An Iowa-based maker of aviation electronics had a good start for the fiscal year. Rockwell Collins reported today the first quarter of its fiscal year produced a sixteen-percent increase in net income, and an even greater increase in earnings-per-share, thanks to a share repurchase program the company executed late last summer. The improved numbers come despite higher income-tax payments and an increase in worker incentive compensation.
After a dip following 9-11, Rockwell Collins has seen several quarters in a row of steadily climbing income and profits. The Cedar Rapids based firm makes navigation and communication systems for military and civilian airplanes, and in-flight entertainment systems for commercial airliners.