e10vq
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
     
þ
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                        For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from           to
 
Commission file numbers 001-14141 and 333-46983
 
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
(Exact names of registrants as specified in their charters)
 
     
Delaware
  13-3937434 and 13-3937436
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification Nos.)
     
600 Third Avenue, New York, NY   10016
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
 
(212) 697-1111
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. þ Yes     o No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files). þ Yes     o No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are large accelerated filers, accelerated filers, non-accelerated filers, or smaller reporting companies. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). o Yes     þ No
 
There were 99,863,200 shares of L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. common stock with a par value of $0.01 outstanding as of the close of business on October 28, 2011.
 


 

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
 
                 
        Page
        No.
 
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  ITEM 1.         1  
            1  
            2  
            4  
            5  
            6  
  ITEM 2.         29  
  ITEM 3.         47  
  ITEM 4.         47  
 
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
  ITEM 1.         48  
  ITEM 1A.         48  
  ITEM 2.         49  
  ITEM 3.         50  
  ITEM 4.         50  
  ITEM 5.         50  
  ITEM 6.         50  
Signature     51  
 EX-12
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT


Table of Contents

 
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except share data)
 
                 
    (Unaudited)
       
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2011     2010  
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 538     $ 607  
Billed receivables, net of allowances of $30 in 2011 and $34 in 2010
    1,188       1,299  
Contracts in process
    2,783       2,548  
Inventories
    352       303  
Deferred income taxes
    116       114  
Other current assets
    168       207  
                 
Total current assets
    5,145       5,078  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    917       923  
Goodwill
    8,735       8,730  
Identifiable intangible assets
    428       470  
Deferred debt issue costs
    34       39  
Other assets
    194       211  
                 
Total assets
  $ 15,453     $ 15,451  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $     $ 11  
Accounts payable, trade
    515       463  
Accrued employment costs
    698       672  
Accrued expenses
    577       569  
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred
    539       580  
Income taxes
    22       49  
Other current liabilities
    389       389  
                 
Total current liabilities
    2,740       2,733  
                 
Pension and postretirement benefits
    870       943  
Deferred income taxes
    418       308  
Other liabilities
    512       486  
Long-term debt
    4,126       4,126  
                 
Total liabilities
    8,666       8,596  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 17)
               
Equity:
               
L-3 shareholders’ equity:
               
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.’s common stock: $.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized, 100,880,071 shares outstanding at September 30, 2011 and 108,623,509 shares outstanding at December 31, 2010 (L-3 Communications Corporation’s common stock: $.01 par value, 100 shares authorized, issued and outstanding)
    5,000       4,801  
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.’s treasury stock (at cost), 42,882,514 shares at September 30, 2011 and 32,037,454 shares at December 31, 2010
    (3,458 )     (2,658 )
Retained earnings
    5,413       4,877  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (259 )     (256 )
                 
Total L-3 shareholders’ equity
    6,696       6,764  
Noncontrolling interests
    91       91  
                 
Total equity
    6,787       6,855  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $   15,453     $   15,451  
                 
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


1


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share data)
 
                 
    Third Quarter Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010  
 
Net sales:
               
Products
  $   1,856     $   1,769  
Services
    1,931       2,066  
                 
Total net sales
    3,787       3,835  
                 
Cost of sales:
               
Products
    1,644       1,540  
Services
    1,737       1,858  
                 
Total cost of sales
    3,381       3,398  
                 
Operating income
    406       437  
Interest and other income, net
    3       3  
Interest expense
    57       64  
Debt retirement charge
          5  
                 
Income before income taxes
    352       371  
Provision for income taxes
    114       130  
                 
Net income
  $ 238     $ 241  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    3       3  
                 
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 235     $ 238  
Less: Net income allocable to participating securities
          1  
                 
Net income allocable to L-3 Holdings’ common shareholders
  $ 235     $ 237  
                 
Earnings per share allocable to L-3 Holdings’ common shareholders:
               
Basic
  $ 2.27     $ 2.08  
                 
Diluted
  $ 2.24     $ 2.07  
                 
Cash dividends paid per common share
  $ 0.45     $ 0.40  
                 
L-3 Holdings’ weighted average common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    103.5       114.0  
                 
Diluted
    104.8       114.7  
                 
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


2


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share data)
 
                 
    Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010  
 
Net sales:
               
Products
  $ 5,473     $ 5,404  
Services
    5,681       6,021  
                 
Total net sales
    11,154       11,425  
                 
Cost of sales:
               
Products
    4,824       4,702  
Services
    5,130       5,434  
                 
Total cost of sales
      9,954         10,136  
                 
Operating income
    1,200       1,289  
Interest and other income, net
    10       15  
Interest expense
    176       200  
Debt retirement charge
    18       18  
                 
Income before income taxes
    1,016       1,086  
Provision for income taxes
    325       392  
                 
Net income
  $ 691     $ 694  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    9       7  
                 
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 682     $ 687  
Less: Net income allocable to participating securities
    2       4  
                 
Net income allocable to L-3 Holdings’ common shareholders
  $ 680     $ 683  
                 
Earnings per share allocable to L-3 Holdings’ common shareholders:
               
Basic
  $ 6.42     $ 5.93  
                 
Diluted
  $ 6.34     $ 5.89  
                 
Cash dividends paid per common share
  $ 1.35     $ 1.20  
                 
L-3 Holdings’ weighted average common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    106.0       115.1  
                 
Diluted
    107.2       116.0  
                 
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


3


Table of Contents

 
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(in millions, except per share data)
 
                                                                 
    L-3 Holdings’
                      Accumulated
             
    Common Stock     Additional
                Other
             
    Shares
    Par
    Paid-in
    Treasury
    Retained
    Comprehensive
    Noncontrolling
    Total
 
    Outstanding     Value     Capital     Stock     Earnings     (Loss) Income     Interests     Equity  
 
For the Year-to-Date ended September 30, 2011
                                                               
Balance at December 31, 2010
    108.6     $  1     $  4,800     $  (2,658 )   $  4,877     $  (256 )   $  91     $  6,855  
Comprehensive income:
                                                               
Net income
                                    682               9       691  
Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
                                                               
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost previously recognized, net of income taxes of $14
                                            22               22  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                            (14 )             (14 )
Unrealized losses on hedging instruments, net of an income tax benefit of $7
                                            (11 )             (11 )
                                                                 
Total comprehensive income
                                                            688  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
                                                    (9 )     (9 )
Cash dividends paid on common stock
($1.35 per share)
                                    (143 )                     (143 )
Shares issued:
                                                               
Employee savings plans
    1.6               108                                       108  
Exercise of stock options
    0.4               18                                       18  
Employee stock purchase plan
    0.9               23                                       23  
Stock-based compensation expense
                    51                                       51  
Treasury stock purchased
    (10.8 )                     (800 )                             (800 )
Other
    0.2               (1 )             (3 )                     (4 )
                                                                 
Balance at September 30, 2011
    100.9     $ 1     $ 4,999     $ (3,458 )   $ 5,413     $ (259 )   $ 91     $ 6,787  
                                                                 
For the Year-to-Date ended September 24, 2010:
                                                               
Balance at December 31, 2009
    115.4     $ 1     $ 4,448     $ (1,824 )   $ 4,108     $ (166 )   $ 93     $ 6,660  
Comprehensive income:
                                                               
Net income
                                    687               7       694  
Pension and postretirement benefit plans:
                                                               
Net gain arising during the period
                                            3               3  
Amortization of net loss and prior service cost previously recognized, net of income taxes of $12
                                            19               19  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                            (14 )             (14 )
Unrealized gains on hedging instruments, net of income taxes of $2
                                            2               2  
                                                                 
Total comprehensive income
                                                            704  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
                                                    (10 )     (10 )
Cash dividends paid on common stock
($1.20 per share)
                                    (139 )                     (139 )
Shares issued:
                                                               
Employee savings plans
    1.4               110                                       110  
Exercise of stock options
    1.0               57                                       57  
Employee stock purchase plan
    1.0               32                                       32  
Stock-based compensation expense
                    62                                       62  
Treasury stock purchased
    (5.9 )                     (469 )                             (469 )
Other
    0.2               (5 )             (2 )                     (7 )
                                                                 
Balance at September 24, 2010
    113.1     $ 1     $ 4,704     $ (2,293 )   $ 4,654     $ (156 )   $ 90     $ 7,000  
                                                                 
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


4


Table of Contents

 
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
 
                 
    Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010  
 
Operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 691     $ 694  
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
    129       119  
Amortization of intangibles and other assets
    52       51  
Deferred income tax provision
    85       47  
Stock-based employee compensation expense
    51       62  
Contributions to employee savings plans in L-3 Holdings’ common stock
    108       110  
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans net loss and prior service cost
    36       31  
Amortization of bond discounts (included in interest expense)
    3       18  
Amortization of deferred debt issue costs (included in interest expense)
    7       9  
Non-cash portion of debt retirement charge
    5       5  
Other non-cash items
    1       (6 )
                 
Subtotal
      1,168         1,140  
                 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding acquired and divested amounts:
               
Billed receivables
    111       (91 )
Contracts in process
    (231 )     (163 )
Inventories
    (46 )     (19 )
Accounts payable, trade
    44       12  
Accrued employment costs
    15       43  
Accrued expenses
    8       12  
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred
    (49 )     14  
Income taxes
    50       94  
Excess income tax benefits related to share-based payment arrangements
    (2 )     (6 )
Other current liabilities
    (2 )     (8 )
Pension and postretirement benefits
    (74 )     (34 )
All other operating activities
    (8 )     (10 )
                 
Subtotal
    (184 )     (156 )
                 
Net cash from operating activities
    984       984  
                 
Investing activities:
               
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (15 )     (710 )
Capital expenditures
    (129 )     (98 )
Dispositions of property, plant and equipment
    5       7  
Investments in equity investees
          (20 )
Other investing activities
    2       2  
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (137 )     (819 )
                 
Financing activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of senior notes
    646       797  
Redemption of senior subordinated notes
    (650 )     (800 )
Redemption of CODES
    (11 )      
Borrowings under revolving credit facility
    625       13  
Repayment of borrowings under revolving credit facility
    (625 )     (13 )
Common stock repurchased
    (800 )     (469 )
Dividends paid on L-3 Holdings’ common stock
    (143 )     (139 )
Proceeds from exercises of stock options
    21       56  
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
    34       48  
Debt issue costs
    (7 )     (7 )
Excess income tax benefits related to share-based payment arrangements
    2       6  
Other financing activities
    (8 )     (14 )
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (916 )     (522 )
                 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
          (9 )
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (69 )     (366 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period
    607       1,016  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period
  $ 538     $ 650  
                 
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


5


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  Description of Business
 
L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. derives all of its operating income and cash flows from its wholly-owned subsidiary, L-3 Communications Corporation (L-3 Communications). L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (L-3 Holdings and, together with its subsidiaries, referred to herein as L-3 or the Company) is a prime contractor in Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C3ISR) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The Company’s customers include the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense (DoD) and its prime contractors, U.S. Government intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State (DoS), U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ), allied foreign governments, domestic and foreign commercial customers and select other U.S. federal, state and local government agencies.
 
The Company has the following four segments: (1) C3ISR, (2) Government Services, (3) Aircraft Modernization and Maintenance (AM&M), and (4) Electronic Systems. Financial information with respect to each of the Company’s segments is included in Note 21. C3ISR provides products and services for the global ISR market, C3 systems, networked communications systems and secure communications products. The Company believes that these products and services are critical elements for a substantial number of major command, control and communication, intelligence gathering and space systems. These products and services are used to connect a variety of airborne, space, ground and sea-based communication systems and are used in the transmission, processing, recording, monitoring, and dissemination functions of these communication systems. Government Services provides a full range of engineering, technical, analytical, information technology (IT), advisory, training, logistics and support services to the DoD, DoS, DoJ, and U.S. Government intelligence agencies and allied foreign governments. AM&M provides modernization, upgrades and sustainment, maintenance and logistics support services for military and various government aircraft and other platforms. The Company sells these services primarily to the DoD, the Canadian Department of Defense and other allied foreign governments. Electronic Systems provides a broad range of products and services, including components, products, subsystems, systems, and related services to military and commercial customers in several niche markets across several business areas, including power & control systems, electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR), microwave, simulation & training, precision engagement, warrior systems, security & detection, propulsion systems, avionics and displays, telemetry & advanced technology, undersea warfare, and marine services.
 
On July 28, 2011, the Company announced that the Board of Directors approved a plan to spin-off a new, independent government services company that will be publicly traded. The transaction, which is intended to be tax-free to L-3 and its shareholders, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2012 and L-3 shareholders will own 100% of the shares of both L-3 and the new government services company at its completion. The spin-off will not be subject to a shareholder vote.
 
The completion of the spin-off transaction is subject to certain customary conditions, including filing of required documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, receipt of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and an opinion of counsel as to the tax-free nature of the transaction. There can be no assurance that any separation transaction will ultimately occur, or if one does occur, its terms or timing.
 
2.  Basis of Presentation
 
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarterly and year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2011 should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of L-3 Holdings and L-3 Communications included in their Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
The accompanying financial statements comprise the consolidated financial statements of L-3 Holdings and L-3 Communications. L-3 Holdings’ only asset is its investment in the common stock of L-3 Communications, its


6


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
wholly-owned subsidiary, and its only obligations are: (1) the 3% Convertible Contingent Debt Securities (CODES) due 2035, which were issued by L-3 Holdings on July 29, 2005, (2) its guarantee of borrowings under the revolving credit facility of L-3 Communications and (3) its guarantee of other contractual obligations of L-3 Communications and its subsidiaries. L-3 Holdings’ obligations relating to the CODES have been jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by L-3 Communications and certain of its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. Accordingly, such debt has been reflected as debt of L-3 Communications in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with the accounting standards for pushdown accounting. All issuances of and conversions into L-3 Holdings’ equity securities, including grants of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance units by L-3 Holdings to employees and directors of L-3 Communications and its subsidiaries, have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements of L-3 Communications. As a result, the consolidated financial positions, results of operations and cash flows of L-3 Holdings and L-3 Communications are substantially the same. See Note 24 for additional information regarding the unaudited financial information of L-3 Communications and its subsidiaries.
 
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the SEC. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for a complete set of annual audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
 
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 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared and are labeled based on that convention. The Company closes its books for annual periods on December 31 regardless of what day it falls on.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and costs of sales during the reporting period. The most significant of these estimates and assumptions relate to contract revenue, profit and loss recognition, fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, market values for inventories reported at lower of cost or market, pension and post-retirement benefit obligations, stock-based employee compensation expense, income taxes, including the valuations of deferred tax assets, litigation reserves and environmental obligations, accrued product warranty costs, and the recoverability, useful lives and valuation of recorded amounts of long-lived assets, identifiable intangible assets and goodwill. Changes in estimates are reflected in the periods during which they become known. Actual amounts will differ from these estimates and could differ materially. For a more complete discussion of these estimates and assumptions, see the Annual Report of L-3 Holdings and L-3 Communications on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
During the quarter ended April 1, 2011, the Company made certain reclassifications among its C3ISR, Government Services, and Electronic Systems segments due to re-alignments in the Company’s management and organizational structure. The segment results presented in this quarterly report reflect these reclassifications. See Note 21 for the prior period sales, operating income, and assets reclassified between segments.
 
3.  New Accounting Standards Implemented
 
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a revised accounting standard for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. The revision: (1) removed the objective-and-reliable-evidence-


7


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
of-fair-value criterion from the separation criteria used to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting, (2) provided a hierarchy that entities must use to estimate the selling price of each deliverable, (3) eliminated the use of the residual method for allocation, and (4) expanded the ongoing disclosure requirements. The revised accounting standard was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2011, and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued a revised accounting standard for certain revenue arrangements that include software elements. Under the revised standard, tangible products that contain both software and non-software components that work together to deliver a product’s essential functionality are excluded from the scope of pre-existing software revenue recognition standards. In addition, hardware components of a tangible product containing software components are excluded from the scope of software revenue recognition standards. The revised accounting standard was effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2011, and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
4.  Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
All of the business acquisitions discussed below are included in the Company’s results of operations from their respective dates of acquisition.
 
2011 Business Acquisition and Disposition
 
On July 1, 2011, the Company acquired the communications and engineering business of ComHouse Wireless L.P. (ComHouse) for $13 million, subject to adjustment based on the closing date actual net assets. The acquired business provides L-3 with cellular wave form modulation technology that can be used to counter improvised explosive devices. Based on the preliminary purchase price allocation, the goodwill recognized for this business acquisition was $9 million and is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill was assigned to the Electronic Systems segment. The ComHouse purchase price allocation is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2011 and will be based on the final purchase price, final appraisals and other analyses of fair values for the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The Company does not expect that the difference between the preliminary and final purchase price allocation for this acquisition will have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.
 
On February 22, 2011, the Company divested Microdyne Corporation (Microdyne), which was within the Electronic Systems segment. The divestiture resulted in an after-tax loss of approximately $1 million. Microdyne’s annual revenues (approximately $8 million), operating results and net assets were not material for any period presented and, therefore, this divestiture is not reported as a discontinued operation.
 
2010 Business Acquisitions and Disposition
 
During the year ended December 31, 2010, in separate transactions, the Company acquired Insight Technology Incorporated (Insight), Airborne Technologies, Inc. (ATI), 3Di Technologies (3Di), and FUNA International GmbH (FUNA). In addition, the Company divested the InfraredVision Technology Corporation business. See Note 4 to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these business acquisitions and the disposition.
 
As of September 30, 2011, the purchase prices for Insight, ATI and 3Di were finalized and the purchase price allocations were completed with no significant changes from the preliminary amounts. The purchase price for the FUNA business acquisition was finalized as of September 30, 2011 and the purchase price allocation is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2011 and will be based on final appraisals and other analyses of fair values for acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The Company does not expect that the differences between the


8


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
preliminary and final purchase price allocation for the FUNA acquisition will have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.
 
Unaudited Pro Forma Statements of Operations Data
 
The following unaudited pro forma Statement of Operations data presents the combined results of the Company and its business acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2010, assuming that the business acquisitions completed during that period had occurred on January 1, 2010.
 
                 
    Third Quarter Ended   Year-to-Date Ended
    September 24, 2010   September 24, 2010
    (in millions, except per share data)
 
Pro forma net sales
  $  3,862     $  11,583  
Pro forma net income attributable to L-3
  $ 239     $ 700  
Pro forma diluted earnings per share
  $ 2.07     $ 6.00  
 
The unaudited pro forma results disclosed in the table above are based on various assumptions and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the Company completed these acquisitions on January 1, 2010.
 
5.  Contracts in Process
 
The components of contracts in process are presented in the table below.
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
Unbilled contract receivables, gross
  $ 2,887     $ 2,769  
Unliquidated progress payments
      (1,033 )       (1,007 )
                 
Unbilled contract receivables, net
    1,854       1,762  
                 
Inventoried contract costs, gross
    1,046       882  
Unliquidated progress payments
    (117 )     (96 )
                 
Inventoried contract costs, net
    929       786  
                 
Total contracts in process
  $ 2,783     $ 2,548  
                 
 
Inventoried Contract Costs. In accordance with contract accounting standards, the Company accounts for the portion of its general and administrative (G&A), independent research and development (IRAD) and bid and proposal (B&P) costs that are allowable and reimbursable indirect contract costs under U.S. Government procurement regulations on its U.S. Government contracts (revenue arrangements) as inventoried contract costs. G&A, IRAD and B&P costs are allocated to contracts for which the U.S. Government is the end customer and are charged to costs of sales when sales on the related contracts are recognized. The Company’s unallowable portion of its G&A, IRAD and B&P costs for its U.S. Government contractor businesses are expensed as incurred and are not included in inventoried contract costs.


9


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
The table below presents a summary of G&A, IRAD and B&P costs included in inventoried contract costs and the changes to them, including amounts charged to cost of sales by the Company’s U.S. Government contractor businesses for the periods presented.
 
                                 
    Third Quarter Ended     Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
Amounts included in inventoried contract costs at beginning of the period
  $ 112     $ 93     $ 97     $ 77  
Add: IRAD and B&P costs
    88       87       267       260  
Other G&A costs
    238       245       711       727  
                                 
Total contract costs incurred
    326       332       978       987  
                                 
Less: Amounts charged to cost of sales
     (332 )      (317 )      (969 )      (956 )
                                 
Amounts included in inventoried contract costs at end of the period
  $ 106     $ 108     $ 106     $ 108  
                                 
 
The table below presents a summary of selling, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses for the Company’s commercial businesses, which are expensed as incurred and not included in inventoried contract costs.
 
                                 
    Third Quarter Ended     Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  $  67     $  68     $  219     $  200  
Research and development expenses
    19       19       57       51  
                                 
Total
  $ 86     $ 87     $ 276     $ 251  
                                 
 
6.  Inventories
 
Inventories at Lower of Cost or Market. The table below presents the components of inventories at cost (first-in, first-out or average cost), but not in excess of realizable value.
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
Raw materials, components and sub-assemblies
  $  139     $  114  
Work in process
    153       130  
Finished goods
    60       59  
                 
Total
  $ 352     $ 303  
                 
 
7.  Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill. In accordance with the accounting standards for business combinations, the Company records the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition (commonly referred to as the purchase price allocation).
 
In addition, we test goodwill for our reporting units for impairment at least annually as of November 30. The accounting standard for goodwill also requires testing each reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment between


10


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
annual test dates if changes in circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Accordingly, the Company determined that it was necessary to test goodwill for impairment for the Government Services reporting unit for the reasons listed below.
 
  •   continued decline in business volumes due to the accelerated pace of the drawdown of U.S. military forces from Iraq and Afghanistan occurring from 2011 to 2014,
 
  •   recently not winning certain new business pursuits,
 
  •   continued increased competition putting pressure on operating margins and cash flow, and
 
  •   due to the DoD’s efficiency and affordability initiatives, resulting in a faster than expected transition to: (1) cost reimbursable type contracts from time-and-material type contracts, and (2) multiple-award contracts from single-award contracts, where several contractors compete for individual task orders.
 
The Company concluded that the Government Services reporting unit’s goodwill was not impaired based on the impairment test completed as of September 30, 2011. The Company did not test its other reporting units’ goodwill for impairment as it does not believe that there have been any events or changes in circumstances since November 30, 2010 that make it more likely than not that the fair value of those units have decreased below their carrying amount.
 
The table below presents the changes in goodwill applicable to the Company’s reporting units in each segment.
 
                                         
          Government
          Electronic
    Consolidated
 
    C3ISR     Services     AM&M     Systems     Total  
    (in millions)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $  868     $  2,285     $  1,172     $  4,405     $  8,730  
Business acquisitions(1)
    3             2       12       17  
Foreign currency translation adjustments(2)
    1             (8 )     (5 )     (12 )
Segment reclassification(3)
    (5 )     (94 )           99        
                                         
Balance at September 30, 2011
  $ 867     $ 2,191     $ 1,166     $ 4,511     $ 8,735  
                                         
 
(1) The increase in goodwill for the Electronic Systems segment is primarily due to the acquisition of ComHouse. See Note 4 for further discussion regarding this acquisition.
(2) The decrease in goodwill presented in the AM&M and Electronic Systems segments was due primarily to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar during the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2011.
(3) As a result of re-alignments of business units in the Company’s management and organizational structure as discussed in Note 2, goodwill was reclassified on a relative fair value basis among the C3ISR, Government Services and Electronic Systems segments during the quarter ended April 1, 2011.
 
Identifiable Intangible Assets. Information on the Company’s identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization is presented in the table below.
 
                                                         
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Weighted
                                     
    Average
    Gross
          Net
    Gross
          Net
 
    Amortization
    Carrying
    Accumulated
    Carrying
    Carrying
    Accumulated
    Carrying
 
    Period     Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amount     Amortization     Amount  
    (in years)     (in millions)  
 
Customer contractual relationships
    23     $  585     $  237     $  348     $  584     $  205     $  379  
Technology
    11       147       84       63       145       72       73  
Other
    15       29       12       17       28       10       18  
                                                         
Total
    21     $ 761     $ 333     $ 428     $ 757     $ 287     $ 470  
                                                         


11


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
 
Amortization expense recorded by the Company for its identifiable intangible assets is presented in the table below.
 
                                 
    Third Quarter Ended     Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
Amortization expense
  $   15     $   18     $   45     $   45  
                                 
 
Based on gross carrying amounts at September 30, 2011, the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for identifiable intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2011 through 2015 are presented in the table below.
 
                                         
    Year Ending December 31,  
    2011     2012     2013     2014     2015  
    (in millions)  
 
Estimated amortization expense
  $   61     $   54     $   43     $   44     $   39  
                                         
 
8.  Other Current Liabilities and Other Liabilities
 
The table below presents the components of other current liabilities.
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
Other Current Liabilities:
               
Accruals for pending and threatened litigation (see Note 17)
  $   23     $   19  
Accrued product warranty costs
    88       86  
Estimated costs in excess of estimated contract value to complete contracts in process in a loss position
    74       93  
Accrued interest
    70       75  
Deferred revenues
    44       34  
Other
    90       82  
                 
Total other current liabilities
  $ 389     $ 389  
                 
 
The table below presents the components of other liabilities.
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
Other Liabilities:
               
Non-current income taxes payable (see Note 11)
  $   280     $   248  
Deferred compensation
    55       53  
Accrued workers’ compensation
    57       57  
Estimated contingent purchase price payable for acquired businesses
    9       9  
Notes payable and capital lease obligations
    10       10  
Accrued product warranty costs
    4       6  
Other
    97       103  
                 
Total other liabilities
  $ 512     $ 486  
                 


12


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
 
The table below presents the changes in the Company’s accrued product warranty costs.
 
                 
    Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
Accrued product warranty costs:(1)
               
Balance at January 1
  $   92     $   99  
Acquisitions during the period
          1  
Accruals for product warranties issued during the period
    54       42  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
          (1 )
Settlements made during the period
    (54 )     (47 )
                 
Balance at end of period
  $ 92     $ 94  
                 
 
 
(1) Warranty obligations incurred in connection with long-term production contracts that are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion cost-to-cost method are included within the contract estimates at completion and are excluded from the above amounts. The balances above include both the current and non-current amounts.
 
9.  Debt
 
The components of debt and a reconciliation to the carrying amount of current and long-term debt are presented in the table below.
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
L-3 Communications:
               
Borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility(1)
  $     $  
5.20% Senior Notes due 2019
    1,000       1,000  
4.75% Senior Notes due 2020
    800       800  
4.95% Senior Notes due 2021
    650        
57/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015
          650  
63/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015
    1,000       1,000  
                 
Subtotal
    3,450       3,450  
                 
                 
L-3 Holdings:
               
3% Convertible Contingent Debt Securities due 2035(2)
    689       700  
                 
Principal amount of long-term debt
    4,139       4,150  
Less: Unamortized discounts
    (13 )     (13 )
                 
Carrying amount of long-term debt
    4,126       4,137  
Less: Current portion of long-term debt(3)
          (11 )
                 
Carrying amount of long-term debt
  $   4,126     $   4,126  
                 
 
 
(1) The Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, which matures on October 23, 2012, provides for total aggregate borrowings of up to $1 billion. At September 30, 2011, available borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were $990 million after reductions for outstanding letters of credit of $10 million.
(2) Under select conditions, including if L-3 Holdings common stock price is more than 120% (currently $117.35) of the then current conversion price (currently $97.79) for a specified period, the conversion feature of the CODES will require L-3 Holdings, upon conversion, to pay the holders of the CODES the principal amount in cash, and if the settlement amount exceeds the principal amount, the excess will be settled in cash or stock or a combination thereof, at the Company’s option. At the current conversion price of $97.79, the aggregate consideration to be delivered upon conversion would be determined based on 7.0 million shares of L-3 Holdings’ common stock. See Note 10 to the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the CODES, including conditions for conversion. L-3 Holdings’ closing stock price on November 1, 2011


13


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
was $65.98 per share. Through February 1, 2011, the effective interest rate on the CODES was 6.33% and interest expense related to both the contractual coupon interest and amortization of the discount on the liability components. The Company amortized the discount on the liability component of the CODES through February 1, 2011 which was the first date that the holders of the CODES had a contractual right to require L-3 Holdings to repurchase the CODES. Interest expense for the CODES after February 1, 2011 relates only to the contractual coupon interest. Interest expense recognized was $5 million and $11 million for the third quarter periods ended September 30, 2011 and September 24, 2010, respectively and $17 million and $32 million for the year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2011 and September 24, 2010, respectively. The following table provides additional information about the Company’s CODES:
 
                 
    September 30,
  December 31,
    2011   2010
    (in millions)
 
Carrying amount of the equity component (conversion feature)
  $ 64     $ 64  
Unamortized discount of liability component amortized through February 1, 2011
  $     $ 2  
Net carrying amount of liability component
  $   689     $   698  
(3) On February 2, 2011, L-3 Holdings repurchased approximately $11 million of the CODES as a result of the exercise by the holders of their contractual right to require L-3 Holdings to repurchase their CODES. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the remaining $689 million principal amount of CODES are classified as long-term debt.
 
On February 7, 2011, L-3 Communications issued $650 million in principal amount of 4.95% Senior Notes that mature on February 15, 2021 (2021 Senior Notes). The 2021 Senior Notes were issued at a discount of $4 million. The discount was recorded as a reduction to the principal amount of the notes and will be amortized as interest expense over the term of the notes. The effective interest rate of the 2021 Senior Notes is 5.02%. Interest on the 2021 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The net cash proceeds from this offering amounted to approximately $639 million after deducting the discounts, commissions and estimated expenses. On March 9, 2011, the Company used the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem L-3 Communications’ $650 million 57/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2015 (57/8% 2015 Notes). In connection with the redemption of the 57/8% 2015 Notes, the Company recorded a debt retirement charge in the quarterly period ended April 1, 2011 of $18 million ($11 million after income tax, or $0.10 per diluted share).
 
10.  Comprehensive Income
 
A reconciliation of net income to comprehensive income attributable to L-3 is presented in the table below.
 
                                 
    Third Quarter Ended     Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
Net income
  $   238     $   241     $   691     $   694  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (81 )     44       (14 )     (14 )
Unrealized (losses) gains on hedging instruments(1)
    (9 )     1       (11 )     2  
Net gain from pension and postretirement benefit plans arising during the period
          1             3  
Amortization of pension and postretirement benefit plans net loss and prior service cost(2)
    6       7       22       19  
                                 
Total comprehensive income
    154       294       688       704  
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    3       3       9       7  
                                 
Comprehensive income attributable to L-3
  $ 151     $ 291     $ 679     $ 697  
                                 
 
 
(1) Amounts are net of an income tax benefit of $5 million and $7 million for the quarterly and year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and income taxes of $2 million for the year-to-date period ended September 24, 2010.
(2) Amounts are net of income taxes of $4 million and $5 million for the quarterly periods ended September 30, 2011 and September 24, 2010, respectively, and $14 million and $12 million for the year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2011 and September 24, 2010, respectively. See Note 18.


14


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
 
11.  Income Taxes
 
The U.S. Federal income tax jurisdiction is the Company’s major tax jurisdiction. The statutes of limitations for the Company’s U.S. Federal income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2006 through 2010 are open as of September 30, 2011. In the second quarter of 2011, the Company reached an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service in connection with the Company’s 2006 and 2007 U.S. Federal income tax returns. As a result of this agreement, the Company reversed previously accrued amounts relating to its provision for income taxes by $12 million. The statutes of limitations for these tax returns are expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011. In addition, the Company has numerous state and foreign income tax return audits currently in process. As of September 30, 2011, the Company anticipates that unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $97 million over the next 12 months.
 
Non-current income taxes payable include accrued potential interest of $24 million ($14 million after income taxes) at September 30, 2011 and $22 million ($13 million after income taxes) at December 31, 2010, respectively, and potential penalties of $13 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
12.  L-3 Holdings’ Earnings Per Common Share
 
A reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) is presented in the table below.
 
                                 
    Third Quarter Ended     Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (in millions, except per share data)  
 
Reconciliation of net income:
                               
Net income
  $ 238     $ 241     $ 691     $ 694  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (3 )     (3 )     (9 )     (7 )
Net income allocable to participating securities
          (1 )     (2 )     (4 )
                                 
Net income allocable to L-3 Holdings’ common shareholders
  $ 235     $ 237     $ 680     $ 683  
                                 
Earnings per share allocable to L-3 Holdings’ common shareholders:
                               
Basic:
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
     103.5        114.0        106.0        115.1  
                                 
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Net income
  $ 2.27     $ 2.08     $ 6.42     $ 5.93  
                                 
Diluted:
                               
Common and potential common shares:
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    103.5       114.0       106.0       115.1  
Assumed exercise of stock options
    1.5       2.1       2.3       3.0  
Unvested restricted stock awards
    2.1       1.4       1.8       1.3  
Employee stock purchase plan contributions
    0.4       0.6       0.1       0.5  
Performance unit awards
                0.1        
Assumed purchase of common shares for treasury
    (2.7 )     (3.4 )     (3.1 )     (3.9 )
Assumed conversion of the CODES(1)
                       
                                 
Common and potential common shares
    104.8       114.7       107.2       116.0  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Net income
  $ 2.24     $ 2.07     $ 6.34     $ 5.89  
                                 
 
 
(1) L-3 Holdings’ CODES had no impact on diluted EPS for the quarter or year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2011 or September 24, 2010, respectively, because the average market price of L-3 Holdings common stock during these periods was less than the price at which the CODES would have been convertible into L-3 Holdings common stock. The conversion price was $97.79 during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.


15


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
 
Excluded from the computations of diluted EPS are certain shares related to stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units underlying employee stock-based compensation and employee stock purchase plan contributions of 3.3 million and 3.1 million for the quarter and year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and 3.3 million and 2.7 million for the quarter and year-to-date periods ended September 24, 2010, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive.
 
13.  Equity
 
Repurchases of L-3 Holdings common stock under the share repurchase programs, approved by the Board of Directors, are made at management’s discretion in accordance with applicable U.S. federal securities laws in the open market or otherwise. The timing and actual number of shares to be repurchased in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, legal requirements, other investment opportunities (including acquisitions), market conditions and other factors. All share repurchases of L-3 Holdings common stock have been recorded as treasury shares. On April 26, 2011, L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program that authorizes L-3 Holdings to repurchase up to an additional $1.5 billion of its outstanding shares of common stock through April 30, 2013. At September 30, 2011, the remaining dollar value under the $1.5 billion share repurchase program approved by L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors on April 26, 2011 was $1,292 million. During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, L-3 Holdings utilized the remaining authorization under the $1 billion share repurchase program approved by L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors on July 14, 2010.
 
From October 1, 2011 through November 2, 2011, L-3 Holdings repurchased 1,261,766 shares of its common stock at an average price of $65.12 per share for an aggregate amount of $82 million.
 
On October 11, 2011, L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per share, payable on December 15, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2011.
 
14.  Fair Value Measurements
 
The following table presents the fair value hierarchy level for each of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
                                                 
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
Description   Level 1(1)     Level 2(2)     Level 3(3)     Level 1(1)     Level 2(2)     Level 3(3)  
    (in millions)  
 
Assets
                                               
Cash equivalents
  $   193     $   —     $   —     $   347     $   —     $   —  
Derivatives (foreign currency forward contracts)
          11                   22        
                                                 
Total Assets
  $ 193     $ 11     $     $ 347     $ 22     $  
                                                 
Liabilities
                                               
Derivatives (foreign currency forward contracts)
  $     $ 11     $     $     $ 5     $  
 
 
(1) Level 1 is based on quoted market prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Cash equivalents are primarily held in registered money market funds which are valued using quoted market prices.
(2) Level 2 is based on pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable. The fair value is determined using a valuation model based on observable market inputs, including quoted foreign currency forward exchange rates and consideration of non-performance risk.
(3) Level 3 is based on pricing inputs that are not observable and not corroborated by market data. The Company has no Level 3 assets or liabilities.


16


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
 
15.  Financial Instruments
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s financial instruments consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents, billed receivables, trade accounts payable, senior notes, senior subordinated notes, CODES and foreign currency forward contracts. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, billed receivables and trade accounts payable are representative of their respective fair values because of the short-term maturities or expected settlement dates of these instruments. The fair value of the senior notes, senior subordinated notes and CODES are based on quoted prices for these securities. The fair values of foreign currency forward contracts are based on forward exchange rates. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are presented in the table below.
 
                                 
    September 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    Carrying
  Estimated
  Carrying
  Estimated
    Amount   Fair Value   Amount   Fair Value
    (in millions)
 
Senior notes
  $   2,441     $   2,543     $   1,794     $   1,810  
Senior subordinated notes
    996       1,020       1,645       1,691  
CODES
    689       654       698       701  
Foreign currency forward contracts(1)
                17       17  
 
 
(1) See Note 16 for additional disclosures regarding the notional amounts and fair values of foreign currency forward contracts.
 
16.  Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company’s derivative financial instruments include foreign currency forward contracts, which are entered into for risk management purposes, and an embedded derivative representing the contingent interest payment provision related to the CODES.
 
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts. The Company’s U.S. and foreign businesses enter into contracts with customers, subcontractors or vendors that are denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies. To protect the functional currency equivalent cash flows associated with certain of these contracts, the Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts. The Company’s activities involving foreign currency forward contracts are designed to hedge the changes in the functional currency equivalent cash flows due to movements in foreign exchange rates compared to the functional currency. The foreign currencies hedged are primarily the Canadian dollar, the Euro, the British pound and the U.S. dollar. The Company manages exposure to counterparty non-performance credit risk by entering into foreign currency forward contracts only with major financial institutions that are expected to fully perform under the terms of such contracts. Foreign currency forward contracts are recorded in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value and are generally designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with the accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Gains and losses on designated foreign currency forward contracts that are highly effective in offsetting the corresponding change in the cash flows of the hedged transactions are recorded net of income taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (accumulated OCI) and then recognized in income when the underlying hedged transaction affects income. Gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts that do not meet hedge accounting criteria are recognized in income immediately.


17


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
Notional amounts are used to measure the volume of foreign currency forward contracts and do not represent exposure to foreign currency losses. The table below presents the notional amounts of the Company’s outstanding foreign currency forward contracts by currency at September 30, 2011:
 
         
Currency   Notional Amount  
    (in millions)  
 
Canadian dollar
  $ 205  
U.S. dollar
    74  
British pound
    37  
Euro
    29  
Other
    3  
         
Total
  $   348  
         
 
At September 30, 2011, the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts had maturities through 2016.
 
Embedded Derivative. The embedded derivative related to the issuance of the CODES is recorded at fair value with changes reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
The table below presents the fair values and the location of the Company’s derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
                                                                 
    Fair Values of Derivative Instruments(1)  
    September 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Other
          Other
          Other
          Other
       
    Current
    Other
    Current
    Other
    Current
    Other
    Current
    Other
 
    Assets     Assets     Liabilities     Liabilities     Assets     Assets     Liabilities     Liabilities  
    (in millions)  
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                                               
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $ 3     $ 5     $ 8     $ 2     $ 11     $ 8     $ 2     $  
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                                               
Foreign currency forward contracts
    2       1       1             2       1       3        
Embedded derivative related to the CODES
                                               
                                                                 
Total derivative instruments
  $   5     $   6     $   9     $   2     $   13     $   9     $   5     $   —  
                                                                 
 
 
(1) See Note 14 for a description of the fair value hierarchy related to the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts.
 
The effect of gains or losses from foreign currency forward contracts was not material to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the quarter and year-to-date periods ended September 30, 2011 and September 24, 2010. At September 30, 2011, the estimated net amount of existing losses that are expected to be reclassified into income within the next 12 months is $5 million.
 
17.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
A substantial majority of the Company’s revenues are generated from providing products and services under legally binding agreements or contracts with U.S. Government and foreign government customers. U.S. Government contracts are subject to extensive legal and regulatory requirements, and from time to time, agencies of the U.S. Government investigate whether such contracts were and are being conducted in accordance with these requirements. The Company is currently cooperating with the U.S. Government on several investigations, including those specified below, from which civil, criminal or administrative proceedings have or could result and give rise to fines, penalties, compensatory and treble damages, restitution and/or forfeitures. The Company does not currently anticipate that any of these investigations will have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, under U.S. Government regulations, an indictment of the Company by a federal grand jury, or an administrative


18


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
finding against the Company as to its present responsibility to be a U.S. Government contractor or subcontractor, could result in the Company being suspended for a period of time from eligibility for awards of new government contracts or task orders or in a loss of export privileges. A conviction, or an administrative finding against the Company that satisfies the requisite level of seriousness, could result in debarment from contracting with the federal government for a specified term. In addition, all of the Company’s U.S. Government contracts: (1) are subject to audit and various pricing and cost controls, (2) include standard provisions for termination for the convenience of the U.S. Government or for default, and (3) are subject to cancellation if funds for contracts become unavailable. Foreign government contracts generally include comparable provisions relating to terminations for convenience and default, as well as other procurement clauses relevant to the foreign government.
 
The Company is also subject to litigation, proceedings, claims or assessments and various contingent liabilities incidental to its businesses, including those specified below. Furthermore, in connection with certain business acquisitions, the Company has assumed some or all claims against, and liabilities of, such acquired businesses, including both asserted and unasserted claims and liabilities.
 
In accordance with the accounting standard for contingencies, the Company records a liability when management believes that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the Company can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss. Generally, the loss is recorded at the amount the Company expects to resolve the liability. The estimated amounts of liabilities recorded for pending and threatened litigation are disclosed in Note 8. Amounts recoverable from insurance contracts or third parties are recorded as assets when deemed probable. At September 30, 2011, the Company did not record any amounts for recoveries from insurance contracts or third parties in connection with the amount of liabilities recorded for pending and threatened litigation. Legal defense costs are expensed as incurred. The Company believes it has recorded adequate provisions for its litigation matters. The Company reviews these provisions quarterly and adjusts these provisions to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter. While it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome may occur in one or more of the following matters, unless otherwise stated below, the Company believes that it is not probable that a loss has been incurred in any of these matters. With respect to the litigation matters below for which it is reasonably possible that an unfavorable outcome may occur, an estimate of loss or range of loss is disclosed when such amount or amounts can be reasonably estimated. Although the Company believes that it has valid defenses with respect to legal matters and investigations pending against it, the results of litigation can be difficult to predict, particularly those involving jury trials. Accordingly, our current judgment as to the likelihood of our loss (or our current estimate as to the potential range of loss, if applicable) with respect to any particular litigation matter may turn out to be wrong. Therefore, it is possible that the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company could be materially adversely affected in any particular period by the unfavorable resolution of one or more of these or other contingencies.
 
Kalitta Air. On January 31, 1997, a predecessor of Kalitta Air filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (the trial court) asserting, among other things, negligence and negligent misrepresentation against Central Texas Airborne Systems, Inc. (CTAS), a predecessor to L-3 Integrated Systems (L-3 IS), in connection with work performed by a predecessor to CTAS to convert two Boeing 747 aircraft from passenger configuration to cargo freighters. The work was performed using Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) issued in 1988 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In 1996, following completion of the work, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive with respect to the STCs that effectively grounded the aircraft. On August 11, 2000, the trial court granted CTAS’ motion for summary judgment as to negligence, dismissing that claim. In January 2001, after a ruling by the trial court that excluded certain evidence from trial, a jury rendered a unanimous defense verdict in favor of CTAS on the negligent misrepresentation claim. On December 10, 2002, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (the Court of Appeals) reversed the trial court’s decisions as to summary judgment and the exclusion of evidence, and remanded the case for a new trial on both the negligence and negligent


19


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
misrepresentation claims. The retrial ended on March 2, 2005 with a deadlocked jury and mistrial. On July 22, 2005, the trial court granted CTAS’ motion for judgment as a matter of law as to negligence, dismissing that claim, and denied CTAS’ motion for judgment as a matter of law as to negligent misrepresentation. On October 8, 2008, the Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s dismissal of the negligence claim and affirmed the trial court’s ruling as to the negligent misrepresentation claim. As a result, the case was remanded to the trial court to reconsider the negligence claim and for further proceedings on the negligent misrepresentation claim. The trial court held a new hearing on CTAS’ motion to dismiss the negligence claim on April 30, 2009, after which it determined to take the matter under advisement. A third jury trial for this matter began on October 31, 2011, and the Company expects the jury to render a verdict by the end of 2011. Prior to the trial, the parties participated in court-ordered mediations, but such mediations were unsuccessful in resolving this matter. In connection with these mediations, Kalitta Air has claimed it may seek damages at the third trial of between $430 million and $900 million, including between $200 million and $240 million of pre-judgment interest. Kalitta Air has not yet presented its damages case in the trial that has now commenced. CTAS’ insurance carrier has accepted defense of this matter and has retained counsel, subject to a reservation of rights by the insurer to dispute its obligations under the applicable insurance policies in the event of a finding against L-3. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted and the damages sought and intends to defend itself vigorously.
 
CyTerra Government Investigation. Since November 2006, CyTerra has been served with civil and Grand Jury subpoenas by the DoD Office of the Inspector General and the DoJ and has been asked to facilitate employee interviews. The Company is cooperating fully with the U.S. Government. The Company believes that it is entitled to indemnification with respect to this matter, and has made a claim against a $15 million escrow fund established in connection with the Company’s acquisition of CyTerra in March 2006. The Company was advised in June 2011 that the Grand Jury portion of this matter has been closed without further action. Although the civil portion of this matter remains open, in light of the preliminary nature of the proceedings, the Company is unable to estimate a range of loss that is reasonably possible for this matter.
 
Bashkirian Airways. On July 1, 2004, lawsuits were filed on behalf of the estates of 31 Russian children in the state courts of Washington, Arizona, California, Florida, New York and New Jersey against Honeywell, Honeywell TCAS, Thales USA, Thales France, the Company and Aviation Communications & Surveillance Systems (ACSS), which is a joint venture of L-3 and Thales. The suits relate to the crash over southern Germany of Bashkirian Airways Tupelov TU 154M aircraft and a DHL Boeing 757 cargo aircraft. On-board the Tupelov aircraft were 9 crew members and 60 passengers, including 45 children. The Boeing aircraft carried a crew of two. Both aircraft were equipped with Honeywell/ACSS Model 2000, Change 7 Traffic Collision and Avoidance Systems (TCAS). Sensing the other aircraft, the on-board DHL TCAS instructed the DHL pilot to descend, and the Tupelov on-board TCAS instructed the Tupelov pilot to climb. However, the Swiss air traffic controller ordered the Tupelov pilot to descend. The Tupelov pilot disregarded the on-board TCAS and put the Tupelov aircraft into a descent striking the DHL aircraft in midair at approximately 35,000 feet. All crew and passengers of both planes were lost. Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board after the crash revealed that both TCAS units were performing as designed. The suits allege negligence and strict product liability based upon the design of the units and the training provided to resolve conflicting commands and seek approximately $315 million in damages, including $150 million in punitive damages. The Company’s insurers have accepted defense of this matter and have retained counsel. The matters were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has dismissed the actions on the basis of forum non conveniens. The plaintiffs re-filed a complaint on April 23, 2007 with the Barcelona Court’s Registry in Spain. On March 9, 2010, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and entered judgment against ACSS in the amount of approximately $6.7 million, all of which represented compensatory damages. The Company believes that the verdict and the damages awarded are inconsistent with the law and evidence presented. Accordingly, ACSS filed an appeal of this ruling on April 27, 2010. The plaintiffs also filed an appeal of this ruling on the same date.


20


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
Gol Airlines. A complaint was filed on November 7, 2006 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against ExcelAire, Joseph Lepore, Jan Paul Paladino, and Honeywell. On October 23, 2007, an amended complaint was filed to include Lockheed, Raytheon, Amazon Technologies and ACSS. The complaints relate to the September 29, 2006 airplane crash over Brazil of a Boeing 737-800 operated by GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes, S.A. and an Embraer 600 business jet operated by ExcelAire. The complaints allege that ACSS designed the TCAS on the ExcelAire jet, and assert claims of negligence, strict products liability and breach of warranty against ACSS based on the design of the TCAS and the instructions provided for its use. The complaints seek unspecified monetary damages, including punitive damages. The Company’s insurers have accepted defense of this matter and have retained counsel. On July 2, 2008, the District Court dismissed the actions on the basis of forum non conveniens on the grounds that Brazil was the location of the accident and is more convenient for witnesses and document availability. On December 2, 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld this decision. Twelve of the plaintiffs re-filed their complaints in the Lower Civil Court in the Judicial District of Peixoto de Azevedo in Brazil on July 3, 2009, but withdrew their complaints in July 2010 without prejudice to their right to re-file them against ACSS. An additional four plaintiffs re-filed their complaints in the Lower Civil Court in Rio de Janiero before the expiration of the statute of limitations. ACSS has not been served in any of these actions. While the statute of limitations has expired and would bar any additional plaintiffs (beyond the 16 noted above) from re-filing claims directly against ACSS, it would not bar GOL from filing a future suit against ACSS based on litigation claims being pursued by the original plaintiffs against GOL in connection with this matter. The Company is unable to estimate a range of loss that is reasonably possible for this matter because: (i) the proceedings are in early stages; (ii) there are significant factual issues to be resolved and (iii) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of the claims being pursued against GOL, and the Company’s knowledge of the proceedings relating to these claims is limited.
 
18.  Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension and postretirement benefit plans.
 
                                                                 
    Pension Plans     Postretirement Benefit Plans  
    Third Quarter Ended     Year-to-Date Ended     Third Quarter Ended     Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
    September 30,
    September 24,
    September 30,
    September 24,
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (in millions)  
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                                                               
Service cost
  $   24     $   24     $   80     $ 73     $ 1     $   —     $   4     $   3  
Interest cost
    32       32       96       92       3       2       8       8  
Expected return on plan assets
    (34 )     (28 )     (104 )     (84 )     (1 )           (2 )     (1 )
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)
          1             3                   (2 )     (2 )
Amortization of net losses (gains)
    11       11       38       30       (1 )                  
Curtailment gains
    (2 )                                         (2 )
                                                                 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 31     $ 40     $ 110     $   114     $ 2     $ 2     $ 8     $ 6  
                                                                 
 
Contributions. For the year ending December 31, 2011, the Company currently expects to contribute cash of approximately $176 million to its pension plans, and approximately $13 million to its postretirement benefit plans. The Company contributed cash of $148 million to its pension plans and $8 million to its postretirement benefit plans during the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2011.


21


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
 
19.  Employee Stock-Based Compensation
 
During the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2011, the Company granted stock-based compensation awards under the Amended and Restated 2008 Long Term Performance Plan (2008 LTPP) in the form of stock options, restricted stock units and performance units.
 
Stock Options. The Company granted 694,805 stock options with an exercise price equal to the closing price of L-3 Holdings common stock on the date of grant. The options expire after 10 years from the date of grant and vest ratably over a three-year period on the annual anniversary of the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value for the options awarded was $15.54 and was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used in the valuation model for this grant are presented in the table below.
 
         
Expected holding period (in years)
    5.2  
Expected volatility
    26.4 %
Expected dividend yield
    2.8 %
Risk-free interest rate
    2.2 %
 
Restricted Stock Units. The Company granted 687,422 restricted stock units with a weighted average grant date fair value of $80.17 per share. Restricted stock units automatically convert into shares of L-3 Holdings common stock upon vesting, and are subject to forfeiture until certain restrictions have lapsed, including a three year cliff vesting period for employees and a one year cliff vesting period for non-employee directors, in each case starting on the date of grant.
 
Performance Units. The Company granted 81,765 performance units with a weighted average grant date fair value per unit of $95.50. The payout for these units is based on the achievement of pre-determined performance goals established by the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors for the three-year period ending December 31, 2013. The payout can range from zero to 200% of the original number of units awarded, which are converted into shares of L-3 Holdings common stock and/or an amount of cash based on the then existing closing price at the end of the performance period.
 
20.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
                 
    Year-to-Date Ended
    September 30,
  September 24,
    2011   2010
    (in millions)
 
Interest paid on outstanding debt
  $   171     $   173  
Income tax payments
    204       256  
Income tax refunds
    14       6  


22


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
 
21.  Segment Information
 
The Company has four segments, which are described in Note 1. The tables below present net sales, operating income, depreciation and amortization and total assets by segment.
 
                                 
    Third Quarter Ended     Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010(1)     2011     2010(1)  
    (in millions)  
 
Net Sales:
                               
C3ISR
  $ 895     $ 797     $ 2,531     $ 2,397  
Government Services
    905       996       2,793       2,908  
AM&M
    671       772       1,975       2,316  
Electronic Systems
    1,401       1,379       4,125       4,141  
Elimination of intercompany sales
    (85 )     (109 )     (270 )     (337 )
                                 
Consolidated total
  $   3,787     $   3,835     $   11,154     $   11,425  
                                 
Operating Income:
                               
C3ISR
  $ 103     $ 84     $ 288     $ 289  
Government Services
    75       92       216       249  
AM&M
    61       54       183       172  
Electronic Systems
    167       207       513       579  
                                 
Consolidated total
  $ 406     $ 437     $ 1,200     $ 1,289  
                                 
Depreciation and amortization:
                               
C3ISR
  $ 12     $ 12     $ 35     $ 33  
Government Services
    8       9       25       27  
AM&M
    4       5       13       14  
Electronic Systems
    34       36       108       96  
                                 
Consolidated total
  $ 58     $ 62     $ 181     $ 170  
                                 
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2011     2010(1)  
    (in millions)  
 
Total Assets:
               
C3ISR
  $ 2,074     $ 2,049  
Government Services
    3,172       3,212  
AM&M
    2,039       1,962  
Electronic Systems
    7,836       7,677  
Corporate
    332       551  
                 
Consolidated total
  $  15,453     $  15,451  
                 
 
 
(1) As a result of re-alignments of business units in the Company’s management and organizational structure as discussed in Note 2, sales of $27 million and $90 million were reclassified from the Government Services segment to the Electronic Systems segment and sales of $20 million and $58 million were reclassified from the C3ISR segment to the Government Services segment for the quarter and year-to-date periods ended September 24, 2010, respectively. In addition, operating income of $2 million and $8 million was reclassified from the Government Services segment to the Electronic Systems segment for the quarter and year-to-date periods ended September 24, 2010 and operating income of $2 million and $4 million was reclassified from the C3ISR segment to the Government Services segment for the quarter and year-to-date periods ended September 24, 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2010, $129 million of assets were reclassified from the Government Services segment to the Electronic Systems segment and $19 million of assets were reclassified from the C3ISR segment to the Government Services segment.


23


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
 
22.  Accounting Standards Issued and Not Yet Implemented
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued a revised accounting standard regarding the presentation of comprehensive income in financial statements that eliminates the option to present other comprehensive income (OCI) within the statement of equity. The revised standard requires net income, the components of other OCI, and total comprehensive income to be presented in either one continuous statement or two separate but consecutive statements. The standard also requires that items reclassified from OCI to net income be presented on the face of the financial statements, however, the FASB announced that it will issue an exposure draft shortly to defer this requirement and consider whether to require continuation of current disclosure requirements of such reclassifications in the notes to the financial statements. The revised standard is effective for the Company for periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and requires retrospective application for all periods presented, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard will not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In September 2011, the FASB issued a revised accounting standard allowing companies to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, as a result of the qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a more detailed two-step goodwill impairment test would be performed to identify a potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of loss to be recognized, if any. The standard will be effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed after December 31, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
23.  Employee Severance and Termination Costs
 
The Company continues to complete employment reductions across several businesses to reduce both direct and indirect costs, including general and administrative and overhead. As a result of this initiative, the Company recorded a total of $17 million in employee severance and other related termination costs for approximately 700 employees, primarily in the Electronic Systems segment during the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company recorded $14 million in additional employee severance and other related termination costs for approximately 900 employees, primarily in the Electronic Systems segment, during the 2011 year-to-date period. At September 30, 2011, the remaining balance to be paid for this initiative was $7 million.
 
24.  Condensed Combining Financial Information of L-3 Communications and Its Subsidiaries
 
L-3 Communications is a wholly-owned subsidiary of L-3 Holdings. The debt of L-3 Communications, including the Senior Notes, Senior Subordinated Notes and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed, on a joint and several, full and unconditional basis, by certain of its domestic subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The foreign subsidiaries and certain domestic subsidiaries of L-3 Communications (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”) do not guarantee the debt of L-3 Communications. None of the debt of L-3 Communications has been issued by its subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the payment of dividends from the Guarantor Subsidiaries to L-3 Communications.


24


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
The following unaudited condensed combining financial information presents the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of: (1) L-3 Holdings, excluding L-3 Communications and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Parent”), (2) L-3 Communications, excluding its consolidated subsidiaries, (3) the Guarantor Subsidiaries, (4) the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and (5) the eliminations to arrive at the information for L-3 on a consolidated basis.
 
                                                 
    L-3
                Non-
             
    Holdings
    L-3
    Guarantor
    Guarantor
          Consolidated
 
    (Parent)     Communications     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     L-3  
    (in millions)  
 
Condensed Combining Balance Sheets:
                                               
At September 30, 2011:
                                               
Current assets:
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 113     $ 3     $ 484     $ (62 )   $ 538  
Billed receivables, net
          330       632       226             1,188  
Contracts in process
          917       1,559       307             2,783  
Other current assets
          303       135       198             636  
                                                 
Total current assets
          1,663       2,329       1,215       (62 )     5,145  
Goodwill
          1,806       5,654       1,275             8,735  
Other assets
          676       709       188             1,573  
Investment in and amounts due from consolidated subsidiaries
    7,385       9,000       2,772             (19,157 )      
                                                 
Total assets
  $   7,385     $   13,145     $   11,464     $   2,678     $   (19,219 )   $   15,453  
                                                 
Current liabilities
  $     $ 856     $ 1,358     $ 588     $ (62 )   $ 2,740  
Amounts due to consolidated subsidiaries
                      433       (433 )      
Other long-term liabilities
          1,467       233       100             1,800  
Long-term debt
    689       4,126                   (689 )     4,126  
                                                 
Total liabilities
    689       6,449       1,591       1,121       (1,184 )     8,666  
                                                 
L-3 shareholders’ equity
    6,696       6,696       9,873       1,557       (18,126 )     6,696  
Noncontrolling interests
                            91       91  
                                                 
Total equity
    6,696       6,696       9,873       1,557       (18,035 )     6,787  
                                                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 7,385     $ 13,145     $ 11,464     $ 2,678     $ (19,219 )   $ 15,453  
                                                 
At December 31, 2010:
                                               
Current assets:
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 257     $ 3     $ 482     $ (135 )   $ 607  
Billed receivables, net
          387       680       232             1,299  
Contracts in process
          801       1,525       222             2,548  
Other current assets
          295       161       168             624  
                                                 
Total current assets
          1,740       2,369       1,104       (135 )     5,078  
Goodwill
          1,796       5,653       1,281             8,730  
Other assets
          693       763       187             1,643  
Investment in and amounts due from consolidated subsidiaries
    7,462       8,973       2,356             (18,791 )      
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 7,462     $ 13,202     $ 11,141     $ 2,572     $ (18,926 )   $ 15,451  
                                                 
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 11     $ 11     $     $     $ (11 )   $ 11  
Other current liabilities
          898       1,388       571       (135 )     2,722  
Amounts due to consolidated subsidiaries
                      439       (439 )      
Other long-term liabilities
          1,403       235       99             1,737  
Long-term debt
    687       4,126                   (687 )     4,126  
                                                 
Total liabilities
    698       6,438       1,623       1,109       (1,272 )     8,596  
                                                 
L-3 shareholders’ equity
    6,764       6,764       9,518       1,463       (17,745 )     6,764  
Noncontrolling interests
                            91       91  
                                                 
Total equity
    6,764       6,764       9,518       1,463       (17,654 )     6,855  
                                                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 7,462     $ 13,202     $ 11,141     $ 2,572     $ (18,926 )   $ 15,451  
                                                 


25


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
                                                 
    L-3
                Non-
             
    Holdings
    L-3
    Guarantor
    Guarantor
          Consolidated
 
    (Parent)     Communications     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     L-3  
    (in millions)  
 
Condensed Combining Statements of Operations:
                                               
For the quarter ended September 30, 2011:
                                               
Net sales
  $   —     $   916     $  2,331     $  628     $ (88 )   $  3,787  
Cost of sales
    17       841       2,092       536       (105 )     3,381  
                                                 
Operating (loss) income
    (17 )     75       239       92       17       406  
Interest and other income (expense), net
          31       (1 )     1       (28 )     3  
Interest expense
    5       57       27       1       (33 )     57  
                                                 
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (22 )     49       211       92       22       352  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (7 )     16       68       30       7       114  
Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
    250       202                   (452 )      
                                                 
Net income
    235       235       143       62       (437 )     238  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
                            3       3  
                                                 
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 235     $ 235     $ 143     $ 62     $ (440 )   $ 235  
                                                 
                                                 
For the quarter ended September 24, 2010:
                                               
Net sales
  $     $ 806     $ 2,530     $ 567     $ (68 )   $ 3,835  
Cost of sales
    20       700       2,283       483       (88 )     3,398  
                                                 
Operating (loss) income
    (20 )     106       247       84       20       437  
Interest and other income (expense), net
          31       (1 )     1       (28 )     3  
Interest expense
    12       64       27       1       (40 )     64  
Debt retirement charge
          5                         5  
                                                 
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (32 )     68       219       84       32       371  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (11 )     24       77       29       11       130  
Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
    259       194                   (453 )      
                                                 
Net income
    238       238       142       55       (432 )     241  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
                            3       3  
                                                 
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 238     $ 238     $ 142     $ 55     $  (435 )   $ 238  
                                                 


26


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
                                                 
    L-3
                Non-
             
    Holdings
    L-3
    Guarantor
    Guarantor
          Consolidated
 
    (Parent)     Communications     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     L-3  
    (in millions)  
 
Condensed Combining Statements of Operations:
                                               
For the year-to-date ended September 30, 2011:
                                               
Net sales
  $   —     $  2,713     $  6,838     $  1,867     $  (264 )   $  11,154  
Cost of sales
    51       2,422       6,185       1,611       (315 )     9,954  
                                                 
Operating (loss) income
    (51 )     291       653       256       51       1,200  
Interest and other income (expense), net
          94       (2 )     3       (85 )     10  
Interest expense
    18       175       82       4       (103 )     176  
Debt retirement charge
          18                         18  
                                                 
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (69 )     192       569       255       69       1,016  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (22 )     61       182       82       22       325  
Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
    729       551                   (1,280 )      
                                                 
Net income
    682       682       387       173       (1,233 )     691  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
                            9       9  
                                                 
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 682     $ 682     $ 387     $ 173     $  (1,242 )   $ 682  
                                                 
                                                 
For the year-to-date ended September 24, 2010:
                                               
Net sales
  $     $ 2,445     $ 7,542     $ 1,646     $ (208 )   $ 11,425  
Cost of sales
    62       2,089       6,830       1,425       (270 )     10,136  
                                                 
Operating (loss) income
    (62 )     356       712       221       62       1,289  
Interest and other income, net
          95       4       2       (86 )     15  
Interest expense
    34       200       82       4       (120 )     200  
Debt retirement charge
          18                         18  
                                                 
(Loss) income before income taxes
    (96 )     233       634       219       96       1,086  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (35 )     84       229       79       35       392  
Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
    748       538                   (1,286 )      
                                                 
Net income
    687       687       405       140       (1,225 )     694  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
                            7       7  
                                                 
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 687     $ 687     $ 405     $ 140     $ (1,232 )   $ 687  
                                                 
 


27


Table of Contents

L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
AND L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
 
                                                 
    L-3
                Non-
             
    Holdings
    L-3
    Guarantor
    Guarantor
          Consolidated
 
    (Parent)     Communications     Subsidiaries     Subsidiaries     Eliminations     L-3  
    (in millions)  
 
Condensed Combining Statements of Cash Flows:
                                               
For the year-to-date ended September 30, 2011:
                                               
Operating activities:
                                               
Net cash from operating activities
  $ 954     $ 184     $ 716     $ 141     $ (1,011 )   $ 984  
                                                 
                                                 
Investing activities:
                                               
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
          (15 )                       (15 )
Investments in L-3 Communications
    (42 )                       42        
Other investing activities
          (54 )     (53 )     (15 )           (122 )
                                                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (42 )     (69 )     (53 )     (15 )     42       (137 )
                                                 
                                                 
Financing activities:
                                               
Proceeds from sale of senior notes
          646                         646  
Redemption of senior subordinated notes and CODES
    (11 )     (650 )                       (661 )
Common stock repurchased
    (800 )                             (800 )
Dividends paid on L-3 Holdings common stock
    (143 )                             (143 )
Dividends paid to L-3 Holdings
          (954 )                 954        
Investments from L-3 Holdings
          42                   (42 )      
Other financing activities
    42       657       (663 )     (124 )     130       42  
                                                 
Net cash used in financing activities
     (912 )      (259 )      (663 )      (124 )      1,042        (916 )
                                                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash
          (144 )           2       73       (69 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period
          257       3       482       (135 )     607  
                                                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period
  $     $ 113     $ 3     $ 484     $ (62 )   $ 538  
                                                 
                                                 
For the year-to-date ended September 24, 2010:
                                               
Operating activities:
                                               
Net cash from operating activities
  $ 608     $ 119     $ 692     $ 196     $ (631 )   $ 984  
                                                 
Investing activities:
                                               
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
          (710 )                       (710 )
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries
    (93 )                       93        
Other investing activities
          (42 )     (63 )     (4 )           (109 )
                                                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (93 )     (752 )     (63 )     (4 )     93       (819 )
                                                 
                                                 
Financing activities:
                                               
Proceeds from sale of senior notes
          797                         797  
Redemption of senior subordinated notes
          (800 )                       (800 )
Common stock repurchased
    (469 )                             (469 )
Dividends paid on L-3 Holdings common stock
    (139 )                             (139 )
Dividends paid to L-3 Holdings
          (608 )                 608        
Investments from L-3 Holdings
          93                   (93 )      
Other financing activities
    93       601       (629 )     (79 )     103       89  
                                                 
Net cash (used in) from financing activities
    (515 )     83       (629 )     (79 )     618       (522 )
                                                 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
                      (9 )           (9 )
                                                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash
          (550 )           104       80       (366 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period
          797       4       364       (149 )     1,016  
                                                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period
  $     $ 247     $ 4     $ 468     $ (69 )   $ 650  
                                                 

28


Table of Contents

 
ITEM 2.
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Financial Section Roadmap
 
Management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) can be found on pages 29 to 44, and our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this quarterly report can be found on pages 1 to 28. The following table is designed to assist in your review of MD&A.
 
     
Topic   Location
 
Overview and Outlook:
   
L-3’s Business
  Pages 29 – 30
Industry Considerations
  Pages 30 – 31
Key Performance Measures
  Pages 31 – 32
Announced Spin-off
  Page 32
Other Events
  Pages 32 – 33
Business Acquisitions and Business and Product Line Dispositions
  Page 33
Critical Accounting Policies — Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
  Pages 33 – 34
Results of Operations, including business segments
  Pages 34 – 40
Liquidity and Capital Resources:
   
Anticipated Sources and Uses of Cash Flow
  Page 40
Balance Sheet
  Pages 40 – 42
Statement of Cash Flows
  Pages 42 – 44
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
  Page 44
 
Overview and Outlook
 
L-3’s Business
 
L-3 is a prime contractor in Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C3ISR) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. Our customers include the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense (DoD) and its prime contractors, U.S. Government intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State (DoS), U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ), allied foreign governments, domestic and foreign commercial customers, and select other U.S. federal, state and local government agencies.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2010, we generated sales of $15.7 billion. Our primary customer was the DoD. The table below presents a summary of our 2010 sales by major category of end customer and the percent contributed by each end customer to our total 2010 sales. We currently do not anticipate significant changes to our end customer sales mix for the year ending December 31, 2011.
 
                 
          % of
 
    2010 Sales     2010 Sales  
    (in millions)        
 
DoD
  $   11,932       76 %
Other U.S. Government
    1,145       7  
                 
Total U.S. Government
    13,077       83 %
Foreign governments
    1,142       8  
Commercial — foreign
    791       5  
Commercial — domestic
    670       4  
                 
Total sales
  $ 15,680       100 %
                 
 
We have the following four segments: (1) C3ISR, (2) Government Services, (3) Aircraft Modernization and Maintenance (AM&M), and (4) Electronic Systems. Financial information with respect to each of our segments is included in Note 21 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report.


29


Table of Contents

C3ISR provides products and services for the global ISR market, C3 systems, networked communications systems and secure communications products. We believe that these products and services are critical elements for a substantial number of major command, control and communication, intelligence gathering and space systems. These products and services are used to connect a variety of airborne, space, ground and sea-based communication systems and are used in the transmission, processing, recording, monitoring, and dissemination functions of these communication systems. Government Services provides a full range of engineering, technical, analytical, information technology (IT), advisory, training, logistics and support services to the DoD, DoS, DoJ, and U.S. Government intelligence agencies and allied foreign governments. AM&M provides modernization, upgrades and sustainment, maintenance and logistics support services for military and various government aircraft and other platforms. We sell these services primarily to the DoD, the Canadian Department of Defense and other allied foreign governments. Electronic Systems provides a broad range of products and services, including components, products, subsystems, systems, and related services to military and commercial customers in several niche markets across several business areas, including power & control systems, electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR), microwave, simulation & training, precision engagement, warrior systems, security & detection, propulsion systems, avionics and displays, telemetry & advanced technology, undersea warfare, and marine services.
 
Industry Considerations
 
As described above, sales to the DoD represented approximately 76% of our total sales for 2010. Between fiscal year 2001 and fiscal year 2010, the DoD budget authorization, including wartime funding for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) has had a compound annual growth rate of 9%. While we believe the U.S. Government will continue to place a high priority on national security, based on the current annual DoD budget projections, future DoD base budgets will grow at a slower rate compared to the recent past and OCO appropriations will decline. Mounting pressure for U.S. Government deficit reduction and reduced national spending has created an environment where national security spending is being closely examined. President Obama signed the fiscal year 2011 appropriations bill legislated by Congress to fund the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2011. The appropriation provided was for a DoD base budget of $531 billion and a $158 billion budget for OCO. The fiscal year 2011 appropriation represents a $3 billion, or 1%, increase over the fiscal year 2010 DoD base budget, but was $18 billion, or 3%, below the base budget requested by the Obama Administration of $549 billion. The fiscal year 2011 OCO appropriation of $158 billion, represents a decrease of $4 billion, or 2%, compared to the fiscal year 2010 OCO appropriation.
 
The fiscal year 2012 DoD base budget request of $553 billion was submitted by the Obama Administration to Congress on February 14, 2011 and included former Secretary Gates’ January 6, 2011 defense budget outlook in which he identified $78 billion in DoD reductions for the five year fiscal period of 2012 to 2016 compared to the same period in the fiscal year 2011 request. The fiscal year 2012 budget request shows average nominal growth in the base budget for fiscal years 2012 to 2016 of 2.2% compared to the fiscal year 2011 request. The fiscal year 2012 budget request also includes $118 billion of supplemental appropriations for OCO, which is $41 billion lower than the OCO request for fiscal year 2011 of $159 billion, due primarily to the planned draw down of U.S. military forces from Iraq by December 31, 2011. The actual OCO budget for fiscal year 2010 was $162 billion. The President’s budget request uses an annual OCO placeholder of $50 billion for fiscal year 2013 to fiscal year 2016. We expect OCO appropriations to continue to decline for the foreseeable future due to the planned withdrawal of all of U.S. military forces from Iraq by December 31, 2011 and from Afghanistan through 2014. Although we cannot predict the timing, size or nature of the declines in OCO appropriations, such declines will negatively impact volumes on our revenue arrangements related to supporting U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, consequently, our sales, results of operations and cash flows will be negatively impacted in future periods.
 
In April 2011, President Obama announced a plan to reduce U.S. Federal deficits by $4 trillion over the next 12 years by combining cuts in military and domestic spending with higher taxes. Part of the President’s plan to reduce the federal deficits includes reducing projected U.S. security spending including DoD base budgets by $400 billion for the fiscal years 2012 through 2023. In connection with this announced plan, the DoD will conduct a fundamental review of U.S. Military missions and capabilities, and President Obama is expected to make specific decisions about defense spending cuts after this review is completed.


30


Table of Contents

In August 2011, Congress enacted the Budget Control Act of 2011 (the “BCA”). The BCA immediately imposes spending caps that contain approximately $300 billion in reductions to the projected DoD base budgets over the next ten years (fiscal years 2012-2021). The BCA also raised the U.S. Federal Government’s borrowing limit while reducing projected government spending over the next 10 fiscal years 2012 to 2021. It also established a bipartisan, Congressional, joint select committee on deficit reduction, sometimes referred to as the Joint Super Committee, which is charged with recommending legislation by November 23, 2011 that would result in spending and revenue changes that would reduce net U.S. Federal government spending deficits by at least $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years.
 
If the Joint Super Committee fails to recommend legislation, or the Congress fails to approve that legislation by December 23, 2011, or the President fails to sign that legislation into law, then an automatic sequestration process would be triggered, which would make up any shortfall necessary to achieve the $1.2 trillion target. Under the BCA, 50% of any shortfall would automatically be applied as a reduction to the discretionary appropriations for national defense programs and 50% to other domestic programs commencing in 2013. In early 2012, the DoD is expected to complete the review of U.S. military missions and capabilities that President Obama announced in April 2011, and it is expected that such review will provide guidance for the DoD budget reductions mandated by the BCA. Although we currently cannot predict the timing, size or nature of these proposed cuts, if they do occur and if they affect funding for our revenue arrangements, we expect that such budget reductions will negatively impact our sales, results of operations and cash flows in future periods.
 
Key Performance Measures
 
The primary financial performance measures that L-3 uses to manage its businesses and monitor results of operations are sales trends and operating income trends. Management believes that these financial performance measures are the primary growth drivers for L-3’s earnings per common share and net cash from operating activities. One of L-3’s primary business objectives is to increase sales from organic growth and select business acquisitions. We define organic sales growth as the increase or decrease in sales for the current period compared to the prior period, excluding sales in the: (1) current period from business and product line acquisitions that are included in L-3’s actual results of operations for less than twelve months, and (2) prior period from business and product line divestitures that are included in L-3’s actual results of operations for the twelve-month period prior to the divestiture date. We expect to supplement our organic sales growth by selectively acquiring businesses that: (1) add important new technologies, services, and products, (2) provide access to select customers, programs and contracts, and (3) provide attractive returns on investments. The two main determinants of our operating income growth are sales growth and improvements in direct and indirect contract costs. We define operating margin as operating income as a percentage of sales. Improving operating margins is one of several methods for growing earnings per common share and net cash from operating activities.
 
Sales Trend. Sales growth for the year ended December 31, 2010 was 0.4%, comprised of sales growth from business acquisitions, net of divestitures, of 1.3%, partially offset by an organic sales decline of 0.9%. For the quarter ended September 30, 2011 (2011 Third Quarter), consolidated net sales of $3,787 million declined by 1.3%, comprised of an organic sales decline of 2.1%, partially offset by net sales from acquisitions of $33 million or 0.8%, compared to the quarter ended September 24, 2010 (2010 Third Quarter). For the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2011 (2011 Year-to-Date Period), consolidated net sales of $11,154 million declined by 2.4%, comprised of an organic sales decline of 3.7%, partially offset by net sales from acquisitions of $147 million or 1.3%, compared to the year-to-date period ended September 24, 2010 (2010 Year-to-Date Period).
 
For the year ended December 31, 2010, our largest contract (revenue arrangement) in terms of annual sales was the Army Fleet Support contract with the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, which is included in our AM&M segment. Under this contract, which generated approximately 3% of our 2010 sales, we provide maintenance and logistical support services for rotary wing aircraft assigned to Fort Rucker and satellite units in Alabama. The current contract, assuming the exercise of the first of two one-year options remaining, expires on September 30, 2012. The formal proposal is expected to be submitted in early November 2011 for the contract re-competition and we anticipate the award will occur in August 2012.


31


Table of Contents

The Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA) contract, which is included in our AM&M segment, generated $106 million and $304 million of sales for the 2010 Third Quarter and 2010 Year-to-Date Period, respectively, and was our fourth largest contract in terms of annual sales in 2010. In June 2010, the follow-on contract was awarded to another contractor and the transition to the successor contractor ended in October 2010.
 
Operating Income Trend. Operating income for the 2011 Third Quarter was $406 million, a decrease of 7% from $437 million for the 2010 Third Quarter. Our consolidated operating margin was 10.7% for the 2011 Third Quarter, a decrease of 70 basis points from 11.4% for the 2010 Third Quarter. Operating income for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period was $1,200 million, a decrease of 7% from $1,289 million for the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Our consolidated operating margin was 10.8% for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period, a decrease of 50 basis points from 11.3% for the 2010 Year-to-Date Period.
 
We are focused on increasing operating margin, to the extent possible, by reducing our indirect costs and improving our overall contract performance. However, our 2011 Third Quarter and Year-to-Date Period operating margin was lower than the prior year comparative periods and we expect our 2011 annual operating margin to decline as compared to 2010. While we are taking actions to increase operating margins, we may not be able to do so in the future. Furthermore, in the future, select business acquisitions and select new business, including contract renewals and new contracts, could have lower operating margins than L-3’s operating margin on existing business and contracts. Changes in the competitive environment and our consolidated sales levels could also result in lower operating margin.
 
Announced Spin-Off
 
On July 28, 2011, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a plan to spin-off a new, independent, publicly traded government services company. The transaction, which is intended to be tax-free to L-3 and its shareholders, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2012 and L-3 shareholders will own 100% of the shares of both L-3 and the new government services company at its completion. The spin-off will not be subject to a shareholder vote.
 
Under the plan, the new, public company will be named Engility and will include the systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA), training and operational support services businesses that are currently part of L-3’s Government Services segment. For the 2011 Year-to-Date Period, the businesses that will comprise Engility had sales of approximately $1.6 billion, or 56% of total Government Services net sales, and operating income of approximately $141 million, or 65% of total Government Services operating income. The businesses that will comprise Engility currently have approximately 10,000 employees.
 
L-3 will retain the cyber, intelligence and security solutions businesses that are also part of L-3’s Government Services segment. The Government Services segment will be renamed National Security Solutions upon completion of the transaction, and will continue to leverage synergies across L-3 to develop unique solutions to address growing challenges for our DoD, intelligence and global security customers. For the 2011 Year-to-Date Period, L-3’s cyber, intelligence and security solutions businesses had sales of approximately $1.2 billion, or 44% of total Government Services net sales, and operating income of approximately $75 million, or 35% of total Government Services operating income.
 
The completion of the spin-off transaction is subject to certain customary conditions, including filing of required documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, receipt of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and an opinion of counsel as to the tax-free nature of the transaction. There can be no assurance that any separation transaction will ultimately occur, or if one does occur, its terms or timing.
 
Other Events
 
Debt Repurchases, Issuance, and Redemptions. On February 2, 2011, we repurchased approximately $11 million of our CODES as a result of the exercise by the holders of their contractual right to require us to repurchase their CODES.
 
On February 7, 2011, L-3 Communications issued $650 million in principal amount of 4.95% Senior Notes that mature on February 15, 2021 (2021 Senior Notes). The 2021 Senior Notes were issued at a discount of $4 million.


32


Table of Contents

On March 9, 2011, the net cash proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem L-3 Communications’ $650 million 57/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due January 15, 2015 (57/8% 2015 Notes). In connection with the redemption of the 57/8% 2015 Notes, we recorded a debt retirement charge of $18 million ($11 million after income taxes, or $0.10 per diluted share).
 
Business Acquisitions and Business and Product Line Dispositions
 
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 summarizes the business acquisitions and business and product line dispositions that we completed during the three years ended December 31, 2010. Also, see Note 4 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report for a discussion of the business acquisition and product line disposition completed during the 2011 Year-to-Date Period. All of our business acquisitions are included in our consolidated results of operations from their dates of acquisition. We regularly evaluate potential business acquisitions. We may also dispose of certain businesses or product lines if we determine that they no longer fit into L-3’s overall business strategy and we are able to receive an attractive price.
 
Critical Accounting Policies — Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
 
For a description of the Company’s critical accounting policies, refer to “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Except as discussed below, there have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies since December 31, 2010.
 
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets. In accordance with the accounting standard for goodwill, we test goodwill for our reporting units for impairment at least annually as of November 30. The accounting standard for goodwill also requires testing each reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment between annual test dates if changes in circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Accordingly, we determined that it was necessary for us to test goodwill for impairment for our Government Services reporting unit for the reasons listed below.
 
  •   continued decline in business volumes due to the accelerated pace of the drawdown of U.S. military forces from Iraq and Afghanistan occurring from 2011 to 2014,
 
  •   recently not winning certain new business pursuits,
 
  •   continued increased competition putting pressure on operating margins and cash flow, and
 
  •   due to the DoD’s efficiency and affordability initiatives, resulting in a faster than expected transition to: (1) cost reimbursable type contracts from time-and-material type contracts, and (2) multiple-award contracts from single-award contracts, where several contractors compete for individual task orders.
 
We did not test our other reporting units’ goodwill for impairment as we do not believe that there have been any events or changes in circumstances since November 30, 2010, that make it more likely than not that the fair value of those units have decreased below their carrying amount.
 
The more significant assumptions used in our discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation to determine the fair value of the Government Services reporting unit in connection with the goodwill valuation assessment we completed as of September 30, 2011, were: (1) a three-year cash flow projection, which is based primarily on our estimates of future sales, operating income, and working capital requirements, (2) the expected long-term growth rate, and (3) the risk adjusted discount rate, including the estimated risk-free rate of return, that is used to discount future cash flow projections to their present values. There were no significant changes to the underlying methods used in the current DCF valuation as compared to the methods used in the DCF valuation completed for the November 30, 2010 goodwill impairment assessment.
 
The risk adjusted discount rate that represents our estimated weighted-average cost of capital (WACC) was 6.3% for the 2012 to 2016 period and 7.7% after 2016 at the date of the impairment test (September 30, 2011). The WACC


33


Table of Contents

is comprised of (1) an estimated required rate of return on equity, based on publicly traded companies with business characteristics comparable to the Government Services reporting unit, including a risk free rate of return (i.e. prevailing market yield on the 30 year U.S. Treasury Bond as of September 30, 2011) and an equity risk premium of 5%, and (2) the current after-tax market rate of return on L-3’s debt, each weighted by the average relative market value percentages of L-3’s equity and debt.
 
The current DCF valuation assumed that the Government Services reporting unit cash flow will decrease at an annual compounded rate of 17% from 2011 to 2014. In addition, the current DCF valuation assumed that cash flows will grow 1% after 2014.
 
The table below presents the: (1) risk adjusted discount rates, (2) estimated annual cash flow growth rates for 2008 to 2010, (3) estimated 2011 cash flow, (4) goodwill balance, and (5) excess fair value percentage and dollar amount for the Government Services reporting unit:
 
                                                                                 
    Risk Adjusted
  Estimated Annual Cash Flow
               
    Discount Rates(1)   Percentage Change(2)   Estimated
       
                        3 Year
  2011
  Goodwill
  Excess
Reporting Unit   2012-2016   After 2016   2008   2009   2010   Average   Cash Flows(2)   Balance(3)   Fair Value(4)
                            (in millions)   %   $
 
Government Services
    6.3 %     7.7 %     23 %     (40 )%     8 %     (3 )%   $ 303     $ 2,191       10 %   $ 294  
 
(1) An increase of 10 basis points in the risk adjusted discount rates would reduce the fair value of the Government Services reporting unit by $40 million. Therefore, assuming all other assumptions remain the same, an 80 basis point increase in the risk adjusted discount rate would reduce the excess fair value below the carrying value of the reporting unit, which would require us to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment assessment.
 
(2) Reporting unit cash flow excludes interest payments on debt and other corporate cash flows.
 
(3) The goodwill balance is as of September 30, 2011, our goodwill impairment testing date.
 
(4) The excess fair value represents the percentage and dollar amount by which the fair value of a reporting unit must decline before a potential impairment is identified and would require the second step of the goodwill impairment assessment to be performed.
 
As noted above, the expected future cash flow growth rates for each of our reporting units are primarily based on our estimates of future sales, operating income, and working capital changes. The Government Services reporting unit is substantially dependent upon the DoD budget and spending. The DoD budget could be negatively affected by several factors, including, but not limited to, U.S. Government budget deficits and the federal debt. Moreover, consistent with our discussion of industry considerations under “Overview and Outlook” beginning on page 29, we anticipate that future DoD budgets will be negatively impacted by mounting pressure for U.S. Government fiscal deficit reduction and the BCA, and the expectation that future OCO appropriations will decline in accordance with the currently planned drawdown of U.S. military forces from Iraq and Afghanistan through fiscal year 2014, with complete U.S. military forces drawn down from Iraq by December 31, 2011. Therefore, our current estimates and assumptions may not result in the projected cash flow outcomes due to a number of factors, including an economic environment that is more challenging than we anticipate, U.S. Government efforts to reduce budget deficits, and DoD priority shifts that do not match the reporting unit’s core competencies. Conversely, our actual cash flows may be higher than our projections and the DCF valuation does not reflect actions that we may take to increase the profitability and cash flows, such as reducing administrative and other overhead costs or pursuing incremental targeted growth opportunities. Additionally, the DCF valuation does not assume future business acquisitions or divestitures, nor does the DCF valuation for the Government Services reporting unit consider the impact of the planned spin-off of Engility.
 
Results of Operations
 
The following information should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report. Our results of operations for the periods presented are affected by our business acquisitions. See Note 4 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report for a discussion of our 2011 business acquisition and Note 4 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a discussion of our 2010 business acquisitions.


34


Table of Contents

Consolidated Results of Operations
 
The table below provides selected financial data for L-3 for the 2011 Third Quarter compared with the 2010 Third Quarter and the 2011 Year-to-Date Period compared with the 2010 Year-to-Date Period.
 
                                                                               
    Third Quarter Ended                       Year-to-Date Ended                  
    September 30,
      September 24,
      Increase/
      September 30,
      September 24,
      Increase/
 
(in millions, except per share data)   2011       2010       (decrease)       2011       2010       (decrease)  
 
Net sales
  $  3,787       $  3,835       $  (48 )               $  11,154       $  11,425       $  (271 )          
Operating income
  $ 406       $ 437       $ (31 )               $ 1,200       $ 1,289       $ (89 )          
Operating margin
    10.7   %     11.4   %     (70 )       bpts         10.8   %     11.3   %     (50 )       bpts  
Net interest expense and other income
  $ 54       $ 66       $ (12 )               $ 184       $ 203       $ (19 )          
Effective income tax rate
    32.4   %     35.0   %      (260 )       bpts         32.0   %     36.1   %     (410 )       bpts  
Net income attributable to L-3
  $ 235       $ 238       $ (3 )               $ 682       $ 687       $ (5 )          
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 2.24       $ 2.07       $ 0.17                 $ 6.34       $ 5.89       $ 0.45            
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    104.8         114.7         (9.9 )                 107.2         116.0         (8.8 )          
 
Net Sales: For the 2011 Third Quarter, consolidated net sales decreased by 1% as compared to the 2010 Third Quarter. Lower sales from the Government Services and AM&M segments were partially offset by sales growth from the C3ISR and Electronic Systems segments. Acquired businesses, which are all included in the Electronics Systems segment, added $33 million to net sales in the 2011 Third Quarter.
 
Sales from services, which include services performed by businesses primarily in our Government Services, AM&M and C3ISR segments, as well as marine services, simulation & training, and maintenance for security and detection systems within our Electronic Systems segment, decreased by $135 million to $1,931 million, representing approximately 51% of consolidated net sales for the 2011 Third Quarter, compared to $2,066 million, or approximately 54% of consolidated net sales for the 2010 Third Quarter. Sales from services decreased primarily due to the loss of the SOFSA and Afghanistan Ministry of Defense (MoD) support contracts in 2010, lower linguist services and training and logistics support services for the U.S. Army as the drawdown of U.S. military forces from Iraq continued and reduced subcontractor pass-through sales related to U.S. Army systems and software engineering services (SSES). These decreases were partially offset by increased contractor logistics support (CLS) services for U.S. Army C-12 aircraft.
 
Sales from products, which primarily include products from our C3ISR and Electronic Systems segments, increased by $87 million to $1,856 million, representing approximately 49% of consolidated net sales for the 2011 Third Quarter, compared to $1,769 million, or approximately 46% of consolidated net sales for the 2010 Third Quarter. The increase in product sales was primarily due to sales from acquired businesses and organic sales growth primarily for networked communications, international airborne ISR platforms, electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) products and commercial shipbuilding products. These increases were partially offset by sales volume declines primarily for Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA), night vision products, simulation & training devices and combat propulsion systems.
 
For the 2011 Year-to-Date Period, consolidated net sales decreased by 2% as compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Lower sales from the AM&M, Government Services and Electronic Systems segments were partially offset by sales growth from the C3ISR segment and additional days in the 2011 Year-to-Date Period. Acquired businesses, which are all included in the Electronics Systems segment, contributed $147 million to net sales in the 2011 Year-to-Date Period.
 
Sales from services decreased by $340 million to $5,681 million, representing approximately 51% of consolidated net sales for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period, compared to $6,021 million, or approximately 53% of consolidated net sales for the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Additional days in the 2011 Year-to-Date Period compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period increased sales from services by approximately $83 million. Excluding the impact of the additional days, sales from services decreased by approximately $423 million, primarily due to trends similar to the 2011 Third Quarter.
 
Sales from products increased by $69 million to $5,473 million, representing approximately 49% of consolidated net sales for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period, compared to $5,404 million for the 2010 Year-to-Date Period, or approximately 47% of consolidated net sales for the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. The increase in product sales was


35


Table of Contents

primarily due to sales from acquired businesses and organic sales growth primarily for networked communications and EO/IR products. These increases were partially offset by sales volume declines primarily for JCA, night vision products, satellite communications systems and related power devices and amplifiers, the Prophet program, simulation & training devices, and combat propulsion systems.
 
See the segment results below for additional discussion of our sales.
 
Operating income and operating margin: Consolidated operating income for the 2011 Third Quarter decreased by 7% compared to the 2010 Third Quarter. Operating margin decreased by 70 basis points to 10.7% for the 2011 Third Quarter compared to 11.4% for the 2010 Third Quarter. Lower operating margins in the Government Services and Electronic Systems segments were partially offset by higher operating margins for the C3ISR and AM&M segments.
 
Consolidated operating income for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period decreased by 7% compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Operating margin decreased by 50 basis points to 10.8% for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period compared to 11.3% for the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Lower operating margins in the C3ISR, Government Services and the Electronic Systems segments were partially offset by higher operating margins for the AM&M segment.
 
See the segment results below for additional discussion of our operating margin.
 
Net interest expense and other income: Net interest expense and other income decreased by $12 million for the 2011 Third Quarter compared to the same period last year. The decrease was due primarily to lower amortization of bond discounts and lower interest expense as a result of recent debt refinancings. The 2010 Third Quarter includes a $5 million ($3 million after income taxes, or $0.03 per diluted share) debt retirement charge.
 
Net interest expense and other income decreased by $19 million for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period compared to the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to lower amortization of bond discounts and lower interest expense as a result of recent debt financings. The 2011 and 2010 Year-to-Date Periods each include an $18 million debt retirement charge.
 
Effective income tax rate: The effective tax rate for the 2011 Third Quarter decreased by 260 basis points compared to the same period last year. This decrease was primarily due to a larger portion of earnings in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates compared to the 2010 Third Quarter and the reenactment of the U.S. Federal research and experimentation tax credit.
 
The effective tax rate for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period decreased by 410 basis points compared to the same period last year. This decrease was primarily due to: (1) $12 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the reversal of previously accrued amounts primarily related to the 2006 and 2007 U.S. Federal income tax returns, (2) a larger portion of earnings in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period, (3) the reenactment of the U.S. Federal research and experimentation tax credit, and (4) a 2010 Year-to-Date Period tax provision of $5 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, related to the unfavorable tax treatment of the U.S. Federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that did not recur.
 
Net income attributable to L-3 and diluted earnings per share: Net income attributable to L-3 in the 2011 Third Quarter decreased by $3 million, or 1%, compared to the 2010 Third Quarter, and diluted EPS increased 8% to $2.24 from $2.07.
 
Net income attributable to L-3 in the 2011 Year-to-Date Period decreased by $5 million, or 1%, compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period, and diluted EPS increased 8% to $6.34 from $5.89.
 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding: Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the 2011 Third Quarter and the 2011 Year-to-Date Period declined by 9% and 8%, respectively. The decrease was due to repurchases of our common stock in connection with our share repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors, partially offset by additional shares issued in connection with various employee stock-based compensation programs and contributions to employee savings plans.


36


Table of Contents

Segment Results of Operations
 
The table below presents selected data by segment reconciled to consolidated totals. See Note 21 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report for additional segment data.
 
                                 
    Third Quarter Ended     Year-to-Date Ended  
    September 30,
    September 24,
    September 30,
    September 24,
 
    2011     2010(1)     2011     2010(1)  
    (dollars in millions)  
 
Net sales:(2)
                               
C3ISR
  $ 892.2     $ 790.6     $ 2,522.2     $ 2,356.2  
Government Services
    904.1       994.3       2,789.2       2,902.0  
AM&M
    622.7       707.4       1,825.4       2,119.7  
Electronic Systems
    1,368.5       1,343.3       4,017.3       4,047.5  
                                 
Consolidated net sales
  $   3,787.5     $   3,835.6     $   11,154.1     $   11,425.4  
                                 
Operating income:
                               
C3ISR
  $ 103.5     $ 84.4     $ 288.5     $ 289.4  
Government Services
    74.3       92.5       215.7       249.2  
AM&M
    61.5       54.3       183.5       171.7  
Electronic Systems
    166.9       206.2       512.4       578.6  
                                 
Consolidated operating income
  $ 406.2     $ 437.4     $ 1,200.1     $ 1,288.9  
                                 
Operating margin:
                               
C3ISR
    11.6 %     10.7 %     11.4 %     12.3 %
Government Services
    8.2 %     9.3 %     7.7 %     8.6 %
AM&M
    9.9 %     7.7 %     10.1 %     8.1 %
Electronic Systems
    12.2 %     15.4 %     12.8 %     14.3 %
Consolidated operating margin
    10.7 %     11.4 %     10.8 %     11.3 %
 
 
(1) As a result of re-alignments of business units in our management and organizational structure as discussed in Note 2 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report, sales of $25 million and $88 million were reclassified from the Government Services segment to the Electronic Systems segment and sales of $19 million and $56 million were reclassified from the C3ISR segment to the Government Services segment for the 2010 Third Quarter and 2010 Year-to-Date Periods, respectively. In addition, operating income of $2 million and $8 million was reclassified from the Government Services segment to the Electronic Systems segment and operating income of $2 million and $4 million was reclassified from the C3ISR segment to the Government Services segment for the 2010 Third Quarter and 2010 Year-to-Date Period, respectively.
 
(2) Net sales are after intercompany eliminations.
 
C3ISR
 
 
                                                                 
    Third Quarter Ended                 Year-to-Date Ended              
    September 30,
    September 24,
          September 30,
    September 24,
    Increase/
 
    2011     2010     Increase     2011     2010     (decrease)  
    (dollars in millions)  
 
Net sales
  $   892.2     $   790.6     $   101.6             $   2,522.2     $   2,356.2     $   166.0          
Operating income
  $ 103.5     $ 84.4     $ 19.1             $ 288.5     $ 289.4     $ (0.9 )        
Operating margin
    11.6 %     10.7 %     90       bpts       11.4 %     12.3 %     (90 )     bpts  
 
C3ISR net sales for the 2011 Third Quarter increased by 13% compared to the 2010 Third Quarter primarily due to increased volume and new business for networked communication systems for manned and unmanned platforms, airborne ISR logistics support and fleet management services to the DoD, and international airborne ISR platforms.
 
C3ISR operating income for the 2011 Third Quarter increased by 23% compared to the 2010 Third Quarter. Operating margin increased by 90 basis points. Improved efficiencies for airborne ISR logistics support and fleet management services and higher sales volume increased operating margin by 130 basis points. These increases were partially offset by unfavorable contract performance on a networked communications contract for the U.S. Navy, which reduced operating margin by 40 basis points.


37


Table of Contents

C3ISR net sales for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period increased by 7% compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period primarily due to increased volume and new business for networked communication systems for manned and unmanned platforms, airborne ISR logistics support and fleet management services to the DoD, and international airborne ISR platforms. These increases were partially offset primarily by lower sales for airborne ISR platforms to the DoD and force protection products to foreign ministries of defense.
 
C3ISR operating income for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period was unchanged compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Operating margin decreased by 90 basis points due to lower margin sales mix, unfavorable contract performance on a networked communications contract for the U.S. Navy and a $6 million loss on a contract termination recorded in the 2011 Year-to-Date Period.
 
Government Services
 
 
                                                                 
    Third Quarter Ended                 Year-to-Date Ended              
    September 30,
    September 24,
          September 30,
    September 24,
       
    2011     2010     Decrease     2011     2010     Decrease  
    (dollars in millions)  
 
Net sales
  $   904.1     $   994.3     $   (90.2 )           $   2,789.2     $   2,902.0     $   (112.8 )        
Operating income
  $ 74.3     $ 92.5     $ (18.2 )           $ 215.7     $ 249.2     $ (33.5 )        
Operating margin
    8.2 %     9.3 %     (110 )     bpts       7.7 %     8.6 %     (90 )     bpts  
 
Government Services net sales for the 2011 Third Quarter decreased by 9% compared to the 2010 Third Quarter. The decrease in sales was due to: (1) $40 million related to the loss of an Afghanistan MoD support contract and a Federal Aviation Administration Information Technology (IT) support services contract, (2) $37 million in lower linguist services and training and logistics support services for the U.S. Army as the drawdown of U.S. military forces from Iraq continues, (3) $15 million in reduced pass-through subcontractor sales related to SSES, (4) $11 million for completed contracts primarily the SBInet program for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and (5) $11 million for IT support services for the U.S. Special Operations Command due to fewer task orders received because of more competitors on the current contract. These decreases were partially offset by $24 million in higher sales due to increased demand for intelligence and information technology support services for U.S. Government agencies.
 
Government Services operating income for the 2011 Third Quarter decreased by 20% compared to the 2010 Third Quarter. Operating margin decreased by 110 basis points. Lower contract profit rates on select new business and re-competitions of existing business due to competitive price pressures and higher business development costs for the cyber security business decreased operating margin 120 basis points. Transaction costs of $4 million for the Engility spin-off reduced operating margin by 40 basis points. These decreases were partially offset by the timing of semi-annual award fees awarded by the customer in the 2011 Third Quarter for select intelligence and information technology support services contracts, which increased operating margin by 50 basis points.
 
Government Services net sales for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period decreased by 4% compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Additional days in the 2011 Year-to-Date Period as compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period increased sales by approximately $60 million. Excluding the impact of the additional days, sales decreased by approximately $173 million, or 6%, due to trends similar to the 2011 Third Quarter. Specifically, sales declined by $78 million due to the loss of the Afghanistan MoD support contract and $68 million due to lower SSES subcontractor pass-through volume.
 
Government Services operating income for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period decreased by 13% compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Operating margin decreased by 90 basis points due to reasons similar to the 2011 Third Quarter.


38


Table of Contents

Aircraft Modernization and Maintenance (AM&M)
 
                                                                 
    Third Quarter Ended                 Year-to-Date Ended              
    September 30,
    September 24,
    Increase/
    September 30,
    September 24,
    Increase/
 
    2011     2010     (decrease)     2011     2010     (decrease)  
    (dollars in millions)  
 
Net sales
  $   622.7     $   707.4     $   (84.7 )           $   1,825.4     $   2,119.7     $   (294.3 )        
Operating income
  $ 61.5     $ 54.3     $ 7.2             $ 183.5     $ 171.7     $ 11.8          
Operating margin
    9.9 %     7.7 %     220       bpts       10.1 %     8.1 %     200       bpts  
 
AM&M net sales for the 2011 Third Quarter decreased by 12% compared to the 2010 Third Quarter. The decrease was primarily due to: (1) $106 million from the SOFSA contract loss in June 2010, and (2) $25 million due to lower JCA volume. These decreases were partially offset by $46 million of higher sales primarily for increased CLS services for a new U.S. Army C-12 aircraft contract, which was competitively won in November 2010.
 
AM&M operating income for the 2011 Third Quarter increased by 13% compared to the 2010 Third Quarter. Operating margin increased by 220 basis points. The increase in operating margin was due to: (1) 120 basis points because of the sales decline on the lower margin SOFSA contract, (2) 100 basis points as a result of improved contract performance, primarily for rotary wing cabin assemblies and special mission aircraft modernizations, and (3) 40 basis points from lower costs for CLS services. These margin increases were partially offset by 40 basis points primarily due to higher costs related to JCA.
 
AM&M net sales for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period decreased by 14% compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Additional days in the 2011 Year-to-Date Period as compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period increased sales by $23 million. Excluding the impact of the additional days, sales decreased by $317 million, or 15%. The decrease was primarily the result of $304 million from the SOFSA contract loss and $58 million from lower JCA volume, partially offset by increased CLS services for C-12 aircraft.
 
AM&M operating income for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period increased by 7% compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Operating margin increased by 200 basis points, of which 150 basis points were primarily due to reasons similar to the 2011 Third Quarter and 50 basis points due to a 2011 first quarter favorable price adjustment of $10 million for an international aircraft modernization contract.
 
Electronic Systems
 
                                                                 
    Third Quarter Ended                 Year-to-Date Ended              
    September 30,
    September 24,
    Increase/
    September 30,
    September 24,
       
    2011     2010     decrease     2011     2010     Decrease  
    (dollars in millions)              
 
Net sales
  $   1,368.5     $   1,343.3     $   25.2             $   4,017.3     $   4,047.5     $   (30.2 )        
Operating income
  $ 166.9     $ 206.2     $ (39.3 )           $ 512.4     $ 578.6     $ (66.2 )        
Operating margin
    12.2 %     15.4 %     (320 )     bpts       12.8 %     14.3 %     (150 )     bpts  
 
Electronic Systems net sales for the 2011 Third Quarter increased by 2% compared to the 2010 Third Quarter. Sales from acquired businesses added $33 million to net sales. Volume increases on existing contracts primarily for EO/IR products to the U.S. Army and new business for commercial shipbuilding products increased sales by $48 million. These increases were partially offset by $56 million of lower sales due to: (1) $29 million for warrior systems due to lower shipments of night vision products, (2) $18 million for simulation & training devices due primarily to declining production volumes on the F-22, Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) and F-18 programs, and (3) $9 million for combat propulsion systems due primarily to lower volume for Bradley Fighting Vehicle transmissions, M-1 Abrams tank engines and spare parts.
 
Electronic Systems operating income for the 2011 Third Quarter decreased by 19% compared to the 2010 Third Quarter. Operating margin declined by 320 basis points due to: (1) unfavorable contract performance and lower sales primarily for warrior systems, simulation & training and combat propulsion systems which, together, reduced operating margin by 250 basis points, (2) a favorable contract modification of $5 million for precision engagement


39


Table of Contents

in 2010 that did not recur, which reduced operating margin by 50 basis points, and (3) lower manufacturing yields for power devices for satellite communication systems, which reduced operating margin by 20 basis points.
 
Electronic Systems net sales for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period decreased by 1% compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Sales declined by $255 million, reflecting lower sales volume of: (1) $71 million for warrior systems, (2) $62 million for microwave products due to reduced deliveries of mobile satellite communications systems and related power devices and amplifiers, and lower volume related to the Prophet program, (3) $62 million for simulation & training devices due to declining production volumes on the F-22, AVCATT and F-18 programs and the delay of a foreign maritime simulation contract, and (4) $60 million for combat propulsion systems due primarily to reduced DoD funding for Bradley Fighting Vehicles. These decreases were partially offset by sales from acquired businesses of $147 million, and volume increases of $78 million primarily for EO/IR.
 
Electronic Systems operating income for the 2011 Year-to-Date Period decreased by 11% compared to the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Operating margin decreased by 150 basis points of which 190 basis points was primarily due to reasons similar to the 2011 Third Quarter. Additionally, the decrease in operating margin was partially offset by 40 basis points due primarily to increased EO/IR sales volume.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Anticipated Sources and Uses of Cash Flow
 
At September 30, 2011, we had total cash and cash equivalents of $538 million as compared to $607 million at December 31, 2010. While no amounts of the cash and cash equivalents are considered restricted, $415 million was held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The repatriation of cash held in non-U.S. jurisdictions is subject to local capital requirements, as well as income tax considerations. Our primary source of liquidity is cash flow generated from operations. We generated $984 million of cash from operating activities during the 2011 Year-to-Date Period.
 
At September 30, 2011, we also had $990 million of borrowings available under our Revolving Credit Facility, after reductions of $10 million for outstanding letters of credit, subject to certain conditions. Our Revolving Credit Facility expires on October 23, 2012. We currently believe that our cash from operating activities, together with our cash on hand, and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility will be adequate for the foreseeable future to meet our anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, defined benefit plan contributions, commitments, contingencies, research and development expenditures, business acquisitions (depending on the size), contingent purchase price payments on previous business acquisitions, program and other discretionary investments, interest payments, income tax payments, L-3 Holdings’ dividends and share repurchases.
 
Our business may not continue to generate cash flow at current levels, and it is possible that currently anticipated improvements may not be achieved. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service our debt, we may be required to reduce costs and expenses, sell assets, reduce capital expenditures, reduce dividend payments, refinance all or a portion of our existing debt or obtain additional financing, which we may not be able to do on a timely basis, on satisfactory terms, or at all. Our ability to make scheduled principal payments or to pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness depends on our future performance and financial results, which, to a certain extent, are subject to general conditions in or affecting the U.S. defense industry and to general economic, political, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors beyond our control.
 
For a discussion of our debt refinancing activities during the 2011 Year-to-Date Period, which improved our debt maturity profile and reduced ongoing interest expense, see “Financing Activities-Debt” on page 42.
 
Balance Sheet
 
Billed receivables decreased by $111 million to $1,188 million at September 30, 2011, from $1,299 million at December 31, 2010 primarily due to: (1) lower sales primarily for government services, microwave products and warrior systems and (2) the timing of billings and collections primarily for networked communications, power and


40


Table of Contents

control systems, and undersea warfare. These decreases were partially offset by higher sales of EO/IR products and timing of milestone billings for airborne ISR services.
 
Contracts in process increased by $235 million to $2,783 million at September 30, 2011, from $2,548 million at December 31, 2010. The increase included $4 million primarily for reclassification adjustments and a $231 million increase from:
 
  •  Increases of $87 million in unbilled contract receivables primarily due to sales exceeding billings for networked communication systems and CLS services primarily for U.S. Army C-12 aircraft, partially offset by decreases due to billings for airborne ISR services and lower sales for combat propulsion systems; and
 
  •  Increases of $144 million in inventoried contract costs across several business areas, primarily CLS services for U.S. Army C-12 aircraft, EO/IR products and microwave products to support current and anticipated customer demand.
 
L-3’s receivables days sales outstanding (DSO) was 73 at September 30, 2011, compared with 70 at December 31, 2010 and 69 at September 24, 2010. We calculate our DSO by dividing: (1) our aggregate end of period billed receivables and net unbilled contract receivables, by (2) our trailing 12 month sales adjusted, on a pro forma basis, to include sales from business acquisitions and exclude sales from business divestitures that we completed as of the end of the period, multiplied by the number of calendar days in the trailing 12 month period (371 days at September 30, 2011, 365 days at December 31, 2010 and 364 days at September 24, 2010). Our trailing 12 month pro forma sales were $15,421 million at September 30, 2011, $15,850 million at December 31, 2010 and $15,816 million at September 24, 2010.
 
The increase in inventories was primarily due to higher inventory for commercial ship building products to support customer demand and warrior systems due to the timing of product shipments.
 
Goodwill increased by $5 million to $8,735 million at September 30, 2011 from $8,730 million at December 31, 2010. The table below presents the changes in goodwill applicable to our reporting units in each segment.
 
                                         
          Government
          Electronic
    Consolidated
 
    C3ISR     Services     AM&M     Systems     Total  
    (in millions)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $   868     $   2,285     $   1,172     $   4,405     $   8,730  
Business acquisitions(1)
    3             2       12       17  
Foreign currency translation adjustments(2)
    1             (8 )     (5 )     (12 )
Segment reclassification(3)
    (5 )     (94 )           99        
                                         
Balance at September 30, 2011
  $ 867     $ 2,191     $ 1,166     $ 4,511     $ 8,735  
                                         
 
 
(1) The increase in goodwill for the Electronic Systems segment is primarily due to the acquisition of the communications and engineering business of ComHouse Wireless L.P. See Note 4 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report for further discussion regarding this acquisition.
 
(2) The decrease in goodwill presented in the AM&M and Electronic Systems segments was due primarily to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar in the 2011 Year-to-Date Period.
 
(3) As a result of re-alignments of business units in our management and organizational structure as discussed in Note 2 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report, goodwill was reclassified on a relative fair value basis among the C3ISR, Government Services and Electronic Systems segments during the first quarter of 2011.
 
The fluctuations in accounts payable and accrued expenses were primarily due to the timing of when invoices for purchases from third party vendors and subcontractors were received and payments were made. The increase in accrued employment costs is due primarily to the timing of payments for salaries and wages. The decrease in advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred was primarily due to the liquidation of balances on contracts for security and detection systems, microwave products and airborne ISR services.
 
The decrease in pension and postretirement benefit plan liabilities was primarily due to cash contributions exceeding pension expense (excluding amortization of net losses) during the 2011 Year-to-Date Period. We expect to contribute cash of approximately $176 million to our pension plans for all of 2011, of which $148 million was contributed during the 2011 Year-to-Date Period.


41


Table of Contents

Non-current deferred income tax liabilities increased primarily due to amortization of certain goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets for tax purposes.
 
Statement of Cash Flows
 
2011 Year-to-Date Period Compared with 2010 Year-to-Date Period
 
The table below provides a summary of our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the periods indicated.
 
                 
    Year-to-Date Ended
    September 30,
  September 24,
    2011   2010
    (in millions)
 
Net cash from operating activities
  $ 984     $ 984  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (137 )     (819 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (916 )     (522 )
 
Operating Activities
 
We generated $984 million of cash from operating activities during the 2011 Year-to-Date Period, which was unchanged compared with the 2010 Year-to-Date Period. Higher non-cash expenses of $31 million, primarily due to deferred income taxes, were offset by $28 million of more cash used for changes in operating assets and liabilities and a decrease in net income of $3 million. The net cash used for changes in operating assets and liabilities is further discussed above under “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Balance Sheet” beginning on page 40.
 
Investing Activities
 
During the 2011 Year-to-Date Period, we used $137 million of cash in the aggregate primarily to pay $129 million for capital expenditures and $13 million for the acquisition of ComHouse.
 
Financing Activities
 
Debt
 
At September 30, 2011, total outstanding debt was $4,126 million, of which $2,441 million was senior debt and $1,685 million was subordinated debt and CODES, compared to $4,137 million at December 31, 2010, of which $1,794 million was senior debt and $2,343 million was subordinated debt and CODES. At September 30, 2011, borrowings available under our Revolving Credit Facility were $990 million, after reduction for outstanding letters of credit of $10 million. There were no borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2011. Our outstanding debt matures between October 15, 2015 and August 1, 2035. See Note 9 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report for the components of our debt at September 30, 2011.
 
2011 Debt Repurchases, Issuance, and Redemptions. On February 2, 2011, we repurchased approximately $11 million of our CODES as a result of the exercise by the holders of their contractual right to require us to repurchase their CODES. The holders of the CODES have a contractual right to require us to repurchase the remaining CODES, in whole or in part, on February 1, 2016 and every five years thereafter through February 1, 2031.
 
On February 7, 2011, L-3 Communications issued the 2021 Senior Notes and, on March 9, 2011, used the net cash proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem the 57/8% 2015 Notes. See Note 9 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report for additional information on our 2011 debt repurchases, issuance, and redemptions.
 
Debt Covenants and Other Provisions. The Revolving Credit Facility, senior notes and senior subordinated notes contain financial and/or other restrictive covenants. See Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for a description of our debt and


42


Table of Contents

related financial covenants, including dividend payment and share repurchase restrictions and cross default provisions. As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with our financial and other restrictive covenants.
 
Under select conditions, including if L-3 Holdings’ common stock price is more than 120% (currently $117.35) of the then current conversion price (currently $97.79) for a specified period, the conversion feature of the CODES will require L-3 Holdings, upon conversion, to pay the holders of the CODES the principal amount in cash, and if the settlement amount exceeds the principal amount, the excess will be settled in cash or stock or a combination thereof, at our option. See Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional information regarding the CODES, including conditions for conversion. L-3 Holdings’ closing stock price on November 1, 2011 was $65.98 per share.
 
Guarantees. The borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by L-3 Holdings and by substantially all of the material wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of L-3 Communications on an unsecured senior basis. The payment of principal and premium, if any, and interest on the senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on an unsecured senior basis, jointly and severally, by L-3 Communications’ material wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee any of its other indebtedness. The payment of principal and premium, if any, and interest on the senior subordinated notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on an unsecured senior subordinated basis, jointly and severally, by L-3 Communications’ wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee any of its other indebtedness. The payment of principal and premium, if any, and interest on the CODES are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on an unsecured senior subordinated basis, jointly and severally, by L-3 Communications and its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee any of its other liabilities.
 
Subordination. The guarantees of the Revolving Credit Facility and the senior notes rank senior to the guarantees of the senior subordinated notes and the CODES and rank pari passu with each other. The guarantees of the senior subordinated notes and CODES rank pari passu with each other and are junior to the guarantees of the Revolving Credit Facility and senior notes.
 
Equity
 
Repurchases of L-3 Holdings common stock, under the share repurchase programs approved by the Board of Directors, are made from time to time at management’s discretion in accordance with applicable U.S. federal securities laws in the open market or otherwise. The timing and actual number of shares to be repurchased in the future will depend on a variety of factors, including the Company’s financial position, earnings, legal requirements, other investment opportunities (including acquisitions), market conditions and other factors. All share repurchases of L-3 Holdings’ common stock have been recorded as treasury shares. On April 26, 2011, L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program that authorizes L-3 Holdings to repurchase up to an additional $1.5 billion of its outstanding shares of common stock through April 30, 2013.
 
The table below presents our repurchases of L-3 Holdings common stock during the 2011 Year-to-Date Period.
 
 
                         
    Total Number of
  Average Price Paid
   
    Shares Purchased   Per Share   Treasury Stock
            (at cost in millions)
 
January 1 — April 1, 2011
    2,614,032     $ 78.40     $ 205  
April 2 — July 1, 2011
    2,793,931     $ 79.98     $ 224  
July 2 — September 30, 2011
    5,437,097     $ 68.33     $ 371  
 
At September 30, 2011, the remaining dollar value under the share repurchase program approved by L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors on April 26, 2011 was $1,292 million. During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, L-3 Holdings’ utilized the remaining authorization under the $1 billion share repurchase program approved by L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors on July 14, 2010.
 
From October 1, 2011 through November 2, 2011, L-3 Holdings repurchased 1,261,766 shares of its common stock at an average price of $65.12 per share for an aggregate amount of $82 million.


43


Table of Contents

During the 2011 Year-to-Date Period, L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors authorized the following quarterly cash dividends:
 
 
                                 
        Cash Dividend
      Total Dividends
Date Declared   Record Date   Per Share   Date Paid   Paid
                (in millions)
 
February 8, 2011
    March 1, 2011     $ 0.45       March 15, 2011     $ 49  
April 26, 2011
    May 17, 2011     $ 0.45       June 15, 2011     $ 48  
July 12, 2011
    August 17, 2011     $ 0.45       September 15, 2011     $ 46  
 
On October 11, 2011, L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per share, payable on December 15, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2011.
 
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
 
For a discussion of legal proceedings and contingencies that could impact our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, see Note 17 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
Certain of the matters discussed concerning our operations, cash flows, financial position, economic performance and financial condition, including in particular, the likelihood of our success in developing and expanding our business and the realization of sales from backlog, include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.
 
Statements 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 are 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, and therefore, it is possible that these statements may not be achieved. Such statements will also be influenced by factors which include, among other things:
 
  •  timing and completion of the planned spin-off of the Engility business and our ability to achieve anticipated benefits;
 
  •  the effects of the planned spin-off on the Engility business;
 
  •  our dependence on the defense industry and the business risks peculiar to that industry, including changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government defense budget;
 
  •  backlog processing and program slips resulting from delayed funding of the DoD budget;
 
  •  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, including potential suspensions or debarments;
 
  •  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 in the future with terms, including the purchase price, that are attractive to L-3 and to integrate acquired business operations;


44


Table of Contents

 
  •  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 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 that are a prerequisite to compete for and to perform work on classified contracts for the U.S. Government;
 
  •  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 markets;
 
  •  global economic uncertainty;
 
  •  the DoD’s contractor support services in-sourcing and efficiency initiatives;
 
  •  events beyond our control such as acts of terrorism;
 
  •  our ability to perform contracts (revenue arrangements) on schedule;
 
  •  our international operations, including sales to foreign customers;
 
  •  our extensive use of fixed-price type contracts as compared to cost-plus 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, particularly in connection with jury trials;
 
  •  results of audits by U.S. Government agencies, including the Defense Contract Audit Agency, of our sell prices, costs and performance on contracts (revenue arrangements), and our accounting and general business practices;
 
  •  results of on-going governmental investigations, including potential suspensions or debarments;
 
  •  the impact on our business of improper conduct by our employees, agents, or business partners;
 
  •  anticipated cost savings from business acquisitions not fully realized or realized within the expected time frame;
 
  •  the outcome of matters relating to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and similar non-U.S. regulations;
 
  •  ultimate resolution of contingent matters, claims and investigations relating to acquired businesses, and the impact on the final purchase price allocations;
 
  •  significant increase in competitive pressure among companies in our industry; and
 
  •  the fair values of our assets, including identifiable intangible assets and the estimated fair value of the goodwill balances for our reporting units, which can be impaired or reduced by other factors, some of which are discussed above.


45


Table of Contents

 
In addition, 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 19 to our audited consolidated financial statements, in each case included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and as supplemented in “Part I — Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Part II — Item 1A — Risk Factors” included in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 1, 2011.
 
Readers of this document are cautioned that 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 filing to reflect events or changes in circumstances or changes in expectations or the occurrence of anticipated events.


46


Table of Contents

 
ITEM 3.
 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
See Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Derivative Financial Instruments,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 for a discussion of our exposure to market risks. There were no material changes in those risks during the 2011 Year-to-Date Period. See Notes 15 and 16 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report for the aggregate fair values and notional amounts of our foreign currency forward contracts at September 30, 2011.
 
ITEM 4.
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Conclusions Regarding Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 related to L-3 Holdings and L-3 Communications is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Our management, with the participation of our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2011. Based upon that evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2011, the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level.
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


47


Table of Contents

 
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The information required with respect to this item can be found in Note 17 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this quarterly report and is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.
 
ITEM 1A.
 
RISK FACTORS
 
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 1, 2011, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview and Outlook — Industry Considerations”, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. Other than as described in “Industry Considerations” and Part II “Item 1A. Risk Factors” on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 1, 2011, there have been no material changes to the risk factors described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as supplemented by our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July, 1, 2011, are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.


48


Table of Contents

 
ITEM 2.
 
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
The following table provides information about share repurchases made by L-3 Holdings of its common stock during the 2011 Third Quarter. Repurchases are made from time to time at management’s discretion in accordance with applicable federal securities law. All share repurchases of L-3 Holdings’ common stock have been recorded as treasury shares.
 
                                 
                      Maximum Number
 
                Total Number
    (or Approximate
 
                of Shares
    Dollar Value)
 
                Purchased
    of Shares That
 
    Total Number
    Average
    as Part of
    May Yet be
 
    of Shares
    Price Paid
    Publicly Announced
    Purchased Under
 
    Purchased     per Share     Plans or Programs     the Plans or Programs(1)  
    (in millions)  
 
July 2 — July 31, 2011
    442,400     $   84.23       442,400     $   1,627  
August 1 — August 31, 2011
    3,713,065     $ 67.47       3,713,065     $ 1,376  
September 1 — September 30, 2011
    1,281,632     $ 65.30       1,281,632     $ 1,292  
                                 
Total
    5,437,097     $ 68.33       5,437,097          
                                 
 
 
(1) The first $164 million in purchases of shares described in the table above were made pursuant to the $1 billion share repurchase program approved by L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors on July 14, 2010, with a stated termination date of December 31, 2012. The remaining purchases of shares described in the table above were made pursuant to the $1.5 billion share repurchase program approved by the L-3 Holdings’ Board of Directors on April 26, 2011, which has a stated termination date of April 30, 2013.


49


Table of Contents

 
ITEM 3.
 
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
Not applicable
 
ITEM 4.
 
(REMOVED AND RESERVED)
 
ITEM 5.
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
Not applicable
 
ITEM 6.
 
EXHIBITS
 
For a list of exhibits, see the Exhibit Index in this Form 10-Q.


50


Table of Contents

 
SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
 
L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
  By:  
/s/  Ralph G. D’Ambrosio
  Title:  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
Date: November 2, 2011


51


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibits identified in parentheses below are on file with the SEC and are incorporated herein by reference to such previous filings.
 
     
Exhibit
   
No.   Description of Exhibits
 
     
3.1
  Certificate of Incorporation of L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrants’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
3.2
  Amended and Restated By-Laws of L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Registrants’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 27, 2010 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
3.3
  Certificate of Incorporation of L-3 Communications Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to L-3 Communications Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-31649)).
     
3.4
  Amended and Restated Bylaws of L-3 Communications Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrants’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 17, 2007 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
4.1
  Form of Common Stock Certificate of L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrants’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 25, 2010 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
4.2
  Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2009, among L-3 Communications Corporation, L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of the Registrants from time to time party thereto as guarantors, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrants’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 26, 2009 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
4.3
  Indenture dated as of July 29, 2005 (Notes Indenture) among L-3 Communications Corporation, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.69 to the Registrants’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
4.4
  Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2009 among L-3 Communications Corporation, The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee, and the guarantors named therein to the Notes Indenture dated as of July 29, 2005 among L-3 Communications Corporation, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Registrants’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2009 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
4.5
  Indenture dated as of July 29, 2005 (CODES Indenture) among L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc., the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the Registrants’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
4.6
  Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2009 among L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc., The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee, and the guarantors named therein to the CODES Indenture dated as of July 29, 2005 among L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc., the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Registrants’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2009 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
4.7
  Indenture dated as of October 2, 2009 among L-3 Communications Corporation, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the Registrants’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 25, 2009 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
4.8
  Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2010, among L-3 Communications Corporation, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrants’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 24, 2010 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).


Table of Contents

     
Exhibit
   
No.   Description of Exhibits
 
     
4.9
  First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2010, among L-3 Communications Corporation, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrants’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 24, 2010 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
4.10
  Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 7, 2011, among L-3 Communications Corporation, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrants’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2011 (File Nos. 001-14141 and 333-46983)).
     
**11
  L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. Computation of Basic Earnings Per Share and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share.
     
*12
  Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
     
*31.1
  Certification of Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
*31.2
  Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
*32
  Section 1350 Certification
     
***101.INS
  XBRL Instance Document
     
***101.SCH
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
***101.CAL
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
***101.LAB
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
***101.PRE
  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
* Filed herewith.
 
** The information required in this exhibit is presented in Note 12 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2011 in accordance with the provisions of ASC 260, Earnings Per Share.
 
*** Furnished electronically with this report.