10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2008

TE Connectivity plc Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Mar 28, 2008

Filed May 5, 2008For Securities:TEL

Summary

TE Connectivity plc (TEL) reported solid financial performance for the quarter and six months ended March 28, 2008. Net sales saw a significant increase year-over-year, driven by strong volume growth across all segments, particularly in Undersea Telecommunications and Wireless Systems. The company's gross profit margin improved due to higher sales volumes and a favorable mix, offsetting rising raw material costs and price erosion. While the company incurred restructuring charges and litigation settlement costs, overall profitability remained strong. The company also made progress on strategic initiatives, including planned divestitures and manufacturing simplification. Management expressed confidence in its ability to meet future capital needs through ongoing operations and capital markets access. Investors should note the significant legal proceedings and class action settlement costs, though the company's portion of the settlement has been finalized and the remaining legal matters are being managed. The company also provided a positive outlook for its key end markets.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 14.3% to $3.66 billion for the quarter ended March 28, 2008, compared to the prior year quarter.
  • 2Gross income increased by $138 million year-over-year, with gross margin improving to 26.5% from 26.0%, driven by higher sales volume and improved operating leverage in certain segments.
  • 3Income from operations grew to $501 million (13.7% of net sales) from $419 million (13.1% of net sales) in the prior year quarter, benefiting from increased sales and improved margins.
  • 4The Undersea Telecommunications segment experienced exceptional growth, with net sales increasing by 123.0% year-over-year, driven by several large construction projects.
  • 5The company repurchased approximately $592 million of its common shares during the first six months of fiscal 2008 under an expanded share repurchase program.
  • 6Net cash from continuing operating activities decreased due to the impact of the class action settlement, though capital expenditures remained robust, supporting new programs and manufacturing enhancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by strong volume increases across all business segments, particularly in Undersea Telecommunications and Wireless Systems, which benefited from increased demand and project execution. Electronic Components also saw solid organic growth, especially in industrial, communications, and aerospace and defense markets.

TE Connectivity was able to offset rising raw material costs and price erosion through increased sales volumes and a favorable sales mix, which led to improved operating leverage and higher gross margins in key segments. The company also strategically focused on higher-margin products and markets.

The company's portion of the $2.975 billion class action settlement was $922 million, which was finalized in February 2008. While the finalization of the settlement affected cash flows from operating and investing activities, it did not impact the reported cash balance as the company had previously funded its share into an escrow account. The company's liability and receivable related to the settlement have been extinguished from the balance sheet.

The Undersea Telecommunications segment showed exceptional growth due to the execution of several large construction projects. However, management expects revenue from this segment to decrease in the second half of fiscal 2008 as a major transoceanic system nears completion and anticipates that year-over-year growth rates will moderate for the remainder of the fiscal year.