STAMFORD, Conn., July 29, 2002 Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX) announced today a return to profitability based on the company¹s strongest quarterly operational performance since beginning a significant transformation in October 2000. The company reported second-quarter earnings of 12 cents per share including restructuring charges of 4 cents per share and a 3-cent per share loss from unhedged foreign currency.
"Xerox has its eye on one clear objective: building value for our customers and shareholders. We continue to improve all areas of our global operations, reducing costs, enhancing liquidity and generating cash from operations," said Anne M. Mulcahy, Xerox chairman and chief executive officer. "This management team has put difficult matters behind us while creating a new Xerox that is stronger, leaner, and faster. The result: a return to profitability that speaks to the resiliency of our people and the confidence of our customers who recognise the value and competitive advantages of Xerox¹s strengthened offerings."
Operational improvements led to gross margins of 42.5 percent, a year-over-year increase of 3.4 percentage points. Selling, administrative and general costs decreased $110 million or 9 percent from second quarter 2001.
In the second quarter, Xerox generated operating cash flow of $541 million, reflecting improved profitability and disciplined management of the balance sheet.
While investing in growth, Xerox also continued its relentless focus on cost reductions. The company implemented initiatives in 2001 that will reduce its annualised cost base by more than $1.1 billion and has taken additional actions in the first half of this year that will further reduce costs by about $175 million. Worldwide employment declined 2,200 in the second quarter to 72,400. Research and development spending was 6 percent of revenue, reflecting the company¹s commitment to fostering innovation in its three key markets: the office, production and services.
Xerox reported second-quarter revenue of $4 billion, a year-over-year decline of 8 percent. Approximately 30 percent of the second-quarter revenue decline was due to the company¹s exit last year from the retail small office/home office equipment business as well as reductions in its developing markets operations. The DMO revenue decline reflects the transition to a business structure that prioritises cash flow and profitable revenue. This strategy along with operational efficiencies led to a profitable quarter for Xerox¹s developing markets business.
Delivering on a commitment to strengthen its product portfolio, Xerox recently launched several breakthrough products including the next-generation Document Centre and DocuColor multifunction systems and an expanded line of Phaser colour printers for the office. Mulcahy noted that these new products, along with the company¹s launch this year of the DocuColor iGen3 digital production press, place Xerox in a strong competitive position to capture market share.
"Xerox¹s portfolio of offerings has never been stronger and, supported by a breadth of services and solutions, is strategically designed to exploit key opportunities in our core businesses. At the same time, we are significantly improving margins in the office and production markets where we¹re winning customers with our competitively priced and superior technology."
Commenting on the company¹s financial health, Lawrence A. Zimmerman, Xerox senior vice president and chief financial officer, said, "In a short period of time, Xerox has taken the right steps to improve its liquidity, reducing debt by 14 percent in the past year while maintaining a strong worldwide cash position of about $1.9 billion at the end of June."
Zimmerman also noted that Xerox recently completed the renegotiation of its bank facility, repaying $2.8 billion, agreeing to pay an additional $700 million by Sept. 15 and extending the maturity date for the remaining balance.
"The flow through from operational improvements, a rich product portfolio and a fortified balance sheet are the key enablers to building value for customers and shareholders. We¹re making impressive progress in each area and will continue to deliver on a well-defined strategy that focuses on long-term financial health. And, we are doing so with a commitment to the highest integrity of financial reporting and strengthened internal controls," he said.
Mulcahy added, "We will continue to build momentum in the marketplace through new product and service offerings as well as operational improvements that will strengthen bottom-line performance. These actions position us well for a return to full-year profitability."
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Media Contacts:
Christa Carone, Xerox Corporation, after July 25, 585-423-5074, christa.carone@usa.xerox.com
Bill McKee, Xerox Corporation, 585-423-4476, bill.mckee@usa.xerox.com
NOTE TO EDITORS:
For more information about Xerox, visit www.xerox.com/news. XEROX®, The Document Company® and the digital X® are trademarks of XEROX CORPORATION.
This release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to Xerox that are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "will" and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Information concerning certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially is included in the company's first-quarter 2002 Form 10-Q filed with the SEC.