martin expects its cash and cash equivalents, internally generated cash flow, and other financing resources to be sufficient to meet operating, capital expenditure, and debt service requirements over the next twelve months. The company may also consider divesting non-core businesses, passive equity investments, and surplus properties to generate cash for debt reduction and core business investment.