Argon ST, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Results.Second Quarter Revenue and Margin Growth Driven by Solid Program Execution; Contributions from Airborne Reconnaissance Contracts FAIRFAX, Va. -- Argon ST Wikipedia is not the place for advertisement or self-advertising. Argon ST (NASDAQ: STST) is a rapidly growing systems engineering and development company headquarted in Fairfax, VA providing full-service C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, , Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :STST STST Stainless Steel STST Sounding the Seventh Trumpet (Avenged Sevenfold music album) ), a leading developer of command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance An activity that synchronizes and integrates the planning and operation of sensors, assets, and processing, exploitation, and dissemination systems in direct support of current and future operations. This is an integrated intelligence and operations function. Also called ISR. (C5ISR C5ISR Command, Control, Communications, Computers,Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance ) systems, today reported results for second fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2009. * Second quarter 2009 revenue of $95.6 million grew 8.1 percent or $7.1 million compared to $88.4 million in the second quarter ended March 30, 2008 and increased 13.7 percent sequentially from $84.0 million in the first quarter of 2009; * GAAP GAAP See: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles GAAP See generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). operating income Operating Income The profit realized from a business' own operations. Notes: This would not include income from things such as investments in other firms. Also referred to as operating profit or recurring profit. for the second quarter of 2009 increased to $9.4 million (or 9.8 percent of revenue). Non-GAAP operating income for the second quarter increased to $10.0 million (or 10.5 percent of revenue) compared to operating income of $9.0 million (or 10.1 percent of revenue) for the corresponding quarter of the prior year and $7.6 million (or 9.1 percent of revenue) sequentially. Non-GAAP operating income excludes a one-time charge of $0.6 million for the resolution of a legal claim; * GAAP fully diluted Earnings Per Share diluted earnings per share An earnings measure calculated by dividing net income less preferred stock dividends for a period by the average number of shares of common stock that would be outstanding if all convertible securities were converted into shares of (EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) A PostScript file format used to transfer a graphic image between applications and platforms. EPS files contain PostScript code as well as an optional preview image in TIFF, WMF, PICT or EPSI, the latter being an ASCII-only format. ) for the second quarter of 2009 was $0.26 on 22.0 million shares and share equivalents. Non-GAAP fully diluted di·lute tr.v. di·lut·ed, di·lut·ing, di·lutes 1. To make thinner or less concentrated by adding a liquid such as water. 2. To lessen the force, strength, purity, or brilliance of, especially by admixture. EPS for the second quarter was $0.28 on 22.0 million shares and share equivalents, a 13.0 percent increase over the $0.25 per share on 22.0 million shares and share equivalents reported in the year ago period and a 19.8 percent increase over the $0.24 per share on 22.0 million shares and share equivalents sequentially; * Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) A metric used to show a company's profitability, but not its cash flow. EBITDA became popular in the 1980s to show the potential profitability of leveraged buyouts, but has become for the quarter was $13.9 million or 14.5 percent margin on revenue compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $12.1 million or 13.7 percent margin on revenue in the second quarter of the prior year and $10.8 million or 12.8 percent margin on revenue sequentially; and * Bookings for the quarter were $40.2 million; backlog at the end of the quarter was $250.2 million. "Argon argon (är`gŏn) [Gr.,=inert], gaseous chemical element; symbol Ar; at. no. 18; at. wt. 39.948; m.p. −189.2°C;; b.p. −185.7°C;; density 1.784 grams per liter at STP; valence 0. continues to make good progress in achieving our strategic objectives," said Dr. Terry Collins, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Argon ST. "Despite the delays in the procurements for Aerial Common Sensor The Lockheed Martin Aerial Common Sensor (ACS) platform was a reconnaissance aircraft airframe, for the United States Army and Navy. The aircraft would have been able to detect troop movements, intercept enemy communications and radar transmissions, and communicate with other and EPX EPX Enterprise Private Exchange , we experienced significant year over year growth in our airborne reconnaissance programs. Additionally, I am especially pleased that we achieved double digit Noun 1. double digit - a two-digit integer; from 10 to 99 integer, whole number - any of the natural numbers (positive or negative) or zero; "an integer is a number that is not a fraction" margin performance in the second quarter. We will continue to focus on program execution, cost control and development of new customers. We believe that our performance in the first half of the year as well as our current view of the second half of the year put us on track to achieve our double digit growth objective." Commenting on the Company's operations and future business opportunities, Kerry Rowe, President and Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer (COO) The officer of a firm responsible for day-to-day management, usually the president or an executive vice-president. , Argon ST said, "Each of our business areas performed well in the quarter, as our revenue and profit indicate. Historical bookings have been more robust, however, our pipeline confirms our belief that demand for our services and products will continue to be strong going forward. We believe that Secretary Gates' recommendation for a $2 billion increase in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for fiscal year 2010 clearly indicates strong future requirements for ISR (Interrupt Service Routine) Software routine that is executed in response to an interrupt. products and services." Second Quarter 2009 and 2008 Financial Highlights Financial highlights from the quarters ended March 29, 2009, December 28, 2008 and March 30, 2008 include: [TABLE OMITTED] Notes: (a) Denotes a non-GAAP financial measure. For important information about these measures please see below under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and Annex an·nex tr.v. an·nexed, an·nex·ing, an·nex·es 1. To append or attach, especially to a larger or more significant thing. 2. A, which provides a detailed reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measures. Three Month Results For the second quarter ended March 29, 2009 revenue was $95.6 million. This represents an 8.1 percent improvement over revenue of $88.4 million in the second quarter of the prior year and a 13.7 percent sequential increase over revenue of $84.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. GAAP operating income for the quarter was $9.4 million. Non-GAAP operating income for the quarter was $10.0 million. This represents an 11.8 percent improvement over operating income of $9.0 million in the second quarter of the prior year and a 31.5 percent sequential increase over operating income of $7.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Non-GAAP operating income excludes a one-time charge of $0.6 million for the resolution of a legal claim. Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter ended March 29, 2009 was $13.9 million, or 14.5 percent margin on revenue. This represents a 14.3 percent increase over Adjusted EBITDA of $12.1 million, or 13.7 percent margin on revenue in the second quarter of the prior year and a 28.7 percent sequential increase over Adjusted EBITDA of $10.8 million, or 12.8 percent margin on revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. GAAP net income for the quarter was $5.8 million. Non-GAAP net income for the quarter was $6.2 million. Net income was $5.5 million in the second quarter of the prior year and $5.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. GAAP fully diluted earnings per share for the quarter was $0.26 on 22.0 million shares and share equivalents. Non-GAAP fully diluted earnings per share for the quarter was $0.28 on 22.0 million shares and share equivalents. Fully diluted earnings per share in the second quarter of the prior year was $0.25 on 22.0 million shares and share equivalents and was $0.24 in the first quarter of 2009 on 22.0 million shares and share equivalents. Six Month Results For the six months ended March 29, 2009 revenue was $179.6 million. This represents a 10.4 percent improvement over revenue of $162.7 million in the first six months of the prior year. GAAP operating income for the first six months was $17.0 million. Non-GAAP operating income for the first six months was $17.6 million. This represents a 12.1 percent improvement over operating income of $15.7 million in the same period of the prior year. Non-GAAP operating income excludes a one-time charge of $0.6 million for the resolution of a legal claim. Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended March 29, 2009 was $24.6 million, or 13.7 percent margin on revenue. This represents a 13.2 percent increase over Adjusted EBITDA of $21.8 million, or 13.4 percent margin on revenue in the same period of the prior year. GAAP net income for the six months ended March 29, 2009 was $11.0 million. Non-GAAP net income for the six months ended March 29, 2009 was $11.4 million compared to $9.8 million for the six months ended March 30, 2008. GAAP fully diluted earnings per share for the six months ended March 29, 2009 was $0.50 on 22.0 million shares and share equivalents. Non-GAAP fully diluted earnings per share for the six months ended March 29, 2009 was $0.52 on 22.0 million shares and share equivalents. Fully diluted earnings per share in the same period of the prior year was $0.44 on 22.1 million shares and share equivalents. Balance Sheet During the quarter, Argon repurchased approximately 92,000 shares for a total expenditure of $1.5 million under the Company's current stock buyback Stock buyback A corporation's purchase of its own outstanding stock, usually in order to raise the company's earnings per share. stock buyback See buyback. program, authorized au·thor·ize tr.v. au·thor·ized, au·thor·iz·ing, au·thor·iz·es 1. To grant authority or power to. 2. To give permission for; sanction: by the Board of Directors in December 2008. The Board had authorized a previous buyback program in August 2007, and this quarter's repurchase brings the total shares repurchased under both programs to approximately 1.1 million shares with a total expenditure of $19.4 million. The Company ended the quarter with $18.3 million in cash and cash equivalents. 2009 Outlook Argon management continues to offer the following guidance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009: * Revenue is anticipated to be in the range of $375 to $395 million * Operating income is anticipated to be in the range of $34 to $38 million * Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be in the range of $48 to $53 million Non-GAAP Financial Measures In addition to the Company's financial results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The name of this country. The United States, now thirty-one in number, are Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, (GAAP) included in this press release, the Company has provided certain financial measures that are not calculated according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. GAAP. The four measures and their definitions are: - Non-GAAP Operating Income is defined as operating income on a GAAP basis excluding one-time charges. - Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, acquisition related retention and excludes one-time charges. - Non-GAAP Net Income is defined as net income on a GAAP basis excluding one-time charges. - Non-GAAP Net Income per fully diluted share is defined as fully diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis excluding the per share impact of impairment Impairment 1. A reduction in a company's stated capital. 2. The total capital that is less than the par value of the company's capital stock. Notes: 1. This is usually reduced because of poorly estimated losses or gains. 2. one time charges. These non-GAAP measures are provided to enhance investors' overall understanding of the Company's current financial performance and the Company's prospects for the future. Specifically, management believes that the measures Non-GAAP Operating Income, Non-GAAP Net Income, and Non-GAAP Net Income per fully diluted share provide investors an important perspective on the Company's ongoing operations and provide additional insight into underlying business performance. Management believes that the measure Adjusted EBITDA provides investors important information about the operating trends of the Company. Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain non-cash expenses Noun 1. non-cash expense - an expense (such as depreciation) that is not paid for in cash disbursal, disbursement, expense - amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures) , such as stock-based compensation expense, and impairment of intangible assets Intangible Asset An asset that is not physical in nature. Notes: Examples are things like copyrights, patents, intellectual property, and goodwill. These are the opposite of tangible assets. , and other expenses that management does not believe are reflective of ongoing operating results. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate performance of its business operations Business operations are those activities involved in the running of a business for the purpose of producing value for the stakeholders. Compare business processes. The outcome of business operations is the harvesting of value from assets . These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, these non-GAAP measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. Non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company's results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. These measures should only be used to evaluate the Company's results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures. Reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure of all non-GAAP measures included in this press release can be found in the tables included on Annex A of this press release. Conference Call Information The Company will conduct a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 to discuss the financial results for the second quarter ending March 29, 2009. To participate in the live conference call, please dial the following number five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time: 866-700-7441. International callers should dial 617-213-8839. When prompted by the operator, provide conference passcode 30930029. If you are unable to participate in the call at this time, a replay will be available for one week starting on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at approximately 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To access the replay, dial 888-286-8010 and enter passcode 35021892. International callers should dial 617-801-6888 and enter the same passcode 35021892. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties at the Company's website www.argonst.com. Please access the link at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to participate during the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call by accessing the same link. About Argon ST, Inc. Argon ST, Inc. designs, develops, and produces systems and sensors for the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) markets including SIGINT Noun 1. SIGINT - intelligence information gathered from communications intelligence or electronics intelligence or telemetry intelligence signals intelligence (Signals Intelligence), ESM (1) (Enterprise Storage Management) Managing the online, nearline and offline storage within a large organization. It includes analysis of storage requirements as well as making routine copies of files and databases for backup, archiving, disaster recovery, (Electronic Support Measures), EW (Electronic Warfare Noun 1. electronic warfare - military action involving the use of electromagnetic energy to determine or exploit or reduce or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum EW military action, action - a military engagement; "he saw action in Korea" ), IO (Information Operations Actions taken to affect adversary information and information systems while defending one's own information and information systems. Also called IO. See also defensive information operations; information; offensive information operations; operation. ), imaging, and acoustic systems serving domestic and international markets. For news and information visit www.argonst.com. Forward-Looking Statements forward-looking statement A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections. Statements in this press release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements under the provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995. These statements may contain words such as "expects", "could", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "may", "envisions", "targets" or other similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based upon numerous assumptions about future conditions that could prove not to be accurate. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, and our actual results could differ materially as a result of such risks and other factors. These risks and uncertainties include without limitation the risks and uncertainties identified in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the Company's Form 10-K Form 10-K A report required by the SEC from exchange-listed companies that provides for annual disclosure of certain financial information. Form 10-K See 10-K. for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008). Such risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to: the availability of U.S. and international government funding for our products and services, including, without limitation, statements with respect to total estimated remaining contract values and the Company's expectations regarding the U.S. government's procurement The fancy word for "purchasing." The procurement department within an organization manages all the major purchases. activities related thereto; changes in the U.S. federal government procurement Government procurement, also called public tendering, is the procurement of goods and services on behalf of a public authority, such as a government agency. With 10 to 15% of GDP in developed countries, and up to 20% in developing countries, government procurement accounts laws, regulations, policies and budgets (including changes to respond to budgetary constraints and cost-cutting initiatives); changes in appropriations types and amounts due to the priorities of the new Administration in Washington; the number and type of contracts and task orders awarded to us; the exercise by the U.S. government of options to extend our contracts; our ability to retain contracts during any rebidding process; the timing of Congressional funding on our contracts; any delay or termination of our contracts and programs; difficulties in developing and producing operationally advanced technology systems; the timing and customer acceptance of contract deliverables; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including technical personnel and personnel with required security clearances; charges from any future impairment reviews; the future impact of any acquisitions or divestitures we may make; the competitive environment for defense and intelligence information technology products and services; the ability, because of the global economy and issues in the banking industry, to secure financing when and if needed; the financial health and business plans of our commercial customers; general economic, business and political conditions domestically and internationally; and other factors affecting our business that are beyond our control. All of the forward-looking statements should be considered in light of these factors. Investors should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise. [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] |
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