10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

Motorola Solutions, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Oct 1, 2005

Filed November 8, 2005For Securities:MSI

Summary

Motorola Solutions, Inc.'s (MSI) Q3 2005 10-Q filing provides insights into the company's management of financial risks and significant legal developments. The company actively employs financial instruments, such as forward contracts and options, to hedge against foreign currency fluctuations, with substantial outstanding contracts noted for major currencies like the Euro and Chinese Yuan. Management believes these hedging strategies effectively mitigate risks associated with currency movements. In terms of interest rate risk, MSI primarily utilizes fixed-rate long-term debt while managing its mix with short-term variable rates through interest rate swaps, though $22 million in expense was recognized from unwinding swaps related to debt repurchase during the quarter. The filing also details significant legal proceedings, most notably the resolution of Telsim-related disputes. Motorola secured a $500 million cash payment and potential future proceeds from asset sales as part of a settlement with Telsim and the Turkish government. Furthermore, the company is pursuing collections on a substantial $4.26 billion judgment against the Uzan family. The company also disclosed the dismissal of a class-action securities lawsuit concerning its 401(k) plan and ongoing SEC investigations related to Telsim. The company's management affirmed the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures.

Key Highlights

  • 1Motorola Solutions is actively hedging foreign currency exposure, with significant outstanding foreign exchange contracts totaling $2.2 billion as of October 1, 2005.
  • 2A significant settlement with Telsim and the Government of Turkey was reached, providing Motorola with $500 million in cash and potential future proceeds from Telsim asset sales.
  • 3The company continues to pursue collections on a $4.26 billion U.S. judgment against the Uzan family, though the process is expected to be lengthy.
  • 4Management stated that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the reporting period.
  • 5The company incurred a $22 million expense related to unwinding interest rate swaps during the quarter, associated with repurchasing $1.0 billion of long-term debt.
  • 6A class-action securities lawsuit alleging ERISA violations was dismissed on September 30, 2005, though an appeal has been filed.
  • 7Motorola remains involved in an ongoing Securities and Exchange Commission investigation regarding Telsim matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Motorola Solutions utilizes financial instruments such as forward contracts and options to hedge against foreign currency fluctuations. The company's policy is not to speculate but to offset gains and losses on hedging instruments against underlying operational cash flows or investments. As of October 1, 2005, net outstanding foreign exchange contracts totaled $2.2 billion.

Motorola reached a settlement with Telsim and the Government of Turkey on October 28, 2005. This settlement includes an immediate cash payment of $500 million and entitling Motorola to 20% of any Telsim asset sale proceeds exceeding $2.5 billion. Motorola also agreed to dismiss litigation against Telsim and its pending arbitration against the Turkish government, while continuing efforts to enforce a $4.26 billion U.S. judgment against the Uzan family.

Motorola Solutions primarily has long-term debt priced at fixed interest rates. To manage the mix of fixed and floating rates, the company enters into interest rate swaps. During the quarter, $1.0 billion in swaps were unwound due to debt repurchase, resulting in an expense of approximately $22 million.

While Motorola is involved in various legal proceedings, including those related to wireless telephone usage, Telsim, and securities litigation, management believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the company's consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations, with the exception of the ongoing Telsim-related matters which are being actively managed through settlements and collection efforts.