UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
   
þ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended December 28, 2008January 3, 2010
or
   
o Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Transition period from                    to                    
Commission File Number 000-08193
ARGON ST, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)charter)
   
Delaware 38-1873250
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
12701 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 800, Fairfax, Virginia 22033
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s telephone number(703) 322-0881
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yesþ     Noo
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yeso     Noo
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
       
Large accelerated filero Accelerated filerþ Non-accelerated filero
Smaller reporting companyo
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting companyo 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yeso     Noþ
     As of January 31, 2009,22, 2010, there were 21,722,73921,854,242 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.
 
 

 


 

ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2008JANUARY 3, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
    
     
    
     
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  28-2929-31 
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1

2


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                
 December 28, 2008 September 30, 2008  January 3, 2010 September 30, 2009 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
ASSETS
  
CURRENT ASSETS  
Cash and cash equivalents $3,647 $15,380  $25,463 $43,108 
Accounts receivable, net 127,296 104,859  135,907 116,656 
Inventory, net 3,849 3,757  5,366 6,021 
Deferred project costs 1,094 2,296 
Deferred income tax asset 4,160 4,534  5,218 5,137 
Prepaids and other 4,080 5,416  1,407 1,499 
          
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 143,032 133,946  174,455 174,717 
Property, equipment and software, net 27,940 27,558  27,118 28,042 
Goodwill 173,948 173,948  173,948 173,948 
Intangibles, net 3,715 4,055  2,652 2,745 
Other assets 791 831  554 573 
          
TOTAL ASSETS $349,426 $340,338  $378,727 $380,025 
          
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  
CURRENT LIABILITIES  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $24,844 $29,133  $22,311 $32,526 
Accrued salaries and related expenses 13,050 10,283  12,977 13,887 
Deferred revenue 7,491 4,361  12,072 5,504 
Income taxes payable 1,953   2,320 4,784 
Other liabilities 140 132 
Other current liabilities 147 155 
          
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 47,478 43,909  49,827 56,856 
Deferred income tax liability, long term 1,449 1,900 
Deferred rent and other liabilities 1,841 2,085 
Deferred income tax liability, long-term 1,755 1,942 
Other long-term liabilities 1,807 1,649 
Commitments and contingencies      
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Common stock:  
$.01 Par Value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 22,832,653 and 22,775,423 shares issued at December 28, 2008 and September 30, 2008 228 228 
$.01 Par Value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 23,051,964 and 22,965,952 shares issued at January 3, 2010 and September 30, 2009 231 230 
Additional paid in capital 223,374 222,349  228,429 227,288 
Treasury stock at cost, 1,126,245 shares at December 28, 2008 and September 30, 2008  (18,425)  (18,425)
Treasury stock at cost, 1,219,077 shares at January 3, 2010 and September 30, 2009  (19,923)  (19,923)
Retained earnings 93,481 88,292  116,601 111,983 
          
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 298,658 292,444  325,338 319,578 
          
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $349,426 $340,338  $378,727 $380,025 
          
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                
 For the Three Months Ended  For the Three Months Ended 
 December 28, 2008 December 30, 2007  January 3, 2010 December 28, 2008 
CONTRACT REVENUES $84,026 $74,266  $73,187 $84,026 
  
COST OF REVENUES 68,846 60,337  58,967 68,846 
  
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 5,788 5,457  4,405 5,788 
  
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES 1,772 1,700  2,357 1,772 
          
 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 7,620 6,772  7,458 7,620 
  
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE)  (14) 120 
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET   (14)
          
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 7,606 6,892  7,458 7,606 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 2,417 2,609  2,840 2,417 
          
NET INCOME $5,189 $4,283  $4,618 $5,189 
          
  
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Basic) $0.24 $0.20  $0.21 $0.24 
          
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Diluted) $0.24 $0.19  $0.21 $0.24 
          
 
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING  
Basic 21,667,861 21,871,285  21,769,861 21,667,861 
          
Diluted 21,997,425 22,252,225  22,083,245 21,997,425 
          
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
(In thousands)
                
 Three Months Ended  For the Three Months Ended 
 December 28, 2008 December 30, 2007  January 3, 2010 December 28, 2008 
Cash flows from operating activities
  
Net income $5,189 $4,283  $4,618 $5,189 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: 
Depreciation and amortization 2,003 1,935  2,254 2,003 
Amortization of deferred costs 42   42 42 
Deferred income tax benefit  (75)  (242)  (275)  (75)
Stock-based compensation 809 723  1,416 809 
Change in:  
Accounts receivable  (22,437)  (15,489)
Accounts receivable, net  (19,176)  (22,437)
Inventory  (92)  (30) 655  (92)
Prepaids and other 976 1,278  1,294 976 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (3,889)  (5,460)  (10,065)  (3,889)
Accrued salaries and related expenses 2,767  (660)  (910) 2,767 
Deferred revenue 3,130 966  6,568 3,130 
Income taxes 2,311 2,824   (2,457) 2,311 
Deferred rent and other current liabilities  (158)  (113)
Other liabilities  (60)  (158)
          
  
Net cash used in operating activities  (9,424)  (9,985)  (16,096)  (9,424)
  
Cash flows from investing activities
  
Acquisitions of property, equipment and software  (2,445)  (3,323)  (1,179)  (2,445)
Proceeds from note receivable and other 4 344 
Other activity  (231) 4 
   ��      
  
Net cash used in investing activities  (2,441)  (2,979)  (1,410)  (2,441)
  
Cash flows from financing activities
  
Stock repurchases   (2,772)
Payments on capital leases  (15)  (46)  (8)  (15)
Tax benefit of stock option exercises 67 18  31 67 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 80 64  38 80 
Restricted shares reacquired in net share issuance  (200)  
          
  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 132  (2,736)  (139) 132 
  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (11,733)  (15,700)  (17,645)  (11,733)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 15,380 22,965  43,108 15,380 
          
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $3,647 $7,265  $25,463 $3,647 
          
Supplemental disclosure Income taxes paid $92 $7 
Supplemental disclosure 
Income taxes paid $5,542 $92 
          
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (unaudited)
(In thousands, exceptexact share data)
                                                
 Total  Total 
 Common Stock Common Stock Additional Paid in Stockholders’  Common Stock Common Stock Additional Paid in Retained Stockholders’ 
 Number of Shares Par Value Capital Treasury Stock Retained Earnings Equity  Number of Shares Par Value Capital Treasury Stock Earnings Equity 
Balance, September 30, 2008 22,775,423 $228 $222,349 $(18,425) $88,292 $292,444 
Balance, September 30, 2009 22,965,952 $230 $227,288 $(19,923) $111,983 $319,578 
Net income     5,189 5,189      4,618 4,618 
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options 16,980  80   80  11,240  38   38 
Restricted stock units vested 40,250       74,772 1  (201)    (200)
Stock-based compensation   878   878    1,273   1,273 
Tax benefit on stock option exercises and restricted stock   67   67 
Tax benefit on stock option exercises   31   31 
                          
  
Balance, December 28, 2008 22,832,653 $228 $223,374 $(18,425) $93,481 $298,658 
Balance, January 3, 2010 23,051,964 $231 $228,429 $(19,923) $116,601 $325,338 
                          
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
          The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three month period ended December 28, 2008January 3, 2010, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009.2010. Inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Argon ST, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.2009. Reclassifications are made to the prior year financial statements when appropriate, to conform to the current year presentation.
          Argon ST, Inc. (“Argon ST” or the “Company”) maintains a September 30 fiscal year-end for annual financial reporting purposes. Argon ST presents its interim periods ending on the Sunday closest to the end of the month for each quarter consistent with labor and billing cycles. As a result, each quarter of each year may contain more or less days than other quarters of the year. Management does not believe that this practice has a material effect on quarterly results or on the comparison of such results.
          Argon ST records contract revenues and costs of operations for interim reporting purposes based on annual targeted indirect rates. At year-end, the revenues and costs are adjusted for actual indirect rates. During the Company’s interim reporting periods, variances may accumulate between the actual indirect rates and the annual targeted rates.rates due to necessarily uneven rates of spending throughout the year. Timing-related indirect spending variances are not applied to contract costs, research and development, and general and administrative expenses, but are included in unbilled receivables during these interim reporting periods. These rates are reviewed regularly, and the Company records adjustments for any material, permanent variances in the period they become determinable.
          Argon ST’s accounting policy for recording indirect rate variances is based on management’s belief that variances accumulated during interim reporting periods will be absorbed by management actions to control costs during the remainder of the year. The Company considers the rate variance to be unfavorable when the actual indirect rates are greater than the Company’s annual targeted rates. During interim reporting periods, unfavorable rate variances are recorded as reductions to operating expenses and increases to unbilled receivables. Favorable rate variances are recorded as increases to operating expenses and decreases to unbilled receivables. At December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, the unfavorable rate variance totaled $1,421,$4,611, which was approximately $750 less$774 more than the $2,171$3,837 unfavorable rate variance planned for the period. If the Company anticipates that actual contract activities will be different than planned levels, there are alternatives the Company can utilize to absorb the variance: the Company can adjust planned indirect spending during the year, modify its billing rates to its customers, or record adjustments to expense based on estimatesfor the portion of future contract activities.rate variance that is considered permanent, if any. Management expects the variance to be eliminated over the course of the fiscal year and therefore, no portion of the variance is considered permanent.
          If the Company’s rate variance is expected to be unfavorable for the entire fiscal year, any modification of the Company’s indirect rates will likely increase revenue and operating expenses. Profit percentages on fixed-price contracts will generally decline as a result of an increase to indirect costs unless compensating savings can be achieved in the direct costs to complete the projects. Profit percentages on cost reimbursement contracts will generally decline as a percentage of total costs as a result of an increase in indirect costs even if the cost increase is funded by the customer. If the Company’s rate variance is favorable, any modification of the Company’s indirect rates will decrease revenue and operating expenses. In this event, profit percentages on fixed-price contracts will generally increase. Profit percentages on cost-reimbursable contracts will generally be unaffected as a result of any reduction to indirect costs, due to the fact that programs will typically expend all of the funds available. Any impact on operating income, however, will depend on a number of other factors, including mix of contract types, contract terms and anticipated performance on specific contracts.

7


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
     2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
          Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during each period. The following summary is presented for the fiscal quartersthree months ended January 3, 2010 and December 28, 2008 and December 30, 2007:2008:
        
 For the three months ended         
 December 28, December 30,  For the three months ended 
 2008 2007  January 3, 2010 December 28, 2008 
Net income $5,189 $4,283  $4,618 $5,189 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic 21,667,861 21,871,285  21,769,861 21,667,861 
  
Basic earnings per share $0.24 $0.20  $0.21 $0.24 
Effect of dilutive securities:  
Net shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and awards 329,564 380,940  313,385 329,564 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted 21,997,425 22,252,225  22,083,245 21,997,425 
Diluted earnings per share $0.24 $0.19  $0.21 $0.24 
          Stock options and awards that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS, because to do so would have been antidilutive, were 983,7851,393,901 for the three months ended January 3, 2010, and 1,047,445were 983,785 for the three months ended December 28, 2008 and December 30, 2007, respectively.2008.
     3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Adoption of SFAS No. 123R
     Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS No. 123R”) which requires that compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements.          The Company appliedissues stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) on an annual or selective basis to our directors and key employees. The fair value of the modified prospective method which requires that compensation costs for all awards granted afterRSUs is computed using the closing price of the stock on the date of adoptiongrant. The fair value of the stock options and the unvested portionSARs is computed using a binomial option pricing model. Assumptions related to the volatility are based on an analysis of previously granted awards outstanding at the date of adoption will be measured atour historical volatility. The estimated fair value andof each award is included in operatingcost of revenues or general and administrative expenses over the vesting period during which an employee provides serviceservices in exchange for the award.
          Stock-based compensation, which includes compensation recognized on stock option grants and restricted stock awards, has been included in the following line items in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings.
         
  For the three months ended 
  January 3,  December 28, 
  2010  2008 
Cost of revenues $1,054  $578 
General and administrative expense  362   231 
       
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation included in income from operations  1,416   809 
Income tax expense (benefit) recognized for stock- based compensation  (387)  (219)
       
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $1,029  $590 
       

8


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
         
  For the three months ended 
  December 28,  December 30, 
  2008  2007 
Cost of revenues $578  $528 
General and administrative expense  231   195 
       
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation included in income from operations  809   723 
Income tax expense (benefit) recognized for stock-based compensation  (219)  (128)
       
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $590  $595 
       
          As of December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, there was $12,616$13,270 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is to be fully amortized in 5 years, with approximately half of the total amortization to be recognized in the next 18 months.weighted average remaining vesting period being 3.17 years.
Stock Option Activity
          The following table summarizes stock option activity for the three months ended January 3, 2010. On December 28, 2008. At December 26, 2008,31, 2009, the closing price of our common stock was $17.55.$21.71.
                 
          Weighted-  
          Average  
      Weighted- Remaining Aggregate
  Number Average Contractual Intrinsic
  of Shares Exercise Price Term Value
Shares under option, September 30, 2008  1,623,967  $18.18         
Options granted  167,000  $18.62         
Options exercised  (16,980) $4.71      $249 
Options cancelled and expired  (12,255) $25.17         
                 
                 
Shares under option, December 28, 2008  1,761,732  $18.31   6.11  $6,992 
                 
Options vested at December 28, 2008  1,159,414  $16.35   5.12  $6,332 
                 
As of December 28, 2008, options that are vested and expected to vest prior to expiration  1,398,448  $17.26   5.51  $6,824 

9


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                 
          Weighted-Average    
      Weighted-Average  Remaining  Aggregate Intrinsic 
  Number of Shares  Exercise Price  Contractual Term  Value 
Shares under option, September 30, 2009  1,675,872  $18.50         
Options granted  155,500   21.23         
Options exercised  (11,240)  3.35      $190 
Options cancelled and expired  (7,150)  27.11         
                
                 
Shares under option, January 3, 2010  1,812,982   18.79   5.62  $9,481 
                 
Options vested at January 3, 2010  1,259,460   17.51   4.58  $8,554 
                 
As of January 3, 2010, options that are vested and expected to vest prior to expiration  1,799,060  $18.74   5.61  $9,481 
Restricted Share Activity
          Restricted sharesshare awards are those shares issued to the Company’s independent directors,Board of Directors, senior management and other employees. The following table summarizes restricted sharesshare award activity for the three months ended December 28, 2008:January 3, 2010:
         
      Weighted-
  Number Average Grant
  of Shares Date Fair Value
Unvested shares, September 30, 2008  291,975  $22.01 
Awards granted  141,600  $18.47 
Awards vested  (40,250) $18.00 
Awards forfeited  (3,400) $19.07 
         
Unvested shares, December 28, 2008  389,925  $21.17 
         
         
      Weighted-Average 
      Grant Date Fair 
  Number of Shares  Value 
Unvested shares, September 30, 2009  425,663  $20.37 
Award shares granted  148,250   21.09 
Award shares vested  (74,772)  18.33 
Award shares surrendered for taxes  (9,487)  18.33 
Award shares forfeited  (1,900)  24.66 
        
Unvested shares, January 3, 2010  487,754  $20.92 
        
          The Company awarded a total of 36,00040,000 shares to its eightten non-employee board members on December 9, 2008.14, 2009. The stock will vest one year after the award date. The fair valuegrant date market price of these awards is $18.42$21.09 per share and amortization of such fair value is included in General and Administrative expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
          The Company awarded a total of 105,600108,250 restricted shares to its executive, and senior management and other employees inon December 2008.14, 2009. All shares areawards vest on a graded vesting schedule over 5 years.five-year schedule. The weighted average fair valuegrant date market price of these awards is $18.48$21.09 per share and the amortization of such fair value is included in Costs of Revenues and General and Administrative expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

9


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
     4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
          Accounts receivable consistsconsist of the following as of:
        
         January 3, September 30, 
 December 28, 2008 September 30, 2008  2010 2009 
Billed and billable $66,482 $42,794  $44,556 $46,070 
Unbilled costs and fees 52,468 54,838  80,389 64,779 
Unfavorable indirect rate variance 1,421   4,611  
Retainages 7,136 7,438  6,591 6,109 
Reserve  (211)  (211)  (240)  (302)
          
Accounts receivable, net $127,296 $104,859  $135,907 $116,656 
          
          The unbilled costs, fees, and retainages result from recognition of contract revenue in advance of contractual or progress billing terms and includes $1,421 of unfavorable indirect rate variance at December 28, 2008 (Refer to Note 1 for further discussion of the basis of presentation of indirect rate variances).terms. Retainages include costs and fees on cost-reimbursable and time and material contracts withheld until audits are completed by DCAADefense Contract Audit Agency (“DCAA”) and costs and fees withheld on progress payments on fixed price contracts. Reserves are determined based on management’s best estimate of potentially uncollectible accounts receivable. Argon STThe company writes off accounts receivable when such amounts are determined to be uncollectible.

10


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
     5. INVENTORY
          Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on the first-in, first-out basis. Inventories consist of the following at the dates shown below:
        
         January 3, September 30, 
 December 28, 2008 September 30, 2008  2010 2009 
Raw Materials $3,208 $2,920  $2,329 $3,212 
Component parts, work in process 39 812  987 797 
Finished component parts 650 410  2,341 2,303 
          
 3,897 4,142  5,657 $6,313 
Reserve  (48)  (385)  (291)  (291)
          
Inventory, net $3,849 $3,757  $5,366 $6,021 
          
     6. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE
          Property, equipment and software consistsconsist of the following as of:
                
 December September  January 3, September 30, 
 28, 2008 30, 2008  2010 2009 
Computer, machinery and test equipment $29,014 $27,549  $37,049 $29,841 
Leasehold improvements 11,283 10,947  12,318 12,238 
Computer software 4,989 4,926  5,516 5,575 
Furniture and fixtures 1,473 1,726  1,517 1,514 
Equipment under capital lease 337 337  337 337 
Construction in process 10,893 10,478 
Construction in progress 5,301 11,813 
          
 57,989 55,963  62,038 61,318 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (30,049)  (28,405)  (34,920)  (33,276)
          
  $27,118 $28,042 
 $27,940 $27,558      
     

10


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
          As of December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, the Company has capitalized $10,893$5,301 of construction in progress primarily consisting of $9,714$4,405 of costs incurred directly associatedin connection with the construction of one asset to be used internally for test equipment, demonstration equipment and other purposes. The Company expects to place this asset into service during fiscal year 2009.2010.
     7. REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT
          TheThrough January 3, 2010, the Company maintainsmaintained a $40,000 line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Lender”)., which was renewed on January 25, 2010, with substantially the same terms and conditions existing prior to the renewal. The credit facility will terminate no later than February 28, 2010 at which time the facility will be subject to renewal.2012. The credit facility also contains a sublimit of $15,000 to cover letters of credit. In addition, borrowings on the line of credit bear interest at LIBOR plus 150175 basis points. An unused commitment fee of 0.25% per annum, payable in arrears, is also required.
          All borrowings under the line of credit are collateralized by all tangible assets of the Company. The line of credit agreement includes customary restrictions regarding additional indebtedness, business operations, permitted acquisitions, liens, guarantees, transfers and sales of assets, and maintaining the Company’s primary accounts with the Lender. Borrowing availability under the line of credit is equal to the product of 1.5 and the Company’s earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the trailing 12 months, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter. For the fiscal quarter ending December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, EBITDA, on a trailing 12 month basis, was $41,715,$44,941, and as such, the borrowing availability was $40,000. The agreement requires the Company to comply with a specific EBITDA to Funded Debt ratio, and contains customary events of default, including the failure to make timely payments and the failure to satisfy covenants, which would permit the Lender to accelerate repayment of borrowings under the agreement if not cured within the applicable grace period. As of December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and the financial ratio.

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ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
          At December 28, 2008,On January 3, 2010, there were no borrowings outstanding against the line of credit. Letters of credit and debt consisting of capital lease obligations at December 28, 2008January 3, 2010, amounted to $2,163,$2,238, and $37,837$37,762 was available on the line of credit.
     8. INCOME TAXES
          The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. state income tax matters for years through 2004, except for California and Michigan state returns which have a four year statute of limitations. The Company’s consolidated federal income tax return was examined through September 30, 2004, and all matters have been settled.
          IfWith respect to income tax uncertainties, based on all known facts and circumstances and current tax law, the examination periods wereCompany believes that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits on January 3, 2010, is not material to expirethe results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. The Company also believes that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits on January 3, 2010, if recognized, would not have a material impact on the effective tax rate. The Company further believes that there are no tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease over the next 12 months producing, individually or in the eventaggregate, a material effect on the results of an examination, the Company’s positions are sustained in favor of the Company, the Company would recognize approximately $339 of tax benefits reducing its effective rate. The Company does not believe there is a reasonable possibility of material changes to the estimated amount of reserves for uncertain tax positions within the next 12 months.operations, financial condition or cash flows.
          The Company’s accounting policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had $84no accrued for interest and penalties as of December 28, 2008.January 3, 2010.
     9. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
          Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents and SARs. We do not have any significant non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on January 3, 2010. The valuation techniques required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification (“FASB ASC”) Topic 820,Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect internal market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

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ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
          Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
          Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
          Level 3 — Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.
          Our SAR liabilities are valued using Level Two inputs as the valuation is based on a model-derived valuation. The liability at January 3, 2010 was $473.
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
          We areThe Company is subject to litigation from time to time, in the ordinary course of business including, but not limited to, allegations of wrongful termination or discrimination. The Company believes the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
     10.11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
          On September 30, 2009, in the ordinary course of the Company’s business operations, the Company was awarded a $475 contract to develop a technology related to global positioning for Strata Products Worldwide, LLC (“Strata”). Strata designs and manufactures emergency refuge chambers and innovative underground mining roof support products and provides mine construction services to underground mining operations. S. Kent Rockwell, a member of our Board of Directors, owns approximately 57 percent of the voting interests of Strata. The Company’s expected profit on the program is consistent with similar business arrangements that the Company maintains with its other customers. As of January 3, 2010, the Company has recognized $215 in revenue related to the work awarded under this contract.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
          The Company evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after January 3, 2010 up through the issuance of these financial statements. During this period the Company did not have any significant subsequent events, other than the renewal of its line of credit as discussed in Note 7.
13. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
          In December 2007,June 2009, the FASB issued Statementan amendment which requires entities to provide more information about the sale of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R,Business Combinations(“SFAS No. 141R”), which replaces SFAS No. 141Business Combinations. SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for determining how an enterprise recognizes and measures the fair value of certainsecuritized financial assets and liabilities acquiredsimilar transactions in a business combination, including noncontrolling interest, contingent consideration, and certain acquired contingencies. SFAS No. 141R also requires acquisition-related transaction expenses and restructuring cost be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized a component of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R will be applicable prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition dateentity retains some risk related to the assets. This amendment is on oreffective for fiscal years beginning after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after DecemberNovember 15, 2008. SFAS No. 141R would have an impact on accounting for any business combinations occurring after our fiscal year ending September 30, 2009. The Company is currently assessingdoes not believe the impact, if any,adoption of this statementamendment will have a material impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
          In April 2008,June 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, “Determinationan amendment, which changes how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. Under this guidance, determining whether a company is required to consolidate an entity will be based on, among other things, an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”(“FSP No. FAS 142-3”). FSP No. FAS 142-3 requires companies estimatingentity that most significantly impact the useful life of a recognized intangible asset to consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, to consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension as adjusted for entity-specific factors. FSP No. FAS 142-3entity’s economic performance. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after DecemberNovember 15, 2008.2009. The Company does not believe that the adoption of EITF 07-3 will have anya material effectimpact on ourits consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
          In October 2009, the FASB revised the accounting guidance for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. The revision: (1) removes the objective-and-reliable-evidence-of-fair-value criterion from the separation criteria used to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting, (2) provides a hierarchy that entities must use to estimate the selling

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ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
     Duringprice, (3) eliminates the first quarteruse of fiscal 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157,Fair Value Measurements,which defines fair value, provides a frameworkresidual method for measuring fair value,allocation, and (4) expands the disclosures requiredongoing disclosure requirements. This guidance is effective for fair value measurements. The adoption of this Standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually) and will be adopted by the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Although theOctober 1, 2010 and can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The Company will continue to evaluate the application of FSP 157-2, management does not currently believe the adoption will have a material impact on the Company’sits consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
          The following discussion provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and an understanding of the Company’s operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as well as our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.2009.
Forward-looking Statements
          Statements in this filing which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements under the provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 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. In addition to those risks and uncertainties specifically mentioned in this report and in the other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008)2009), such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the availability of U.S. and international government and commercial 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 activities related thereto; changes in the U.S. federal government procurement laws, regulations, policies and budgets (including changes to respond to budgetary constraints and cost-cutting initiatives)initiatives as well as changes increasing internal costs for monitoring, audit and reporting activity); changes in appropriations types and amounts due to the expenditures priorities of the new Administration in Washington; the future impact of any acquisitions, reorganizations or divestitures we may make; the government’s ability to hire and retain contracting personnel; 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; decisions by government agencies on the methods of seeking contractor support; 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; our ability to secure business with government prime contractors; our ability to maintain adequate and unbroken supplier performance; 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. You 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.
Overview
General
          We are a leading systems engineering and development company providing full-service C5ISR (command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) systems in several markets, including without limitation maritime defense, airborne reconnaissance, ground systems, tactical communications and network systems. These systems and services are provided to a wide range of defense and intelligence customers, including commercial enterprises. Our systems provide communications intelligence, electromagnetic intelligence, electronic warfare and information operations capabilities that enable our defense and intelligence customers to detect, evaluate and respond to potential threats. These systems are deployed on a range of military and strategic platforms including surface ships, submarines, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), land mobile vehicles, fixed site installations and re-locatable land sites.
          As a result of recent shifts in governmental budgets and priorities over the last two years, we have continually reviewed our technology and capability offerings. We continue to believe that the U.S. government will retain prioritization of the focus on C5ISR spending as sources of threat have increased in both quantity and complixity.

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          Given the dramatic dislocations in the financial community, a worldwide recession, a very large federal deficit, and a new Executive Branch with an agenda that may or may not differ than the previous administration’s, we may see significant impacts on our results of operations as a result of pressure on the defense and intelligence budgets. However, we beganduring fiscal year 2009 withand continuing to impact our business in the early parts of 2010, we have seen delays in the government procurement and contract administration cycles, which has resulted in lower than anticipated bookings. We continue to see opportunities across a solid backlog. While we understand that there will be significant pressure on the defense and intelligence budgets, we believe that given the current status of global security, the productionbroad spectrum of our systems, which include critical collection of intelligencetechnology and the maintenance of persistent surveillance, are important to our success and will require continued demand of our products and services from our customers.capability offerings.
Revenues
          Our revenues are primarily generated from the entire life cycle of complex sensor systems under contracts primarily with the U.S. Governmentgovernment and major domestic prime contractors, as well asbut also with foreign governments, agencies and defense contractors. This life cycle spans across the design, development, production, installation and support of the system.
          Our government contracts can be divided into three major types: cost reimbursable, contracts, fixed-price, and time and materials. Cost reimbursable contracts are primarily used for system design and development activities involving considerable risks to the contractor, including risks related to cost estimates on complex systems, performance risks associated with real time signal processing, embedded software, high performance hardware, and requirements that are not fully understood by the customer or us, the development of technology that has never been used, and interfaces with other systems that are in development or are obsolete without adequate documentation. Fees under these contracts are usually fixed at the time of negotiation; however, in some cases the fee is an incentive or award fee based on cost, schedule, and performance or a combination of those factors. Although the U.S. government customer assumes the cost risk on these contracts, the contractor is not allowed to exceed the cost ceiling on the contract without the approval of the customer.
          Fixed-price contracts are typically used for the production of systems. DevelopmentLower risk development activities similar to activities performed under previous contacts are also usually covered by fixed-price contracts, due to the lower risk involved.contracts. In these contracts, cost risks are borne entirely by the contractor. Some fixed-price contracts include an award fee or an incentive fee as well as the negotiated profit. Most foreign customers, and some U.S. customers, use fixed-price contracts for design and development work even when the work is considered high risk.
          Time and material contracts are based on hours worked, multiplied by approvedpre-negotiated labor rates, plus other costs incurred, allocated and allocated.approved.
          The following table represents our revenue concentration by contract type for the three months ended January 3, 2010 and December 28, 20082008:
         
  Three Months Ended 
Contract Type January 3, 2010  December 28, 2008 
Fixed-price contracts  53%   57% 
         
Cost reimbursable contracts  44%   39% 
         
Time and material contracts  3%   4% 
          Our primary business model is to capture the full life cycle of a system beginning with concept development and December 30, 2007:
         
  Three Months Ended
Contract Type December 28, 2008 December 30, 2007
Fixed-price contracts  57%  52%
         
Cost reimbursable contracts  39%  44%
         
Time and material contracts  4%  4%

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     Generally,progressing through development, production and end of cycle support and logistics. Additional cycles developing and producing next generation systems are sought to provide multi-year and multi-decade opportunities. Early cycle programs are typically cost-type contracts carrying lower margins while production cycle programs are typically fixed-price type contracts carrying higher margins. End of cycle programs can be of a variety of contract types. Through our business model, we experience revenueoptimize the long-term growth when systems move fromof the development stage to thecompany by leveraging long-term relationships into multiple cycles each carrying higher margin production stage due to increases in sales volumes from production of multiple systems, and when we add new customers or are successful in selling new systems to existing customers. Muchcycles. As such, much of our current production work has been derived from programs for which we have performed the initial development work. These programs are next generation systems replacing existing, obsolete systems that were developed by other companies. We were able to displace these companies primarily on the basis of technological capability. We believe thatWith the current statehigher cost-type contract mix, we are continuing to lay the groundwork for future low-rate and high-rate production orders and future generation development and production cycles. Cost-reimbursable mix has increased as a percentage of world affairstotal revenue over the past few years, primarily as a result of our continued work on certain large and long-run development programs, including Ships Signal Exploitation Equipment (“SSEE”) Increment F, Operational Test-Tactical Engagement System (“OT-TES”) and Common Range Integrated Instrumentation System (“CRIIS”), and the U.S. government’s emphasis on protecting U.S. citizens will cause fundingmix of contracts acquired in recent business combinations.

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In all three of these programs we have either completed or are near completion of the test and integration phases. We believe we will receive production orders during the coming fiscal years. These production orders could cause a significant impact to continue. The increaseour mix of contract types and may result in fixed-pricelarger percentages of more desirable and potentially higher margin fixed price work although the capture of new development work on cost-type contracts may keep our mix closer to current levels and provide opportunity for future production contracts. Further, and as specific to the decrease in fixed price work in fiscal 2010, the ORBCOMM Generation Two Payload (“OG2”) development which is a total percentagefixed price contract entered the final testing phases in late 2009 and early 2010. During these final testing phases, the level of our revenueeffort of both labor and materials are much less than the large level of efforts needed during the development work which continued in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, as compared toyear 2009. We believe the first quartermaturing of fiscal 2008, is primarily due to a significant amount of work performed on athe fixed price subcontract to Sierra Nevada for the buildwork on OG2 will be replaced with newer fixed price work during fiscal 2010, such as our production of the ORBCOMM Generation Two payload, which was awarded in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and a decreased amount of work performed on our cost-reimbursable type maritime development programs, as these programs entered the integration and test stages of their life cycle.multiple ground surveillance systems.
Backlog
          We define backlog as the funded and unfunded amount provided in our contracts, less previously recognized revenue. Contract options are estimated separately and not included in backlog until they are exercised and funded. Backlog does not include the value of a contract where the customer has given permission to begin or continue working, but where a formal contract or contract extension has not yet been signed.
          Our funded backlog does not include the full value of our contracts, because Congress often appropriates funds for a particular program or contract on a yearly or quarterly basis, or less, even though the contract may call for performance that is expected to take a number of years.
          From time to time, we will exclude from backlog portions of contract values of very long or complex contracts where we judge revenue could be jeopardized by a change in U.S. government policy. Because of possible future changes in delivery schedules andand/or cancellations of orders, backlog at any particular date is not necessarily representative of actual revenuesales to be expected for any succeedingfuture period, and actual revenuesales for the year may not meet or exceed the backlog represented. We may experience significant contract cancellations or reductions that were previously booked and included in backlog.
Our backlog at the dates shown was as follows (in thousands):
                
 December 28, 2008 September 30, 2008  January 3, September 30, 
    2010 2009 
Funded $258,077 $272,620  $117,687 $137,947 
Unfunded 49,740 54,672  91,796 95,413 
          
Total
 $307,817 $327,292  $209,483 $233,360 
          
          During 2009 and continuing in the early part of fiscal 2010, we have experienced delays in the government procurement process, which has resulted in lower than anticipated bookings. We do not believe that this represents an indication of any long-term impact to our programs, but rather is due to changes in the administrative process of getting programs through the bid to final contract stages.

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Cost of Revenues
          Cost of revenues consist of direct costs incurred on contracts such as labor, materials, travel, subcontracts and other direct costs and indirect costs associated with overhead expenses such as facilities, fringe benefits and other costs that are not directly related to the execution of a specific contract. We plan our spending of indirect costs on an annual basis and on cost reimbursable contracts, we receive government approval to bill those costs as a percentage of our direct labor, other direct costs and direct materials as we execute our contracts. The U.S. government approves the planned indirect rates as provisional billing rates near the beginning of each fiscal year.
General and Administrative Expenses
          Our general and administrative expenses include administrative salaries, costs related to proposal activities and other administrative costs.
Research and Development
          We conduct internally funded research and development into complex signal processing, system and software architectures, and other technologies that are important to continued advancement of our systems and are of interest to our current and prospective customers. The variance from year to year in internal research and development is caused by the status of our product cycles and the level of complementary U.S. government funded research and development. For the three months ended January 3, 2010, internally funded research and development expenditures were $2.4 million, representing approximately 3% of revenues in the period. For the three months ended December 28, 2008, internally funded research and development expenditures were $1.8 million, representing 2.1%2% of revenues in the period. For the three months ended December 30, 2007 internally funded research and development expenditures were $1.7 million, respectively, representing 2.3% of revenues, respectively.

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          Internally funded research and development is a small portion of our overall research and development, as government funded research and development constitutes the majority of our activities in this area.
Interest Income and Expense
          Interest income is derived solely from interest earned on cash reserves maintained in short termshort-term investment accounts and are therefore subject to short-term interest rates that have minimal risk.
          Interest expense relates to interest charged on borrowings against our line andof credit and capital leases.
Deferred Revenue
     Many of our fixed-price contracts contain provisions under which our customers are required to make payments when we achieve certain milestones. In many instances, these milestone payments occur before we have incurred the associated costs to which the payments will be applied. For example, under certain of our production contracts, our order of materials constitutes a milestone for which we receive a significant payment, but we do not pay the materials vendors until the materials are received and placed into production. We recognize deferred revenue when we receive milestone payments for which we have not yet incurred the applicable costs. As costs are incurred and revenue recognition criteria are met, we recognize revenue.
     As the time lag between our receipt of a milestone payment and our incurrence of associated costs under the contract can be several months, milestone payments under fixed-price contracts can significantly affect our cash position at any given time. The receipt of milestone payments will temporarily increase our cash on hand and our deferred revenue. As costs are incurred under the contract and contract revenue is recognized, cash and deferred revenue associated with the payment will decrease.
     We expect that fluctuations in deferred revenue will occur based on the particular timing of milestone payments under our fixed-price contracts and our subsequent incurrence of costs under the contracts. Due to these fluctuations, our cash position at the end of any fiscal quarter or year may not be indicative of our cash position at the end of subsequent fiscal quarters or years.
Critical Accounting Practices and Estimates
General
          Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements. These financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. We believe that the estimates, assumptions, and judgments involved in the accounting practices described below have the greatest potential impact on our financial statements and, therefore, consider these to be critical accounting practices.
Revenue and Cost Recognition
          General
The majority of our contracts, which are with the U.S. government, are accounted for in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 81-1,Financial Accounting for Performance ofStandards Board Accounting Standard Codification (“FASB ASC”) Topic 605-35-25,Revenue Recognition – Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.Contracts – General.These contracts are transacted using written contractual arrangements, most of which require us to design, develop, manufacture and/or modify complex products and systems, and perform related services according to specifications provided by the customer.

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We account for fixed-price contracts by using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting and for substantially all contracts, the cost-to-cost method is used to measure progress towards completion. Under this method, contract costs are charged to operations as incurred. A portion of the contract revenue, based on estimated profits and the degree of completion of the contract as measured by a comparison of the actual and estimated costs, is recognized as revenue each period.

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In the case of contracts with materials requirements, revenue is recognized as those materials are applied to the production process in satisfaction of the contracts’ end objectives. We account for cost reimbursable contracts by charging contract costs to operations as incurred and recognizing contract revenues and profits by applying the negotiated fee rate to actual costs on an individual contract basis.
          In certain circumstances, and based on correspondence with the end customer, management authorizes work to commence or to continue on a contract option, addition or amendment prior to the signing of formal modifications or amendments. We recognize revenue to the extent it is probable that the formal modifications or amendments will be finalized in a timely manner and that it is probable that the revenue recognized will be collected.
          Contract revenue recognition inherently involves estimation. Examples of estimates include the contemplated level of effort to accomplish the tasks under the contract, the cost of the effort, and an ongoing assessment of our progress toward completing the contract. From time to time, as part of our management processes, facts develop that require us to revise our estimated total costs or revenue. To the extent that a revised estimate affects contract profit or revenue previously recognized, we record the cumulative effect of the revision in the period in which the facts requiring the revision become known.
          Anticipated losses on contracts are also recorded in the period in which they become determinable. Unexpected increases in the cost to develop or manufacture a product, whether due to inaccurate estimates in the bidding process, unanticipated increases in material costs, inefficiencies, or other factors are borne by us on fixed-price contracts, and could have a material adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition. Unexpected cost increases in cost reimbursable contracts may be borne by us for purposes of maintaining customer relationships. If the customer agrees to fund cost increases on cost type contracts, the additional work does not have any profit and therefore dilutes margin.
          Indirect rate variance
          We record contract revenues and costs of operations for interim reporting purposes based on annual targeted indirect rates. At year-end, the revenues and costs are adjusted for actual indirect rates. During our interim reporting periods, variances may accumulate between the actual indirect rates and the annual targeted rates. Timing-related indirect spending variances are not applied to contract costs, research and development, and general and administrative expenses, but are included in unbilled receivables during these interim reporting periods. These rates are reviewed regularly, and we record adjustments for any material, permanent variances in the period they become determinable.
          Our accounting policy for recording indirect rate variances is based on management’s belief that variances accumulated during interim reporting periods will be absorbed by management actions to control costs during the remainder of the year. We consider the rate variance to be unfavorable when the actual indirect rates are greater than our annual targeted rates. During interim reporting periods, unfavorable rate variances are recorded as reductions to operating expenses and increases to unbilled receivables. Favorable rate variances are recorded as increases to operating expenses and decreases to unbilled receivables.
          If we anticipate that actual contract activities will be different than planned levels, there are alternatives we can utilize to absorb the variance: we can adjust planned indirect spending during the year, modify our billing rates to our customers, or record adjustments to expense based on estimatesfor the portion of future contract activities.rate variance deemed to be permanent.
          If our rate variance is expected to be unfavorable for the entire fiscal year, any modification of our indirect rates will likely increase revenue and operating expenses. Profit percentages on fixed-price contracts will generally decline as a result of an increase to indirect costs unless compensating savings can be achieved in the direct costs to complete the projects. Profit percentages on cost reimbursement contracts will generally decline as a percentage of total costs as a result of an increase in indirect costs even if the cost increase is funded by the customer. If our rate variance is favorable, any modification of our indirect rates will decrease revenue and operating expenses.

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In this event, profit percentages on fixed-price contracts will generally increase. Profit percentages on cost-reimbursable contracts will generally be unaffected as a result of any reduction to indirect costs, due to the fact that programs will typically expend all of the funds available. Any impact on operating income, however, will depend on a number of other factors, including mix of contract types, contract terms and anticipated performance on specific contracts.
          At December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, the unfavorable rate variance totaled $1.4$4.6 million, which was approximately $0.8 million lessmore than the $2.2$3.8 million unfavorable rate variance planned for the period. Management expects the variance to be eliminated over the course of the fiscal year and therefore, no portion of the variance is considered permanent.

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          Award Fee Recognition
          Our practice for recognizing interim feefees on our cost-plus-award-fee contracts is based on management’s assessment as to the likelihood that the award fee or an incremental portion of the award fee will be earned on a contract-by-contract basis. Management’s assessments are based on numerous factors including: contract terms, nature of the work performed, our relationship and history with the customer, our history with similar types of projects, and our current and anticipated performance on the specific contract. No award fee is recognized until management determines that it is probable that an award fee or portion thereof will be earned. Actual fees awarded are typically within management’s estimates. However, changes could arise within an award fee period causing management to either lower or raise the award fee estimate in the period in which it occurs.
Goodwill
          Costs in excess of the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are recorded as goodwill. In accordance with SFAS No. 142,FASB ASC Topic 350-20,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, we test for impairment at least annually using a two-step approach. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. During the years prior to fiscal year 2008, the Company operated as four reporting units, at which time, the fair value of each reporting unit was estimated using a combination of the income, or discounted cash flows approach and the market approach. During fiscal year 2008, due to the change in the Company’s organizational structure and its operations, theThe Company operates as a single reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using a market capitalization approach. If the carrying amount of the unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. We performed the test during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 20082009 and found no impairment to the carrying value of goodwill.
Long-Lived Assets (Excluding Goodwill)
          We follow the provisions of SFAS No. 144,FASB ASC topic 360-10-35,Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets(“SFAS No. 144”) in accounting for long-lived assets such as property and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization. SFAS No.144This topic requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the sum of the long-term undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset being evaluated. Impairment losses are treated as permanent reductions in the carrying amount of the assets.
Accounts Receivable
          We are required to estimate the collectability of our accounts receivable. Judgment is required in assessing the realization of such receivables, and the related reserve requirements are based on the best facts available to us. Since most of our revenue is generated under U.S. government contracts, our current accounts receivable reserve is not significant to our overall receivables balance.
Stock-Based Compensation
          In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004),Share-Based Payment,We issue stock options, restricted stock units (“SFAS No. 123R”RSUs”) which requires that compensation costs relatedand stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) on an annual or selective basis to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. SFAS No. 123R requires all companies to measure compensation costs for all share-based payments atour directors and key employees. The fair value and eliminatesof the option ofRSUs is computed using the intrinsic methodclosing price of accounting provided for in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, (“APB No. 25”) which generally resulted in no compensation expense recorded in the financial statementsstock on the date of grant. The fair value of the stock options and the SARs is computed using a binomial option pricing model. Assumptions related to the grantvolatility are based on an analysis of stock options to employees and directors if certain conditions were met.our historical

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     Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective method. Under this method, compensation costs for all awards granted after the date of adoption and the unvested portion of previously granted awards outstanding at the date of adoption will be measured at
volatility. The estimated fair value andof each award is included in cost of revenues andor general and administrative expenses over the vesting period during which an employee provides serviceservices in exchange for the award.

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Historical Operating Results
Three months ended December 28, 2008January 3, 2010 compared to three months ended December 30, 200728, 2008
          The following table sets forth certain items, including consolidated revenues, cost of revenues, general and administrative expenses, income tax expense and net income, and the changes in these items for the three months ended January 3, 2010, and December 28, 2008 and December 30, 2007 (in thousands):
                
   ��               
     Three months ended    
 Three months quarter ended Amount of   Amount of %
 December December in crease % increase January 3, December 28, increase increase
 28, 2008 30, 2007 (decrease) (decrease) 2010 2008 (decrease) (decrease)
Contract revenues $84,026 $74,266 $9,760  13% $73,187 $84,026  ($10,839)  -13%
Cost of revenues 68,846 60,337 8,509  14% 58,967 68,846  (9,879)  -14%
General and administrative expenses 5,788 5,457 331  6% 4,405 5,788  (1,383)  -24%
Research and development expenses 1,772 1,700 72  4% 2,357 1,772 585  33%
Interest income, net  (14) 120  (134)  -112%
Provision for income taxes 2,417 2,609  (192)  -7% 2,840 2,417 423  18%
Net income 5,189 4,283 906  21% $4,618 $5,189  ($571)  -11%
Revenues:Revenues
          Revenues increaseddecreased approximately $9.8$10.8 million or 13% for the three months ended December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2007. The revenue increase is primarily attributable to $8.9 million of revenue recognized28, 2008. Beginning backlog for work completed on contracts related to tactical communications and networking capabilities for three customers. Increases in revenue attributable to other contracts awarded in fiscal year 2008 include $2.72009 was at a record level. As a result, revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 remained strong despite generally lower first fiscal quarter activity from low labor generation during the holidays. During fiscal 2009, we experienced lower than anticipated bookings resulting from delays in contract administration. While we believe the opportunities and programs still exist, the resulting lower backlog and delay in the programs resulted in lower revenue generation in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
          Throughout 2009, we continued to transition from the SSEE Increment E program to the SSEE Increment F program. During fiscal 2009, including the first quarter, we worked aggressively on the final stages of development and began the integration and test phases of SSEE Increment F. At the end of fiscal year 2009, we were completing work on the final production lot of Increment E and were in the final test and integration phases of the development work for Increment F. Combining all aspects of this transition, revenue from the SSEE program in total decreased approximately $1.7 million fromin the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared to 2009. We anticipate an award decision for the first production lot of Increment F during our second fiscal quarter, which would replenish the SSEE backlog.
          Likewise, the OG2 program was a 22 month modernizationsignificant contribution to fiscal 2009 revenue. We continued the development and production of the satellite payloads during the first half of fiscal 2009, which required substantial levels of effort. Entering fiscal 2010, the OG2 program $2.2was in its test and integration phases, and we will begin delivery of the final payloads in the later half of fiscal 2010. The final test, integration and delivery stages have a lower level of effort than the development and production phases. As a result, revenue decreased approximately $3.8 million fromin the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared to 2009. While we are considering multiple space related programs, we believe the production work declines on the OG2 program will be mirrored with production increases in areas such as the production of certain ground surveillance systems.

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          While there were other decreases of $6.3 million due to timing and lower backlog across a flight test program, and $2.3 million from twomultitude of other programs, including a contract with a customer to build wire harness assemblies and components for aircraft wings and a contract to perform work for maritime signals interception. Offsetting these increases,our airborne reconnaissance contracts, we experienced a $4.0 million decreaseanticipate remaining fiscal 2010 bookings will positively impact revenue during the remainder of revenue related to certain development contracts for maritime systems. Other decreases of revenue of $2.3 million related to certain contracts nearing completion primarily attributable to certain contracts related to tactical ground mobile communications technologies.fiscal year 2010.
Cost of Revenues:Revenues
          Cost of revenues increaseddecreased approximately $8.5$9.9 million or 14% for the three months ended December 28, 2008January 3, 2010, as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2007.28, 2008. The increasedecrease was primarily due to increaseddecreased contract activity and increaseddecreased revenue as described above. As a result of the increaseddecreased contract activity, direct materials costs, including subcontract costs, increased $6.8 million. Direct labor increased $0.9decreased $9.0 million consistent with our increaselower material costs in the SSEE production activity on fixed price contracts. Alonglots and lower subcontractor costs with the increase in direct labor and direct material costs,OG2 contract. All other direct costs and overhead costs allocable to such direct costs increaseddecreased approximately $2.5$1.4 million. Other costs decreased $1.1 million primarily due to a $0.9 million decrease ofThese decreases were partially offset by an increase in costs not allocable to a specific contracts.program of $0.5 million primarily attributable to increased stock-based compensation. Cost of revenues as a percentage of total revenue increased nominallydecreased to 82%81% for the three months ended December 28, 2008January 3, 2010 as compared to 81%82% in the same quarter of fiscal year 2008.2009, as we continue strong program execution despite lower volume.

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General and Administrative Expenses:Expenses
          General and administrative expenses increaseddecreased approximately $0.3$1.4 million or 6%24% for the three months ended December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2007. This increase was28, 2008. At interim periods, general and administrative expenses are recorded at target rates to the extent management believes rate variances are recoverable within the company’s fiscal year. The year over year decrease is primarily due to increased professionaltiming differences of general and administrative expenses recognized at target rates. Our targeted rates for the year include a decline in legal fees including those relatedas compared to our defensethe prior year. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2009, we settled claims brought against us.us by another party. Legal fees decreased $0.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 as compared to 2009. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative costs have remained atdecreased to 6% of revenue for the three months ended January 3, 2010 as compared to 7% of revenue for both the three months ended December 30, 2008 and December 30, 2007.28, 2008.
Research and Development Expenses:Expenses
          Research and development expenses increased approximately $0.1$0.6 million or 4%33% for the three months ended December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, as compared to the three months ended December 30, 200728, 2008, due to the timing of specific planned research and development projects. Research and development expenditures represented 2.1%3% and 2.3%2% of our consolidated revenues for the three months ended January 3, 2010 and December 28, 2008, and December 30, 2007, respectively. We expect that research and development expenditures will continue to represent approximately 2% to 3% of our consolidated revenue in future periods.
InterestProvision for Income net:Taxes
          InterestThe provision for income net of interest expense, decreasedtaxes increased approximately $0.1$0.4 million or 18% for the three months ended December 30, 2008,January 3, 2010, as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2007. This decrease was primarily due28, 2008. Our effective income tax rate increased to lower average cash balances38.1% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009three months ended January 3, 2010, as compared to those duringan effective rate of 31.8% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we borrowed approximately $7.0 million on our line of credit as a result of the timing of certain milestone billings and cash receipts on such billings. As ofthree months ended December 28, 2008, these borrowings were repaid. Due to the timing of these milestone billings, we expect that from time to time, we will continue to utilize our line of credit to fund operations.
Provision for Income Taxes:
2008. The tax provision for income taxes decreased approximately $0.2 million or 7% for the three months ended December 28, 2008 as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2007. Our effective income tax rate decreased to 31.8%included a discrete benefit for the three months ended December 28, 2008, compared to an effective rate of 37.9% for the three months ended December 30, 2007. The lower effective tax rate in the quarter ended December 28, 2008 was primarily due to a 5.6% reduction related to the renewal of the federal research and development tax credit, which was realized retroactive toreinstated in our first quarter of fiscal year 2009, retroactively beginning January 1, 2008 as2008. Additionally, fiscal year 2009 included a resultfull year of legislation signed into law during ouranticipated tax deductions for this same credit. Fiscal year 2010 only includes a deduction for the first fiscal quarter ofas the deduction expired on December 31, 2009. We expectIn the event that congress renews the tax credit during our annualfiscal year 2010, we will recognize a benefit in our effective rate to approximate levels closer to a 35% to 37% range forat the annual period ending September 30, 2009.time of renewal.
Net Income:Income
          As a result of the above, net income increaseddecreased approximately $0.9$0.6 million, or 21%11%, for the three months ended December 28, 2008January 3, 2010, compared to the three months ended December 30, 2007.28, 2008.

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Analysis of Liquidity and Capital Resources
          Our liquidity requirements relate primarily to the funding of working capital requirements supporting operations, capital expenditures and strategic initiatives including potential future acquisitions and research and development activities.

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Cash
          At December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, we had cash of $3.6$25.5 million compared to cash of $15.4$43.1 million at September 30, 2008.2009. Given the large balance of cash during recent periods, we are continuing to assess alternative uses of cash, such as investments in our operations, mergers and acquisitions, and stock repurchases. The $11.7$17.6 million decrease in cash during the year was primarily the result of $9.4$16.1 million of cash used inby operations and $2.4$1.4 million of cash paid for acquisitions of property, equipment, software and software.intangibles.
Cash Flows
          Net cash used in operating activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was $16.1 million compared to $9.4 million in the same quarter of the prior year. Cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2010 was primarily comprised of $8.1 million of net income as adjusted for non-cash reconciling items including depreciation and amortization, changes in deferred income taxes, and stock-based compensation. Net income, as adjusted for non-cash reconciling items was reduced by $24.2 million as a result of changes in operating assets and liabilities. This change was driven by a $12.6 million increase in accounts receivable net of deferred revenue, and a $10.1 million decrease in accounts payable. The remaining decrease is a $1.5 million decrease in other operating assets and liabilities.
          Our cash from operations is highly dependent on the balance of our billed and unbilled receivables, along with deferred revenue. As discussed in more detail below under “Contractual Billing Provisions”, the timing of contractual milestone billing terms has a significant impact on our unbilled receivable balances. We use days sales outstanding (“DSO”) as a measure to assess the impact of milestone billings on our cash balances. We calculate DSO using the trailing twelve months of revenue. As of January 3, 2010, our DSO was 140 days as compared to 116 days at September 30, 2009. Typically, receivables have higher balances at the end of our first quarter as a result in government payment delays during the holidays. We experienced similar DSO at the end of the first quarter in fiscal 2009 at 132 days. In addition to normal increases in DSO during the first quarter, one of our more significant programs, OG2, holds milestones that are heavily weighted towards the final testing and delivery phases. Approximately $23.2 million and $19.1 million of our unbilled receivables relate specifically to these milestones as of January 3, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively. Exclusive of the OG2 program, our DSO was 116 days and 97 days at January 3, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively.
          Net cash used in investing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was $1.4 million compared to $2.4 million for the same quarter of the prior year. Investing activities included $1.2 million and $2.4 million of cash used to purchase property and equipment during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively. We expect to make additional investments in property and equipment as we upgrade and replace older equipment, as our employee base increases and as we invest in advanced C5ISR technology assets.
          Net cash used in financing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was $0.1 million compared to $0.1 million of cash provided by financing activities for the same quarter of the prior year. In both fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2010, approximately $0.1 million of cash was generated from stock option exercises and related tax benefits. However, in fiscal year 2010, the Company retired certain restricted share units in respect of related payroll tax liabilities.
          We believe that the combination of internally generated funds, cash and cash equivalents on hand and available bank credit will provide the required liquidity and capital resources necessary to fund ongoing operations, customary capital expenditures and other working capital needs over the next 12 months.

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          Line of Credit
          TheThrough January 3, 2010, the Company maintainsmaintained a $40.0 million line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Lender”)., which was renewed on January 25, 2010, with substantially the same terms and conditions existing prior to the renewal. The credit facility will terminate no later than February 28, 2010 at which time the facility will be subject to renewal.2012. The credit facility also contains a sublimit of $15.0 million to cover letters of credit. In addition, borrowings on the line of credit bear interest at LIBOR plus 150175 basis points. An unused commitment fee of 0.25% per annum, payable in arrears, is also required.
          All borrowings under the line of credit are collateralized by all tangible assets of the Company. The line of credit agreement includes customary restrictions regarding additional indebtedness, business operations, permitted acquisitions, liens, guarantees, transfers and sales of assets, and maintaining the Company’s primary accounts with the Lender. Borrowing availability under the line of credit is equal to the product of 1.5 and the Company’s earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the trailing 12 months, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter. For the fiscal quarter ending December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, EBITDA, on a trailing 12 month basis, was $41.7$44.9 million. The agreement requires the Company to comply with a specific EBITDA to Funded Debt ratio, and contains customary events of default, including the failure to make timely payments and the failure to satisfy covenants, which would permit the Lender to accelerate repayment of borrowings under the agreement if not cured within the applicable grace period. As of December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and the financial ratio.
          In addition to the terms of the line of credit, the credit facility renewal included a guidance line facility, which provides the option to expand the total borrowing capacity to $60.0 million. While the credit facility still requires the Lender’s final approval of a request to borrow an additional $20 million, this provision provides an expeditious medium for expanded borrowing capacity.
At December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, there were no borrowings outstanding against the line of credit. Letters of credit and debt consisting of capital lease obligations at December 28, 2008January 3, 2010 amounted to $2.2 million, and $37.8 million was available on the line of credit.
          Cash FlowsContractual Billing Provisions
     Net cash used in operating activities was $9.4 million for the three months ended December 28, 2008, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $10.0 million for the three months ended December 30, 2007. Cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended December 28, 2008 was comprised of $8.0 million of net income as adjusted for non-cash reconciling items including depreciation and amortization, changes in deferred income taxes and stock-based compensation. Net income, as adjusted for non-cash reconciling items, was reduced by $17.4 million as a result of changes in operating assets and liabilities. This change was driven by a $19.3 million increase in accounts receivable net of increases in deferred revenue, and a $3.9 million decrease in accounts payable, which were partially offset by $5.8 million of changes in other operating assets and liabilities.
     The increase in accounts receivable is due primarily to the timing of our contractual ability to bill our customers and subsequently receive payments on such billings.          Many of our fixed-price contracts contain provisions under which our customers are required to make payments when we achieve certain milestones. In many instances, these milestone payments occur after we have incurred the associated costs to which the payments will be applied. For example, under some of our contracts providing certain deliverables constitutes a milestone for which we receive a significant payment near the end of the contract, but we incur costs to complete the deliverables ratably over the life of the contract. We recognize revenue as costs are incurred and revenue recognition criteria are met, with a corresponding increase in unbilled receivables.
          The time lag between our receipt of a milestone payment and our incurrence of associated costs under the contract can be several months. Therefore, milestone payments under fixed-price contracts can significantly affect our cash position at any given time. The receipt of milestone payments will temporarily increase our cash on hand and decrease our unbilled receivables. As milestone payments under the contract are billed and received, cash will increase and unbilled receivables associated with the payment will decrease. Over the years, these milestone payments have had a significant effect on our comparative cash balances.

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We expect that fluctuations in unbilled receivables and deferred revenue will occur based on the particular timing of milestone payments under our fixed-price contracts and our incurrence of costs under the contracts. Due to these fluctuations, our cash position at the end of any fiscal quarter or year may not be indicative of our cash position at the end of subsequent fiscal quarters or years.

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     Net cash provided by investing activities was $2.4 million for the three months ended December 28, 2008, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $3.0 million for the nine months ended December 30, 2007. Significant capital expenditures have occurred related to internally constructed assets.
     Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.1 million for the three months ended December 28, 2008 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $2.7 million for the three months ended December 30, 2007. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, cash used in financing activities was primarily comprised of $2.8 million of cash used to purchase shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase program. The shares purchased in fiscal year 2008 occurred under a stock repurchase plan which expired in August 2008. In December 2008, our Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase up to 1.0 million additional shares of our common stock. Through January 2008, we have not repurchased any shares under the approved plan.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
     As of December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, our contractual cash obligations were as follows (in thousands):
                                                        
 Due in 1 Due in 2 Due in 3 Due in 4 Due in 5    Due in 1 Due in 2 Due in 3 Due in 4 Due in 5   
 Total year years years years years Thereafter  Total year years years years years Thereafter 
Capital leases $96 $60 $27 $9     $36 $27 $9     
Operating leases 38,250 8,179 7,319 6,833 6,518 6,412 2,989  36,753 7,572 7,501 7,138 7,047 6,359 1,136 
Earn-out obligation (a) 3,200 3,200      
                              
  
Total $41,546 $11,439 $7,346 $6,842 $6,518 $6,412 $2,989  $36,789 $7,599 $7,510 $7,138 $7,047 $6,359 $1,136 
                              
(a)Under the Coherent purchase agreement, as amended, we have agreed to pay shareholders of Coherent an additional $3.2 million in cash in the event that certain bookings targets are met as of July 2009. 
     As of December 28, 2008,January 3, 2010, our other commercial commitments were as follows:
             
(in thousands) Total Less Than 1 Year 1-3 Years
             
Letters of credit $2,079  $2,079    
Contingent income tax obligations.As of December 28, 2008, we have recorded a net liability of $339,000 for uncertain tax positions. For further discussion of these contingencies, see Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
             
(in thousands) Total  Less Than 1 Year  1-3 Years 
Letters of credit $2,206  $1,916  $290 
     We have no long-term debt obligations, capital lease obligations, other operating lease obligations, contractual purchase obligations, or other long-term liabilities other than those shown above. We also have no off-balance sheet arrangements of any kind.
Market Risks
     In addition to the risks inherent in our operations, we are exposed to financial, market, political and economic risks. The following discussion provides additional detail regarding our exposure to credit, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents:Equivalents
     All unrestricted, highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. We maintain cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We believe that any credit risk related to theseour cash and cash equivalents is minimal.

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Access to Bank Credit:Credit
     Our liquidity position is influenced by our ability to obtain sufficient levels of working capital. Continuing access to bank credit for the purposes of funding operations during periods in which cash fluctuates is an important factor in our overall liquidity position. We have a line of credit with Bank of America effective through February 20102012 and we believe we have a good working relationship with Bank of America (see “—Analysis“Analysis of Liquidity and Capital Resources—Line of Credit” above). However, as recent events in the financial markets have demonstrated, dramatic shifts in market conditions could materially impact our ability to continue to secure bank credit, and a continued steep deterioration in market conditions could materially impact our liquidity position.position and current banking relationship. Absent these dramatic shifts and steep deteriorations in market conditions, we believe we have access to sufficient bank credit.credit through alternative lending sources if needed.
Interest Rates:Rates
     Our line of credit financing provides available borrowing to us at a variable interest rate tied to the LIBOR rate. There were no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit at December 28, 2008.January 3, 2010. Accordingly, we do not believe that any movement in interest rates would have a material impact on future earnings or cash flows. In the event that we borrow on our line of credit in future periods, we will be subject to the risks associated with fluctuating interest rates.

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Foreign Currency:Currency
     We have contracts to provide services to certain foreign countries approved by the U.S. government. Our foreign sales contracts generally require payment in U.S. dollars, and therefore are not affected by foreign currency fluctuations. We occasionally issue orders or subcontracts to foreign companies in local currency. The current obligations to foreign companies are of an immaterial amount and we believe the associated currency risk is also immaterial.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
     The information called for by this item is provided under Item 2 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 (a) Our management has evaluated, with the participation of the our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of such date, ourOur disclosure controls and procedures are effectivedesigned to ensureprovide reasonable assurance that the information we are required to disclosebe disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act of 1934 isthis Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q has been appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange CommissionCommission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.
 
 (b) During the last quarter, there were no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that have materially affected these controls, or are reasonably likely to materially affect these controls subsequent to the evaluation of these controls.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     There were no material changesWe are subject to litigation from time to time, in the legal proceeding disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, filed on December 5, 2008.ordinary course of business including, but not limited to, allegations of wrongful termination or discrimination.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
     ThereExcept as set forth below, there were no other material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008,2009, filed on December 5, 2008.4, 2009.
We are evaluating and considering strategic alternatives, but we may not complete any transaction.
     On January 12, 2010, we announced that our Board of Directors is considering strategic alternatives, including acquisitions, mergers, sale of the Company or other transactions, and has retained a financial advisor in this process. Our Board of Directors may also determine that none of these alternatives is appropriate at this time. We have no commitment or agreement with respect to any transaction, and there can be no assurance that any transaction will result.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
     None.The following table provides information about purchases that we made during the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 of our equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
                 
          Total Number of  Approximate Number 
  Total Number of      Shares Purchased as  of Shares that May 
  Shares Purchased  Average Price Paid  Part of Publicly  Yet Be Purchased 
Period (1)  per Share  Announced Plan  Under the Plan 
October 1, 2009 to November 1, 2009            
November 2, 2009 to November 29, 2009            
November 30, 2009 to January 3, 2010  9,487  $21.05       
                 
             
First quarter fiscal 2010 totals  9,487  $21.05       
             
(1)These amounts represent shares surrendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with restricted stock units.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
     None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
     None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
     None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
   
Exhibit  
Number Description of Exhibit
2 .12.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of June 7, 2004, by and between Sensytech, Inc. and Argon Engineering Associates, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on July 16, 2004, Registration Statement No. 333-117430)
 
 2.2
2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, Dated as of June 9, 2006, by and among Argon ST, Inc., Argon ST Merger Sub, Inc., San Diego Research Center, Incorporated, Lindsay McClure, Thomas Seay and Harry B. Lee, Trustee of the HBL and BVL Trust (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 14, 2006)
 
 2.3
2.3 Equity Purchase Agreement by and among Argon ST, Inc., CSIC Holdings LLC, Coherent Systems International, Corp., the Stockholders of Coherent Systems International, Corp. and Richard S. Ianieri, as Seller Representative (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2007)
 
 3.1
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Statement No. 333-98757) filed on August 26, 2002)
 
 3.1.1
3.1.1 Amendment, dated September 28, 2004, to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 5, 2004 covering Items 2.01, 5.01, 5.02, 8.01 and 9.01 of Form 8-K).
 
 3.1.2
3.1.2 Amendment, dated March 15, 2005 to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 5, 2005, filed May 11, 2005)
 
 3.2
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 12, 2008)
 
 4.1
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration Statement No. 333-128211) filed on September 9, 2005)
 
 
10.1 Second Amended and Restated Line of Credit Agreement with Bank of America (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Statement No. 333-98757) filed on August 27, 2002)
 
10.1.1Fifth Amendment to SecondThird Amended and Restated Financing and Security Agreement dated as of March 31, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 6, 2006)January 28, 2010)
 31.1* 
10.1.2Sixth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Financing and Security Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 4, 2008)
10.2+Argon ST, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for its 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, filed January 27, 2006)
10.2.1Form of Stock Option Agreement under Argon ST 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, filed December 14, 2005)
10.3+Argon Engineering Associates, Inc. Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, filed December 14, 2004)
10.4+2008 Argon Equity Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed January 5, 2008)
10.5.1+Change in Control Agreement — between the Company and Terry Collins (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 22, 2009)
10.5.2+Change in Control Agreement — between the Company and Kerry Rowe (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 22, 2009)
10.5.3+Change in Control Agreement — between the Company and Aaron Daniels (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 22, 2009)
31.1* Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act
 
 31.2*
31.2* Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act
 
 
32.1** Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 8 of the United States Code
 
* Filed herewith
 
** Furnished herewith
 
+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

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SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
     
 ARGON ST, INC.
(Registrant)

 
 
 By:  
By: /s//s/ Terry L. Collins
  
  Terry L. Collins, Ph.D.  
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President  
 
   
 By:  By: /s//s/ Aaron N. Daniels
  
  Aaron N. Daniels  
  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer  
Date: February 6, 20094, 2010

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