UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-23599

 


 

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

MASSACHUSETTS 04-2741391

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

199 RIVERNECK ROAD

CHELMSFORD, MA

 01824
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

978-256-1300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of April 21,October 29, 2004:

 

Class


 

Number of Shares Outstanding


Common Stock, par value $.01 per share 21,215,60521,053,022

 



MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

 

INDEX

 

      PAGE NUMBER

PART I.

  FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

   
   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2004 (unaudited) and June 30, 20032004

  3
   

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and 2003

  4
   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and 2003

  5
   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  6

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  1311

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

  3429

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

  3429

PART II.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

   

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

  3530

Item 2.

  

Changes inUnregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

35

Item 5.

  Other Events3530

Item 6.

  

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

  3631
   

Signatures

  3732


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

  March 31,
2004


 June 30,
2003


   September 30,
2004


  June 30,
2004


 
  (unaudited)     (Unaudited)    

Assets

         

Current assets:

         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $36,826  $27,158   $125,076  $148,995 

Marketable securities

   58,173   40,892    61,201   54,898 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $500

   28,085   22,975 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $500

   30,759   41,609 

Inventory

   7,604   10,735    11,793   10,746 

Deferred tax assets, net

   4,463   4,778    3,819   3,819 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   4,184   3,513    4,091   5,370 
  


 


  

  


Total current assets

   139,335   110,051    236,739   265,437 

Marketable securities

   33,771   45,211    54,218   34,391 

Property and equipment, net

   24,960   26,349    25,972   25,866 

Goodwill

   4,225   4,225    28,963   29,009 

Acquired intangible assets, net

   1,551   2,339    5,113   5,529 

Deferred tax assets, net

   1,321   1,321    3,612   3,612 

Other assets

   5,309   1,059    8,880   5,894 
  


 


  

  


Total assets

  $210,472  $190,555   $363,497  $369,738 
  


 


  

  


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

         

Current liabilities:

         

Accounts payable

  $8,041  $5,235   $9,169  $10,884 

Accrued expenses

   5,256   4,354    10,148   5,715 

Accrued compensation

   7,928   10,053    9,196   13,147 

Amounts payable for acquisition

   7,512   7,512 

Notes payable

   758   718    990   948 

Deferred revenues and customer advances

   5,847   5,851 

Income taxes payable

   2,778   2,440    3,564   6,922 

Deferred revenues and customer advances

   3,528   2,741 
  


 


  

  


Total current liabilities

   28,289   25,541    46,426   50,979 

Notes payable

   11,026   11,599    135,643   135,827 

Deferred compensation

   1,087   759    1,140   1,122 

Other long-term liabilities

   870   953 
  


 


  

  


Total liabilities

   40,402   37,899    184,079   188,881 

Commitments and contingencies (Note J)

         

Stockholders’ equity:

         

Preferred Stock, $.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

   —     —   

Common stock, $.01 par value; 65,000,000 shares authorized; 22,357,552 shares issued at March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2003; 21,201,855 and 20,990,461 shares outstanding at March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2003, respectively

   223   223 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

   —     —   

Common stock, $.01 par value; 65,000,000 shares authorized; 21,053,022 and 22,355,501 shares issued at September 30, 2004 and June 30, 2004, respectively; and 21,053,383 and 21,288,855 shares outstanding at September 30, 2004 and June 30, 2004, respectively

   210   223 

Additional paid-in capital

   53,449   52,174    15,847   53,882 

Treasury stock, at cost, 1,155,697 and 1,367,091 shares at March 31, 2004 and June 30, 2003, respectively

   (33,900)  (40,197)

Treasury stock, at cost, no shares and 1,066,646 shares at September 30, 2004 and June 30, 2004, respectively

   —     (31,336)

Retained earnings

   149,761   140,142    163,006   157,908 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   537   314    355   180 
  


 


  

  


Total stockholders’ equity

   170,070   152,656    179,418   180,857 
  


 


  

  


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $210,472  $190,555   $363,497  $369,738 
  


 


  

  


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED AND IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 

   Three months ended
March 31,


  Nine months ended
March 31,


 
   2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

 

Net revenues

  $45,386  $48,697  $126,464  $135,769 

Cost of revenues

   15,443   16,804   43,668   47,123 
   


 


 


 


Gross profit

   29,943   31,893   82,796   88,646 

Operating expenses:

                 

Selling, general and administrative

   12,483   13,415   38,025   39,881 

Research and development

   9,172   9,919   26,783   28,769 
   


 


 


 


Total operating expenses

   21,655   23,334   64,808   68,650 
   


 


 


 


Income from operations

   8,288   8,559   17,988   19,996 

Interest income

   455   434   1,334   1,417 

Interest expense

   (217)  (228)  (664)  (697)

Gain on sale of division

   —     2,600   —     5,800 

Other income, net

   66   32   104   196 
   


 


 


 


Income before income taxes

   8,592   11,397   18,762   26,712 

Income tax provision

   2,289   3,533   5,441   8,281 
   


 


 


 


Net income

  $6,303  $7,864  $13,321  $18,431 
   


 


 


 


Net income per share:

                 

Basic

  $0.30  $0.37  $0.63  $0.87 
   


 


 


 


Diluted

  $0.29  $0.35  $0.61  $0.84 
   


 


 


 


Weighted average shares outstanding:

                 

Basic

   21,184   21,188   21,084   21,165 
   


 


 


 


Diluted

   22,057   22,178   21,787   22,045 
   


 


 


 


   Three months ended
September 30,


 
   2004

  2003

 

Net revenues

  $54,982  $40,521 

Cost of revenues

   19,464   14,539 
   


 


Gross profit

   35,518   25,982 

Operating expenses:

         

Selling, general and administrative

   16,023   12,796 

Research and development

   11,522   8,734 
   


 


Total operating expenses

   27,545   21,530 
   


 


Income from operations

   7,973   4,452 

Interest income

   994   429 

Interest expense

   (1,054)  (223)

Other income (expense), net

   (189)  116 
   


 


Income before income taxes

   7,724   4,774 

Income tax provision

   2,626   1,480 
   


 


Net income

  $5,098  $3,294 
   


 


Net income per share:

         

Basic

  $0.24  $0.16 
   


 


Diluted

  $0.23  $0.15 
   


 


Weighted average shares outstanding:

         

Basic

   21,178   21,002 
   


 


Diluted

   21,916   21,580 
   


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED AND IN THOUSANDS)

 

  Nine Months Ended
March 31,


   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
  2004

 2003

   2004

 2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

  $13,321  18,431   $5,098  $3,294 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

   5,314  6,119    2,050   1,916 

Gain on sale of division

   —    (5,800)

Change in deferred income taxes

   315  —   

Impairment of intangible asset

   185  —   

Impairment of acquired intangible asset

   —     185 

Stock-based compensation

   —     176 

Tax benefit from stock options

   1,099  576    274   64 

Stock-based compensation

   176  974 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

   

Accounts receivable

   (4,903) 10,861    10,821   3,589 

Inventory

   3,197  2,520    (1,046)  2,252 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   (655) 1,272    1,277   1,789 

Other assets

   (349) (19)   412   (115)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   1,786  14    (4,270)  (3,355)

Deferred revenues and customer advances

   787  926    (4)  (161)

Other liabilities

   (84)  —   

Income taxes payable

   319  7,075    (3,355)  (472)
  


 

  


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

   20,592  42,949    11,173   9,162 
  


 

  


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchases of marketable securities

   (31,204) (107,383)   (33,308)  (3,000)

Sales and maturities of marketable securities

   25,622  80,553    7,116   5,319 

Purchases of property and equipment

   (3,312) (4,417)   (1,707)  (1,011)

Purchased intangible assets

   (3,900) —   

Proceeds from sale of division

   —    5,800 
  


 

  


 


Net cash used in investing activities

   (12,794) (25,447)

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

   (27,899)  1,308 
  


 

  


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from employee stock option and purchase plans

   2,574  2,118 

Purchases of treasury stock

   —    (5,746)

Payments of principal under notes payable and capital lease obligations

   (533) (588)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   867   375 

Purchases of common stock

   (7,844)  —   

Payments of principal under notes payable

   (178)  (174)
  


 

  


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   2,041  (4,216)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (7,155)  201 
  


 

  


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   (171) (288)   (38)  21 
  


 

  


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   9,688  12,998 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   27,158  17,513 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   (23,919)  10,692 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   148,995   27,158 
  


 

  


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $36,826  30,511 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $125,076  $37,850 
  


 

  


 


Cash paid during the period for:

      

Interest

  $668  698   $460  $224 

Income taxes, net

   4,240  2,338 

Income taxes

  $5,727  $1,831 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

 

A.    NatureDescription of the Business

 

Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. (the “Company” or “Mercury”) designs, manufactures and markets high-performance, real-time digital signal and image processing computer systems that transform sensor-generated data into information that can be displayed as images for human interpretation or subjected to additional computer analysis. These multicomputer systems are heterogeneous and scalable, allowing them to accommodate several different microprocessor types and to scale from a few to hundreds of microprocessors within a single system. The primary markets for the Company’s products are Defense Electronics, Medical Imaging and Visualization Solutions (IVS), and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEM”)(OEM) solutions. These markets have computing needs that benefit from the unique system architecture developed by the Company.

 

B.    Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying financial data as of March 31,September 30, 2004 and for the three months and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and March 31, 2003 have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.2004.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of financial position as of March 31,September 30, 2004, results of operations for the three and nine-month periodsmonths ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and 2003, and cash flows for the nine-month periodsthree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and 2003 have been made. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

 

C.    Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has several stock-based employee compensation plans. The Company accounts for stock-based awards to employees using the intrinsic value method as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. Accordingly, no compensation expense is recorded for options issued to employees in fixed amounts with fixed exercise prices at least equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. The Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure,” through disclosure only. All stock-based awards to non-employees are accounted for at their fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 123.

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based employee awards.

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 Nine Months Ended
March 31,


  Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
  2004

  2003

 2004

  2003

      2004    

      2003    

 

Net income as reported

  $6,303  $7,864 $13,321  $18,431  $5,098  $3,294 

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

   —     —    —     —     —     —   

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

   3,445   4,087  11,115   12,357   3,425   4,132 
  

  

 

  

  

  


Pro forma net income

  $2,858  $3,777 $2,206  $6,074

Pro forma net income (loss)

  $1,673  $(838)
  

  

 

  

  

  


Earnings per share:

         

Earnings (loss) per share:

      

Basic – as reported

  $0.30  $0.37 $0.63  $0.87  $0.24  $0.16 

Basic – pro forma

  $0.13  $0.18 $0.10  $0.29  $0.08  $(0.04)

Diluted – as reported

  $0.29  $0.35 $0.61  $0.84  $0.23  $0.15 

Diluted – pro forma

  $0.13  $0.17 $0.10  $0.28  $0.08  $(0.04)

 

The weighted average grant-date fair values for options granted during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and 2003 were $18.56$15.93 and $21.00, respectively, per option. The weighted average grant-date fair values for options granted during the nine months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 were $15.62 and $13.84,$13.17, respectively, per option. The fair value of options at date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 

Nine Months Ended

March 31,


   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
  2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

       2004    

     2003    

 

Option life

  6 years  6 years  6 years  6 years   6 years  6 years 

Risk-free interest rate

  3.25% 3.07% 3.43% 4.61%  4.0% 3.5%

Stock volatility

  75% 79% 75% 81%  73% 77%

Dividend rate

  0% 0% 0% 0%  0% 0%

 

The weighted-average fair value of stock purchase rights granted as part of the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $5.96$5.42 and $9.50, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of stock purchase rights granted as part of the ESPP during the nine months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was $5.50 and $8.66,$4.85, respectively. The fair value of the employees’ stock purchase rights was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,


 Nine Months Ended
March 31,


   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
  2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

       2004    

     2003    

 

Option life

  6 months  6 months  6 months  6 months   6 months  6 months 

Risk-free interest rate

  1.01% 1.21% 1.01% 1.21%  2.0% 0.96%

Stock volatility

  43% 76% 43% 76%  33% 57%

Dividend rate

  0% 0% 0% 0%  0% 0%

D.    Inventory

   September 30,
2004


  June 30,
2004


Raw materials

  $3,313  $1,698

Work in process

   5,778   3,272

Finished goods

   2,702   5,776
   

  

Total

  $11,793  $10,746
   

  

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

D.    Inventory

   March 31,
2004


  June 30,
2003


Raw materials

  $2,061  $3,642

Work in process

   1,910   3,149

Finished goods

   3,633   3,944
   

  

Total

  $7,604  $10,735
   

  

 

E.    Net Income Per Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:share (in thousands, except per share data):

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,


  Nine Months Ended
March 31,


  Three Months Ended
September 30,


  2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

Net income

  $6,303  $7,864  $13,321  $18,431  $5,098  $3,294
  

  

  

  

  

  

Shares used in computation of net income per share—basic

   21,184   21,188   21,084   21,165   21,178   21,002

Potential dilutive common shares:

                  

Stock options

   873   990   703   880   738   578
  

  

  

  

  

  

Shares used in computation of net income per share—diluted

   22,057   22,178   21,787   22,045   21,916   21,580
  

  

  

  

  

  

Net income per share—basic

  $0.30  $0.37  $0.63  $0.87  $0.24  $0.16
  

  

  

  

  

  

Net income per share—diluted

  $0.29  $0.35  $0.61  $0.84  $0.23  $0.15
  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Options to purchase 1,4311,931,375 and 1,2162,416,133 shares of common stock were not included in the calculation of diluted net income per share for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during those periods. Options to purchase 2,010periods and 1,989 shares of common stock were not included in the calculation of diluted net income per share for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during those periods.therefore would be antidilutive.

 

F.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2003,September 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards BoardFASB announced that it had reached a final consensus with respect to Emerging Issue Task Force 04-8 (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 149 (“SFAS 149”EITF 04-08”), “Amendment“The Effect of Statement 133Contingently Convertible Debt on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.Diluted Earnings per Share.SFAS 149 amends and clarifies accounting and reportingThe FASB’s final consensus states that shares of derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embeddedcommon stock contingently issuable pursuant to contingent convertible securities should be included in diluted earnings per share computations (if dilutive) regardless of whether their market price triggers (or other contracts, and hedging activities under SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” This statement iscontingent features) have been met. EITF 04-8 will be effective for contracts entered into or modifiedall periods ending after June 30, 2003December 15, 2004 and will require the Company to include an additional 4,134,962 shares, using the if-converted method (under which net income would also be adjusted to exclude imputed interest expense, net of tax), in the Company’s computation of diluted earnings per share for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003.the three-month and six-month periods ending December 31, 2004. The Company’s adoption of SFAS 149 did not have any impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003,consensus will require the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 150 (“SFAS 150”), “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability. For all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, SFAS 150 is effective

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

immediately. For all other instruments, SFAS 150 goes intoCompany to show the effect at the beginning of the first interimif-converted shares on the prior period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company’s adoption of SFAS 150 did not have any impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In November 2002, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force 00-21 (“EITF 00-21”), “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” EITF 00-21 requires revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables to be divided into separate units of accounting. If the deliverables in the arrangement meet certain criteria, arrangement consideration should be allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values. Applicable revenue recognition criteria are to be considered separatelyearnings per share for separate units of accounting. The guidance in EITF 00-21 was effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company’s adoption of EITF 00-21 did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”) and, in December 2003, issued a revision to that interpretation (“FIN 46R”). FIN 46R replaces FIN 46 and addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities that possess certain characteristics. A variable interest entity (“VIE”) is defined as (a) an ownership, contractual or monetary interest in an entity where the ability to influence financial decisions is not proportional to the investment interest, or (b) an entity lacking the invested capital sufficient to fund future activities without the support of a third party. FIN 46R establishes standards for determining under what circumstances VIEs should be consolidated with their primary beneficiary, including those to which the usual condition for consolidation does not apply. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 46R during the quarter ended December 31, 2003. The Company’s adoption of FIN 46R did not have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

On December 17, 2003, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (SAB 104), “Revenue Recognition”, which supersedes SAB 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.” SAB 104’s primary purpose is to rescind the accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple-element revenue arrangements that was superseded as a result of the issuance of EITF 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” Additionally, SAB 104 rescinds the SEC’s related “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements Frequently Asked Questions and Answers” issued with SAB 101 that had been codified in SEC Topic 13, “Revenue Recognition.” While the wording of SAB 104 has changed SAB 101 to reflect the issuance of EITF 00-21, the revenue recognition principles of SAB 101 remain largely unchanged by the issuance of SAB 104, which was effective upon issuance. The Company’s adoption of SAB 104 did not have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.comparative purposes.

 

G.    Comprehensive Income

 

The Company’s total comprehensive income was as follows:

 

  

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 Nine Months Ended
March 31,


   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
  2004

 2003

 2004

  2003

       2004    

      2003    

 

Net income

  $6,303  $7,864  $13,321  $18,431   $5,098  $3,294 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

            

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (21)  79   213   (132)   113   61 

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities

   27   (32)  10   47 

Change in unrealized loss on marketable securities

   62   (4)
  


 


 

  


  

  


Other comprehensive income (loss)

   6   47   223   (85)

Other comprehensive income

   175   57 
  


 


 

  


  

  


Total comprehensive income

  $6,309  $7,911  $13,544  $18,346   $5,273  $3,351 
  


 


 

  


  

  


MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

H.    Operating Segment Information

 

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise evaluated regularly by the Company’s senior management in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company has three operating and reportable segments: Defense Electronics MedicalGroup, Imaging and Visualization Solutions Group and OEM Solutions.Solutions Group. These operating segments were determined based upon the nature of the products offered to customers, the market characteristics of each operating segment and the Company’s management structure.

 

The accounting policies of the business segments are the same as those described in “Note B: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.2004. Asset information by reportable segment is not reported because the Company does not produce such information internally.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company began reporting its operating segment results on a fully allocated basis. Segment information for the prior period has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The following is a summary of the Company’s operations by reportable segment:

 

   Defense
Electronics


  Medical
Imaging


  OEM
Solutions


  Corporate
and Other


  Total

THREEMONTHSENDED MARCH 31, 2004:

                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

  $26,702  $9,397  $9,287  —    $45,386

Income (loss) from operations (1)

   13,731   4,093   3,493  (13,029)  8,288

Depreciation and amortization expense

   412   7   70  1,054   1,543

THREEMONTHSENDED MARCH 31, 2003:

                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

  $34,443  $8,191  $6,063  —    $48,697

Income (loss) from operations (1)

   17,413   3,140   2,094  (14,088)  8,559

Depreciation and amortization expense

   303   21   66  1,708   2,098

NINEMONTHSENDED MARCH 31, 2004:

                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

  $83,206  $23,953  $19,305     $126,464

Income (loss) from operations (1)

   41,283   9,867   5,542  (38,704)  17,988

Depreciation and amortization expense

   1,307   42   219  3,746   5,314

NINEMONTHSENDED MARCH 31, 2003:

                   

Sales to unaffiliated customers

  $91,624  $28,404  $15,741  —    $135,769

Income (loss) from operations (1)

   46,096   12,871   4,405  (43,376)  19,996

Depreciation and amortization expense

   677   59   177  5,206   6,119

(1)Income (loss) from operations of each reporting segment excludes the effects of substantially all research and development expenses and other unallocated operating expenses that cannot be specifically identified with a reporting segment, all of which are reflected in the Corporate and Other category.
   Defense
Electronics
Group


  Imaging and
Visualization
Solutions
Group


  OEM
Solutions
Group


  Total

THREEMONTHSENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004:

                

Sales to unaffiliated customers

  $31,005  $10,444  $13,533  $54,982

Income from operations

   5,581   551   1,841   7,973

Depreciation and amortization expense

   1,298   458   294   2,050

THREEMONTHSENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003:

                

Sales to unaffiliated customers

  $28,782  $7,159  $4,580  $40,521

Income (loss) from operations

   4,992   487   (1,027)  4,452

Depreciation and amortization expense

   1,424   261   231   1,916

 

I.    Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets

 

As of September 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003 and March 31, 2004, goodwill of $4,225$28,963 and $29,009 was recorded, resulting from an acquisition is allocated to the Defense Electronics reportable segment.acquisitions of Myriad Logic, Inc., the TGS Group (TGS), and Advanced Radio Corporation (ARC).

 

At March 31, 2004, acquiredAcquired intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

   Gross
Carrying
Amount


  Accumulated
Amortization


  Net
Carrying
Amount


  

Useful

Life


Completed technology

  $3,100  $(1,549) $1,551  4 years

At June 30, 2003, acquired intangible assets consisted of the following:

  Gross
Carrying
Amount


  Accumulated
Amortization


 Net
Carrying
Amount


  

Useful

Life


  Gross
Carrying
Amount


  Accumulated
Amortization


 Net
Carrying
Amount


  Average
Useful
Life


SEPTEMBER 30, 2004

         

Completed technology

  $3,100  $(968) $2,132  4 years  $5,316  $(2,107) $3,209  4.4 years

Customer relationships

   1,710   (141)  1,569  5.0 years

Licensing agreement

   300   (93)  207  4 years   365   (30)  335  5.0 years
  

  


 

     

  


 

   

Total acquired intangible assets

  $3,400  $(1,061) $2,339   
  

  


 

     $7,391  $(2,278) $5,113   
  

  


 

   

JUNE 30, 2004

         

Completed technology

  $5,316  $(1,794) $3,522  4.4 years

Customer relationships

   1,710   (56)  1,654  5.0 years

Licensing agreement

   365   (12)  353  5.0 years
  

  


 

   
  $7,391  $(1,862) $5,529   
  

  


 

   

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In September 2003, a $185 asset impairment charge was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses related to the Company’s abandonment of the acquired licensing agreement. The impaired asset is in the Defense Electronics segment of the Company.

Amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $194$416 and $213,$212, respectively. AmortizationEstimated future amortization expense related tofor acquired intangible assets remaining at September 30, 2004 is $1,233 for the nine months ended March 31, 2004remainder of fiscal 2005, $1,438 for fiscal 2006, $857 for fiscal 2007 and 2003 was $5822008 and $637, respectively. Estimated remaining amortization expense$728 for each fiscal year is as follows:2009.

Year


  Amount

2004 (Remainder)

  $194

2005

   775

2006

   582
   

   $1,551
   

 

J.    Commitments and Contingencies

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe these actions will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, or results of operations.operations or cash flows.

 

K.    Stock Repurchase

 

On May 15, 2003,In July 2004, the Company announced that theCompany’s Board of Directors hadextended the share repurchase program through December 2005 and authorized an increase in the total authorized dollar amount for repurchase then available to approximately $25,000. In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company to purchase up to $25,000purchased 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for a total cost of which $14,861 was$7,844. Approximately $17,156 remained available under the plan for future purchasesrepurchases as of March 31, 2004. In October 2003, the Board of Directors extended the program’s expiration date through December 31, 2004. The Company has made no stock purchases during fiscalSeptember 30, 2004.

 

Total number of shares purchased under the program

   387

Average price paid per share

  $26.21

Amount available for share repurchase under the program

  $14,861

Effective July 1, 2004, the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act eliminated the use of treasury shares by Massachusetts corporations. As a result, all of the Company’s treasury shares were automatically converted to authorized but unissued shares on July 1, 2004. All future shares repurchased by the Company under the share repurchase program will constitute authorized but unissued shares.

 

L.    Product Warranty Liability

 

The Company’s product sales generally include a one-year hardware warranty. At the time of product shipment, the Company accrues for the estimated cost to repair or replace potentially defective products. Estimated warranty costs are based upon prior actual warranty costs for substantially similar transactions. The following table presents the changes in the Company’s product warranty liability for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and 2003:

 

  2004

 2003

   2004

 2003

 

Beginning balance at June 30

  $925  $835   $1,135  $925 

Accruals for warranties issued during the period

   1,096   1,117    220   376 

Settlements made during the period

   (962)  (1,125)   (213)  (339)
  


 


  


 


Ending balance at March 31

  $1,059  $827 

Ending balance at September 30

  $1,142  $962 
  


 


  


 


MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

M.    Workforce Reduction

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recorded workforce reduction charges approximating $1,388. The accrual for severance and benefits related to workforce reductions is reflected in accrued compensation in the consolidated balance sheet. All payments to these employees have been made as of March 31, 2004. A summary of the workforce reduction accrual is outlined as follows:

   Severance and
Benefits


 

Fourth quarter fiscal 2003 provision

  $1,388 

Cash payments

   (298)
   


Balance at June 30, 2003

   1,090 

Cash payments

   (1,090)
   


Balance at March 31, 2004

  $—   
   


N.    Subsequent Events

On April 12, 2004, the Company announced it had signed an agreement to purchase the TGS Group (“TGS”) for approximately $18.5 million, consisting of $6.0 million in Mercury common stock (approximately 258 shares) and the remainder in cash, subject to closing adjustments. The TGS Group is a leading supplier of three-dimensional (3-D) image processing and visualization software to diverse end markets including life sciences (medical imaging and biotechnology), geoscience (earth sciences including oil and gas exploration), and simulation (commercial and defense). The company is headquartered in Bordeaux, France and has operations in Berlin, Germany and San Diego, California. The acquisition, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, is subject to certain closing conditions.

On April 21, 2004, the Company announced the pricing of a private offering of $100.0 million of convertible senior notes due 2024 (the “Notes”) to be sold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 2.00%. Under certain circumstances, the Notes will be convertible into the Company’s common stock at a conversion rate of 33.0797 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The conversion rate is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $30.23 per share. Until the closing price of the stock is above the contingent conversion price of $36.28 for at least twenty trading days in a thirty consecutive day period, or upon certain other events, the shares will not be included in calculation of weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating the Company’s earnings per share. On April 23, 2004, the Company announced that the initial purchasers had exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Company has the right to redeem the Notes on or after May 1, 2009 at par plus accrued interest. Noteholders may require the Company to repurchase the Notes at par plus accrued and unpaid interest on May 1, 2009, 2014 and 2019 and upon certain other events. The sale of the Notes is expected to close on April 29, 2004, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

From time to time, information provided, statements made by our employees or information included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission may contain statements whichthat are not historical facts but whichthat are “forward-looking statements” which involve risks and uncertainties. The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements regarding events, conditions and financial trends that may affect our future plans of operations, business strategy, results of operations and financial position. These statements are based on our current expectations and estimates as to prospective events and circumstances about which there can be no firm assurances given. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made. As it is not possible to predict every new factor that may emerge, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual future financial condition or results. Actual results, performances or achievements may differ materially from the anticipated future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Important factors that may cause our actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those referenced in the section entitled “Factors that May Affect Future Results” in Part I—Item 2 of this Form 10-Q.

 

OVERVIEW

 

Mercury designs, manufacturesWe design, manufacture and marketsmarket high-performance, real-time digital signal and image processing computer systems that transform sensor-generated data into information which can be displayed as images for human interpretation or be subjected to additional computer analysis. These multicomputer systems are heterogeneous and scalable, allowing them to accommodate several microprocessor types and to scale from a few to hundreds of microprocessors within a single system.

 

During the past several years, the majority of our revenue has been generated from sales of our products to the defense electronicsDefense Electronics Group (DEG) market, generally for use in intelligence-gathering electronic warfare systems. Our activities in this area have focused on the proof of concept, development and deployment of advanced military applications in radar, sonar and airborne surveillance. Medical imagingImaging and Visualization Solutions (IVS) is another primary market that we currently serve. Our computer systems are embedded in magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”)(MRI), computed tomography (“CT”)(CT), positron emission tomography (“PET”)(PET), and digital X-ray machines. Our remaining revenues are derived from computer systems used in such commercial OEMOriginal Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) solutions as semiconductor photomask generation, wafer inspection, baggage scanning, seismic analysis and development of new reticle inspection and wafer inspection systems.

 

During the first ninethree months of fiscal year 2004,2005, revenues decreasedincreased by $9.3$14.5 million compared to the same period in fiscal 2003,2004, primarily as a result of a $9.0 million increase in our OEM Solutions revenues and growth in both the anticipated lossDEG and IVS business units, as well as $1.7 million of CT revenues withinassociated with the medical imaging groupacquisition of $5.6the TGS Group (TGS). Operating expenses increased $6.0 million from the same period last year primarily due to $4.7 million of additional operating expenses associated with the acquisition of the TGS and the timing of defense electronics orders. We expect total revenues to increaseAdvanced Radio Corporation (ARC), which were completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to each of the previous three quarters of fiscal 2004. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased by $3.8 millionto 50% for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 as compared to 53% for the same period in fiscal 2003,2004, primarily as a result of operating effectiveness initiatives which began in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003.revenues increasing 36% from period to period. We continue to monitor key operating metrics in order to maintain an appropriate operating expense cost structure relative to our revenue growth expectations. The overall decrease in earnings per share for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period last year was primarily due to the absence of significant non-operating income resulting from the sale of the Shared Storage Business Unit (“SSBU”).

On April 12, 2004, we announced we had signed an agreement to purchase the TGS Group (“TGS”) for approximately $18.5 million, consisting of $6.0 million in our common stock (approximately 258,000 shares) and the remainder in cash, subject to closing adjustments. The TGS Group is a leading supplier of three-dimensional (3-D) image processing and visualization software to diverse end markets including life sciences

(medical imaging and biotechnology), geoscience (earth sciences including oil and gas exploration), and simulation (commercial and defense). The company is headquartered in Bordeaux, France and has operations in Berlin, Germany and San Diego, California. The acquisition, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, is subject to certain closing conditions.

Because 3-D imaging is becoming the accepted standard for many medical procedures, following the closing of the acquisition, we intend to combine our capabilities in medical imaging and visualization under a common business group called “Imaging and Visualization Solutions.” This group will replace our current Medical Imaging Business Group.

On April 21, 2004, we announced the pricing of a private offering of $100.0 million of convertible senior notes due 2024 (the “Notes”) to be sold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 2.00%. Under certain circumstances, the Notes will be convertible into our common stock at a conversion rate of 33.0797 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The conversion rate is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $30.23 per share. Until the closing price of the stock is above the contingent conversion price of $36.28 for at least twenty trading days in a thirty consecutive day period, or upon certain other events, the shares will not be included in calculation of weighted average shares outstanding used in calculating our earnings per share. On April 23, 2004, we announced that the initial purchasers had exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes. We have the right to redeem the Notes on or after May 1, 2009 at par plus accrued and unpaid interest. Noteholders may require us to repurchase the Notes at par plus accrued and unpaid interest on May 1, 2009, 2014 and 2019 and upon certain other events. The sale of the Notes is expected to close on April 29, 2004, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

 

Going forward, business and market uncertainties may affect future results. For a discussion of key factors that could impact the future and must be managed by us, please refer to the discussion below.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND SIGNIFICANT JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES

 

We have identified the policies discussed below as critical to understanding our business and our results of operations. The impact and any associated risks related to these policies on our business operations are discussed throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results.

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, allowances for bad debts, warranties, contingencies, litigation, and the valuation of inventory, long-lived assets, goodwill, and income tax assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and on appropriate and customary assumptions that are believedwe believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Changes in our estimates from period to period, such as changes in assumptions underlying our estimates, may have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Similarly, using the ends of the range of reasonably possible amounts that we determined in formulating our estimate, rather than the reported estimate, may have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. However, during the past three fiscal years, such changes in our estimates, including those related to accounts receivable and inventory valuation and to warranty cost accruals, have not had a material impact on our overall financial performance or on any individual line item in our financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

 

Revenue from system sales is recognized upon shipment provided that title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured, and customer acceptance criteria, if any, have been successfully demonstrated.

 

Certain contracts with customers require us to perform tests of our products prior to shipment to ensure their performance complies with our published product specifications and, on occasion, with additional customer-requested specifications. In these cases, we conduct such tests and, if they are completed successfully, include a written confirmation with each order shipped. As a result, at the time of each product shipment, we believe that no further customer testing requirements exist and that there is no uncertainty of non-acceptance by our customer. In the rare instance that customer payment is conditioned upon final acceptance testing by the customer at its own facility, we do not recognize any revenue until the final acceptance testing has been completed and written confirmation from the customer has been received.

 

We do not provide our customers with rights of product return, other than those related to warranty provisions that permit repair or replacement of defective goods. We accrue for anticipated warranty costs upon product shipment.

 

Installation of our products require insignificant effort that does not alter the capabilities of the products and may be performed by our customers or other vendors. If an order includes installation or training services that are undelivered at the time of product shipment, we defer revenue equal to the fair value of the installation or training obligations until such time as the services have been provided. We determine these fair values based on the price typically charged to our customers who purchase these services separately.

 

In limited circumstances, we engage in long-term contracts to design, develop, manufacture or modify complex equipment. For these contracts, we recognize revenue using the percentage-of-completion method of contract accounting, measuring progress towardstoward completion based on contract cost incurred to date as compared with total estimated contract costs. The use of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires

significant judgment relative to estimating total contract costs, including assumptions relative to the length of time to complete the contract, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, anticipated increases in wages and prices for subcontractor services and materials, and the availability of subcontractor services and materials. Our estimates are based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our engineers, program managers and other personnel who review each long-term contract monthly to assess the contract’s schedule, performance, technical matters and estimated cost at completion. When adjustments in estimated contract costs are determined, such revisions may have the effect of adjusting in the current period the earnings applicable to performance in prior periods. Anticipated losses, if any, are recognized in the period in which determined.

For transactions involving the licensing of stand-alone software products and of software that is not incidental to the product, we recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery of the software has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. Our stand-alone software products are not deemed essential to the functionality of any hardware system and do not require installation by us or significant modification or customization of the software. The fair value of maintenance agreements related to stand-alone software products is recognized as revenue ratably over the term of each maintenance agreement.

 

At the time of product shipment, we assess collectibility of trade receivables based on a number of factors, including past transaction and collection history with a customer and the credit-worthiness of the customer. If we determine that collectibility of a particular sale is not reasonably assured, revenue is deferred until such time as collection becomes reasonably assured, which generally occurs upon receipt of payment from the customer. After the time of sale, we assess our exposure to changes in our customers’ abilities to pay outstanding receivables and record allowances for such potential bad debts.

 

Inventory

 

Inventory, which includes materials, labor and manufacturing overhead, is stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or net realizable value. On a quarterly basis, we use consistent methodologies to evaluate inventory for net-realizable value. We record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory, consisting of on-hand and non-cancelable on-order inventory in excess of estimated usage. The excess and obsolete inventory evaluation is based upon assumptions about future demand, product mix and possible alternative uses. If actual demand, product mix or possible alternative uses are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

 

We assess the impairment of acquired intangible assets and property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important that could indicate impairment include significant underperformance relative to prior operating results projections, significant changes in the manner of our use of the asset or the strategy for our overall business and significant negative industry or economic trends. When we determine that the carrying value of acquired intangible assets or property and equipment may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model.

 

Goodwill is assessed for impairment on a reporting unit basis at least annually or more frequently when events or circumstances occur indicating that the recorded goodwill may be impaired. If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the implied fair value of goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of goodwill. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recorded in an amount equal to that excess.

Income Tax Assets

 

We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and assess the need for a valuation allowance. Realization of our net deferred tax assets is dependent on our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income. WeExcept for deferred tax assets acquired in the TGS acquisition, we believe that it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax assets will be realized based on forecasted income; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to meet our expectations of future income.

We have provided a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets acquired in the TGS acquisition.

Warranty Accrual

 

Our product sales include a one-year hardware warranty. At the time of product shipment, we accrue for the estimated cost to repair or replace potentially defective products. Estimated warranty costs are based upon prior actual warranty costs for substantially similar transactions.products.

 

RESULTSOF OPERATIONS:

 

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain financial data as a percentage of total revenues:

 

  Three months ended
March 31,


 Nine months ended
March 31,


   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
  2004

 2003

 2004

 2003

   2004

 2003

 

Revenues

  100% 100% 100% 100%  100% 100%

Cost of revenues

  34.0  34.5  34.5  34.7   35.4  35.9 
  

 

 

 

  

 

Gross profit

  66.0  65.5  65.5  65.3 

Gross margin

  64.6  64.1 

Operating expenses:

      

Selling, general and administrative

  27.5  27.5  30.1  29.4   29.1  31.6 

Research and development

  20.2  20.4  21.2  21.2   21.0  21.5 
  

 

 

 

  

 

Total operating expenses

  47.7  47.9  51.3  50.6   50.1  53.1 

Income from operations

  18.3  17.6  14.2  14.7   14.5  11.0 

Other income, net

  0.7  5.8  0.6  5.0 

Other income (expense), net

  (0.5) 0.8 
  

 

 

 

  

 

Income before income taxes

  18.9  23.4  14.8  19.7   14.0  11.8 

Provision for income taxes

  5.0  7.3  4.3  6.1 

Income tax provision

  4.7  3.7 
  

 

 

 

  

 

Net income

  13.9% 16.1% 10.5% 13.6%  9.3% 8.1%
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

REVENUES

 

Total revenues decreased 7%increased by $14.5 million or $3.3 million36% to $45.4$55.0 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 compared to $48.7$40.5 million during the same period in fiscal 2003.2004. Revenues decreased 7% or $9.3 million to $126.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $135.8 million during the same period in fiscal 2003. Revenue by segment as a percentage of total revenues isare as follows:

 

   Three months ended
March 31,


  Nine months ended
March 31,


 
   2004

  2003

  2004

  2003

 

Defense Electronics

  59% 71% 66% 67%

Medical Imaging

  21  17  19  21 

OEM Solutions

  20  12  15  12 
   

 

 

 

Total revenues

  100% 100% 100% 100%
   

 

 

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,


 
   2004

  2003

 

Defense Electronics Group

  56% 71%

Imaging and Visualization Solutions Group

  19  18 

OEM Solutions Group

  25  11 
   

 

Total revenues

  100% 100%
   

 

Defense electronics

DEG revenues decreased 22%increased by $2.2 million or $7.7 million8% to $26.7$31.0 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 compared to $34.4$28.8 million during the same period in fiscal 2003. Defense electronics2004. The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2004 was primarily related to a $2.4 million increase in shipments of signal intelligence applications, and a $1.5 million increase in shipments of defense technologies applications, offset by a $1.6 million decrease in shipments for radar applications.

IVS revenues decreased 9%increased $3.3 million or $8.4 million46% to $83.2$10.4 million for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 compared to $91.6$7.2 million during the same period in fiscal 2003. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in fiscal 2003 was primarily related to a decrease within all defense applications, including a decrease of approximately $5.7 million in shipments of emerging markets applications, and was primarily a result of customer order patterns and program delivery dates. The decrease for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 compared to the same period in the prior year was related to decreased emerging market

applications and radar shipments of $10.7 and $6.2 million, respectively, partially offset by an increase in shipments of signals intelligence applications. We continue to experience limited visibility into the defense programs that utilize our products, and as a result, defense electronics revenues may fluctuate in future periods due to the timing of large orders.

Medical imaging revenues increased 15% or $1.2 million to $9.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $8.2 million during the same period in fiscal 2003. Medical imaging revenues decreased 15% or $4.4 million to $24.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $28.4 million during the same period in fiscal 2003.2004. The increase for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in fiscal 2003 was primarily the result of increased shipments of products for both digital X-ray applications and shipments of products for magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”)(MRI) applications of $2.9 million, partially offset by a decrease in revenues of boards used in CT imaging systems of $1.8 million. The decrease in medical imaging revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 compared to the same period in fiscal 2003 was primarily related to a decrease in revenues of boards used in CT imaging systems of $5.6$1.6 million, and a decrease$1.7 million of revenues associated with the acquisition of TGS, which was completed in revenuesthe fourth quarter of our MRI modality of $2.6 million, partially offset by an increase in shipments for digital X-ray applications and our PET applications.2004.

 

OEM solutionsSolutions Group revenues increased 53%$9.0 million or $3.2 million195% to $9.3$13.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 compared to $6.1$4.6 million during the same period in fiscal 2003. OEM solutions2004. The increase in revenues increased 23% or $3.6was primarily related to a $7.6 million to $19.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $15.7 million during the same period in fiscal 2003. OEM solutions revenues increased for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2003 primarily as a resultincrease of increased shipments of semiconductor imaging boards for developing and testing new semiconductor systems of $4.2semiconductors and a $1.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively, partially offset by a decreaseincrease in shipments of systems for inclusion in baggage scanning applications. Revenues related toShipments of semiconductor applications were 88%imaging boards represented 83% and 84%79% of OEM solutionsSolutions Group revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

GROSS PPROFITROFIT

 

Gross profit was 66.0%64.6% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004, an increase of 50 basis points from the 65.5%64.1% gross profit achieved in the same period of fiscal 2003. Gross profit was 65.5% for the first nine months of fiscal 2004, an increase of 20 basis points from the 65.3% gross profit achieved in the same period of fiscal year 2003.2004. The increase in gross profit formargin is primarily the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year was primarily a result of increased revenues which absorbed certain fixed manufacturing costs, partially offset by the decrease inof DEG revenues as a percentage of total revenues. DEG revenues generally carry a higher margin contribution from long-term defense electronics contracts which carry higher costs than do standard products due to the addition of third party products and direct labor. The increase in gross profit for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year was primarily a result of a favorable program mix within defense electronics revenues, which was offset by an increase in inventory provisions.our other operating segments.

 

SELLING, GENERALAND ADMINISTRATIVE

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 7%increased 25% or $0.9$3.2 million to $12.5$16.0 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 compared to $13.4$12.8 million during the same period in fiscal 2003. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 5% or $1.9 million to $38.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $39.9 million during the same period in fiscal 2003.2004. The decreaseincrease in selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year was primarily the result of a decrease in compensation expenses of $0.7 million as a result of a decrease in headcount and decreased consulting expenses of $0.5 million, offset by slight increases in accounting and legal expenses. The decreases in selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 was primarily the result of an arbitration award againstadditional $2.9 million of expenses relating to the Company in a former employee matterfull quarter effect of approximately $0.8 millionthe acquisitions completed in the secondfourth quarter of fiscal 2003, as well as a decrease in compensation expense of $0.8 million as a result of a decrease in headcount and consulting expenses of $1.2 million, which were offset in part by an increase in expenses relating to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

2004.

RESEARCHAND DEVELOPMENT

 

Research and development expenses decreased 7%increased 32% or $0.7$2.8 million to $9.2$11.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 compared to $9.9$8.7 million during the same period in fiscal 2003. Research and development expenses decreased 7% or $2.0 million to $26.8 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $28.8 million during the same period in fiscal 2003.2004. The decreaseincrease in research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 was primarily the result of an additional $1.6 million of expenses relating to the increased utilizationfull quarter effect of research and development personnel temporarily engagedthe acquisitions completed in costthe fourth quarter of sales activities, partially offset byfiscal 2004, as well as an increase in prototype development expenses of approximately $1.0$1.4 million. The decrease in research and development expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 was primarily related to the increased utilization of research and development personnel temporarily engaged in cost of sales activities, partially offset by an increase in personnel related expenses and prototype development expenses.

 

INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET

 

Interest income, net of interest expense for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 remained unchanged at $0.2decreased by $0.3 million compared to the same period in fiscal 2003. Interest income,$0.1 million of net of interest expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 remained unchanged at $0.7 million compared to the same period in fiscal 2003.

GAINONTHE SALEOF DIVISION

For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2003, we received $2.6 million and $5.8 million, respectively, in paymentsexpense. The decrease was primarily related to the saleincreased interest associated with our issuance of the SSBU. We received the final payment due from the sale$125.0 million of convertible debt in March 2003.April 2004.

 

INCOME TAX PROVISION

 

We recorded tax provisions during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 reflecting a 26.6% and 29%34% effective tax rate, respectively.rate. The decreaseincrease in the effective tax rate from 31% for the six months ended December 31, 2003 to 29% for the nine monthsfiscal year ended March 31,June 30, 2004 was due to an increase in estimatedthe

expiration of the tax benefits related to foreign salescredit for research and a decrease in estimated non deductible expenses.development. The effective tax rate for all periods is less than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily due to state research and development credits, tax-exempt interest, and the extraterritorial income (“ETI”) benefit. We expect our fiscal year 20042005 effective tax rate to be approximately 29%.30%, as a result of the tax credit legislation passed in October 2004.

 

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS

 

Income from operations of each reportingthe DEG segment excludes substantially all research and development expenses and other unallocated operating expenses that cannot be specifically identified with a reporting segment.

Income from operations of the defense electronics segment decreased $3.7increased $0.6 million to $13.7$5.6 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 from $17.4$5.0 million for the same period of fiscal 2003, and decreased $4.8 million to $41.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 from $46.1 million for the same period of fiscal 2003. The decreases in income from operations of the defense electronics segment for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2004 were primarily related to the decreased revenues of $7.7 million and $8.4 million, respectively, slightly offset by increased gross profit as a result of favorable program mixes within the defense electronics business applications.

Income from operations of the medical imaging segment increased $1.0 million to $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $3.1 million for the same period of fiscal 2003, and decreased $3.0 million to $9.9 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 from $12.9 million for the same period of fiscal 2003.2004. The increase in income from operations of the medical imagingDEG segment for the three months ended March 31, 2004 comparedwas primarily related to the same period in fiscal 2003 was primarily the result of increased revenues of $1.2 million

and increases in gross profit as a result of a favorable product mix. The decrease in income from operations of the medical imaging segment for the nine months ended March 31, 2004 compared to the same period of fiscal 2003 was primarily a result of a decreaseincrease in revenues of $4.4$2.2 million.

 

Income from operations of the OEM solutionsIVS segment increased $1.4$0.1 million to $3.5$0.6 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 from $2.1$0.5 million for the same period of fiscal 2003, and2004. The increase in income from operations of the IVS segment was primarily the result of increased $1.1revenues for the period, partially offset by the impact of the TGS acquisition.

Income from operations of the OEM Solutions Group segment increased $2.8 million to $5.5$1.8 million for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 from $4.4a loss position of $1.0 million for the same period of fiscal 2003.2004. The increasesincrease in income from operations of the OEM solutions segment werewas primarily a result of the increase in revenues for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2004 of $3.2$9.0 million, and $3.6 million, respectively, slightly offset by a decrease in gross profit due to a changeprimarily in the product mix.semiconductor market applications.

 

See Note H to the financial statements included in this report for more information regarding our operating segments.

 

LIQUIDITYAND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2004, we had cash and marketable investments of approximately $128.8$240.5 million. During the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004, we generated approximately $20.6$11.2 million in cash from operations, compared to $42.9$9.2 million generated during the same period of fiscal 2003.2004. The $22.3$2.0 million decreaseincrease in cash generated from operating activities is primarily due to a $15.8 millionthe increase in accounts receivable, a $6.8 million decrease in income taxes payable, and a $5.1 million decrease in net income offset by the gain on sale of division in fiscal 2003. The operating cash flows generated in fiscal 2003 resulted from significant working capital improvements, particularly within accounts receivable, that are not expected to be repeated to that extent in future periods.$1.8 million.

 

During the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004, our investing activities used cash of $12.8$27.9 million, a decreasean increase in the use of cash of $12.7$29.2 million as compared to the same period last year. The decreaseincrease in the use of cash for investing activities was due primarily to a decreasean increase of net purchases/salespurchases of marketable securities of $21.2$28.5 million and a decreasean increase in fiscal 2004 capital expenditurespurchases of $1.1 million, offset by a $3.9 million purchaseproperty and equipment of intangible assets in fiscal 2004 and the absence of $5.8 million in proceeds as recorded in fiscal 2003 from the sale of the SSBU.$0.7 million.

 

During the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004, our financing activities providedused cash of $2.0$7.2 million, an increase in the use of $6.3cash of $7.4 million from the same period in fiscal 2003.2004. The increase in the use of cash fromfor financing activities primarily consisted of $7.8 million cash used for the purchase of our common stock, offset by a $0.5 million increase in increased proceeds from the employee stock plans and the absenceexercise of stock repurchases in fiscal 2004.options.

 

During fiscal 2003,In July 2004, our Board of Directors extended our share repurchase program through December 2005 and authorized an increase in the purchasetotal authorized dollar amount for repurchase then available to approximately $25 million. In the first quarter of up to $25fiscal 2005, we purchased 300,000 shares at a cost of $7.8 million. Approximately $17.2 million of our common stock, of which approximately $14.9 million wasremained available under the plan for future purchasesrepurchases as of March 31, 2004. In October 2003, our Board of Directors extended the program through December 2004. We have made no stock purchases during fiscalSeptember 30, 2004.

 

The terms of our mortgage note agreements contain certain covenants, which, among other provisions, require us to maintain a minimum net worth. The mortgage note agreements also include significant prepayment penalties. We were in compliance with all covenants of the mortgage note agreements as of March 31,September 30, 2004.

The terms of our convertible notes contain certain contingent conversion provisions. Under certain circumstances, the notes will be convertible into our common stock at a conversion rate of 33.0797 shares per

$1,000 principal amount of the notes, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The conversion rate is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $30.23 per share. The notes are convertible into shares of our common stock contingent upon the occurrence of specified events, including if, on or prior to May 1, 2019, the closing price of our common stock is above the initial threshold price of $36.28 for at least 20 trading days in a 30 consecutive trading-day period ending on the eleventh trading day of any fiscal quarter. The convertible notes mature on May 1, 2024 and bear interest at 2% per year, payable semiannually in arrears in May and November. The convertible notes are unsecured, rank equally in right of payment to our existing and future senior debt, and do not subject us to any financial covenants. The holders may require us to repurchase the notes, in whole or in part, on May 1, 2009, 2014 or 2019, upon a change in control, or if our common stock is neither listed nor approved for trading on specified markets. At our option, we may redeem any of the convertible notes on or after May 1, 2009 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the convertible notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

The following is a schedule of our commitments and contractual obligations outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2004:

 

(in thousands)


  Total

  Less than
1 Year


  2-3
Years


  4-5
Years


  More than
5 Years


  Total

  Less Than
1 Year


  2-3
Years


  4-5
Years


  More Than
5 Years


Notes payable

  $11,784  $758  $1,692  $1,958  $7,376  $136,633  $990  $1,773  $2,030  $131,840

Interest due on notes payable

   5,140   831   1,484   1,217   1,608   54,717   3,302   6,421   6,102   38,892

Unconditional purchase obligations

   11,222   11,222   —     —     —  

Purchase obligations

   6,428   6,428   —     —     —  

Operating leases

   2,169   810   1,144   215   —     3,505   1,272   1,740   266   227

Amounts payable for acquisition

   7,512   7,512   —     —     —  

Other long-term liabilities

   630      630   —     —  

Deferred compensation

   1,140   —     —     —     1,140
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total

  $30,315  $13,621  $4,320  $3,390  $8,984
  

  

  

  

  

  $210,565  $19,504  $10,564  $8,398  $172,099
  

  

  

  

  

Currently, our prime source of liquidity comes from cash, marketable securities and cash generated from operations. As of March 31,September 30, 2004, we had $11.8$136.6 million of outstanding debt. Our near-term fixed commitments for cash expenditures consist primarily of payments under operating leases, mortgage notes, amounts payable for acquisition and inventory purchase commitments.commitments, as well as interest payments on our long-term debt. We do not currently have any material commitments for capital expenditures or any other material commitments aside from operating leases for our facilities and inventory purchase commitments.

 

If cash generated from operations is insufficient to satisfy working capital requirements, we may need to access funds through bank loans, sales of securities or other means. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise any such capital on terms acceptable to us, on a timely basis or at all. If we are unable to secure additional financing, we may not be able to develop or enhance our products, take advantage of future opportunities, respond to competition or continue to effectively operate our business.

 

Based on our current plans and business conditions, we believe that existing cash and marketable securities will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated cash requirements for at least the next twelve months.

 

In addition, subsequent to March 31, 2004, we priced a private offering of $125 million aggregate principal amount of 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024. The offering, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is scheduled to close on April 29, 2004. We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering of these notes for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, and potential acquisitions and strategic investments. We have broad discretion how to allocate these net proceeds, and there can be no assurance that these proceeds can or will yield a significant return.

Additional Information on Stock Option Plans and Grants

 

Stock Option Program Description

 

We currently have one active plan under which we grant options: the 1997 Stock Option Plan. We have terminated the 1982, 1991, 1993, and 1998 plans. No new options can be granted from the terminated plans. All of the terminated plans still have70,660 options outstanding as of March 31,September 30, 2004, except for the 1982 plan.which were issued under previously terminated plans.

 

Stock option grants are designed to reward employees for their long-term contributions to us and provide incentives for them to remain with our company. We consider our equity compensation program critical to our operation and productivity. Approximately 88%77% of our employees participate in our equity compensation program.

At our Special Meeting in lieu of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on November 17, 2003, the stockholders approved amendments to the 1997 Stock Option Plan by increasing the authorized shares available for grant by 1,000,000 and authorizing the issuance of up to 100,000 shares of our common stock thereunder pursuant to restricted stock grants.

Employee and Executive Option Grants

 

Option grants for the period:

 

  

Nine months ended
March 31,

2004


  Year ended
June 30,


   

Three Months Ended
September 30,

2004


  

Year Ended

June 30,


 
   2003

 2002

     2004  

   2003  

 

Grants during the period as a percentage of outstanding shares at the end of such period

  4.3% 4.5% 5.4%  2.9% 4.7% 4.5%

Grants to Named Executive Officers* during the period as a percentage of total options granted during such period

  15.1% 24.4% 19.6%  23.8% 13.8% 24.4%

Grants to Named Executive Officers* during the period as a percentage of outstanding shares at the end of such period

  0.6% 1.1% 1.1%  0.7% 0.6% 1.1%

Cumulative options held by Named Executive Officers* as a percentage of total options outstanding at the end of such period

  21.5% 22.0% 20.3%  22.5% 21.7% 22.0%

* The term “Named Executive Officers” as used in these notes includes the Chief Executive Officer and the four other most highly compensated executive officers as of December 31, 2003.June 30, 2004.

Summary of stock option activity

 

  Options Outstanding

  Options Outstanding

  Number of
Shares


 Weighted Average
Exercise Price


June 30, 2002

  3,663,639  $25.46

Grants

  950,000   19.69

Exercises

  (156,192)  10.81

Cancellations

  (234,681)  29.43
  

   Number of
Shares


 Weighted Average
Exercise Price


June 30, 2003

  4,222,766  $24.52  4,222,766  $24.52

Grants

  909,030   21.95  996,030   22.06

Exercises

  (178,024)  11.72  (238,074)  11.00

Cancellations

  (375,860)  29.85  (447,227)  29.29
  

   

 

March 31, 2004

  4,577,912  $24.05

June 30, 2004

  4,533,495  $24.18

Grants

  609,900   23.64

Exercises

  (64,167)  13.53

Cancellations

  (46,651)  27.40
  

   

 

September 30, 2004

  5,032,577  $24.22
  

 

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2004, there were 1,855,7081,273,738 shares available for future option awards.

 

Summary of in-the-money and out-of-the-money option information

 

  As of March 31, 2004

  As of September 30, 2004

  Exercisable

  Unexercisable

  Total

  Exercisable

  Unexercisable

  Total

  Shares

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


  Shares

  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price


  Shares

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price


  Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


  Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


  Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


In-the-money

  1,254,526  $13.52  1,284,546  $19.49  2,539,072  $16.54  1,566,303  $15.68  1,616,270  $21.35  3,182,573  $18.56

Out-of-the-money (1)

  1,084,909  $34.64  953,931  $31.97  2,038,840  $33.39  1,123,419  $35.06  726,585  $32.26  1,850,004  $33.96
  
     
     
     
     
     
   

Total options outstanding

  2,339,435  $23.32  2,238,477  $24.80  4,577,912  $24.05  2,689,722  $23.78  2,342,855  $24.73  5,032,577  $24.22
  
     
     
     
     
     
   

(1) Out-of-the-money options are those options with an exercise price equal to or above the closing price of Mercury’sour common stock of $25.48$26.80 as of March 31,September 30, 2004.

Options Granted to Named Executive Officers during the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004

 

  Individual Grants

        Individual Grants

      
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
Per Grant


  Percent of
Total Options
Granted to
Employees
Year to Date (1)


 Weighted Average
Exercise Price


  Expiration
Date


  Potential Realizable Value
at Assumed Annual Rates
of Stock Price
Appreciation for Option
Term (2)


  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
Per Grant


  Percent of
Total Options
Granted to
Employees
Year to Date (1)


 Weighted Average
Exercise Price


  Expiration
Date


  

Potential Realizable Value

at Assumed Annual Rates

of Stock Price

Appreciation for Option
Term (2)


          5%

  10%

            5%

  10%

James R. Bertelli

  75,000  8.53% $19.03  7/28/2013  $897,590  $2,274,669  75,000  12.30% $23.46  7/28/2014  $1,106,540  $2,804,190

Robert D. Becker

  20,000  2.28% $19.03  7/28/2013  $239,357  $606,578  18,000  2.95% $23.46  7/28/2014  $265,570  $673,006

Douglas F. Flood

  10,000  1.14% $19.03  7/28/2013  $119,679  $363,289  10,000  1.64% $23.46  7/28/2014  $147,539  $373,892

Barry S. Isenstein

  16,000  1.82% $19.03  7/28/2013  $191,486  $485,263  20,000  3.28% $23.46  7/28/2014  $295,077  $747,784

Craig Lund

  16,000  1.82% $19.03  7/28/2013  $191,486  $485,263  22,000  3.60% $23.46  7/28/2014  $324,585  $822,562

(1) Based on a year-to-date total of 909,030609,900 shares subject to options granted to employees and directors under Mercury’sour option plans.
(2) Amounts reported in these columns represent amounts that may be realized upon exercise of the options immediately prior to the expiration of their term assuming the specified compounded rates of appreciation (5% and 10%) of Mercury’sour common stock over the term of the options. These numbers are calculated based on rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not reflect Mercury’sour estimate of future stock price increases. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises and common stock holdings are dependent on the timing of such exercise and the future performance of Mercury’sour common stock. There can be no assurance that the rates of appreciation assumed in this table can be achieved or that the amounts reflected will be received by the individuals.

Option Exercises and Remaining Holdings of Named Executive Officers

 

  During the nine
months ended
March 31, 2004
Shares Acquired on
Exercise


  Value
Realized


  Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options as of March 31,
2004:


  

Values of Unexercised In-the-
Money Options as of

March 31, 2004: (1)


  

During the three
months ended
September 30, 2004
Shares Acquired on

Exercise


  Value
Realized


  

Number of Securities

Underlying Unexercised

Options as of September 30,
2004:


  

Values of Unexercised In-the-
Money Options as of

September 30, 2004: (1)


Name


        Exercisable

  Unexercisable

  Exercisable

  Unexercisable

        Exercisable

  Unexercisable

  Exercisable

  Unexercisable

James R. Bertelli

  —    —    232,503  201,054  $2,597,049  $1,263,311  —     —    294,677  213,880  $3,278,536  $1,283,065

Robert D. Becker

  —    —    37,184  78,666  $61,465  $313,395  —     —    63,017  70,833  $190,476  $324,784

Douglas F. Flood

  —    —    66,154  50,156  $615,630  $507,662  4,000  $77,168  64,435  57,875  $593,560  $616,908

Barry S. Isenstein

  —    —    47,082  48,000  $86,381  $229,365  —     —    57,582  57,500  $200,434  $261,400

Craig Lund

  —    —    76,980  41,500  $585,226  $200,250  —     —    85,980  54,500  $736,356  $244,708

(1) Option values based on the closing price of Mercury’sour common stock of $25.48$26.80 on March 31,September 30, 2004.

 

Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table sets forth information as of March 31,September 30, 2004 with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.

 

  (1)

 (2)

  (3)

   (1)

 (2)

  (3)

 

Plan category


  Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights


 Weighted-average exercise price
of outstanding options, warrants,
and rights


  Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column (1))


   Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights


 

Weighted-average

exercise price
of outstanding options,

warrants, and rights


  Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities reflected in
column (1))


 

Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders(a)

  4,577,912(b) $24.05  2,072,763(c)  5,032,577(b) $24.22  1,463,843(c)

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

  —     —    —     —     —    —   
  

 

  

  

 

  

TOTAL

  4,577,912  $24.05  2,072,763   5,032,577  $24.22  1,463,843 
  

 

  

  

 

  


(a) Consists of the 1991, 1993, 1997 and 1998 stock option plans and the Company’sour 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”).
(b) Does not include purchase rights under the ESPP, as the purchase price and number of shares to be purchased is not determined until the end of the relevant purchase period.
(c) Includes 217,055190,105 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP. The Company isESPP and 1,273,738 shares available for future issuances under the Company’s 1997 plan. We are no longer permitted to grant options under its 1982,our 1991, 1993 and 1998 plans.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In April 2003,September 2004, the FASB issued Statementannounced that it had reached a final consensus with respect to Emerging Issue Task Force 04-8 (“EITF 04-08”), “The Effect of Financial Accounting Standards 149 (“SFAS 149”), “AmendmentContingently Convertible Debt on Diluted Earnings per Share.” The FASB’s final consensus states that shares of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS 149 amends and clarifies accounting and reportingcommon stock contingently issuable pursuant to contingent convertible securities should be included in diluted earnings per share computations (if dilutive) regardless of derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded inwhether their market price triggers (or other contracts, and hedging activities under SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” This statement iscontingent features) have been met. EITF 04-8 will be effective for contracts entered into or modifiedall periods ending after June 30, 2003December 15, 2004 and will require us to include an additional 4,134,962 shares, using the if-converted method (under which net income would also be adjusted to exclude imputed interest expense, net of tax) in our computation of diluted earnings per share for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. Our adoption of SFAS 149 did not have any impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 150 (“SFAS 150”), “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilitiesthree-month and Equity.” SFAS 150

establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability. For all financial instruments entered into or modified after Maysix-month periods ending December 31, 2003, SFAS 150 is effective immediately. For all other instruments, SFAS 150 goes into2004. The consensus will require us to show the effect at the beginning of the first interimif-converted shares on the prior period beginning after June 15, 2003. Our adoption of SFAS 150 did not have any impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In November 2002, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force 00-21 (“EITF 00-21”), “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” EITF 00-21 requires revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables to be divided into separate units of accounting. If the deliverables in the arrangement meet certain criteria, arrangement consideration should be allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values. Applicable revenue recognition criteria are to be considered separatelyearnings per share for separate units of accounting. The guidance in EITF 00-21 was effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. Our adoption of EITF 00-21 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”) and, in December 2003, issued a revision to that interpretation (“FIN 46R”). FIN 46R replaces FIN 46 and addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities that possess certain characteristics. A variable interest entity (“VIE”) is defined as (a) an ownership, contractual or monetary interest in an entity where the ability to influence financial decisions is not proportional to the investment interest, or (b) an entity lacking the invested capital sufficient to fund future activities without the support of a third party. FIN 46R establishes standards for determining under what circumstances VIEs should be consolidated with their primary beneficiary, including those to which the usual condition for consolidation does not apply. We adopted the provisions of FIN 46R during the quarter ended December 31, 2003. Our adoption of FIN 46R did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

On December 17, 2003, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (SAB 104), “Revenue Recognition”, which supersedes SAB 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.” SAB 104’s primary purpose is to rescind the accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple-element revenue arrangements that was superseded as a result of the issuance of EITF 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” Additionally, SAB 104 rescinds the SEC’s related “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements Frequently Asked Questions and Answers” issued with SAB 101 that had been codified in SEC Topic 13, “Revenue Recognition.” While the wording of SAB 104 has changed SAB 101 to reflect the issuance of EITF 00-21, the revenue recognition principles of SAB 101 remain largely unchanged by the issuance of SAB 104, which was effective upon issuance. Our adoption of SAB 104 did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.comparative purposes.

 

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

 

We depend heavily on defense electronics programs that incorporate our products, which may be only partially funded and are subject to potential termination and reductions in government spending.

 

Sales of our computer systems, primarily as an indirect subcontractor or team member with prime contractors and in some cases directly, to the United StatesU.S. Government and its agencies, as well as foreign governments and agencies, accounted for approximately 68%, 69% of our total revenues in fiscal 2003,, and 65% of our total revenues in fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002, and 67% of our total revenues in fiscal 2001,respectively, and approximately 66%56% of our total revenues for the nine monthsquarter ended March 31,September 30, 2004. Our computer systems are included in many different domestic and international programs. Over the lifetime of a program, the award of many different individual contracts and subcontracts may implement itsour requirements. The funding of U.S. Government programs is

subject to congressionalCongressional appropriations. Although multiple-year contracts may be planned in connection with major procurements, Congress generally appropriates funds on a fiscal year basis even though a program may continue for several years. Consequently, programs are often only partially funded initially, and additional funds are committed only as Congress makes further appropriations and prime contracts receive such funding. The reduction in funding or termination of a government program in which we are involved would result in a loss of anticipated future revenues attributable to that program and contracts or orders received. The U.S. Government could reduce or terminate a prime contract under which we are a subcontractor or team member irrespective of the quality of our products or services. The termination of a program or the reduction in or failure to commit additional funds to a program in which we are involved could negatively impact our revenues and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We face other risks and uncertainties associated with defense-related contracts, which may have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Whether our contracts are directly with the U.S. Government, a foreign government or one of theirits respective agencies, or indirectly as a subcontractor or team member, our contracts and subcontracts are subject to special risks, including:

 

Changes in government administration and national and international priorities, including developments in the geo-political environment such as the current “War on Terrorism,” “Operation Enduring Freedom,” “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” and the threat of nuclear proliferation in North Korea, could have a significant impact on national or international defense spending priorities and the efficient handling of routine contractual matters. These changes could have a negative impact on our business in the future.

“Operation Iraqi Freedom,” and the threat of nuclear proliferation in North Korea, could have a significant impact on national or international defense spending priorities and the efficient handling of routine contractual matters. These changes could have a negative impact on our business in the future.

 

Our contracts with the U.S. and foreign governments and their prime and subcontractors are subject to termination either upon default by us or at the convenience of the government or contractor if, among other reasons, the program itself has been terminated. Termination for convenience provisions generally entitle us to recover costs incurred, settlement expenses and profit on work completed prior to termination, but there can be no assurance in this regard.

 

Because we contract to supply goods and services to the U.S. and foreign governments and their prime and subcontractors, we compete for contracts in a competitive bidding process and, in the event we are awarded a contract, we are subject to protests by disappointed bidders of contract awards that can result in the reopening of the bidding process and changes in governmental policies or regulations and other political factors.

 

Consolidation among defense industry contractors has resulted in a few large contractors with increased bargaining power relative to us. We cannot assure you that the increased bargaining power of these contractors will not adversely affect our business or results of operations in the future.

 

Our customers include U.S. Government contractors who must comply with and are affected by laws and regulations relating to the formation, administration and performance of U.S. Government contracts. A violation of these laws and regulations could result in the imposition of fines and penalties to our customer or the termination of its contract with the U.S. Government. As a result, there could be a delay in our receipt of orders from our customer or a termination of such orders.

 

We sell products to U.S. and international defense contractors and also directly to the U.S. Government as a commercial supplier such that cost data is not supplied. To the extent that there are interpretations or changes in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs) regarding the qualifications necessary to be a commercial supplier, there could be a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

The loss of one or more of our largest customers could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

We are dependent on a small number of customers for a large portion of our revenues. A significant decrease in the sales to or loss of any of our major customers would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In fiscal 2003, Lockheed Martin and GE Medical Systems each accounted for 12% of our total revenues, Northrop Grumman Corporation accounted for 11% of our total revenues and Raytheon Company accounted for 10% of our total revenues. For the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004, five customers collectively accounted for 56%67% of our total revenues. In fiscal 2004, Argon Engineering Associates, GE Medical Systems and Northrop Grumman Corporation accounted for 12%, 11% and 11% of our total revenues respectively. Customers in the defense electronicsDefense Electronics Group market generally purchase our products in connection with government programs that have a limited duration, leading to fluctuating sales to any particular customer in this market from year to year. In addition, our revenues are largely dependent upon the ability of customers to develop and sell products that incorporate our products. No assurance can be given that our customers will not experience financial, technical or other difficulties that could adversely affect their operations and, in turn, our results of operations.

 

Our medical imagingIVS and OEM solutionsSolutions revenues currently come from a small number of customers and modalities, and any significant decrease in revenue from one of these customers or modalities could adversely impact our operating results.

 

If a major medicalIVS or OEM solutionsSolutions Group customer significantly reduces the amount of business it does with us, there would likely be an adverse impact on our operating results. GE Medical Systems, Siemens Medical and Philips Medical Systems accounted for substantially all of our medical imagingIVS revenues for each ofthe fiscal years ended 2004, 2003 2002 and 2001.2002. In addition,particular, GE Medical accounted for 59%60% of our aggregate IVS sales to the medical imaging marketin fiscal 2004, 59% in fiscal 2003 and 57% in fiscal 2002 and 52% in fiscal 2001.2002. For the nine monthsquarter ended March 31,September 30, 2004, GE Medical accounted for 64%50% of our aggregate sales to the medical imaging market.IVS sales. Similarly, one customerKLA-Tencor accounted for 66% of our total sales in the OEM solutions market accounted for 44% of our aggregate sales in thisSolutions

Group market in fiscal 2004, 44% in fiscal 2003 and 26% in fiscal 2002 and 5% in fiscal 2001.2002. For the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2004, this customerKLA-Tencor accounted for 64%72% of our aggregatetotal sales toin the OEM solutionsSolutions Group market. Although we are seeking to broaden our commercial customer base, we expect to continue to depend on sales to a relatively small number of major customers in both the medical imagingIVS and OEM solutionsSolutions Group markets. Because it often takes significant time and added cost to replace lost business, it is likely that operating results would be adversely affected if one or more of our major customers were to cancel, delay or reduce significant orders in the future. Our customer agreements typically permit the customer to discontinue future purchases without cause after timely notice.

 

Our sales to the medical imagingIVS market could be adversely affected by changes in technology, strength of the economy, and health care reforms.

 

The economic and technological conditions affecting our industry in general or any major medical imagingIVS OEM customer in particular, may adversely affect our operating results. Medical imagingIVS OEM customers provide products to markets that are subject to both economic and technological cycles. Any change in the demand for medical imaging devices that renders any of our products unnecessary or obsolete, or any change in the technology in these devices, could result in a decrease in our revenues. In addition to our medical imagingIVS OEM customers, the end users of their products and the health care industry generally are subject to extensive federal, state and local regulation in the United StatesU.S. as well as in other countries. Changes in applicable health care laws and regulations or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations could cause these customers or end users to demand fewer medical imagingIVS products. We cannot assure you that future health care regulations or budgetary legislation or other changes in the administration or interpretation of governmental health care programs both in the United StatesU.S. and abroad will not have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Competition from existing or new companies in the medical imagingIVS business could cause us to experience downward pressure on prices, fewer customer orders, reduced margins, the inability to take advantage of new business opportunities and the loss of market share.

 

Medical imagingIVS is a highly competitive industry, and our medical imagingIVS OEM customers generally extend the competitive pressures they face throughout their respective supply chains. We are subject to

competition based upon product design, performance, pricing, quality and services. Our product performance, embedded systems engineering expertise, and product quality have been important factors in our growth. While we try to maintain competitive pricing on those products which are directly comparable to products manufactured by others, in many instances our products will conform to more exacting specifications and carry a higher price than analogous products. Many of our medical imagingIVS OEM customers and potential medical imagingIVS OEM customers have the capacity to design and internally manufacture products that are similar to ours.our products. We face competition from research and product development groups and the manufacturing operations of current and potential customers, who continually evaluate the benefits of internal research and product development and manufacturing versus outsourcing. This competition could result in fewer customer orders and a loss of market share.

 

If we are unable to respond adequately to our competition, we may lose existing customers and fail to win future business opportunities.

 

The markets for our products are highly competitive and are characterized by rapidly changing technology, frequent product performance improvements and evolving industry standards. Competitors may be able to offer more attractive pricing or develop products that could offer performance features that are superior to our products, resulting in reduced demand for our products. Due to the rapidly changing nature of technology, we may not become aware in advance of the emergence of new competitors into our markets. The emergence of new competitors into markets historically targeted by us could result in the loss of existing customers and may have a negative impact on our ability to win future business opportunities. With continued microprocessor evolution, low-end systems could become adequate to meet the requirements of an increased number of the lesser-demanding applications within our target markets. Workstation manufacturers and other low-end single-board computer or merchant board computer companies, or new competitors, may attempt to penetrate the high-performance market for defense electronics systems, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We face the continuing impact on our business from the slowdown in worldwide economies.

 

The future direction of domestic and global economies could have a significant impact on our overall performance. Our business has been, and may continue to be, negatively impacted by the slowdown in the economies of the United States,U.S., Europe, Asia and elsewhere that began during fiscal 2001. The uncertainty regarding the growth rate of the worldwide economies has caused companies to reduce capital investment and may cause further reduction of these capital investments. These reductions have been particularly severe in the electronics and semiconductor industries, which we serve. While our business may be performing better than some companies in periods of economic decline, the effects of the economic decline are being felt across all business segments and hashave been a contributor to the slower than normal customer orders. We cannot predict if or when the growth rate of worldwide economies will rebound, nor whether the growth rate of customer orders will rebound when the worldwide economies begin to grow, or if and when the growth rate of customer orders will return to historical numbers.grow. All components of forecasting and budgeting processes are dependent upon estimates of growth in the markets we serve. The prevailing economic uncertainty renders estimates of future income and expenditures even more difficult than usual. As a result, we may make significant investments and expenditures but never realize the anticipated benefits, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

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

 

The terrorist attacks in the United StatesU.S. on September 11, 2001, as well as the U.S.-led response, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the potential for future terrorist activities, and the development of a Homeland Security organization have created economic and political uncertainties that could have a material adverse effect on business and the price of our common stock. These matters have caused uncertainty in the world’s financial and insurance markets and may increase significantly the political, economic and social instability in the geographic areas in which we operate. These developments may adversely affect business and profitability and the prices of our securities in ways that cannot be predicted at this time.

Implementation of our growth strategy may not be successful, which could affect our ability to increase revenues.

 

Our growth strategy includes developing new products and entering new markets. Our ability to compete in new markets will depend upon a number of factors including, without limitation:

 

our ability to create demand for products in new markets;

 

our ability to manage growth effectively;

 

our quality of new products;

 

our ability to successfully integrate any acquisitions that we make;

 

our ability to respond to changes in our customers’ businesses by updating existing products and introducing, in a timely fashion, new products which meet the needs of our customers; and

 

our ability to respond rapidly to technological change.

 

The failure to do any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may face competition in these new markets from various companies that may have substantially greater research and development resources, marketing and financial resources, manufacturing capability and customer support organizations.

 

We may be unable to obtain critical components from suppliers, which could disrupt or delay our ability to deliver products to our customers.

 

Several components used in our products are currently obtained from sole-source suppliers. We are dependent on key vendors like LSI Logic, Xilinx and Toshiba for custom-designed Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs)ASICs and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs);FPGAs; Motorola and IBM for PowerPC microprocessors; IBM for a specific Static Random Access Memory (SRAM);SRAM; and Arrow and Force Computers for chassis

and chassis components (Chassis).components. Generally, suppliers may terminate their contracts with us without cause upon 30-days’30 days’ notice and may cease offering ourtheir products upon 180-days’180 days’ notice. If any of our sole-source suppliers were to limit or reduce the sale of these components, we may be unable to fulfill customer orders in a timely manner or at all. In addition, if these or other component suppliers, some of which are small companies, were to experience financial difficulties or other problems which prevented them from supplying us with the necessary components, we could experience a loss of revenues due to our inability to fulfill orders. These sole-source and other suppliers are each subject to quality and performance issues, materials shortages, excess demand, reduction in capacity and other factors that may disrupt the flow of goods to us or to our customers, which would adversely affect our business and customer relationships. We have no guaranteed supply arrangements with our suppliers and there can be no assurance that these suppliers will continue to meet our requirements. If supply arrangements are interrupted, we may not be able to find another supplier on a timely or satisfactory basis. We may incur significant set-up costs and delays in manufacturing should it become necessary to replace any key vendors due to work stoppages, shipping delays, financial difficulties or other factors.

 

We may not be able to efficientlyeffectively manage our relationships with contract manufacturers.

 

We may not be able to effectively manage our relationship with contract manufacturers, and the contract manufacturers may not meet future requirements for timely delivery. We rely on contract manufacturers to build hardware sub-assemblies for our products in accordance with our specifications. During the normal course of business, we may provide demand forecasts to contract manufacturers up to five months prior to scheduled delivery of our products to customers. If we overestimate requirements, the contract manufacturers may assess cancellation penalties or we may be left with excess inventory, which may negatively impact our earnings. If we underestimate requirements, the contract manufacturers may have inadequate inventory, which could interrupt manufacturing of our products and result in delays in shipment to customers and revenue recognition. Contract manufacturers also build products for other companies, and they may not have sufficient quantities of inventory available or sufficient internal resources to fill our orders on a timely basis or at all.

In addition, there have been a number of major acquisitions within the contract manufacturing industry in recent periods. While there has been no significant impact on our contract manufacturers to date, future acquisitions could potentially have an adverse effect on our working relationships with contract manufacturers. Moreover, we currently rely primarily on one contract manufacturer. The failure of this contract manufacturer to fill our orders on a timely basis or in accordance with our customers’ specifications could result in a loss of revenues and damage to our reputation. We may not be able to replace this primary contract manufacturer in a timely manner or without significantly increasing our costs if such contract manufacturer were to experience financial difficulties or other problems which prevented it from fulfilling our order requirements.

 

Our performance and stock price may decline if we are unable to retain and attract key personnel.

 

We are largely dependent upon the skills and efforts of senior management including James R. Bertelli, our president and chief executive officer, as well as our senior managerial, sales and technical employees. None of our senior management or other key employees is subject to any employment contract or non-competition agreement.contracts. The loss of services of any executive or other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and stock price. In addition, our future success will depend to a significant extent on the ability to attract, train, motivate and retain highly skilled technical professionals, particularly project managers, engineers and other senior technical personnel. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in retaining current or future employees.

 

We are exposed to risks associated with international operations.

 

We market and sell products in international markets, and have established offices and subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands, France, Germany and France.Italy. Revenues from international operations accounted for 7%9%, 4%,7% and 4% of total revenues for fiscal year 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and 2001, respectively. Revenue from international operations7% for the ninethree months ended March 31, 2004 accounted for 8% of total revenues.September 30, 2004. There are risks inherent in transacting business internationally, including:

 

changes in applicable laws and regulatory requirements;

export and import restrictions;

 

export controls relating to technology;

 

tariffs and other trade barriers;

 

less favorable intellectual property laws;

 

difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;

 

longer payment cycles;

 

problems in collecting accounts receivable;

 

political instability;

 

fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

 

expatriation controls; and

 

potential adverse tax consequences.

 

There can be no assurance that one or more of these factors will not have a material adverse effect on our future international activities and, consequently, on our business and results of operations.

 

We may be unable to successfully integrate acquisitions.

 

We recently agreed to acquire, subject to various closing conditions, the TGS Group. In addition, we may in the future acquire or make investments in complementary companies, products or technologies. Acquisitions may pose risks to our operations, including:

 

problems and increased costs in connection with the integration of the personnel, operations, technologies or products of the acquired companies;

unanticipated costs;

 

diversion of management’s attention from our core business;

 

adverse effects on business relationships with suppliers and customers and those of the acquired company;

 

acquired assets becoming impaired as a result of technical advancements or worse-than-expected performance by the acquired company;

 

entering markets in which we have no, or limited, prior experience; and

 

potential loss of key employees, particularly those of the acquired organization.

 

In addition, in connection with any acquisitions or investments we could:

 

issue stock that would dilute existing shareholders’ percentage ownership;

 

incur debt and assume liabilities;

 

obtain financing on unfavorable terms;

 

incur amortization expenses related to acquired intangible assets or incur large and immediate write-offs;

 

incur large expenditures related to office closures of the acquired companies, including costs relating to termination of employees and facility and leasehold improvement charges relating to vacating the acquired companies’ premises; and

 

reduce the cash that would otherwise be available to fund operations or to use for other purposes.

 

The failure to successfully integrate any acquisition or for acquisitions to yield expected results may negatively impact our financial condition and operating results.

If we are unable to respond to technological developments and changing customer needs on a timely and cost-effective basis, our results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

Our future success will depend in part on our ability to enhance current products and to develop new products on a timely and cost-effective basis in order to respond to technological developments and changing customer needs. Defense electronicsElectronics Group customers, in particular, demand frequent technological improvements as a means of gaining military advantage. Military planners have historically have funded significantly more design projects than actual deployments of new equipment, and those systems that are deployed tend to contain the components of the subcontractors selected to participate in the design process. In order to participate in the design of new defense electronics systems, we must demonstrate the ability to deliver superior technological performance on a timely and cost-effective basis. There can be no assurance that we will secure an adequate number of defense electronicsDefense Electronics Group design wins in the future, that the equipment in which our products are intended to function will eventually will be deployed in the field, or that our products will be included in such equipment if it eventually is deployed.

 

Customers in the medical imagingour IVS and OEM solutionsSolutions markets, including the semiconductor imaging market, also seek technological improvements through product enhancements and new generations of products. OEMs historically have selected certain suppliers whose products have been included in the OEMs’ machines for a significant portion of the products’ life cycles. We may not be selected to participate in the future design of any medical or semiconductor imaging equipment, or if selected, we may not generate any revenues for such design work.

 

The design-in process is typically lengthy and expensive, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to meet the product specifications of OEM customers in a timely and adequate manner. In addition, any failure to anticipate or respond adequately to changes in technology and customer preferences, or any

significant delay in product developments or introductions, could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations, including the risk of inventory obsolescence. Because of the complexity of our products, we have experienced delays from time to time in completing products on a timely basis. If we are unable to design, develop or introduce competitive new products on a timely basis, our future operating results may be adversely affected.

 

We may be unsuccessful in protecting our intellectual property rights.

 

Our ability to compete effectively against other companies in our industry depends, in part, on our ability to protect our current and future proprietary technology under patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret and unfair competition laws. We cannot assure you that our means of protecting our proprietary rights in the United States or abroad will be adequate, or that others will not develop technologies similar or superior to our technology or design around the proprietary rights we own. In addition, management may be distracted and may incur substantial costs in attempting to protect our proprietary rights.

 

Also, despite the steps taken by us to protect our proprietary rights, it may be possible for unauthorized third parties to copy or reverse-engineer aspects of our products, develop similar technology independently or otherwise obtain and use information that we regard as proprietary, and we may be unable to successfully identify or prosecute unauthorized uses of our technology. Further, with respect to our issued patents and patent applications, we cannot assure you that any patents from any pending patent applications (or from any future patent applications) will be issued, that the scope of any patent protection will exclude competitors or provide competitive advantages to us, that any of our patents will be held valid if subsequently challenged or that others will not claim rights in or ownership of the patents (and patent applications) and other proprietary rights held by us.

 

If we become subject to intellectual property infringement claims, we could incur significant expenses and could be prevented from selling specific products.

 

We may become subject to claims that we infringe the intellectual property rights of others in the future. We cannot assure you that, if made, these claims will not be successful. Any claim of infringement could cause us to

incur substantial costs defending against the claim even if the claim is invalid, and could distract management from other business. Any judgment against us could require substantial payment in damages and could also include an injunction or other court order that could prevent us from offering certain products.

 

Our need for continued investment in research and development may increase expenses and reduce our profitability.

 

Our industry is characterized by the need for continued investment in research and development. If we fail to invest sufficiently in research and development, our products could become less attractive to potential customers and our business and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. As a result of the need to maintain or increase spending levels in this area and the difficulty in reducing costs associated with research and development, our operating results could be materially harmed if our research and development efforts fail to result in new products or if revenues fall below expectations. In addition, as a result of our commitment to invest in research and development, spending levels of research and development expenses as a percent of revenues may fluctuate in the future.

 

Our results of operations are subject to fluctuation from period to period and may not be an accurate indication of future performance.

 

We have experienced fluctuations in operating results in large part due to the sale of computer systems in relatively large dollar amounts to a relatively small number of customers. Our quarterly results may be subject to fluctuations resulting from a number of other factors, including:

 

the timing of significant orders;

 

delays in completion of internal product development projects;

delays in shipping computer systems and software programs;

 

delays in acceptance testing by customers;

 

a change in the mix of products sold to the defense electronics, medical imagingDEG, IVS and other markets;

 

production delays due to quality problems with outsourced components;

 

shortages and costs of components;

 

the timing of product line transitions; and

 

declines in quarterly revenues from previous generations of products following announcement of replacement products containing more advanced technology.

 

Results of operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

 

In addition, from time to time, we have entered into contracts, referred to as development contracts, to engineer a specific solution based on modifications to standard products. Gross margins from development contract revenues are typically lower than gross margins from standard product revenues. We intend to continue to enter into development contracts and anticipate that the gross margins associated with development contract revenues will continue to be lower than gross margins from standard product sales.

 

Another factor contributing to fluctuations in our quarterly results is the fixed nature of expenditures on personnel, facilities and marketing programs. Expense levels for these programs are based, in significant part, on expectations of future revenues. If actual quarterly revenues are below management’s expectations, our results of operations will likely be adversely affected. Our operating results, from time to time, may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors, which could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

We have benefited from certain tax benefits that may expire or be repealed.

 

In the past, we have benefited from certain tax provisions that have reduced our effective tax rate and the cash taxes paid.paid for taxes. One of these benefits, the credit for increasing research activities, is due to expireexpired on June 30, 2004. On October 4, 2004, unless extended by Congress. There are pending legislative proposals that wouldlegislation was passed to retroactively extend or make permanent this tax credit. However, there can be no assurance that the research credit will be made permanent or extended, or if so, for how long.through December 2005. We have also utilized benefits under the extraterritorial income exclusion, or “ETI”(ETI) tax regime. The ETI regime was ruled an illegal trade subsidy by the World Trade Organization and, as a result, the European Union has recently imposed trade sanctions against the United States that will increasewould have increased substantially over time if the ETI regime iswere not repealed. There are pending in Congress legislative proposalsOn October 22, 2004 legislation was enacted to repeal the ETI regime. There also are pending various proposalsregime for transactions entered into after December 31, 2004, subject to a phase-out to allow current beneficiaries to claim reduced ETI benefits for transactions entered into during 2005 and 2006. In addition to the repeal of ETI, this legislation created a deduction from taxable income that if enacted, would provide tax benefitswill apply to taxpayers with “qualified production activities income.” It is expected that might mitigate at least to some extent our loss of tax benefits if ETI is repealed. While it seems likely that the ETI regimewe will be repealed, it is very difficult to predict what, if any, new tax benefits might be enacted, andqualify for this deduction beginning with fiscal 2006, but we cannot assure you that any newthese tax provisions will be enacted that will benefitbeneficial to us. We are in the process of assessing the overall impact of the legislation on our effective tax rate calculation. Our expenses for income taxes could be significantly higher in the future if there are further changes in the research credit expires and the ETI regime is repealed.tax law applicable to us or we fail to qualify for certain tax benefits.

 

The trading price of our common stock may continue to be volatile which may adversely affect business, and investors in our common stock may experience substantial losses.

 

Our stock price, like that of other technology companies, has been volatile. The stock market in general, and technology companies in particular, may continue to experience volatility in their stock prices. This volatility may or may not be related to operating performance. In addition, the continued threat of terrorism in the United StatesU.S. and abroad, the resulting military action and heightened security measures undertaken in response to that threat may cause continued volatility in securities markets. When the market price of a stock has been volatile,

holders of that stock will sometimes institute securities class action litigation against the company that issued the stock. If any stockholders were to institute a lawsuit, we could incur substantial costs defending the lawsuit. Also, the lawsuit could divert the time and attention of management.

 

We will significantly increaseincreased our leverage as a result of the proposed sale of convertible senior notes.

 

In connection with theour sale of theconvertible senior notes in April 2004, we will incurincurred additional indebtedness of $125 million. The degree to which we will be leveraged could, among other things:

 

make it difficult for us to make payments on the convertible notes;

 

make it difficult for us to obtain financing for working capital, acquisitions or other purposes on favorable terms, if at all;

 

make us more vulnerable to industry downturns and competitive pressures; and

 

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to changes in, our business.

 

Our ability to meet our debt service obligations will depend upon our future performance, which will be subject to financial, business and other factors affecting our operations, many of which are beyond our control. We may not have enough funds or be able to arrange for additional financing to pay the principal at maturity or to repurchase the notes when tendered in accordance with their terms, which would constitute an event of default under the related indenture.

 

The conversion contingency provisions of the notes may cause a decrease in our earnings per share on a diluted basis or make our reported earnings per share more volatile, potentially affecting our share price.

The conversion of the notes into shares of our common stock will dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders. Holders of the notes are entitled to convert the notes into shares of our common stock upon the occurrence of certain events, including if the price of our common stock is trading above certain thresholds. Unless and until one or more of these contingencies are met, the shares of our common stock underlying the notes generally will not be included in the calculation of our basic and diluted earnings per share. If one or more of these contingencies are met or would have been met if measured instead at the end of the reporting period, diluted earnings per share would be expected to decrease as a result of the inclusion of the underlying shares in the diluted earnings per share calculation. Volatility in our stock price could cause this condition to be met in one quarter and not in a subsequent quarter, increasing the volatility of diluted earnings per share.

Provisions in our organizational documents and Massachusetts law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire our company.us.

 

Provisions of our charter and by-laws could have the effect of discouraging a third party from making a proposal to acquire our company and could prevent certain changes in control, even if some stockholdersshareholders might consider the proposal to be in their best interests. These provisions include a classified board of directors, advance notice to our board of directors of stockholdershareholders proposals and director nominations, and limitations on

the ability of stockholdersshareholders to remove directors and to call stockholdershareholders meetings. In addition, we may issue shares of any class or series of preferred stock in the future without stockholdershareholder approval upon such terms as our board of directors may determine. The rights of holders of common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any such class or series of preferred stock that may be issued.

We also are subject to the Massachusetts General Laws which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibit a Massachusetts corporation from engaging in a broad range of business combinations with any “interested stockholder”shareholder” for a period of three years following the date that such stockholdershareholder becomes an interested stockholder.shareholder. These provisions could discourage a third party from pursuing an acquisition of our company at a price considered attractive by many stockholders.shareholders.

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There were no material changes in our exposure to market risk from June 30, 20032004 to March 31,September 30, 2004.

 

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

We conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, respectively) regarding the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to our company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to them by others within our company and its consolidated subsidiaries. We continue to review our disclosure controls and procedures and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to ensure that our systems evolve with our company’s business.

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe these actions will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, or results of its operations.operations or cash flows.

 

ITEM 2.    CHANGES INUNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The following table sets forth information as of and for the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2004 with respect to the Company’s stockour share repurchase program. (Table in thousands except share data).

 

   (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  (d)

Program


  Total number of shares
purchased during the
quarter ended March 31,
2004


  Average price paid per
share for shares
purchased during the
quarter ended March 31,
2004


  Total number of
shares purchased as
part of publicly
announced
repurchase program


  Approximate
dollar value of
shares that may
yet be purchased
under the program


Common stock repurchase program

    $    —  387  $14,861

Period of Repurchase


  Total Number of Shares
Purchased During the
Quarter Ended
September 30, 2004


  Average Price
Paid Per
Share


  Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Program


July 1-31, 2004

  —    $—    $—  

August 1-31, 2004

  300,000   26.15   17,156

September 1-30, 2004

  —     —     —  
   
  

  

Total

  300,000  $26.15  $17,156

 

ITEM 5.    OTHER EVENTS

(b)    Stockholders who wish to submit director candidates for consideration should send such recommendation to the Clerk of our company at our executive offices not less than 120 calendar days prior to the date onIn fiscal 2003, we announced a share repurchase program under which our proxy statement forBoard of Directors had authorized the prior year was released. These recommendations must include: (i) the name and addressrepurchase of record of the stockholder, (ii) a representation that the stockholder is a record holderup to $25,000 of our common stock, or ifstock. In July 2004, our Board extended the stockholder is not a record holder, evidence of ownership in accordance with Rule 14a-8(b)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (iii) the name, age, businessrepurchase program through December 2005 and residential address, educational background, current principal occupation or employment, and principal occupation or employment for the preceding five full fiscal years of the proposed director candidate, (iv) a description of the qualifications and background of the proposed director candidate which addresses the minimum qualifications described below and other criteria for Board membership from time to time, (v) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and the proposed director candidate, and (vi) the consent of the proposed director candidate to be namedapproved an increase in the proxy statement andtotal authorized dollar amount for repurchase then available to serve as a director if elected at such meeting. Stockholders must also submit any other information regarding the proposed director candidate that is required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to SEC rules. See also the information under “Deadlines for Submission of Stockholder Proposals” in our proxy statement for our Special Meeting in Lieu of Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on November 17, 2003.

At a minimum, each nominee is expected to have high personal and professional integrity and demonstrated ability and judgment, and to be effective, with the other directors, in collectively serving the long-term interests of the stockholders. In addition to the minimum qualifications for each nominee set forth above, when considering potential candidates for the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to ensure that the Board of Directors is comprised of a majority of independent directors and that the committees of the Board of Directors are comprised entirely of independent directors. The Nominating and Governance Committee may also consider any other standards or factors that it deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, whether a potential candidate has direct experience in the industry or markets in which our company operates and whether such candidate, if elected, would assist in achieving a mix of directors that represents a diversity of background and experience.$25,000.

ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)    EXHIBITS.

 

ITEM NO.

 

DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT


3.1 Restated Articles of Organization, as amended. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2003).
3.23.2* By-laws, as amended. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2003).
4.110.1* Form of Stock Certificate. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-41139).Option Agreement under 1997 Stock Option Plan
31.112.1*Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
31.1* Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.231.2* Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1** Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2** Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

* Filed with this Form 10-Q.
**Furnished with this Form 10-Q. This certification shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(b)    Reports on Form 8-K.

On January 15, 2004, the Company “furnished” a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated the same date, regarding its earnings press release for the quarter ended December 31, 2003.

On February 23, 2004, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated the same date, regarding its press release announcing the appointment of Robert E. Hult as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

 

Signature

 

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.

 

Date: April 28,November 1, 2004

 

MERCURY COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.

By:

 

/s/    ROBERT E. HULT        


  

Robert E. Hult

Senior Vice President andAnd

Chief Financial Officer

(Duly Authorized andAnd

Principal Financial Officer)

 

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