L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) announced that its board of directors has authorized a new share repurchase program that allows the company to repurchase up to an additional $1.5 billion of the company’s common stock through June 30, 2017. This new authorization is effective immediately and represents L-3’s seventh repurchase program.

“We are pleased to increase our share repurchase program by $1.5 billion, which reflects our solid financial performance, strength in our balance sheet and continued confidence in the long-term outlook of our company,” said Michael T. Strianese, L-3’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We will continue our capital allocation strategy by committing our robust free cash flow to enhance shareholder value in the form of share repurchases and dividend payments. Our investment-grade credit ratings remain a priority, along with executing a disciplined M&A and portfolio-reshaping strategy.”

Share repurchases under the program will be made from time to time at management’s discretion in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing of repurchases and the exact number of shares of common stock to be purchased will depend upon market conditions and other factors. The program is expected to be funded using the company’s cash on hand and cash generated from operations. The program may be extended, suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 48,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aerospace systems and national security solutions. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of communication and electronic systems and products used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2013 (revised) sales of $12.6 billion.

To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com. L-3 uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding L-3 is routinely posted on the company’s website and is readily accessible.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “will,” “could” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-Looking Statements included in the company’s recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.