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Palanor Data/LHX

10-K · Item 1A Risk Factors

L3Harris · Risk factors

LHX · Industrials

Filed 2025-02-14 · CY2025 Q1 · Company’s FY2025 · 8,422 words

Read the original on sec.gov ↗ · Prior 10-K (2024-02-20) ↗

Grouped by the filing’s own headings.

Macroeconomic, Industry and Governmental Risks

We depend on winning business in competitive markets from U.S. Government customers for a significant portion of our revenue.

rewrittenConcentrationRemoved specific 76% fiscal 2023 U.S. Government revenue figure and details on indefinite delivery contracts and competitive award timing.

We are highly dependent on revenue from U.S. Government customers, primarily defense- related programs with the DoD and other government agencies.

The market for sales to U.S. Government customers is highly competitive and the U.S. Government may choose to use other contractors as part of competitive bidding processes or otherwise. The U.S. Government has increasingly relied on certain types of contracts that are subject to multiple competitive bidding processes, including multi-vendor indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (“IDIQ”), government-wide acquisition contracts, General Services Administration Schedules and other multi-award contracts, which has resulted in greater competition and increased pricing pressure. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources than we do and may have more extensive or more specialized engineering, manufacturing and marketing capabilities than we do in some areas. We may not be able to continue to win competitively awarded contracts or to obtain task orders under multi- award contracts.

Further, competitive bidding processes involve significant cost and managerial time to prepare bids and proposals for contracts and the risk that we may fail to accurately estimate the resources and costs required to fulfill any contract awarded to us. We may choose not to bid in certain competitive bidding processes, which would result in the potential loss of opportunities. Additionally, bid protests from unsuccessful bidders can result in significant expense or delay, contract modification or contract rescission as a result of our competitors protesting or challenging contracts awarded to us.

Compare with the 2024 10-K

Prior heading: We depend on winning business in competitive markets from U.S. Government customers for a significant portion of our revenue.

We are highly dependent on revenue from U.S. Government customers, primarily defense-related defense- related programs with the DoD and a broad range of programs with the U.S. Intelligence Community and other U.S. Government departments and agencies. The percentage of our revenue derived from sales to U.S. Government customers, including foreign military sales funded through the U.S. Government, both directly and through prime contractors, was 76% in fiscal 2023. government agencies. The market for sales to U.S. Government customers is highly competitive, competitive and the U.S. Government often chooses may choose to use contractors other than us, for example, contractors as part of competitive bidding processes (through which we expect that a majority of the business we seek will be awarded), or otherwise due to our competitors’ ongoing efforts to expand their business relationships with the U.S. Government. otherwise. The U.S. Government has increasingly relied on certain types of contracts that are subject to multiple competitive bidding processes, including multi-vendor indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (“IDIQ”), government-wide acquisition contracts (“GWACs”), contracts, General Services Administration Schedules and other multi-award contracts, which has resulted in greater competition and increased pricing pressure. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources than we do and may have more extensive or more specialized engineering, manufacturing and marketing capabilities than we do in some areas. We may not be able to continue to win competitively awarded contracts or to obtain task orders under multi-award multi- award contracts. Further, competitive bidding processes involve significant cost and managerial time to prepare bids and proposals for contracts that may not be awarded to us or may be split with competitors, and the risk that we may fail to accurately estimate the resources and costs required to fulfill any contract awarded to us. For these reasons and others, we We may choose not to bid in certain competitive bidding processes, which would result in the potential loss of opportunities. Additionally, bid protests from unsuccessful bidders can extend the time until work on a contract can begin and may result in significant expense or delay, contract modification or contract rescission as a result of our competitors protesting or challenging contracts awarded to us.

Added · Removed · word-level comparison of the two filings

A reduction in U.S. Government funding or a change in U.S. Government spending priorities could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity. We expect

rewrittenRegulatoryAdded expectation of policy and spending priority changes from new Administration; removed specific 2024 Continuing Resolution and Fiscal Responsibility Act details.

changes in policy positions and spending priorities from the new Administration. Our U.S. Government programs must compete with programs managed by other government contractors and with other policy imperatives for consideration for limited resources and for uncertain levels of funding during the budget and appropriations process.

Although multi-year contracts may be authorized and appropriated in connection with major procurements, Congress generally appropriates funds on a U.S. Government fiscal year (“GFY”) basis. Procurement funds are typically disbursed over the course of one to three years. Consequently, programs often initially receive only partial funding, and additional funds are obligated only as Congress authorizes further appropriations.

We cannot predict the extent to which total funding and/or funding for individual programs will be changed as part of the annual appropriations process ultimately approved by Congress and the President or in separate supplemental appropriations or continuing resolutions, as applicable. Budget and appropriations decisions made by the U.S. Government are outside of our control and may have long-term consequences for our business. U.S.

Government spending priorities and levels remain uncertain and difficult to predict, especially with a new administration, and are affected by numerous factors, including the U.S. Government’s budget deficit and the national debt. A change in U.S. Government spending priorities or an increase in non-procurement spending at the expense of our programs, or a reduction in total U.S. Government spending on an absolute or inflation-adjusted basis, could have material adverse consequences on our current or future business.

If Congress does not enact a full-year GFY 2025 appropriations bill, the U.S. Government may not be able to fulfill its funding obligations, and there could be significant disruption to all discretionary programs and corresponding impacts on the entire defense industry, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. Any inability of the U.S. Government to complete its budget process for any GFY and resulting operation on funding levels equivalent to its prior fiscal year pursuant to a Continuing Resolution (“CR”) or shut down, also could have material adverse consequences on our current or future business.

For more information see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - U.S. and International Budget Environment” of this Report.

Compare with the 2024 10-K

Prior heading: A reduction in U.S. Government funding or a change in U.S. Government spending priorities could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

changes in policy positions and spending priorities from the new Administration. Our U.S. Government programs must compete with programs managed by other government contractors and with other policy imperatives for consideration for limited resources and for uncertain levels of funding during the budget and appropriations process. process. Although multi-year contracts may be authorized and appropriated in connection with major procurements, Congress generally appropriates funds on a U.S. Government fiscal year (“GFY”) basis. Procurement funds are typically made available for obligation disbursed over the course of one to three years. Consequently, programs often initially receive only partial funding, and additional funds are obligated only as Congress authorizes further appropriations. We cannot predict the extent to which total funding and/or funding for individual programs will be included, increased, or reduced changed as part of the annual appropriations process ultimately approved by Congress and the President or in separate supplemental appropriations or continuing resolutions, as applicable. Budget and appropriations decisions made by the U.S. Government are outside of our control and may have long-term consequences for our business. U.S. U.S. Government spending priorities and levels remain uncertain and difficult to predict predict, especially with a new administration, and are affected by numerous factors, including the U.S. Government’s budget deficit and the national debt. A change in U.S. Government spending priorities or an increase in non-procurement spending at the expense of our programs, or a reduction in total U.S. Government spending on an absolute or inflation-adjusted basis, could have material adverse consequences on our current or future business. For GFY 2024, the federal government is currently being funded under a Continuing Resolution (“CR”). The CR funds Agriculture, Energy-Water, Military-Construction-VA and Transportation-HUD through March 1, 2024 and the other portions of the federal government, including the DoD, through March 8, 2024. This is the third CR in GFY2024. Pursuant to the Fiscal Responsibility Act (P.L., 118-5), if a final GFY2024 appropriations bill is not enacted by April 30, 2024, then spending cuts would go into effect and discretionary spending limits would be revised to reflect GFY 2023 enacted levels for defense and nondefense categories and decrease by 1%. In addition, if If Congress does not enact a full-year GFY2024 GFY 2025 appropriations bill, the U.S. Government may not be able to fulfill its funding obligations, and there could be significant disruption to all discretionary programs and corresponding impacts on the entire defense industry, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. Any inability of the U.S. Government to complete its budget process for any GFY and resulting operation on funding levels equivalent to its prior fiscal year pursuant to a CR Continuing Resolution (“CR”) or shut down, also could have material adverse consequences on our current or future business. business. For more information see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - U.S. and International Budget Environment” of this Report.

Added · Removed · word-level comparison of the two filings

Our results of operations and cash flows are substantially affected by our mix of fixed-price, cost-type and time-and-material type contracts. Fixed-price contracts, particularly for development programs, could subject us to losses from cost overruns or inflation.

rewrittenMacro & demandRewritten to drop specific language on inflation severity ('significant increase' and 'sustained period'), simplifying cost overrun risk language for fixed-price contracts.

In fiscal 2024, 73% of our revenue was derived from fixed-price contracts that allow us to benefit from cost savings, but subject us to the risk of potential cost overruns, including due to greater than anticipated or a sustained period of increased inflation or unexpected delays because we assume all of the cost burden. If our initial estimates are incorrect, we can lose money (or make more or less money than estimated) on these contracts. Fixed-price U.S. Government contracts can expose us to potentially large losses because the U.S. Government can hold us responsible for completing a project or, in limited circumstances, paying the entire cost of its replacement by another provider.

Contracts for development programs include complex design and technical requirements and are generally contracted on a cost-reimbursable basis, however, some existing development programs are contracted on a fixed- price basis or include cost-type contracting for the development phase with fixed-price production options. Because many of these contracts involve new technologies and applications and can last for years, unforeseen events, such as technological difficulties, increases in the price of materials, a significant increase in or a sustained period of increased inflation, problems with our suppliers, labor market conditions and cost overruns, can result in less favorable economics or even losses over-time (which, especially in the case of sharp and significant sustained inflation, could happen quickly and have long lasting impacts).

Furthermore, if we do not meet contract deadlines or specifications, we may need to renegotiate contracts on less favorable terms, be forced to pay penalties or liquidated damages or suffer losses if the customer exercises its right to terminate. Some of our contracts have provisions relating to cost controls and audit rights, and if we fail to meet the terms specified in those contracts, we may not realize their full benefits. Cost overruns would adversely impact our results of operations, which are dependent on our ability to maximize our earnings from our contracts, and the potential risk would be greater if our contracts shifted toward a greater percentage of fixed-price contracts, particularly firm fixed-price contracts, as opposed to cost-type and time-and-material contracts.

To the extent feasible, we have consistently followed the practice of contractually adjusting our prices to reflect the impact of inflation on salaries and fringe benefits for employees and the cost of purchased materials and services and in some cases seeking the inclusion of adjustment clauses to incorporate certain cost adjustments in fixed-price contracts for unexpected inflation. However, our fixed-price contracts could subject us to losses in the event of cost overruns or a significant increase in or a sustained period of increased inflation if these measures are not effective.

Any or all of the foregoing could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

Compare with the 2024 10-K

Prior heading: Our results of operations and cash flows are substantially affected by our mix of fixed-price, cost-plus and time-and-material type contracts. Our fixed-price contracts, particularly those for development programs, could subject us to losses in the event of cost overruns or a significant increase in or sustained period of increased inflation.

We generate revenue through various fixed-price, cost-plus and time-and-material contracts. For a general description of our U.S. Government contracts and subcontracts, including a discussion of revenue generated thereunder and of cost-reimbursable versus fixed-price contracts, see “Item 1. Business - Government Contracts” of this Report. For a description of our revenue recognition policies, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates - Revenue Recognition” of this Report. In fiscal 2023, 2024, 73% of our revenue was derived from fixed-price contracts that allow us to benefit from cost savings, but subject us to the risk of potential cost overruns, including due to greater than anticipated or a sustained period of increased inflation or unexpected delays because we assume all of the cost burden. If our initial estimates are incorrect, we can lose money (or make more or less money than estimated) on these contracts. Fixed-price U.S. Government contracts can expose us to potentially large losses because the U.S. Government can hold us responsible for completing a project or, in certain limited circumstances, paying the entire cost of its replacement by another provider regardless of the size or foreseeability of any cost overruns that occur over the life of the contract. In fiscal 2023, approximately 27% of our revenue was derived from cost-type contracts. Under cost-type contracts, we agree to be reimbursed for allowable costs and paid a fee. When our costs are in excess of the final target cost, fees and our margin may be adversely affected. If our costs exceed authorized contract funding or do not qualify as allowable costs under applicable regulations, we will not be reimbursed for those costs. Cost overruns may adversely affect our financial performance and our ability to win new contracts. provider. Contracts for development programs include complex design and technical requirements and are generally contracted on a cost-reimbursable basis, however, some of our existing development programs are contracted on a fixed-price fixed- price basis or include cost-type contracting for the development phase with fixed-price production options. Because many of these contracts involve new technologies and applications and can last for years, unforeseen events, such as technological difficulties, fluctuations increases in the price of materials, a significant increase in or a sustained period of increased inflation, problems with our suppliers, labor market conditions and cost overruns, can result in the contractual price becoming less favorable economics or even unprofitable to us losses over-time (which, especially in the case of sharp and significant sustained inflation, could happen quickly and have long lasting impacts), and increased interest rates resulting from inflationary pressures can also impact the fair value of these contracts. impacts). Furthermore, if we do not meet contract deadlines or specifications, we may need to renegotiate contracts on less favorable terms, be forced to pay penalties or liquidated damages or suffer major losses if the customer exercises its right to terminate. In addition, some Some of our contracts have provisions relating to cost controls and audit rights, and if we fail to meet the terms specified in those contracts, we may not realize their full benefits. Cost overruns would adversely impact our results of operations, which are dependent on our ability to maximize our earnings from our contracts, and the potential risk would be greater if our contracts shifted toward a greater percentage of fixed-price contracts, particularly firm fixed-price contracts, as opposed to cost-plus cost-type and time-and-material contracts. To the extent feasible, we have consistently followed the practice of contractually adjusting our prices to reflect the impact of inflation on salaries and fringe benefits for employees and the cost of purchased materials and services and in some cases seeking the inclusion of adjustment clauses to incorporate certain cost adjustments in fixed-price contracts for unexpected inflation. However, our fixed-price contracts could subject us to losses in the event of cost overruns or a significant increase in or a sustained period of increased inflation if these measures are not effective. Any or all of the foregoing could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

Added · Removed · word-level comparison of the two filings

The application or impact of regulations, unilateral government action, termination or negative audit findings for one or more of our contracts could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

rewrittenRegulatoryRemoved specific details on DoD Other Transaction Authority, FAR, CAS, ITAR, and debarment causes; heading now omits dependence language.

U.S. Government contracts are generally subject to U.S. Government oversight audits, which could result in adjustments to our contract costs. Any costs found to be improperly allocated to a specific contract will not be reimbursed, and such costs already reimbursed must be refunded. We have recorded contract revenue based on costs we expect to realize upon final audit. However, we do not know the outcome of any future audits and adjustments, and we may be required to materially reduce our revenue or profits upon completion and final negotiation of audits. Negative audit findings could also result in termination of a contract, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines or suspension or debarment from U.S. Government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time.

In addition, U.S. Government contracts generally contain provisions permitting termination, in whole or in part, without prior notice at the U.S. Government’s convenience upon payment only for work done and commitments made at the time of termination. For some contracts, we are a subcontractor and the U.S. Government could terminate the prime contractor for convenience without regard for our performance as a subcontractor. We may be unable to secure new contracts to offset revenue or backlog lost as a result of any termination of our U.S. Government contracts. Because a significant portion of our revenue is dependent on our performance and payment under our U.S. Government contracts, the loss of one or more large contracts could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

From time to time, we may begin performance of a U.S. Government contract under an undefinitized contract action with a not-to-exceed price before the terms, specifications or price are agreed to between the parties. In these arrangements, the U.S. Government has the ability to unilaterally definitize the contract if a mutual agreement regarding terms, specifications and price cannot be reached. These uncertainties or loss of negotiating leverage associated with long delays could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

Our U.S. Government business also is subject to specific procurement regulations and a variety of socioeconomic and other requirements that, although customary in U.S. Government contracts, increase our performance and compliance costs. These costs might increase in the future, thereby reducing our margins, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity. In addition, the U.S. Government has and may continue to implement initiatives focused on efficiencies, affordability and cost growth and other changes to its procurement practices. These initiatives and changes to procurement practices may change the way U.S. Government contracts are solicited, negotiated and managed, which may affect whether and how we pursue opportunities to provide our products and services to the U.S.

Government, including the terms and conditions under which we do so, which may have an adverse impact on our business, financial Failure to comply with applicable regulations and requirements could lead to fines, penalties, repayments or compensatory or treble damages, or suspension or debarment from U.S. Government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time. The termination of a U.S. Government contract or relationship as a result of any of these acts would have an adverse impact on our operations and could have an adverse effect on our standing and eligibility for future U.S. Government contracts.

Compare with the 2024 10-K

Prior heading: We depend significantly on U.S. Government contracts, which generally are subject to immediate termination and heavily regulated and audited. The application or impact of regulations, unilateral government action, termination or negative audit findings for one or more of these contracts could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

U.S. Government contracts also generally are generally subject to U.S. Government oversight audits, which could result in adjustments to our contract costs. Any costs found to be improperly allocated to a specific contract will not be reimbursed, and such costs already reimbursed must be refunded. We have recorded contract revenue based on costs we expect to realize upon final audit. However, we do not know the outcome of any future audits and adjustments, and we may be required to materially reduce our revenue or profits upon completion and final negotiation of audits. Negative audit findings could also result in termination of a contract, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines or suspension or debarment from U.S. Government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time. In addition, U.S. Government contracts generally contain provisions permitting termination, in whole or in part, without prior notice at the U.S. Government’s convenience upon payment only for work done and commitments made at the time of termination. For some contracts, we are a subcontractor and not the prime contractor, and in those arrangements, the U.S. Government could terminate the prime contractor for convenience without regard for our performance as a subcontractor. We may be unable to procure secure new contracts to offset revenue or backlog lost as a result of any termination of our U.S. Government contracts. Because a significant portion of our revenue is dependent on our performance and payment under our U.S. Government contracts, the loss of one or more large contracts could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity. From time to time, we may begin performance of a U.S. Government contract under an undefinitized contract action with a not-to-exceed price before the terms, specifications or price are finally agreed to between the parties. In these arrangements, the U.S. Government has the ability to unilaterally definitize the contract if a mutual agreement regarding terms, specifications and price cannot be reached. These uncertainties or loss of negotiating leverage associated with long delays could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity. Our U.S. Government business also is subject to specific procurement regulations and a variety of socioeconomic and other requirements that, although customary in U.S. Government contracts, increase our performance and compliance costs. These costs might increase in the future, thereby reducing our margins, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity. In addition, the U.S. Government has and may continue to implement initiatives focused on efficiencies, affordability and cost growth and other changes to its procurement practices. These initiatives and changes to procurement practices may change the way U.S. Government contracts are solicited, negotiated and managed, which may affect whether and how we pursue opportunities to provide our products and services to the U.S. Government, including the terms and conditions under which we do so, which may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity. For example, contracts awarded under the DoD’s Other Transaction Authority for research and prototypes generally require cost-sharing and may not follow, or may follow only in part, standard U.S. Government contracting practices and terms, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) and U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (“CAS”). Failure to comply with applicable regulations and requirements could lead to fines, penalties, repayments or compensatory or treble damages, or suspension or debarment from U.S. Government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time. Among the causes for debarment are violations of various laws and regulations, including those related to procurement integrity, export control (including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”)), U.S. Government security, employment practices, protection of the environment, accuracy of records, proper recording of costs and foreign corruption. The termination of a U.S. Government contract or relationship as a result of any of these acts would have an adverse impact on our operations and could have an adverse effect on our standing and eligibility for future U.S. Government contracts.

Added · Removed · word-level comparison of the two filings

We participate in markets that are often subject to uncertain economic conditions, which makes it difficult to estimate growth in our markets and, as a result, future income and expenditures.

unchangedMacro & demand

We participate in U.S. and international markets that are subject to uncertain economic conditions. In particular, U.S. federal, state and local government spending priorities and levels remain uncertain and difficult to predict and are affected by numerous factors. In addition, certain of our non-U.S. customers, including in the Middle East and other oil or natural gas- producing countries, could be impacted by weakness or volatility in oil or natural gas prices, or negative expectations about future prices or volatility, which could adversely affect demand for our products, systems, services or technologies. As a result of that uncertainty, it is difficult to develop accurate estimates of the level of growth in the markets we serve.

Because those estimates underpin all components of our budgeting and forecasting, our estimates or guidance for future revenue, income and expenditures may be inaccurate, and we may make significant investments and expenditures but never realize the anticipated benefits.

We cannot predict the consequences of future geo-political events, but they may adversely affect the markets in which we operate, our ability to insure against risks, our operations or our profitability.

unchangedGeopolitical & war

Ongoing instability and current conflicts in global markets, including in the Ukraine and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and the potential for other conflicts and future terrorist activities and geo-political events throughout the world, including new or increased economic and trade sanctions, including tariffs, have created and may continue to create economic and political uncertainties and impacts that could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and profitability. These types of matters cause uncertainty in financial and insurance markets and may significantly increase the political, economic and social instability in the geographic areas in which we operate.

Unfavorable credit conditions in financial markets outside of the U.S. could adversely affect the ability of our international customers and suppliers to obtain financing and could result in a decrease in or cancellation of orders for our products and services or impact the ability of our customers to make payments. These matters also may cause us to experience increased costs, such as for insurance coverage and performance bonds (or for them to be unavailable altogether), as well as difficulty with financing our operating, investing or financing (or refinancing) activities.

We are subject to government investigations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

unchangedRegulatory

U.S. Government contractors are subject to extensive legal and regulatory requirements, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and U.S.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and from time to time agencies of the U.S. Government investigate whether we have been and are operating in accordance with these requirements. Under U.S. Government regulations, an indictment of L3Harris by a federal grand jury, or an administrative finding against us as to our present responsibility to be a U.S. Government contractor or subcontractor, could result in us 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, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity. A conviction, or an administrative finding against us that satisfies the requisite level of seriousness, could result in debarment from contracting with the U.S. Government for a specific term, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from international operations and are subject to the risks of doing business internationally.

unchangedTariffs & trade

We are dependent on sales to customers outside the U.S. We expect that international revenue will continue to account for a significant portion of our total revenue. Also, a portion of our international revenue is from, and a portion of our business activity is being conducted with or in, less-developed countries and sometimes countries with unstable governments, or in areas of military conflict or at military installations. Other risks of doing business internationally include:

•Laws, regulations and policies of foreign governments relating to investments and operations;

•Unforeseen changes in export controls and other trade regulations;

•Changes in regulatory requirements, including business or operating license requirements, currency exchange controls or embargoes;

•Uncertainties and restrictions concerning the availability of funding, credit or guarantees;

•Risk of non-payment or delayed payment by non-U.S. customers;

•Contractual obligations to non-U.S. customers that may include specific in-country purchases, investments, manufacturing agreements or financial or other support obligations, known as offset obligations, that may extend for years, require teaming with local companies and result in significant penalties if not satisfied;

•Issues related to involving international dealers, distributors, sales representatives and consultants;

•Difficulties of managing a geographically dispersed organization and culturally diverse workforces, including compliance with local laws and practices;

•Fluctuations of currency, currency revaluations, difficulties with repatriating cash generated or held abroad in a tax-efficient manner and changes in tax laws;

•Uncertainties as to local laws and enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights and occasional requirements for onerous contract terms;

•Changes in government, economic and political policies, political or civil unrest, acts of terrorism, threats of international boycotts, U.S. anti-boycott legislation or sanctions against U.S. defense companies; and •Increased risk of an incident resulting in damage or destruction to our facilities or products or resulting in injury or loss of life to our employees, subcontractors or other third parties.

Business and Operational Risks

We depend on our subcontractors and suppliers, and failures in or disruptions to our supply chain could cause our products and or services to be produced or delivered in an untimely or unsatisfactory manner. Our ability to

rewrittenSupply chainAdded labor_talent content on attracting/retaining security-cleared personnel; removed specific 2022-2023 supply chain disruption examples and mitigation details.

manufacture and deliver products and services to our customers requires our U.S. and non-U.S. subcontractors and suppliers to provide a variety of materials, components, subsystems and services. In some instances, we depend upon a single supplier for components, which adds risk because that supplier may at times be unable to meet our needs and because we may have little negotiating leverage with sole-source suppliers. Identifying and qualifying dual and second-source suppliers can be difficult, time consuming and may result in increased costs. Any inability to timely develop cost-effective alternative sources of supply could materially impact our ability to manufacture and deliver products and services to our customers.

In addition, we are required to procure certain materials and components, including certain microelectronic components, from U.S. Government-approved supply sources. Certain heightened regulatory requirements that may apply to these sources can further limit the subcontractors and suppliers we may utilize. Legislation, regulatory changes or other governmental actions, including product certification or stewardship requirements, sourcing restrictions, tariffs, embargoes, product authenticity, cybersecurity regulation, and environmental standards (e.g., greenhouse gas emission limitations) may all impact our subcontractors and suppliers, and there continues to be uncertainty about actions that may be implemented by the new Administration.

From time to time, our subcontractors and suppliers experience financial and operational difficulties outside of our direct control, which may impact their ability to deliver the materials, components, subsystems and services we need.

In recent years, global supply chains, including ours, have experienced significant disruption from material availability and supplier performance, as well as extended lead times, pricing volatility, inflationary pressures and labor issues. We and our subcontractors and suppliers have also experienced difficulties in the timely procurement of necessary materials and components, including microelectronics. Current geopolitical conditions, including sanctions and other trade restrictive activities and strained inter-country relations, have contributed to issues procuring necessary materials and components. For example, some materials and components in our supply chain have previously been sourced from areas now under sanctions or other trade restrictions, such as specialty metals from Russia and certain equipment from China, or are currently sourced from areas which are at risk of sanctions or other trade restrictive actions, not just by the United States but by other nations or groups, such as the European Union.

While we continuously work to implement supply chain resiliency initiatives, we cannot guarantee the success of any of these efforts. Material supply disruptions may still occur in the future, leading to untimely delivery or unsatisfactory quality of products and services, and potentially adversely affecting our business, operational results, financial condition and cash flow.

We must attract and retain key employees, and any failure to do so could harm us. Our future success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our management and our ability to attract and retain highly-qualified management and technical personnel, including engineers and employees who have U.S.

Government security clearances, particularly clearances of top secret and above. To the extent that the demand for qualified personnel exceeds supply in certain areas, we could experience higher labor, recruiting or training costs in order to attract and retain such employees. Failure to attract and retain such personnel would damage our future prospects and could adversely affect our ability to succeed in our human capital goals and priorities, as well as negatively impact our business and operating results.

Compare with the 2024 10-K

Prior heading: We depend on our subcontractors and suppliers to provide materials, components, subsystems and services for many of our products and services, and failures in or disruptions to our supply chain could cause our products and or services to be produced or delivered in an untimely or unsatisfactory manner.

Our ability to manufacture and deliver products and services to our customers requires our U.S. and non-U.S. subcontractors and suppliers to provide a variety of materials, components, subsystems and services. Some of our programs are very long duration with complex re-qualification and we must ensure long term supply capacity of subcontractors and suppliers. In some instances, we depend upon a single supplier for components, which adds risk because that supplier may at times be unable to meet our needs and because we may have little negotiating leverage with sole-source suppliers. Identifying and qualifying dual and second-source suppliers can be difficult, time consuming and may result in increased costs. Any inability to timely develop cost-effective alternative sources of supply could materially impact our ability to manufacture and deliver products and services to our customers. In addition, we are required to procure certain materials and components, including certain microelectronic components, from U.S. Government-approved supply sources. Certain heightened regulatory requirements that may apply to these sources can further limit the subcontractors and suppliers we may utilize. Legislation, regulatory changes or other governmental actions, including product certification or stewardship requirements, sourcing restrictions, tariffs, embargos, embargoes, product authenticity, cybersecurity regulation, and environmental standards (e.g., greenhouse gas emission limitations) may all impact our subcontractors and suppliers. suppliers, and there continues to be uncertainty about actions that may be implemented by the new Administration. From time to time, as with any industry, our subcontractors and suppliers experience financial and operational difficulties outside of our direct control, which may impact their ability to deliver the materials, components, subsystems and services we need. The number of contracts where we act as a prime contractor (62% in 2023) further increases our exposure to subcontractor and supplier failures and disruptions. need. In recent years, global supply chains, including ours, have experienced significant disruption from material availability and supplier performance, as well as extended lead times, pricing volatility, inflationary pressures and labor issues. We and our subcontractors and suppliers have also experienced difficulties in the timely procurement of necessary materials and components, including microelectronics. Current geopolitical conditions, including sanctions and other trade restrictive activities and strained inter-country relations, have contributed to issues procuring necessary materials and components. For example, some materials and components in our supply chain have previously been sourced from areas now under sanctions or other trade restrictions, such as specialty metals from Russia and certain equipment from China, or are currently sourced from areas which are at risk of sanctions or other trade restrictive actions, not just by the United States but by other nations or groups, such as the European Union. All of these issues have led to significant supplier and subcontractor performance failures and delays, which have negatively impacted our production flow, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. For example, in fiscal 2022 and to a lesser extent in fiscal 2023, revenue, operating income and orders in our CS segment were adversely impacted by supply chain disruptions, although we implemented supply chain resiliency initiatives that mitigated these disruptions during 2023. These efforts included leveraging our scale to better negotiate with our suppliers, investing in tools and analytics to assess supplier risk, strengthening relationships with key suppliers and entering into long-term strategic partnerships, seeking alternate supply sources and pursuing various cost reductions. However, while While we continuously work to implement supply chain resiliency initiatives such as these, initiatives, we cannot guarantee the success of any of these efforts. Material supply disruptions may still occur in the future, leading to untimely delivery or unsatisfactory quality of products and services, and potentially adversely affecting our business, operational results, financial condition and cash flow.flow. We must attract and retain key employees, and any failure to do so could harm us. Our future success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our management and our ability to attract and retain highly-qualified management and technical personnel, including engineers and employees who have U.S. Government security clearances, particularly clearances of top secret and above. To the extent that the demand for qualified personnel exceeds supply in certain areas, we could experience higher labor, recruiting or training costs in order to attract and retain such employees. Failure to attract and retain such personnel would damage our future prospects and could adversely affect our ability to succeed in our human capital goals and priorities, as well as negatively impact our business and operating results.

Added · Removed · word-level comparison of the two filings

We could be negatively impacted by a security breach of our Information Technology (“IT”) networks and related systems.

rewrittenCyber & dataRemoved cyber-attack, intrusion, insider threat specifics and customer IT systems risk; added AI capabilities as emerging threat; narrowed focus to company IT infrastructure.

We face the risk of a security breach, whether through cyber-attack on our IT infrastructure, insider threat, or threats to the physical security of our facilities and employees or other significant disruption of our IT networks and related systems or those of our suppliers or subcontractors. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber-attack or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, is persistent. The volume, intensity and sophistication of threats from around the world remains elevated.

These risks may increase as AI capabilities improve.

As a government contractor with access to national security or other sensitive government information, we face a heightened risk of a security breach or disruption from threats to gain unauthorized access to our and our customers’ proprietary information on our IT networks and related systems, our classified networks, and to the IT networks and related systems that we operate, maintain and secure for certain of our customers. We have implemented various measures to manage the risk of a security breach or disruption. See “Item 1C. Cybersecurity" in this Report for further discussion of our risk management and strategy related to cybersecurity threats.

Our efforts and measures have not been entirely effective in the case of every cyber security incident, but no incident has had a material negative impact on us to date. Even the most well-protected information, networks, systems and facilities remain potentially vulnerable because attempted security breaches, particularly cyber- attacks and cyber intrusions, or disruptions will occur in the future, and because the techniques used in such attempts are constantly evolving and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, and in some cases are designed not to be detected and, in fact, may not be detected. In some cases, the resources of foreign governments may be behind such attacks due to the nature of our business and the industries in which we operate.

Accordingly, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate security controls or other preventative measures and future cyber security incidents may have a material negative impact on us. A security breach or other significant disruption involving these types of information and IT networks and related systems could:

•Disrupt proper functioning of these networks and systems and, therefore, our operations and/or those of certain of our customers;

•Result in unauthorized access to, and destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of, proprietary, confidential, sensitive or otherwise valuable information of ours, our customers or our employees, including trade secrets, which could be used to compete against us or for disruptive, destructive or otherwise harmful purposes and outcomes;

•Compromise national security and other sensitive government functions;

•Require significant management attention and resources to remedy damages that result;

•Result in costs which exceed our insurance coverage and/or indemnification arrangements;

•Subject us to claims for contract breach, damages, credits, penalties or termination; and •Damage our reputation with our customers and the general public.

We must also rely on the safeguards of varying levels put in place by customers, suppliers, vendors, subcontractors or other third parties to minimize the impact of cyber threats, other security threats or business disruptions. These third parties may have varying levels of cybersecurity expertise and safeguards. Our commercial arrangements with these third parties include processes designed to require that the third parties and their employees and agents agree to maintain certain standards for the storage, protection and transfer of confidential, personal and proprietary information. However, we remain at risk of a data breach due to the intentional or unintentional non-compliance by a third party’s employee or agent, the breakdown of a third party’s data protection processes, which may not be as sophisticated as ours, or a cyber-attack on a third party’s information network and systems.

Any or all of the foregoing could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity, reputation, ability to protect data, assets, and intellectual property, maintenance of customer and vendor relationships, competitive posture, and could lead to litigation or regulatory investigations or actions.

Compare with the 2024 10-K

Prior heading: We could be negatively impacted by a security breach, through cyber-attack, cyber intrusion, insider threats or otherwise, or other significant disruption of our Information Technology (“IT”) networks and related systems or of those we operate for certain of our customers.

We face the risk of a security breach, whether through cyber-attack, cyber intrusion or insider threat via the Internet, malware, computer viruses, attachments to e-mails, persons inside our organization or with access to systems inside cyber-attack on our organization, subcontractors IT infrastructure, insider threat, or suppliers, threats to the physical security of our facilities and employees or other significant disruption of our IT networks and related systems or those of our suppliers or subcontractors. We face an added risk of a security breach or other significant disruption of the IT networks and related systems that we develop, install, operate and maintain on behalf of certain customers, which may involve managing and protecting information relating to national security and other sensitive government functions. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber-attack or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, is persistent and substantial as the persistent. The volume, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks, intrusions and threats from around the world remain elevated and unlikely to diminish. As an advanced technology-based solutions provider, and particularly remains elevated. These risks may increase as AI capabilities improve. As a government contractor with access to national security or other sensitive government information, we face a heightened risk of a security breach or disruption from threats to gain unauthorized access to our and our customers’ proprietary information on our IT networks and related systems, our classified networks, and to the IT networks and related systems that we operate and operate, maintain for certain of our customers. These types of information and IT networks and related systems are critical to the operation of our business and essential to our ability to perform day-to-day operations, and, in some cases, are critical to the operations of secure for certain of our customers. We make efforts to maintain the security and integrity of these types of information and IT networks and related systems and have implemented various measures to manage the risk of a security breach or disruption. See “Item 1C -Cybersecurity" 1C. Cybersecurity" in this Report for further discussion of or our risk management and strategy related to cybersecurity threats. threats. Our efforts and measures have not been entirely effective in the case of every cyber security incident, but no incident has had a material negative impact on us to date. Even the most well-protected information, networks, systems and facilities remain potentially vulnerable because attempted security breaches, particularly cyber-attacks cyber- attacks and cyber intrusions, or disruptions will occur in the future, and because the techniques used in such attempts are constantly evolving and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, and in some cases are designed not to be detected and, in fact, may not be detected. In some cases, the resources of foreign governments may be behind such attacks due to the nature of our business and the industries in which we operate. operate. Accordingly, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate security barriers controls or other preventative measures. Thus, it is impossible for us to entirely mitigate this risk, measures and future cyber security incidents could may have a material negative impact on us. A security breach or other significant disruption involving these types of information and IT networks and related systems could: •Disrupt proper functioning of these networks and systems and, therefore, our operations and/or those of certain of our customers; •Result in unauthorized access to, and destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of, proprietary, confidential, sensitive or otherwise valuable information of ours, our customers or our employees, including trade secrets, which could be used to compete against us or for disruptive, destructive or otherwise harmful purposes and outcomes; •Compromise national security and other sensitive government functions; •Require significant management attention and resources to remedy damages that result; •Result in costs which exceed our insurance coverage and/or indemnification arrangements; •Subject us to claims for contract breach, damages, credits, penalties or termination; and •Damage our reputation with our customers and the general public. We must also rely on the safeguards of varying levels put in place by customers, suppliers, vendors, subcontractors or other third parties to minimize the impact of cyber threats, other security threats or business disruptions. These third parties may have varying levels of cybersecurity expertise and safeguards, and their relationships with government contractors, such as us, may increase their likelihood of being targeted by the same cyber threats we face. safeguards. Our commercial arrangements with these third parties include processes designed to require that the third parties and their employees and agents agree to maintain certain standards for the storage, protection and transfer of confidential, personal and proprietary information. However, we remain at risk of a data breach due to the intentional or unintentional non-compliance by a third party’s employee or agent, the breakdown of a third party’s data protection processes, which may not be as sophisticated as ours, or a cyber-attack on a third party’s information network and systems. Any or all of the foregoing could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity, reputation, ability to protect data, assets, and intellectual property, maintenance of customer and vendor relationships, competitive posture, and could lead to litigation or regulatory investigations or actions.

Added · Removed · word-level comparison of the two filings

Our future success will depend on our ability to develop new products and services that achieve market acceptance in our current and future markets.

rewrittenAI & technologyAdded AI technology competition risk; removed language on economic impact on customer demand and diversion of resources from other projects.

Our businesses are characterized by rapidly changing technologies and evolving industry standards. To remain competitive, we need to continue to design, develop, manufacture, assemble, test, market and support new products and services, which will require the investment of significant financial resources in new technologies such as AI.

We have allocated funds for such investments through customer-funded and internal R&D, strategic alliances and other teaming arrangements, but we may not be able to successfully identify new opportunities and may not have the necessary resources to develop new products and services in a timely or cost-effective manner.

Furthermore, we cannot be sure that these expenditures ultimately will lead to the timely development of new products and services. Due to the design complexity of some of our products and services, we may experience delays in completing development and introducing new products and services or incorporating new technologies into our existing products and services in the future. Any delays could result in increased costs of development or divert resources from other projects.

In addition, the markets for our products and services may not develop as we currently anticipate, we may not be as successful in newly identified markets as anticipated, and joint ventures, partnerships, strategic alliances or other teaming arrangements we may enter into to pursue developing new products and services may not be successful. Our competitors may incorporate AI technologies into their products or services more quickly or more successfully than us, which could impair our ability to compete. Furthermore, competitors may develop competing products and services or incorporate new technologies into our existing products and services that either gain market acceptance in advance of our products and services or cause our existing products and services or technologies to become non-competitive or obsolete, which could adversely affect our results of operations and harm our business.

Compare with the 2024 10-K

Prior heading: Our future success will depend on our ability to develop new products and services and technologies that achieve market acceptance in our current and future markets.

Our businesses are characterized by rapidly changing technologies and evolving industry standards. To remain competitive, we need to continue to design, develop, manufacture, assemble, test, market and support new products and services and technologies, services, which will require the investment of significant financial resources. resources in new technologies such as AI. We have allocated substantial funds for such investments through customer-funded and internal R&D, acquisitions or strategic alliances and other teaming arrangements. This practice will continue to be required, arrangements, but we may not be able to successfully identify new opportunities and may not have the necessary financial resources to develop new products and services and technologies in a timely or cost-effective manner. manner. Furthermore, the need to make these expenditures could divert our attention and resources from other projects, and we cannot be sure that these expenditures ultimately will lead to the timely development of new products and services or technologies. services. Due to the design complexity of some of our products and services and technologies, services, we may experience delays in completing development and introducing new products and services or incorporating new technologies into our existing products and services in the future. Any delays could result in increased costs of development or divert resources from other projects. In addition, the markets for our products and services or technologies may not develop as we currently anticipate, we may not be as successful in newly identified markets as we currently anticipate, anticipated, and acquisitions, joint ventures ventures, partnerships, strategic alliances or other teaming arrangements we may enter into to pursue developing new products and services or technologies may not be successful. Failure of our Our competitors may incorporate AI technologies into their products and or services more quickly or technologies to gain market acceptance more successfully than us, which could significantly reduce our revenue and harm impair our business. ability to compete. Furthermore, competitors may develop competing products and services or incorporate new technologies into our existing products and services that either gain market acceptance in advance of our products and services or technologies, or competitors may develop new products and services or technologies that cause our existing products and services or technologies to become non-competitive or obsolete, which could adversely affect our results of operations. The future direction of the domestic operations and global economies, including its impact on customer demand, also will have a significant impact on harm our overall performance.business.

Added · Removed · word-level comparison of the two filings

We have significant operations in locations that could be materially and adversely impacted in the event of a natural disaster or other significant disruption.

unchangedClimate & physical

Our corporate headquarters and significant business operations are located in Florida, which is subject to the risk of major hurricanes. Our worldwide operations and operations of our suppliers and customers could be subject to natural disasters (including those as a result of climate change) or other significant disruptions, including hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, fires, water shortages, other extreme weather conditions, epidemics, pandemics, acts of terrorism, power shortages and blackouts, telecommunications failures and other natural and man-made disasters or disruptions. In the event of such a natural disaster or other disruption, we could experience disruptions or interruptions to our operations or the operations of our suppliers, subcontractors, distributors, resellers or customers, including inability of employees to work;

destruction of facilities; and/or loss of life, all of which could materially increase our costs and expenses, delay or decrease orders and revenue from our customers and have a material adverse effect on the continuity of our business and our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

Risk of the release, unplanned ignition, explosion, or improper handling of dangerous materials used in our business could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our financial results.

unchangedSupply chain

Our business operations are subject to risk in connection with the handling, production, and disposition of potentially explosive and ignitable energetic materials and other dangerous chemicals, including motors and other materials used in rocket propulsion.

The handling, production, transport, and disposition of hazardous materials could result in incidents that temporarily shut down or otherwise disrupt our manufacturing operations and could cause production delays. A release of these chemicals or an unplanned ignition or explosion could result in death or significant injuries to employees and others.

Material property damage to us or third parties could also occur.

The use of these products in applications by our customers could also result in liability if an explosion, unplanned ignition or fire were to occur. Extensive regulations apply to the handling of explosive and energetic materials, including but not limited to, regulations governing hazardous substances and hazardous waste. The failure to properly store and ultimately dispose of such materials could create significant liability and/or result in regulatory sanctions. Any release, unplanned ignition or explosion could expose us to adverse publicity or liability for damages or cause production delays, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial

Failure to achieve the expected results of LHX NeXt could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.

rewrittenOtherAdded caveat that fiscal 2024 LHX NeXt progress may not continue in fiscal 2025 and cost savings timing/impact uncertain.

In fiscal 2023, we announced LHX NeXt, a targeted three-year program designed to enhance organizational agility and performance by leveraging our scale and relationships across segments to drive operational efficiency and competitiveness for the enterprise. We have seen significant progress on LHX NeXt in fiscal 2024, however, there can be no assurances that such progress will continue in fiscal 2025, that the initiatives that are part of LHX NeXt will achieve their desired results or that costs savings achieved as a result of LHX NeXt will impact our results of operations on the time frame or in the manner we currently expect.

Compare with the 2024 10-K

Prior heading: Failure to achieve the expected results of LHX NeXt could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.

In Fiscal fiscal 2023, we announced LHX NeXt, a targeted three-year program designed to enhance organizational agility and performance by leveraging our scale and relationships across segments to drive operational efficiency and competitiveness for the enterprise. There We have seen significant progress on LHX NeXt in fiscal 2024, however, there can be no assurances that such progress will continue in fiscal 2025, that the initiatives that are part of LHX NeXt will achieve their desired results.results or that costs savings achieved as a result of LHX NeXt will impact our results of operations on the time frame or in the manner we currently expect.

Added · Removed · word-level comparison of the two filings

Financial Risks

Changes in estimates we use in accounting for many of our programs could adversely affect our future financial condition and results of operations.

unchangedMacro & demand

Accounting for our contracts requires judgment relative to assessing risks, including estimating contract revenue and costs and assumptions for schedule and technical issues. Due to the size and nature of many of our contracts, the estimation of total revenue and cost at completion is complicated and subject to many variables. For example, we must make assumptions regarding: (i) the nature and complexity of the work to be performed; (ii) subcontractors’ and suppliers’ expected performance; (iii) availability and costs of labor, materials, components subsystems and services (including expected increases in wages and prices); (iv) the length of time to complete the contract; (v) the allocation of transaction price to one or more performance obligations based on the products and services promised to the customer; (vi) incentives or penalties related to performance on contracts in estimating revenue and profit rates, and recording them when there is sufficient information for us to assess anticipated performance; and (vii) estimates of award fees in estimating revenue and profit rates based on actual and anticipated awards.

Our profitability can be adversely affected when estimated contract costs increase from our initial estimates, especially without comparable increases in revenue. There are many reasons estimated contract costs can increase, including: (i) supply chain disruptions, inflation and labor issues; (ii) design or other development challenges; and (iii) program execution challenges (including from technical or quality issues and other performance concerns).

However, because of the significance of the judgments and the difficulties inherent in estimating future costs, we cannot guarantee that estimated revenues and contract costs will not change in the future. Any cost growth or changes in estimated contract revenues and costs may adversely affect results of operations and financial condition.

For additional information regarding our critical accounting estimates applicable to our accounting for our contracts, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates” of this Report.

Our level of indebtedness and our ability to make payments on or service our indebtedness and our unfunded defined benefit plans liability may materially adversely affect our financial and operating activities or our ability to incur additional debt.

rewrittenCredit & liquidityAdded defined benefit pension liability risk, noting variable costs and potential for significant future funding contributions affecting cash flows.

A substantial portion of our retired employee population and a portion of our current employee population are covered by defined benefit pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans (collectively, “defined benefit plans”). At January 3, 2025, we had $11.8 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding fixed-rate debt, which reflects our total long-term debt, including current portion but excluding finance leases, and $205 million of unfunded defined benefit plan liabilities. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our current or future indebtedness, and our ability to make contributions to our unfunded defined benefit plans liability, will depend on our ability to generate cash from operations, financings and investments, which may be subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

While our outstanding long-term debt is all fixed rate and our repayment schedule is known, the costs and returns related to our defined benefit plans are variable. Accordingly, our defined benefit plan liabilities could increase, which could require us to make significant funding contributions to our defined benefit plans and affect cash flows in future periods.

If we are not able to repay or refinance our debt as it becomes due or make contributions to our unfunded defined benefit plans liability, we may be forced to divest businesses, sell assets or take other disadvantageous actions, including reducing financing for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes;

reducing our cash dividend rate and/or share repurchases; or dedicating an unsustainable level of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness. In addition, our ability to withstand competitive pressures and to react to changes in the defense technology industry could be impaired. The lenders who hold such debt could also accelerate amounts due, which could potentially trigger a default or acceleration of any of our other debt.

Compare with the 2024 10-K

Prior heading: Our level of indebtedness and our ability to make payments on or service our indebtedness and our unfunded defined benefit plans liability may materially adversely affect our financial and operating activities or our ability to incur additional debt.

A substantial portion of our retired employee population and a portion of our current employee population are covered by defined benefit pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans (collectively, “defined benefit plans”). At December 29, 2023, January 3, 2025, we had $11.5 $11.8 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt fixed-rate debt, which reflects our total long-term debt, including current portion but excluding finance leases, and $227 $205 million of unfunded defined benefit plan liabilities. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our current or future indebtedness, and our ability to make contributions to our unfunded defined benefit plans liability, will depend on our ability to generate cash from operations, financings and investments, which may be subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. While our outstanding long-term debt is all fixed rate and our repayment schedule is known, the costs and returns related to our defined benefit plans are variable. Accordingly, our defined benefit plan liabilities could increase, which could require us to make significant funding contributions to our defined benefit plans and affect cash flows in future periods. If we are not able to repay or refinance our debt as it becomes due or make contributions to our unfunded defined benefit plans liability, we may be forced to divest businesses, sell assets or take other disadvantageous actions, including reducing financing for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes; purposes; reducing our cash dividend rate and/or share repurchases; or dedicating an unsustainable level of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness. In addition, our ability to withstand competitive pressures and to react to changes in the defense technology industry could be impaired. The lenders who hold such debt could also accelerate amounts due, which could potentially trigger a default or acceleration of any of our other debt.

Added · Removed · word-level comparison of the two filings

Legal, Tax and Regulatory Risks

Changes in our effective tax rate or additional tax exposures may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

unchangedRegulatory

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous international jurisdictions.

There are transactions and calculations in the ordinary course of business where the application of tax law may be uncertain, require significant judgment or be subject to differing interpretations. Our worldwide income tax provision may be adversely affected by a number of factors, which include:

•Changes in domestic or international tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws;

•The jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed;

•Adjustments to estimated taxes upon finalization of various tax returns;

•Increases in expenses not fully deductible for tax purposes, including impairment of goodwill or other long- term assets acquired in connection with mergers or acquisitions;

•Changes in available tax credits;

•Changes in share-based compensation expense;

•Changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; and •The resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities.

Any significant increase in our future effective tax rates, or timing of deductions, credits, or payments, could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flow for future periods.

We may not be successful in obtaining the necessary export licenses and Congress may prevent proposed sales to certain foreign governments.

unchangedTariffs & trade

We must first obtain export and other licenses and authorizations from various U.S. Government agencies before we are permitted to sell certain products and technologies outside of the U.S. For example, the U.S. Department of State must notify Congress at least 15 to 60 days, depending on the size and location of the proposed sale, prior to authorizing certain sales of defense equipment and services to foreign governments. During that time, Congress may take action to block the proposed sale. We may be unsuccessful in obtaining necessary licenses or authorizations or Congress may prevent or delay certain sales.

Our ability to obtain necessary licenses and authorizations timely or at all is subject to risks and uncertainties, including changing U.S. Government policies or laws or delays in Congressional action due to geopolitical and other factors. If we are not successful in obtaining or maintaining the necessary licenses or authorizations in a timely manner, our sales relating to those approvals may be reversed, prevented or delayed, and any significant impairment of our ability to sell products or technologies outside of the U.S. could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

Environmental issues could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

rewrittenClimate & physicalRemoved explicit references to GHG emissions regulations, customer sentiment on sustainability, and climate-related procurement mandates.

Our operations are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local, as well as certain foreign, environmental laws and regulations within the countries in which we operate relating to the discharge, storage, treatment, handling, disposal and remediation of certain materials, substances and wastes used in our operations. Our real estate assets in particular are subject to various risks, including that our reserves for estimated future environmental obligations may prove to be insufficient, we may be unable to complete environmental remediation or, we may be unable to have state and federal environmental restrictions lifted.

Compliance with current and future environmental laws and regulations may require significant operating and capital costs. Environmental laws and regulations may institute substantial fines and criminal sanctions as well as facility shutdowns to address violations and may require the installation of costly pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit emissions or discharges. Our suppliers may face similar business interruptions and incur additional costs that may increase the price of materials needed for manufacturing. We also incur, and expect to continue to incur, costs to comply with current environmental laws and regulations related to remediation of conditions in the environment. In addition, if violations of environmental laws result in us, or in one or more of our operations, being identified as an excluded party in the U.S.

Government’s System for Award Management, then we or one or more of our operations would become ineligible to receive certain contracts, subcontracts and other benefits from the federal government or to perform work under a government contract or subcontract. Generally, such ineligibility would continue until the basis for the listing has been appropriately addressed.

If our responses to new or evolving legal and regulatory requirements or other sustainability concerns are unsuccessful or perceived as inadequate for the U.S. or our international markets, we also may suffer damage to our reputation, which could adversely affect our business. Developments such as the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, violations by us of such laws and regulations, discovery of previously unknown or more extensive contamination, litigation involving environmental impacts, our inability to recover costs associated with any such developments under previously priced contracts or financial insolvency of other responsible parties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial

Compare with the 2024 10-K

Prior heading: Unforeseen environmental issues, including regulations related to GHG emissions or change in customer sentiment related to environmental sustainability, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

Our operations are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local, as well as certain foreign, environmental laws and regulations within the countries in which we operate relating to the discharge, storage, treatment, handling, disposal and remediation of certain materials, substances and wastes used in our operations. The Our real estate assets acquired as part of our acquisition of AJRD in particular are subject to various risks, including that our reserves for estimated future environmental obligations may prove to be insufficient, we may be unable to complete environmental remediation or, we may be unable to have state and federal environmental restrictions on lifted. In addition, we could be affected by future environmental laws or regulations, including, for example, new restrictions on materials used in our operations or claims asserted in response to concerns over climate change, such as regulations related to GHG emissions, other aspects of the environment or natural resources. Changes in government procurement laws that mandate or include climate change considerations, such as the contractor’s GHG emissions, lower emission products or other climate risks, in evaluating bids could result in costly changes to our operations or affect our competitiveness on future bids. lifted. Compliance with current and future environmental laws and regulations may require significant operating and capital costs. Environmental laws and regulations may institute substantial fines and criminal sanctions as well as facility shutdowns to address violations and may require the installation of costly pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit emissions or discharges. Our suppliers may face similar business interruptions and incur additional costs that may increase the price of materials needed for manufacturing. We also incur, and expect to continue to incur, costs to comply with current environmental laws and regulations related to remediation of conditions in the environment. In addition, if violations of environmental laws result in us, or in one or more of our operations, being identified as an excluded party in the U.S. Government’s System for Award Management, then we or one or more of our operations would become ineligible to receive certain contracts, subcontracts and other benefits from the federal government or to perform work under a government contract or subcontract. Generally, such ineligibility would continue until the basis for the listing has been appropriately addressed. addressed. If our responses to new or evolving legal and regulatory requirements or other sustainability concerns are unsuccessful or perceived as inadequate for the U.S. or our international markets, we also may suffer damage to our reputation, which could adversely affect our business. Developments such as the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, violations by us of such laws and regulations, discovery of previously unknown or more extensive contamination, litigation involving environmental impacts, our inability to recover costs associated with any such developments under previously priced contracts or financial insolvency of other responsible parties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.financial

Added · Removed · word-level comparison of the two filings

Our reputation and ability to do business may be impacted by the improper conduct of our employees, agents or business partners.

unchangedOther

We have implemented compliance controls, training, policies and procedures designed to prevent and detect reckless or criminal acts from being committed by our employees, agents or business partners that would violate the laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate, including laws governing payments to government officials, such as the FCPA, the protection of export-controlled or classified information, such as ITAR, false claims, procurement integrity, cost accounting and billing, competition, information security and data privacy and the terms of our contracts.

We cannot ensure, however, that our controls, training, policies and procedures will prevent or detect all such reckless or criminal acts, and we have been adversely impacted by such acts in the past. If not prevented, such acts could subject us to civil or criminal investigations, monetary and non-monetary penalties and suspension and debarment by the U.S. Government and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and reputation. In addition, misconduct involving data security lapses resulting in the compromise of personal information or the improper use of our customers’ sensitive or classified information could result in remediation costs, regulatory sanctions against us and serious harm to our reputation and could adversely impact our ability to continue to contract with the U.S. Government.

The outcome of litigation or arbitration in which we are involved from time to time is unpredictable, and an adverse decision in any such matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

unchangedLitigation

The size, nature and complexity of our business make us susceptible to investigations, claims, disputes, enforcement actions, litigation and other legal proceedings, particularly those involving governments. From time to time, we are defendants in a number of litigation matters and are involved in a number of arbitration matters. These actions may divert financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit our operations. The results of these or new matters may be unfavorable to us. Although we maintain insurance policies, they may not be adequate to protect us from all material judgments and expenses related to current or future claims and may not cover the conduct that is the subject of the litigation or arbitration.

Desired levels of insurance may not be available in the future at economical prices or at all. In addition, the results of litigation or arbitration can be difficult to predict, including litigation 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 or arbitration matter may be wrong. A significant judgment or arbitration award against us arising out of any of our current or future litigation or arbitration matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

We may become subject to intellectual property infringement claims, and third parties may infringe upon our intellectual property rights.

unchangedLitigation

Many of the markets we serve are characterized by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual property rights, which often has resulted in protracted and expensive litigation. Our competitive position in the market depends in part on our ability to ensure that our intellectual property is protected, that our intellectual property rights are not diluted or subject to misuse, and that we are able to license certain third-party intellectual property on reasonable terms. Third parties have claimed in the past, and may claim in the future, that we are infringing directly or indirectly upon their intellectual property rights, and we may be found to be infringing or to have infringed directly or indirectly upon those intellectual property rights.

Claims of infringement might also require us to enter into costly royalty or license agreements. Our patents and other intellectual property may be challenged, invalidated, misappropriated or circumvented by third parties. Moreover, we may not be able to obtain royalty or license agreements on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

We also may be subject to significant damages or injunctions against development and sale of certain of our products, services and solutions. Our success depends in large part on our proprietary technology. We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, know-how, confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements to establish and protect our intellectual property rights. In addition, the laws concerning intellectual property vary among nations and the protection provided to our intellectual property by the laws and courts of foreign nations may differ from those of the U.S. If we fail to successfully protect and enforce these rights, our competitive position could suffer. Our pending patent and trademark registration applications may not be allowed, or competitors may challenge the validity or scope of our patents or trademark registrations.

We may be required to spend significant resources to monitor and enforce our intellectual property rights. Litigation to determine the scope of intellectual property rights, even if ultimately successful, could be costly and could divert management’s attention away from other aspects of our business. We may not be able to detect infringement, and our competitive position may be harmed before we do so. In addition, competitors may design around our technology or develop competing technologies.

We face certain significant risk exposures and potential liabilities that may not be covered adequately by insurance or indemnity.

unchangedLitigation

We are exposed to liabilities that are unique to the products and services we provide. A significant portion of our business relates to designing, developing and manufacturing advanced defense, technology and communications systems and products. New technologies associated with these systems and products may be untested or unproven. Components of certain defense systems and products we develop are inherently dangerous.

Failures of satellites, missile systems, air traffic control systems, electronic warfare systems, space superiority systems, command, control, computers, communications, cyber, ISR, homeland security applications and aircraft have the potential to cause loss of life and extensive property damage. Other examples of unforeseen problems that could result, either directly or indirectly, in the loss of life or property or otherwise negatively affect revenue and profitability include loss on launch of spacecraft, premature failure of products that cannot be accessed for repair or replacement, problems with quality and workmanship, country of origin, delivery of subcontractor components or services and unplanned degradation of product performance. In addition, problems and delays in development or delivery as a result of issues with respect to design, technology, licensing and patent rights, labor, learning curve assumptions or materials and components could prevent us from achieving contractual requirements.

In many circumstances, we may receive indemnification from the U.S. Government. We generally do not receive indemnification from foreign governments. Although we maintain insurance for certain risks, including certain cybersecurity exposures, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all claims or liabilities, and we may be forced to bear substantial costs from an accident or incident. It also is not possible for us to obtain insurance to protect against all operational risks and liabilities. Substantial claims resulting from an incident in excess of U.S. Government indemnity and our insurance coverage would harm our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity. Other factors that may affect revenue and profits include loss of follow-on work, and, in the case of certain contracts, liquidated damages, penalties and repayment to the customer of contract cost and fee payments we previously received.

Moreover, any accident or incident for which we are liable, even if fully insured, could negatively affect our standing with our customers and the public, thereby making it more difficult for us to compete effectively, and could significantly impact the cost and availability of adequate insurance in the future.

Strategic Transactions and Investments Risks

Strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, involve significant risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

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Strategic mergers, acquisitions and divestitures we have made in the past and may make in the future present significant risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity, which include:

•Difficulty in identifying and evaluating potential mergers and acquisitions, including the risk that our due diligence does not identify or fully assess valuation issues, potential liabilities or other merger or acquisition risks;

•Difficulty, delays and expense in integrating newly merged or acquired businesses and operations, including combining product and service offerings, and in entering into new markets in which we are not experienced, in an efficient and cost-effective manner while maintaining adequate standards, controls and procedures, and the risk that we encounter significant unanticipated costs or other problems associated with integration;

•Differences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures and management philosophies that may delay successful integration;

•Difficulty, delays and expense in consolidating and rationalizing IT infrastructure, which may include multiple legacy systems from various mergers and acquisitions and integrating software code;

•Challenges in achieving strategic objectives, cost savings and other expected benefits;

•Risk that our markets do not evolve as anticipated and that the strategic mergers, acquisitions and divestitures do not prove to be those needed to be successful in those markets;

•Risk that we assume or retain, or that companies we have merged with or acquired have assumed or retained or otherwise become subject to, significant liabilities that exceed the limitations of any applicable indemnification provisions or the financial resources of any indemnifying parties;

•Risk that indemnification related to businesses divested or spun off that we may be required to provide or otherwise bear may be significant and could negatively impact our business;

•Risk that mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, spin offs and other strategic transactions fail to qualify for the intended tax treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the possibility that the full tax benefits anticipated to result from such transactions may not be realized;

•Risk that we are not able to complete strategic divestitures on satisfactory terms and conditions, including non-competition arrangements applicable to certain of our business lines, or within expected timeframes;

•Potential loss of key employees or customers of the businesses acquired or to be divested; and •Risk of diverting the attention of senior management from our existing operations.

Changes in future business or other market conditions could cause business investments and/or recorded goodwill or other intangible assets to become impaired, resulting in substantial losses and write-downs that would materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

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A significant portion of our assets consist of goodwill and other intangible assets, primarily recorded as the result of acquisitions. Assumptions and judgments in determining initial acquisition price may subsequently prove to have been inaccurate and unforeseen issues could arise, which could adversely affect the anticipated returns or which are otherwise not recoverable as an adjustment to the purchase price. We evaluate the recoverability of recorded goodwill annually, as well as when we change reporting units (either as a result of a reorganization or as the result of divestiture activity) and when events or circumstances indicate there may be an impairment. If an impairment exists, we record the charge in the period of determination.

Because of the significance of our goodwill and other intangible assets, any future impairment of these assets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. For additional information on our accounting policies related to impairment of goodwill, see our discussion under “Critical Accounting Estimates” in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Report and Note 1: Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6: Goodwill and Intangible Assets in the Notes.

Removed this year

Risk factors in the 2024 10-K with no counterpart in this one. Shown as they read last year.

removed We must attract and retain key employees, and any failure to do so could seriously harm us.

Labor & talent · Removed standalone labor risk factor on attracting/retaining security-cleared employees; content merged into supply chain risk [23].

Last year’s text

Our future success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our management and our ability to attract and retain highly-qualified management and technical personnel, including engineers and employees who have U.S. Government security clearances, particularly clearances of top secret and above. While we have robust processes in place to ensure we have the right talent in place to meet our commitments, to the extent that the demand for qualified personnel exceeds supply in certain areas, we could also experience higher labor, recruiting or training costs in order to attract and retain such employees. Failure to attract and retain such personnel would damage our future prospects and could adversely affect our ability to succeed in our human capital goals and priorities, as well as negatively impact our business and operating results.

removed The level of returns on defined benefit plan assets, changes in interest rates and other factors could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity.

Credit & liquidity · Removed defined benefit pension plan risk factor covering asset returns, interest rates, and actuarial volatility impacts on financial condition.

Last year’s text

A substantial portion of our retired employee population and a portion of our current employee population are covered by defined benefit pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans (collectively, “defined benefit plans”). We may experience significant fluctuations in costs related to defined benefit plans as a result of macro-economic factors, such as interest rates, that are beyond our control. The cost of our defined benefit plans is incurred over long periods of time and involves various factors and uncertainties during those periods that can be volatile and unpredictable, including the rates of return on defined benefit plan assets, discount rates used to calculate liabilities and expenses, mortality of plan participants and trends for future medical costs. We develop our assumptions using relevant plan experience and expectations in conjunction with market-related data. These assumptions and other actuarial assumptions may change significantly due to changes in economic, legislative and/or demographic experience or circumstances. Significant changes in key economic indicators, financial market volatility, future legislation and other governmental regulatory actions could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity. We will make contributions to fund our defined benefit plans when considered necessary or advantageous to do so. The macro-economic factors discussed above, including the rates of return on defined benefit plan assets and the minimum funding requirements established by government funding or taxing authorities, or established by other agreement, may influence future funding requirements. A significant decline in the fair value of our plan assets, or other adverse changes to our overall defined benefit plans, could require us to make significant funding contributions and affect cash flows in future periods. CAS governs the extent to which postretirement costs and plan contributions are allocable to and recoverable under contracts with the U.S. Government. We expect to continue to seek reimbursement from the U.S. Government for a portion of our postretirement costs and plan contributions; however, pension plan cost recoveries under our U.S. Government contracts may occur in different periods from when those pension costs are recognized for financial statement purposes or when pension funding is made. CAS rules have been revised to partially harmonize the measurement and period of assignment of pension plan costs allocable to U.S. Government contracts and minimum required contributions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, (“ERISA”). However, there is still a lag between the time when we contribute cash to our plans under pension funding rules and when we recover pension costs under CAS rules. These timing differences could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows.

removed Challenges arising from the expanded operations related to the acquisition of AJRD may affect our future results.

Other · Removed AJRD acquisition integration risk factor covering operational expansion, manufacturing complexity, and realization of acquisition benefits.

Last year’s text

Our recent acquisitions have expanded the size and complexity of our business. Our future success depends, in part, on the ability to integrate AJRD, and to anticipate and overcome challenges arising from the expansion of our operations, including challenges related to expanded operations and new manufacturing processes and products or services, and the associated costs and complexity. There can be no assurance that we will be able to anticipate or overcome all of the challenges resulting from our expanding operations or that we will realize the expected benefits of the acquisitions in the intended timeframe or at all, which may cause our future results to be adversely affected.

Mentions · how they’re counted

CategoryUnderlinedWord counterModel’s count
AI

AI, artificial intelligence, generative AI, machine learning, large language model, LLM

3——
Layoffs

layoffs, RIF, headcount reduction, workforce optimization, restructuring

0——
Recession

recession, downturn, contraction, slowdown

0——
Tariffs

tariff, trade war, trade barriers, trade restrictions, trade policy

3——
Buybacks

share repurchase, buyback program

1——

Underlines use the same word lists the scores use. AI, recession and tariffs follow Palanor’s word counter, so those counts match it exactly on the same text. Layoffs and buybacks use the terms the model was given. The model’s count is an estimate by meaning, not by string, so it can differ from the underlines. This view is built from the parsed risk factors, so it can differ slightly from the section text the counts were taken on.

Source: SEC EDGAR · public domain · Highlights by Palanor