10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2021

Motorola Solutions, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Oct 2, 2021

Filed November 4, 2021For Securities:MSI

Summary

Motorola Solutions, Inc. reported strong financial performance for the third quarter and first nine months of 2021, demonstrating significant year-over-year growth across key metrics. Net sales increased by 13% in the third quarter to $2.1 billion and by 14% for the first nine months to $5.9 billion. This growth was fueled by robust performance in both the Products and Systems Integration and Software and Services segments, with notable contributions from Land Mobile Radio (LMR), Video Security and Access Control, and Command Center Software. Profitability also saw substantial improvement, with operating earnings rising 28% in the third quarter to $451 million and 35% for the nine-month period to $1.1 billion. Net earnings attributable to Motorola Solutions, Inc. increased significantly, reaching $307 million ($1.76 per diluted share) in the third quarter and $844 million ($4.87 per diluted share) for the nine months. The company also highlighted strong operating cash flow and continued its commitment to shareholder returns through share repurchases and dividends, while effectively managing its debt obligations. Despite persistent supply chain challenges, particularly in semiconductors, Motorola Solutions maintained a positive outlook, driven by strong demand and strategic acquisitions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased 13% year-over-year to $2.1 billion for the third quarter and 14% to $5.9 billion for the first nine months of 2021.
  • 2Operating earnings grew substantially, up 28% to $451 million in Q3 and 35% to $1.1 billion for the nine-month period.
  • 3Net earnings attributable to Motorola Solutions, Inc. reached $307 million ($1.76 per diluted share) in Q3 and $844 million ($4.87 per diluted share) for the first nine months.
  • 4Operating cash flow for the first nine months of 2021 was strong at $1.1 billion, a significant increase from $909 million in the prior year.
  • 5The company repurchased $409 million of common stock and paid $362 million in dividends during the first nine months of 2021, demonstrating commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 6Motorola Solutions continued to invest in growth through strategic acquisitions, including Openpath and Envysion, enhancing its Video Security and Access Control and Command Center Software offerings.
  • 7Despite ongoing global supply chain disruptions, particularly in semiconductors, the company experienced strong demand across its product and service lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was driven by increases in both the Products and Systems Integration and Software and Services segments. Specifically, the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and Video Security and Access Control product lines showed strong performance, complemented by growth in LMR services, Video Security and Access Control, and Command Center Software. Favorable currency rates also contributed to the increase.

Motorola Solutions is actively monitoring its supply chain and engaging in dialogue with key suppliers to mitigate risks. The company has developed plans to minimize the impact of supply chain disruptions, particularly in the semiconductor market, which have led to component shortages and increased freight costs. These challenges are expected to continue impacting the LMR business into the first half of 2022.

The company continues to monitor the dynamic COVID-19 situation, including the emergence of new variants and the implementation of federal contractor vaccine mandates. While supply chain constraints are expected, Motorola Solutions anticipates limited impact on net sales and operating margin for its Software and Services segment due to its recurring revenue model and strong backlog. The ARPA is expected to positively impact the business, particularly with increased funding for governmental customers.

A jury found in favor of Motorola Solutions in a trade secret theft and copyright infringement case against Hytera, awarding substantial damages. The judgment award was reduced, and the court is determining a reasonable royalty rate for products using stolen trade secrets. Hytera has appealed the judgment. The company also secured attorney's fees, and is pursuing enforcement of the judgment award. The ultimate resolution of these matters could still have an impact, though the company previously stated it did not expect a material adverse effect.