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8-K - FORM 8-K - L 3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS INCc91457e8vk.htm
Exhibit 99
(L-3 COMMUNICATIONS NEWS GRAPHIC)

News

         
Contact:
  L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.    
 
  Corporate Communications   For Immediate Release
 
  212-697-1111     
L-3 Announces Third Quarter 2009 Results
  Diluted earnings per share of $2.12
  Net sales increased 5% to $3.8 billion
  Net cash from operating activities of $450 million
  Updates financial guidance for 2009
  Provides initial financial guidance for 2010
NEW YORK, October 27, 2009 — L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LLL) today reported diluted earnings per share (diluted EPS) of $2.12 for the quarter ended Sept. 25, 2009 (2009 third quarter), compared to $1.70(1) for the quarter ended Sept. 26, 2008 (2008 third quarter). The 2009 third quarter included a tax benefit of $0.22 for a net reversal of amounts previously accrued related to tax years for which the statute of limitations has expired. Net sales increased 5% to $3.8 billion compared to $3.7 billion for the 2008 third quarter.
On October 2, 2009, the company successfully completed a $1 billion offering of 5.20% senior notes, its first investment grade rated bond issue. A portion of the net proceeds from the offering were used to repay the company’s outstanding $650 million term loan and the remaining net proceeds, together with cash on hand, will be used to redeem the company’s outstanding $750 million 7 5/8% senior subordinated notes on November 2, 2009. On October 23, 2009, the company also replaced its $1 billion senior revolving credit facility, which was due to expire on March 9, 2010, with a new $1 billion three-year senior revolving credit facility that expires on October 23, 2012.
“L-3 had a good third quarter, led by our C3ISR businesses,” said Michael T. Strianese, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We delivered solid operating results, earnings per share and cash flow and continued to deploy the company’s cash flow to increase shareholder value by repurchasing $95 million of our common stock during the quarter and $396 million since the beginning of the year. In addition, our successful debt refinancings improve L-3’s debt maturity profile and leverage metrics and also reduce L-3’s cost of capital.”
Mr. Strianese continued, “Looking ahead, we are well positioned for shifting customer priorities and slowing U.S. Department of Defense budgets. Our focus will continue to be strong program performance, rapidly delivering innovation and value to our customers, and disciplined capital allocation.”
 
     
(1)   During the quarter ended March 27, 2009, the company adopted six new accounting standards, three of which required retrospective application of their provisions. These standards and their retrospective application are more fully described in Tables E and F (Unaudited Supplemental Financial Data) attached to this earnings release.

 

 


 

L-3 Announces Results for the 2009 Third Quarter   Page 2
Consolidated Results
                                                 
    Third Quarter Ended             Year-to-Date Ended        
    Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,     Increase/     Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,     Increase/  
($ in millions, except per share data)   2009     2008     (decrease)     2009     2008     (decrease)  
 
                                               
Net sales
  $ 3,842     $ 3,662     $ 180     $ 11,407     $ 10,890     $ 517  
 
                                               
Operating income
  $ 418     $ 400     $ 18     $ 1,211     $ 1,269     $ (58 )
Litigation Gain
                            (126 )     126  
 
                                   
Segment operating income
  $ 418     $ 400     $ 18     $ 1,211     $ 1,143     $ 68  
 
                                               
Net interest expense and other income
    65       65             191       192       (1 )
 
                                               
Effective income tax rate
    28.3 %     36.7 %     (840 ) bpts     33.2 %     36.7 %     (350 ) bpts
 
                                               
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 250     $ 210     $ 40     $ 674     $ 674     $  
 
                                               
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 2.12     $ 1.70     $ 0.42     $ 5.68     $ 5.42     $ 0.26  
Third Quarter Results of Operations: For the 2009 third quarter, consolidated net sales increased 5% compared to the 2008 third quarter driven primarily by growth in the Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C3ISR) and Aircraft Modernization and Maintenance (AM&M) reportable segments. These sales increases were partially offset by a decrease in the Government Services reportable segment. The increase in consolidated net sales from acquired businesses net of divestitures(2) was $28 million, or 0.8%.
The 2009 third quarter operating income increased by 5% compared to the 2008 third quarter. Operating income as a percentage of sales (operating margin) remained the same at 10.9% compared to the 2008 third quarter. Higher margins primarily for C3ISR and certain Specialized Products businesses were offset by higher pension expense in the 2009 third quarter compared to the 2008 third quarter. The increase in pension expense reduced operating income by $21 million ($13 million after income taxes, or $0.11 per diluted share) and reduced operating margin by 50 basis points. The pension expense increase is primarily due to the actuarial loss that we experienced in 2008 as a result of the decline in the fair value of our pension plan assets, which is amortized as a component of pension expense. See segment results below for additional discussion of segment operating margin results.
Net interest expense and other income remained the same compared to the same period last year primarily due to lower interest expense on our term loans, which are based on variable interest rates, offset by lower interest income on cash investments.
The effective tax rate for the 2009 third quarter decreased by 840 basis points compared to the same quarter last year. The decrease is primarily due to a tax benefit of $26 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for a net reversal during the 2009 third quarter of amounts previously accrued related to tax years for which the statute of limitations has expired.
In the 2009 third quarter as compared to the 2008 third quarter, net income attributable to L-3 increased by $40 million, or 19% and diluted EPS increased by $0.42, or 25%. Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the 2009 third quarter compared to the 2008 third quarter declined by 4% due primarily to share repurchases of L-3 common stock made during the past year.
Year-to-Date Results of Operations: For the year-to-date period ended Sept. 25, 2009 (2009 year-to-date period), consolidated net sales increased 5% compared to the year-to-date period ended Sept. 26, 2008 (2008 year-to-date period) driven primarily by growth in the C3ISR, AM&M and Specialized Products reportable segments. These sales increases were partially offset by a decrease in the Government Services reportable segment driven primarily by lower linguist services (discussed below under the Government Services reportable segment). The increase in consolidated net sales from acquired businesses net of divestitures was $145 million, or 1%.
 
     
(2)   Sales from acquired businesses net of divestitures are comprised of (i) sales from business and product line acquisitions that are included in L-3’s actual results for less than 12 months, less (ii) sales from business and product line divestitures that are included in L-3’s actual results for the 12 months prior to the divestitures.

 

 


 

L-3 Announces Results for the 2009 Third Quarter   Page 3
The 2008 year-to-date period results were impacted by three items that, in the aggregate, increased operating income for that period by $110 million and reduced interest expense by $7 million (net $71 million after income taxes, or $0.57 per diluted share). These three items are collectively referred to as the Q2 2008 Items and are comprised of:
  A gain of $133 million ($81 million after income taxes, or $0.65 per diluted share) for the reversal of a $126 million liability as a result of a June 27, 2008 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals which vacated an adverse 2006 jury verdict and $7 million of related accrued interest (the “Litigation Gain”),
  A gain of $12 million ($7 million after income taxes, or $0.06 per diluted share) from the sale of a product line (the “Product Line Divestiture Gain”), and
  A non-cash impairment charge of $28 million ($17 million after income taxes, or $0.14 per diluted share) relating to a write-down of capitalized software development costs for a general aviation product (the “Impairment Charge”).
The 2009 year-to-date period operating income decreased by 5% compared to the 2008 year-to-date period. Operating income for the 2009 year-to-date period as compared to the 2008 year-to-date period decreased by $110 million as a result of the Q2 2008 Items and by $56 million ($34 million after income taxes, or $0.29 per diluted share) because of higher pension expense.
The 2009 year-to-date period operating margin decreased by 110 basis points to 10.6% compared to 11.7% for the 2008 year-to-date period. Excluding the Q2 2008 Items, the 2008 year-to-date period operating margin was 10.6%. Higher margins primarily for C3ISR and certain Specialized Products businesses were offset by an increase in pension expense, which reduced operating margin by 50 basis points during the 2009 year-to-date period compared to the 2008 year-to-date period. See segment results below for additional discussion of segment operating margin results.
Net interest expense and other income decreased compared to the same period last year driven by lower interest expense on our term loans partially offset by $7 million of accrued interest reversed during the 2008 year-to-date period in connection with the Litigation Gain and lower interest income on cash investments.
The effective tax rate for the 2009 year-to-date period decreased by 350 basis points compared to the same period last year. Excluding the Q2 2008 Items, the effective tax rate for the 2009 year-to-date period would have decreased by 320 basis points. The decrease is primarily due to a tax benefit of $26 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for a net reversal during the 2009 third quarter of amounts previously accrued related to tax years for which the statue of limitations has expired.
Net income attributable to L-3 was $674 million for the 2009 year-to-date period and the 2008 year-to-date period. Diluted EPS increased by $0.26, or 5% . Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the 2009 year-to-date period compared to the 2008 year-to-date period declined by 5% primarily due to share repurchases of L-3 common stock made during the past year.
Orders: Funded orders for the 2009 third quarter decreased 15% to $3.4 billion compared to $4.0 billion from the 2008 third quarter and decreased 14% to $10.5 billion for the 2009 year-to-date period from $12.2 billion for the 2008 year-to-date period. Funded backlog decreased 6% to $10.8 billion compared to $11.6 billion at Dec. 31, 2008.
Cash flow: Net cash from operating activities was $978 million for the 2009 year-to-date period, compared to $1,031 million for the 2008 year-to-date period. Capital expenditures, net of dispositions of property, plant and equipment, was $125 million for the 2009 year-to-date period, compared to $134 million for the 2008 year-to-date period.

 

 


 

L-3 Announces Results for the 2009 Third Quarter   Page 4
Segment Results
C3ISR
                                                 
    Third Quarter Ended             Year-to-Date Ended        
    Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,             Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,        
($ in millions)   2009     2008     Increase     2009     2008     Increase  
Net sales
  $ 752.9     $ 621.0     $ 131.9     $ 2,224.4     $ 1,790.0     $ 434.4  
Operating income
    78.1       55.8       22.3       251.4       184.7       66.7  
Operating margin
    10.4 %     9.0 %     140 bpts     11.3 %     10.3 %     100 bpts
Third Quarter: C3ISR net sales for the 2009 third quarter increased by 21% compared to the 2008 third quarter primarily due to increased demand and new business from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for airborne ISR and networked communication systems for manned and unmanned platforms.
C3ISR operating income for the 2009 third quarter increased by 40% compared to the 2008 third quarter. Operating margin increased by 140 basis points. Higher sales volume, improved contract performance and a more favorable sales mix for airborne ISR and networked communication systems increased operating margin by 260 basis points. These increases were partially offset by an increase in pension expense of $9 million, which reduced operating margin by 120 basis points.
Year-to-Date: C3ISR net sales for the 2009 year-to-date period increased by 24% compared to the 2008 year-to-date period due to increased demand and new business from the DoD for airborne ISR and networked communication systems for manned and unmanned platforms.
C3ISR operating income for the 2009 year-to-date period increased 36% compared to the 2008 year-to-date period. Operating margin increased by 100 basis points. Higher sales volume, improved contract performance and a more favorable sales mix for airborne ISR and networked communication systems increased operating margin by 210 basis points. These increases were partially offset by an increase in pension expense of $24 million, which reduced operating margin by 110 basis points.
Government Services
                                                 
    Third Quarter Ended             Year-to-Date Ended        
    Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,     Increase/     Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,        
($ in millions)   2009     2008     (decrease)     2009     2008     Decrease  
Net sales
  $ 1,010.6     $ 1,042.4     $ (31.8 )   $ 3,084.5     $ 3,249.4     $ (164.9 )
Operating income
    102.8       100.1       2.7       294.6       322.2       (27.6 )
Operating margin
    10.2 %     9.6 %     60 bpts     9.6 %     9.9 %     (30 )bpts
Third Quarter: Government Services net sales for the 2009 third quarter decreased by 3% compared to the 2008 third quarter. Sales declined due to: (1) reduced subcontractor pass-through sales volume of $35 million related to task orders for U.S. Army systems and software engineering and sustainment (SSES) services stemming from task order renewals migrating to a different contract vehicle where L-3 is not a prime contractor, (2) lower Iraq-related linguist services of $19 million, and (3) lower volume for intelligence support for the U.S. Army and U.S. Government agencies. These decreases were partially offset by increases in information technology (IT) support services primarily for the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the executive branch of the U.S. Government due to higher volume on new and existing contracts. Additionally, net sales from acquired businesses were $32 million, or 3%.
Government Services operating income for the 2009 third quarter increased by 3% compared to the 2008 third quarter. Operating margin for the 2009 third quarter increased by 60 basis points. Operating margins increased by 130 basis points primarily due to an award fee for linguist services and favorable close-outs on completed contracts, and a decline in sales of lower margin linguist and SSES services. These increases were partially offset by lower volume for intelligence support services, which decreased operating margin by 50 basis points. Acquired businesses reduced operating margin by 20 basis points.
Year-to-Date: Government Services net sales for the 2009 year-to-date period decreased by 5% compared to the 2008 year-to-date period. Sales declined due to: (1) lower Iraq-related linguist services of $222 million, (2) timing of deliveries for engineering support services, and (3) lower volume for intelligence support services for the U.S. Army and U.S. Government agencies. These decreases were partially offset by increases for IT support services for USSOCOM and the executive branch of the U.S. Government due to higher volume on new and existing contracts and net sales from acquired businesses of $82 million, or 3%.

 

 


 

L-3 Announces Results for the 2009 Third Quarter   Page 5
Government Services operating income for the 2009 year-to-date period decreased by 9% compared to the 2008 year-to-date period. Operating margin for the 2009 year-to-date period decreased by 30 basis points. Lower margins on select contract renewals during the 2009 year-to-date period and higher profit margins on certain fixed price contracts in the 2008 year-to-date period reduced operating margin by 60 basis points. Acquired businesses also reduced operating margin by 10 basis points. These decreases were partially offset by a decline in sales of lower margin linguist services, which increased operating margin by 40 basis points.
AM&M
                                                 
    Third Quarter Ended             Year-to-Date Ended        
    Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,     Increase/     Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,     Increase/  
($ in millions)   2009     2008     (decrease)     2009     2008     (decrease)  
Net sales
  $ 742.0     $ 633.7     $ 108.3     $ 2,100.8     $ 1,953.0     $ 147.8  
Operating income
    67.1       70.3       (3.2 )     183.9       178.5       5.4  
Operating margin
    9.0 %     11.1 %     (210 )bpts     8.8 %     9.1 %     (30 )bpts
Third Quarter: AM&M net sales for the 2009 third quarter increased by 17% compared to the 2008 third quarter. The increase in sales is due to: (1) new contracts and higher demand from existing contracts for systems field support services for U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force rotary and fixed wing training aircraft and U.S. Special Operations Forces logistics support, and (2) higher sales for Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA). These increases were partially offset by sales volume declines for contract field services (CFS) as fewer task orders were received because of more competitors on the current contract that began on October 1, 2008.
AM&M operating income for the 2009 third quarter decreased by 5% compared to the 2008 third quarter. Operating margin decreased by 210 basis points. The decrease is due to: (1) a change in sales mix, primarily higher sales volume for lower margin JCA and system field support services, which reduced operating margin by 130 basis points, and (2) lower sales volume and sales prices for CFS, which reduced operating margin by 30 basis points. In addition, the 2008 third quarter included approximately $3 million of income to adjust litigation accruals, which reduced operating margin by 50 basis points.
Year-to-Date: AM&M net sales for the 2009 year-to-date period increased by 8% compared to the 2008 year-to-date period. Higher sales for systems field support services and JCA were partially offset by sales declines for CFS.
AM&M operating income for the 2009 year-to-date period increased 3% compared to the 2008 year-to-date period. Operating margin decreased by 30 basis points. Sales volume declines for CFS reduced operating margin by 30 basis points and margins declined by 50 basis points primarily due to cost increases on international aircraft modernization contracts. In addition, the 2008 year-to-date period included $10 million of charges to adjust litigation accruals, which increased operating margin by 50 basis points.
Specialized Products
                                                 
    Third Quarter Ended             Year-to-Date Ended        
    Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,             Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,     Increase/  
($ in millions)   2009     2008     Decrease     2009     2008     (decrease)  
Net sales
  $ 1,336.0     $ 1,365.1     $ (29.1 )   $ 3,996.9     $ 3,897.9     $ 99.0  
Operating income
    169.8       173.9       (4.1 )     480.7       457.7       23.0  
Product Line Divestiture Gain
                            (12.2 )     12.2  
Impairment Charge
                            27.5       (27.5 )
 
                                   
Operating income, excluding Q2 2008 Items
  $ 169.8     $ 173.9     $ (4.1 )   $ 480.7     $ 473.0     $ 7.7  
Operating margin
    12.7 %     12.7 %      bpts     12.0 %     11.7 %     30 bpts
Operating margin, excluding Q2 2008 Items
    12.7 %     12.7 %      bpts     12.0 %     12.1 %     (10 )bpts
Third Quarter: Specialized Products net sales for the 2009 third quarter decreased by 2% compared to the 2008 third quarter reflecting lower sales volume primarily for: (1) naval power & control systems and aviation products as a result of reduced demand from commercial customers caused by the global economic recession, (2) training & simulation, precision engagement and displays due to the timing of certain deliveries and delays in receipt of expected orders, and (3) combat propulsion systems due to a reduction in DoD funding for the Bradley fighting vehicle. These decreases were partially offset by increases for: (1) microwave products primarily due to deliveries of mobile and ground based satellite communications systems and spare parts for the U.S. military and higher sales volume for tactical signal intelligence systems, and (2) Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) products primarily due to demand and deliveries on new and existing contracts.

 

 


 

L-3 Announces Results for the 2009 Third Quarter   Page 6
Specialized Products operating income for the 2009 third quarter decreased by 2% as compared to the 2008 third quarter. Operating margin remained the same as compared to the 2008 third quarter. Operating margin increased by 110 basis points primarily due to higher sales volume, favorable sales mix and improved contract performance for EO/IR products and improved contract performance for precision engagement. The 2008 third quarter also included a charge of $4 million to adjust certain litigation accruals, which increased operating margin by 30 basis points. These increases were offset by: (1) an increase in pension expense of $11 million, which reduced operating margin by 80 basis points, (2) lower sales volume for training and simulation due to timing of deliveries, which reduced operating margin by 50 basis points, and (3) acquired businesses, which decreased operating margin by 10 basis points.
Year-to-Date: Specialized Products net sales for the 2009 year-to-date period increased by 3% compared to the 2008 year-to-date period reflecting higher sales volume primarily for: (1) EO/IR products and microwave products driven by trends similar to the 2009 third quarter, (2) training & simulation primarily related to new and existing contracts, and (3) combat propulsion systems mostly from continued performance on existing contracts. The increase in net sales from acquired businesses, net of divestitures, was $64 million, or 2%, and pertains mostly to the Electro-Optical Systems (EOS) business acquired on April 21, 2008 and to Chesapeake Sciences Corporation acquired on January 30, 2009. These increases were partially offset by a decrease primarily for naval power & control systems and aviation products, displays and precision engagement products driven by trends similar to the 2009 third quarter.
Specialized Products operating income for the 2009 year-to-date period increased by 5% as compared to the 2008 year-to-date period. Operating margin of 12.0% for the 2009 year-to-date period increased by 30 basis points. Excluding the Product Line Divestiture Gain and non-cash Impairment Charge, operating margin for the 2009 year-to-date period of 12.0% decreased by 10 basis points compared to the 2008 year-to-date period. An increase in pension expense of $31 million reduced operating margin by 80 basis points and lower sales volume for aviation products reduced operating margin by 30 basis points. These decreases were partially offset by higher sales volume and favorable sales mix primarily for EO/IR products and improved contract performance for precision engagement, which increased operating margin by 80 basis points, and acquired businesses, which increased operating margin by 10 basis points. In addition, the 2008 year-to-date period included $6 million of charges to adjust litigation accruals, which increased operating margin by 10 basis points.

 

 


 

L-3 Announces Results for the 2009 Third Quarter   Page 7
Financial Guidance
Based on information known as of today, the company revised its consolidated and segment financial guidance for the year ending Dec. 31, 2009, and has provided its initial financial guidance for the year ending Dec. 31, 2010, as presented in the tables below. All financial guidance amounts are estimates subject to revisions in the future for matters discussed under the “Forward-Looking Statements” cautionary language on the next page, and the company undertakes no duty to update its guidance.
                 
Consolidated 2009 Financial Guidance  
($ in billions, except per share data)  
            Prior  
    Current     (July 23, 2009)  
 
               
Net sales
  $ 15.5 to $15.6     $ 15.5 to $15.7  
Operating margin
    10.5 %     10.5 %
Effective tax rate
    33.9 %     36.0 %
Diluted EPS
  $ 7.45 to $7.50     $ 7.25 to $7.35  
 
               
Net cash from operating activities
  $ 1.43     $ 1.43  
Less: Capital expenditures, net of dispositions of property, plant and equipment
    0.23       0.23  
 
           
Free cash flow
  $ 1.20     $ 1.20  
 
           
The revision in the company’s 2009 diluted EPS financial guidance from the prior guidance provided on July 23, 2009, is primarily due to the impact of the items listed below.
    A tax benefit of $0.22 for a net reversal of amounts previously accrued related to tax years for which the statute of limitations expired,
    Charge of $0.05 related to the redemption of the company’s $750 million 7 5/8% senior subordinated notes initiated on October 2, 2009, and
    Additional interest expense of $0.02 for the 2009 fourth quarter primarily related to interest expense on overlapping debt issues prior to the redemption of the $750 million 7 5/8% senior subordinated notes and repayment of the $650 million term loan.
                 
Segment 2009 Financial Guidance  
($ in billions)  
    Current     Prior  
 
               
Net Sales:
               
C3ISR
  $ 2.9 to $3.0     $ 2.9 to $3.0  
Government Services
  $ 4.1 to $4.2     $ 4.2 to $4.3  
AM&M
  $ 2.7 to $2.8     $ 2.7 to $2.8  
Specialized Products
  $ 5.6 to $5.7     $ 5.6 to $5.7  
 
               
Operating Margins:
               
C3ISR
  11.0% to 11.2%   11.0% to 11.2%
Government Services
  9.6% to 9.8%   9.6% to 9.8%
AM&M
  8.7% to 8.9%   8.8% to 9.0%
Specialized Products
  11.6% to 11.8%   11.4% to 11.6%
The 2009 financial guidance includes approximately $170 million of estimated sales growth for the full year from business acquisitions, net of divestitures.

 

 


 

L-3 Announces Results for the 2009 Third Quarter   Page 8
         
Consolidated 2010 Financial Guidance  
($ in billions, except per share data)  
 
       
Net sales
  $ 15.7 to $15.9  
Operating margin
    10.7 %
Effective tax rate
    35.8 %
Diluted EPS
  $ 7.85 to $8.05  
 
       
Net cash from operating activities
  $ 1.50  
Less: Capital expenditures, net of dispositions of property, plant and equipment
    0.25  
 
     
Free cash flow
  $ 1.25  
 
     
         
Segment 2010 Financial Guidance  
($ in billions)  
 
       
Net Sales:
       
C3ISR
  $ 3.3 to $3.4  
Government Services
  $ 4.0 to $4.1  
AM&M
  $ 2.6 to $2.7  
Specialized Products
  $ 5.7 to $5.8  
 
       
Operating Margins:
       
C3ISR
  11.1% to 11.3%
Government Services
  9.6% to 9.8%
AM&M
  8.9% to 9.1%
Specialized Products
  11.7% to 11.9%
The company’s 2010 financial guidance assumes the following:
    Sales for the Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA) contract through Feb. 28, 2010, the end of the current contract’s performance period. If the SOFSA contract were retained for all of 2010, the additional 10 months could add approximately $400 million of sales to our 2010 sales guidance,
    Pension expense essentially the same as 2009, which is expected to be approximately $169 million. The 2010 pension expense assumes a lower discount rate compared to 2009, offset by better than expected asset returns for 2009. The company will finalize these pension plan assumptions as of Dec. 31, 2009, and
    An expectation that the U.S. Federal research and experimental (R&E) tax credit that expires on Dec. 31, 2009, will be extended for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010. The benefit of the R&E credit on the 2010 tax rate is approximately $0.14 per diluted share.

 

 


 

L-3 Announces Results for the 2009 Third Quarter   Page 9
Additional financial information regarding the 2009 third quarter results and the updated 2009 financial guidance and 2010 initial financial guidance is available on the company’s Web site at www.L-3com.com.
Conference Call
In conjunction with this release, L-3 will host a conference call today, Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. EDT that will be simultaneously broadcast over the Internet. Michael T. Strianese, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Ralph G. D’Ambrosio, vice president and chief financial officer, and Karen C. Tripp, vice president of corporate communications, will host the call.
11:00 a.m. EDT
10:00 a.m. CDT
  9:00 a.m. MDT
  8:00 a.m. PDT
Listeners may access the conference call live over the Internet at the company’s Web site at:
http://www.L-3com.com
Please allow fifteen minutes prior to the call to visit our Web site to download and install any necessary audio software. The archived version of the call may be accessed at our Web site or by dialing (888) 286-8010 (passcode: 25485585), beginning approximately two hours after the call ends and will be available until the company’s next quarterly earnings release.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs over 66,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2008 sales of $14.9 billion.
To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s Web site at www.L-3com.com. L-3 uses its Web site as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding L-3 is routinely posted on the company’s Web site and is readily accessible.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain of the matters discussed in this release, including information regarding the Company’s 2009 and 2010 financial outlook that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to events or conditions or that include words such as ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ ‘‘plans,’’ ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘estimates,’’ and similar expressions constitute forward-looking statements. Although we believe that these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, including projections of total sales growth, sales growth from business acquisitions, organic sales growth, consolidated operating margins, total segment operating margins, interest expense, earnings, cash flow, research and development costs, working capital, capital expenditures and other projections, they are subject to several risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and therefore, we can give no assurance that these statements will be achieved. Such statements will also be influenced by factors which include, among other things: our dependence on the defense industry and the business risks peculiar to that industry; our reliance on contracts with a limited number of agencies of, or contractors to, the U.S. Government and the possibility of termination of government contracts by unilateral government action or for failure to perform; the extensive legal and regulatory requirements surrounding our contracts with the U.S. or foreign governments and the results of any investigation of our contracts undertaken by the U.S. or foreign governments; our ability to retain our existing business and related contracts (revenue arrangements); our ability to successfully compete for and win new business and related contracts (revenue arrangements) and to win re-competitions of our existing contracts; our ability to identify and acquire additional businesses

 

 


 

L-3 Announces Results for the 2009 Third Quarter   Page 10
in the future with terms that are attractive to L-3 and to integrate acquired business operations; our ability to maintain and improve our consolidated operating margin and total segment operating margin in future periods; our ability to obtain future government contracts (revenue arrangements) on a timely basis; the availability of government funding or cost-cutting initiatives and changes in customer requirements for our products and services; our significant amount of debt and the restrictions contained in our debt agreements; our ability to continue to retain and train our existing employees and to recruit and hire new qualified and skilled employees as well as our ability to retain and hire employees with U.S. Government Security clearances; actual future interest rates, volatility and other assumptions used in the determination of pension benefits and equity based compensation, as well as the market performance of benefit plan assets; our collective bargaining agreements, our ability to successfully negotiate contracts with labor unions and our ability to favorably resolve labor disputes should they arise; the business, economic and political conditions in the markets in which we operate, including those for the commercial aviation, shipbuilding and communications market; global economic uncertainty; the DoD’s contractor support services in-sourcing initiative; our ability to perform contracts on schedule; events beyond our control such as acts of terrorism; our international operations; our extensive use of fixed-price type contracts as compared to cost-reimbursable type and time-and-material type contracts; the rapid change of technology and high level of competition in the defense industry and the commercial industries in which our businesses participate; our introduction of new products into commercial markets or our investments in civil and commercial products or companies; the outcome of litigation matters; results of audits by U.S. Government agencies; anticipated cost savings from business acquisitions not fully realized or realized within the expected time frame; Titan’s compliance with its plea agreement and consent to entry of judgment with the U.S. Government relating to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), including Titan’s ability to maintain its export licenses as well as the outcome of other FCPA matters; ultimate resolution of contingent matters, claims and investigations relating to acquired businesses, and the impact on the final purchase price allocations; competitive pressure among companies in our industry; and the fair values of our assets, which can be impaired or reduced by other factors, some of which are discussed above.
For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties that could impair our results of operations or financial condition, see ‘‘Part I — Item 1A — Risk Factors’’ and Note 18 to our audited consolidated financial statements, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008 as well as any material updates to these factors in our future filings.
Our forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the actual results or developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. As for the forward-looking statements that relate to future financial results and other projections, actual results will be different due to the inherent uncertainties of estimates, forecasts and projections and may be better or worse than projected and such differences could be material. Given these uncertainties, you should not place any reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements also represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date that they were made. We expressly disclaim a duty to provide updates to these forward-looking statements, and the estimates and assumptions associated with them, after the date of this release to reflect events or changes in circumstances or changes in expectations or the occurrence of anticipated events.
# # #
— Financial Tables Follow —

 

 


 

Table A
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in millions, except per share data)
                                 
    Third Quarter Ended(a)     Year-to-Date Ended  
    Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,     Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Net sales
  $ 3,842     $ 3,662     $ 11,407     $ 10,890  
 
                               
Cost of sales
    3,424       3,262       10,196       9,747  
 
                               
Litigation Gain
                      126 (b)
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income
    418       400       1,211       1,269 (c)
 
                               
Interest and other income, net
    3       7       12       22  
Interest expense
    68       72       203       214 (c)
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    353       335       1,020       1,077  
Provision for income taxes
    100       123       339       395  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 253     $ 212     $ 681     $ 682  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    3       2       7       8  
 
                       
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 250     $ 210     $ 674     $ 674 (c)
Less: Net income allocable to participating securities
    2       3       6       6  
 
                       
Net income allocable to L-3’s common shareholders
  $ 248     $ 207     $ 668     $ 668  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings per common share:
                               
 
                               
Basic
  $ 2.13     $ 1.71     $ 5.70     $ 5.48  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted
  $ 2.12     $ 1.70     $ 5.68     $ 5.42 (c)
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                               
 
                               
Basic
    116.4       121.0       117.1       121.8  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted
    117.0       122.0       117.6       123.2  
 
                       
 
     
(a)   It is the company’s established practice to close its books for the quarters ending March, June and September on the Friday nearest to the end of the calendar quarter. The interim financial statements and tables of financial information included herein have been prepared and are labeled based on that convention. The Company closes its annual books on Dec. 31 regardless of what day it falls on.
 
(b)   Represents a litigation gain to reverse an accrued liability as a result of a June 27, 2008 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals which vacated an adverse 2006 jury verdict.
 
(c)   Includes the Q2 2008 Items, which increased operating income by $110 million, reduced interest expense by $7 million and increased net income attributable to L-3 by $71 million, or $0.57 per diluted share.

 

 


 

Table B
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED SELECT FINANCIAL DATA
(in millions)
                                 
    Third Quarter Ended     Year-to-Date Ended  
    Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,     Sept. 25,     Sept. 26,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Segment Operating Data
                               
 
                               
Net Sales:
                               
C3ISR
  $ 752.9     $ 621.0     $ 2,224.4     $ 1,790.0  
Government Services
    1,010.6       1,042.4       3,084.5       3,249.4  
AM&M
    742.0       633.7       2,100.8       1,953.0  
Specialized Products
    1,336.0       1,365.1       3,996.9       3,897.9  
 
                       
Total
  $ 3,841.5     $ 3,662.2     $ 11,406.6     $ 10,890.3  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income:
                               
C3ISR
  $ 78.1     $ 55.8     $ 251.4     $ 184.7  
Government Services
    102.8       100.1       294.6       322.2  
AM&M
    67.1       70.3       183.9       178.5  
Specialized Products
    169.8       173.9       480.7       457.7 (d)
 
                       
Total
  $ 417.8     $ 400.1     $ 1,210.6     $ 1,143.1 (e)
 
                       
 
                               
Operating margin:
                               
C3ISR
    10.4 %     9.0 %     11.3 %     10.3 %
Government Services
    10.2 %     9.6 %     9.6 %     9.9 %
AM&M
    9.0 %     11.1 %     8.8 %     9.1 %
Specialized Products
    12.7 %     12.7 %     12.0 %     11.7 %(d)
Total
    10.9 %     10.9 %     10.6 %     10.5 %(e)
 
                               
Depreciation and amortization:
                               
C3ISR
  $ 10.9     $ 10.4     $ 31.4     $ 30.1  
Government Services
    9.3       8.7       28.9       26.1  
AM&M
    5.4       6.3       15.4       18.6  
Specialized Products
    29.2       26.8       86.4       80.0  
 
                       
Total
  $ 54.8     $ 52.2     $ 162.1     $ 154.8  
 
                       
 
                               
Funded order data
                               
C3ISR
  $ 723     $ 722     $ 2,251     $ 2,053  
Government Services
    1,099       1,135       2,878       3,479  
AM&M
    438       567       1,836       2,099  
Specialized Products
    1,109       1,531       3,520       4,607  
 
                       
Total
  $ 3,369     $ 3,955     $ 10,485     $ 12,238  
 
                       
                 
    Sept. 25,     Dec. 31,  
    2009     2008  
Period end data
               
Funded backlog
  $ 10,836     $ 11,572  
 
     
(d)   Specialized Products operating income includes the Product Line Divestiture gain of $12 million and a non-cash Impairment Charge of $28 million, which reduced operating margin by 40 basis points for the 2008 year-to-date period.
 
(e)   Segment operating income and operating margin excludes the litigation gain of $126 million for the reversal of an accrued liability as a result of a June 27, 2008 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals, which vacated an adverse 2006 jury verdict.

 

 


 

Table C
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRELIMINARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
                 
    Sept. 25, 2009     Dec. 31, 2008  
 
               
ASSETS                
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,191     $ 867  
Billed receivables, net
    1,270       1,226  
Contracts in process
    2,398       2,267  
Inventories
    258       259  
Deferred income taxes
    169       211  
Other current assets
    127       131  
 
           
Total current assets
    5,413       4,961  
 
           
Property, plant and equipment, net
    838       821  
Goodwill
    8,188       8,029  
Identifiable intangible assets
    390       417  
Other assets
    239       256  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 15,068     $ 14,484  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
 
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 650     $  
Accounts payable, trade
    593       602  
Accrued employment costs
    674       700  
Accrued expenses
    525       479  
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred
    494       530  
Income taxes
    30       45  
Other current liabilities
    341       351  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    3,307       2,707  
 
           
Pension and postretirement benefits
    844       802  
Deferred income taxes
    179       127  
Other liabilities
    424       414  
Long-term debt
    3,860       4,493  
 
           
Total liabilities
    8,614       8,543  
 
           
Shareholders’ equity
    6,362       5,858  
Noncontrolling interests
    92       83  
 
           
Total equity
    6,454       5,941  
 
           
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 15,068     $ 14,484  
 
           

 

 


 

Table D
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED PRELIMINARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
                 
    Year-to-Date Ended  
    Sept. 25,
2009
    Sept. 26,
2008
 
Operating activities
               
Net income
  $ 681     $ 682  
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
    117       114  
Amortization of intangibles and other assets
    45       41  
Deferred income tax provision
    37       143  
Stock-based employee compensation expense
    53       48  
Contributions to employee saving plans in common stock
    110       108  
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans net loss
    39       3  
Amortization of bond discounts (included in interest expense)
    17       15  
Amortization of deferred debt issue costs (included in interest expense)
    8       8  
Impairment charge
          28  
Gain on sale of product line
          (12 )
Other non-cash items
    (3 )     (6 )
 
               
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding acquired amounts
               
Billed receivables, net
    (18 )     (2 )
Contracts in process
    (98 )     (161 )
Inventories
    (3 )     (32 )
Accounts payable, trade
    10       171  
Accrued employment costs
    (44 )     (23 )
Accrued expenses
    1       30  
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred
    (40 )     71  
Income taxes
    32       (10 )
Excess income tax benefits related to share-based payment arrangements
    (3 )     (10 )
Other current liabilities
    (15 )     (143 )
Pension and postretirement benefits
    40       17  
All other operating activities
    12       (49 )
 
           
Net cash from operating activities
    978       1,031  
 
           
 
               
Investing activities
               
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (86 )     (224 )
Proceeds from sale of businesses
          12  
Capital expenditures
    (128 )     (139 )
Disposition of property, plant and equipment
    3       5  
Other investing activities
          (6 )
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (211 )     (352 )
 
           
 
               
Financing activities
               
Common stock repurchased
    (396 )     (573 )
Dividends paid
    (124 )     (111 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    11       38  
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
    51       52  
Excess income tax benefits related to share-based payment arrangements
    3       10  
Other financing activities
    (9 )     (11 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (464 )     (595 )
 
           
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    21       (7 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    324       77  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period
    867       780  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period
  $ 1,191     $ 857  
 
           

 

 


 

Table E
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPT. 26, 2008
(in millions, except per share data)
                                         
    As Previously     Adjustments For:     As Currently  
    Reported     ASC 810(f)     ASC 260(g)     ASC 470(h)     Reported  
 
                                       
Net sales
  $ 3,662     $     $     $     $ 3,662  
 
                                       
Cost of sales
    3,262                         3,262  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating income
    400                         400  
 
                                       
Interest and other income, net
    7                         7  
 
                                       
Interest expense
    68                   4       72  
 
                                       
Minority interests in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
    2       (2 )                  
 
                             
 
                                       
Income before income taxes
    337       2               (4 )     335  
 
                                       
Provision for income taxes
    125                   (2 )     123  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 212     $ 2     $     $ (2 )   $ 212  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
          2                   2  
 
                             
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 212     $     $     $ (2 )   $ 210  
Less: Net income allocable to participating securities
                3             3  
 
                             
Net income allocable to L-3 common shareholders
  $ 212     $     $ (3 )   $ (2 )   $ 207  
 
                             
 
                                       
L-3 earnings per common share:
                                       
Basic
  $ 1.75     $     $ (0.02 )   $ (0.02 )   $ 1.71  
 
                             
 
                                       
Diluted
  $ 1.73     $     $ (0.01 )   $ (0.02 )   $ 1.70  
 
                             
 
                                       
L-3 weighted average common shares outstanding:
                                       
 
                                       
Basic
    121.0                         121.0  
 
                             
 
                                       
Diluted
    122.6             (0.6 )           122.0  
 
                             
 
     
(f)   In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, Consolidation (ASC 810) (originally issued as FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements), the company retrospectively applied the presentation requirements by: (1) reclassifying noncontrolling interests (minority interests) to shareholders’ equity and (2) including income attributable to noncontrolling interests in net income.
 
(g)   In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (ASC 260) (originally issued as FASB Staff Position (FSP) Emerging Issues Task Force 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities), the company is including the impact of restricted stock and restricted stock units that are entitled to receive non-forfeitable dividends (Participating Securities) when calculating both basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to L-3.
 
(h)   In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 470, Debt, (ASC 470) (originally issued as FSP Accounting Pronouncement Bulletin 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)), the company is separately accounting for the liability and equity (conversion option) components of the 3% Convertible Contingent Debt Securities (CODES) in a manner that reflects the company’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate when interest expense is recognized. Previously, the CODES were recorded at maturity value. FSP APB 14-1 does not apply to the company’s other outstanding debt instruments because they are not convertible debt instruments within the scope of FSP APB 14-1.

 


 

Table F
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR-TO-DATE ENDED SEPT. 26, 2008
(in millions, except per share data)
                                         
    As Previously     Adjustments For:     As Currently  
    Reported     ASC 810     ASC 260     ASC 470     Reported  
 
                                       
Net sales
  $ 10,890     $     $     $     $ 10,890  
 
                                       
Cost of sales
    9,747                         9,747  
 
                                       
Litigation Gain
    126                         126  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating income
    1,269                         1,269  
 
                                       
Interest and other income, net
    22                         22  
 
                                       
Interest expense
    200                   14       214  
 
                                       
Minority interests in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
    8       (8 )                  
 
                             
 
                                       
Income before income taxes
    1,083       8               (14 )     1,077  
 
                                       
Provision for income taxes
    401                   (6 )     395  
 
                             
Net income
  $ 682     $ 8     $     $ (8 )   $ 682  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
          8                   8  
 
                             
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 682     $     $     $ (8 )   $ 674  
Less: Net income allocable to participating securities
                6             6  
 
                             
Net income allocable to L-3 common shareholders
  $ 682     $     $ (6 )   $ (8 )   $ 668  
 
                             
 
                                       
L-3 earnings per common share:
                                       
 
                                       
Basic
  $ 5.60     $     $ (0.05 )   $ (0.07 )   $ 5.48  
 
                             
 
                                       
Diluted
  $ 5.51     $     $ (0.02 )   $ (0.07 )   $ 5.42  
 
                             
 
                                       
L-3 weighted average common shares outstanding:
                                       
 
                                       
Basic
    121.8                         121.8  
 
                             
 
                                       
Diluted
    123.7             (0.5 )           123.2