10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2001

RTX Corp Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2001

Filed October 22, 2001For Securities:RTX

Summary

United Technologies Corporation (RTX) reported solid financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, with revenues increasing by 6% to $20.9 billion and net income rising by 15% to $1.59 billion compared to the same period in 2000. The third quarter also showed growth, with revenues up 7% to $6.9 billion and net income increasing by 14% to $565 million. The company benefited from acquisitions, particularly in the Carrier segment, and growth in its aerospace businesses, including Pratt & Whitney and Flight Systems. Despite a challenging economic environment and specific industry headwinds in the commercial aerospace sector following recent terrorist actions, RTX demonstrated resilience through the diversity of its business segments and global presence. While the company is undertaking significant restructuring efforts, incurring substantial charges primarily in the Carrier and Otis segments to improve organizational efficiency, the underlying operational performance appears strong. These restructuring actions, aimed at workforce and facility optimization, are expected to yield recurring annual savings. Management remains confident in the company's liquidity and financial position, anticipating sufficient resources to meet future requirements. Investors should note the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, which presented a headwind, and the ongoing assessment of new accounting standards that could influence future reported earnings.

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2001, increased by 6% to $20.9 billion, with net income rising 15% to $1.59 billion.
  • 2Third-quarter revenues grew 7% to $6.9 billion, and net income increased 14% to $565 million.
  • 3The company recorded $222 million in pre-tax restructuring charges in the third quarter of 2001, primarily in the Carrier and Otis segments, aimed at cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
  • 4Acquisitions, notably Specialty Equipment Companies by Carrier in Q4 2000, contributed to revenue growth.
  • 5Despite a challenging business environment, including impacts from recent terrorist actions on the airline industry, the diversity of RTX's businesses provided some insulation.
  • 6The company issued $500 million in 6.35% notes in February 2001 and has significant shelf registration capacity for future debt and equity issuances.
  • 7Effective July 1, 2001, RTX adopted new accounting standards for business combinations (SFAS 141) and goodwill (SFAS 142) for acquisitions made after that date; further adoption for prior combinations is expected to increase net income by ceasing goodwill amortization from January 1, 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the nine months ended September 30, 2001, United Technologies Corporation (RTX) reported a 6% increase in revenues to $20.9 billion and a 15% rise in net income to $1.59 billion, compared to the same period in 2000. The third quarter also showed positive growth, with revenues up 7% to $6.9 billion and net income up 14% to $565 million. This performance was driven by acquisitions, growth in aerospace segments, and interest income from tax audit settlements, despite broader economic challenges and specific industry headwinds.

RTX incurred $222 million in pre-tax restructuring charges in the third quarter of 2001, mainly within its Carrier and Otis segments. These actions are part of ongoing efforts to reduce costs and improve organizational efficiency, including workforce reductions of approximately 5,300 employees and facility consolidation. These initiatives are expected to generate recurring annual pre-tax savings of about $170 million and are targeted for completion by the third quarter of 2002.

RTX reported an increase in net cash flows from operating activities by $202 million for the first nine months of 2001. The company issued $500 million in long-term debt in February 2001 and has significant capacity under its shelf registration statements for future financing. Share repurchases also continued, totaling $538 million for the nine-month period. Management believes its current cash position and liquidity sources are sufficient for current and anticipated needs.

The company faces challenges from weaker European and Asian currencies, a downturn in the North American economy affecting commercial HVAC, retail, and transport refrigeration markets, and particularly the impact of recent terrorist actions on the commercial airline industry. This latter event has led to reduced flight schedules, workforce reductions in airlines, and an increase in idle aircraft, which could negatively affect RTX's aerospace businesses. The company also notes ongoing government investigations and potential audit reports on contracts.