"We ended the year on a high note with strong fourth quarter results capping an exceptional 2019 in which we outperformed on all guidance metrics," said William M. Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The company achieved double-digit revenue growth for the quarter and the year with strong growth across all segments and ended the year with record profit, EPS and free cash flow."
Summary Financial Results
Communication Systems
Revenue increased double digits for the fifth consecutive quarter, up 14%, from double-digit growth in all three businesses. Tactical Communications revenue grew 15% primarily driven by DoD Tactical, up 39%, from a ramp in U.S. DoD modernization programs. Operating income increased 11% to $180 million from higher volume.
Communication Systems order momentum continued in the fourth quarter, with double-digit orders growth and a book-to-bill greater than 1.0 in each of the businesses.
Full-year segment revenue increased 14% from strong growth in all three businesses with an overall book-to-bill of 1.10. Tactical revenue grew 14%, with DoD up 31% and international up 3%, and funded backlog increased by 16% to $1.1 billion. Segment operating margin expanded 30 bps to 30.0%.
Electronic Systems
Fourth quarter revenue increased 14% from sustained strong growth on long-term platforms – F-35, F/A-18 and F-16, partially offset by the UAE Emirates Land Tactical System program transition timing. Operating income grew 22% to $144 million, and margin expanded 120 bps to 19.8%, driven by higher volume and strong operational performance.
Harris continued to strengthen its position in avionics and electronic warfare. The company received a $340 million award for release systems and an additional $125 million in funding for avionics components on the F-35 platform in support of LRIP 12-14. Harris also received a $72 million production order to deliver upgraded countermeasure electronic warfare systems for the B-52 platform.
In addition, the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) exercised a contract option worth $46 million for the company's T7™ robots to support explosive ordnance disposal missions. This award follows the successful testing and delivery of initial T7™ robots under the previously awarded $63 million U.K. MOD contract.
Full year segment revenue increased 9% with a book-to-bill of 1.14 and operating margin expanded 100 bps to 19.3%.
Space and Intelligence Systems
Fourth quarter revenue increased 8%, as double-digit growth from classified programs, driven by small satellites, exquisite systems and next-generation technology programs, was partially offset by lower revenue from environmental programs. Operating income increased 16% to $94 million, and margin expanded 120 bps to 17.3% from strong program execution.
In addition, funding support continued for key environmental programs, with an award from the U.S. Department of Commerce to monitor weather satellite transmission interference as well as an increase in scope on the GOES-R ground program announced in the third quarter.
Full-year segment revenue increased 8% with a book-to-bill of 1.03. Operating income increased 8% and operating margin expanded 20 bps to 17.5%.
Cash and Capital Deployment
In fiscal 2019, Harris generated $1,055 million in adjusted free cash flow5, up 15%, and returned $525 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Unaudited Combined L3 and Harris Historical Financial Information6
Guidance
L3Harris initiated second half and calendar year 2019 guidance.
Second half calendar year 2019 guidance:
Full calendar year 2019 guidance:
Conference Call and Webcast
About L3Harris Technologies
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Basis of Preparation of Unaudited Combined L3 and Harris Historical Financial Information
In addition, the Supplemental Unaudited Combined Financial Information does not purport to indicate the results that actually would have been obtained had the L3 and Harris businesses been operated together on the basis of the new segment structure during the periods presented, or which may be realized in the future.
Forward-Looking Statements
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1Excludes discontinued operations and current period merger deal and integration costs and other prior period items; reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the attached tables.
2Excludes cash flow for merger deal and integration costs; reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the attached tables.
3 Excludes discontinued operations and current period merger deal and integration costs and other prior period items; reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the attached tables.
4Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the attached tables.
5Excludes cash flow for merger deal and integration costs; reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the attached tables.
6Provided supplementally for investors; see the explanatory discussion in the Basis of Preparation paragraphs below, including regarding amounts adjusted for certain non-recurring items. Refer to reconciliations provided in the attached tables.
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