10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2023

Motorola Solutions, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2023

Filed November 2, 2023For Securities:MSI

Summary

Motorola Solutions, Inc. (MSI) reported a strong third quarter and first nine months of 2023, demonstrating robust top-line growth and significant improvements in profitability. Net sales increased by 8% year-over-year for the third quarter to $2.6 billion and by 11% for the first nine months to $7.1 billion, driven by growth across both its Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services segments. The company experienced a substantial increase in operating earnings, which grew by 71% in Q3 and 60% for the year-to-date period, reflecting improved gross margins and operating leverage. Net earnings attributable to Motorola Solutions, Inc. also saw significant gains, reaching $464 million ($2.70 per diluted share) in the third quarter and $1.113 billion ($6.46 per diluted share) for the first nine months. This performance was supported by a favorable operating environment with gradual improvements in supply chain conditions and the effective implementation of pricing actions to mitigate inflation. The company continues to demonstrate strong operational cash flow generation and a commitment to returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, while maintaining a healthy balance sheet.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 8% to $2.6 billion in Q3 2023 and by 11% to $7.1 billion in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the prior year periods.
  • 2Operating earnings surged by 71% to $639 million in Q3 2023 and by 60% to $1.56 billion in the first nine months of 2023.
  • 3Net earnings attributable to Motorola Solutions, Inc. grew significantly to $464 million ($2.70 per diluted share) in Q3 and $1.11 billion ($6.46 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2023.
  • 4Gross margin improved to 50.1% in Q3 2023 and 49.3% for the first nine months of 2023, up from 43.4% and 44.9% respectively in the prior year periods.
  • 5Operating cash flow increased by $249 million to $799 million for the first nine months of 2023.
  • 6The company repurchased $686 million of common stock and paid $443 million in dividends in the first nine months of 2023, indicating a commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 7Supply chain disruptions have gradually improved, and the company has effectively managed inflationary pressures through pricing actions and supply chain optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Motorola Solutions reported net sales of $2.6 billion for the third quarter of 2023, an increase of 8% compared to $2.4 billion in the third quarter of 2022. This growth was driven by increases in both the Products and Systems Integration segment and the Software and Services segment.

Profitability saw substantial improvement. Operating earnings increased by 71% to $639 million in Q3 2023. Net earnings attributable to Motorola Solutions, Inc. reached $464 million, or $2.70 per diluted share, a significant increase from $279 million, or $1.63 per diluted share, in Q3 2022. This was primarily due to higher gross margins, improved operating leverage, and a reduction in certain charges compared to the prior year.

Motorola Solutions is experiencing gradual improvement in market conditions related to supply chain disruptions, particularly with semiconductors. They have also effectively managed inflationary pressures through pricing actions and are focused on optimizing their supplier network and engineering alternative designs. The company expects to maintain elevated inventory levels until supply conditions fully stabilize.

In the first nine months of 2023, Motorola Solutions repurchased $686 million of common stock and paid $443 million in cash dividends. The company has an ongoing share repurchase program with approximately $599 million of authority remaining as of September 30, 2023.