U.S. government) represented 39.0% and 40.3% of consolidated net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Sales to one customer, a prime contractor, represented 20.1% of consolidated net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2003. Direct and indirect sales to a North African country (including certain sales to the prime contractor mentioned above) during the three months ended October 31, 2004 and 2003 represented 8.6% and 16.9% of consolidated net sales, respectively. Gross Profit. Gross profit was $27.1 million and $21.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, representing an increase of $6.1 million. The increase in gross profit was attributable to the increase in our gross margin percentage, which increased from 37.3% for the three months ended October 31, 2003 to 48.3% for the three months ended October 31, 2004. The substantial increase in the gross margin, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, was primarily due to (i) the higher proportion of our consolidated net sales being in the telecommunications transmission segment, which typically realize higher margins than sales in our other two segments, (ii) increased operating efficiencies (including the cumulative adjustment discussed below), and (iii) a more favorable product mix, particularly in our telecommunications transmission and mobile data communications segments. As part of our ongoing operations, we periodically review and adjust total estimated contract revenues and costs on long-term contracts. In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we increased the estimated margins at completion on two large over-the-horizon microwave system contracts in the telecommunications transmission segment as they draw nearer to completion. These adjustments, which are included in the results of operations for the three months ended October 31, 2004, resulted in an aggregate $2.4 million cumulative increase to the gross profits recognized on these contracts in prior periods. Further adjustments to the estimated gross margins are possible in future periods as these contracts are completed. Included in cost of sales for the three months ended October 31, 2004 and 2003 are provisions for excess and obsolete inventory of $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. As discussed under “Critical Accounting Policies – Provisions for Excess and Obsolete Inventory,” we regularly review our inventory and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based on historical usage assumptions. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $11.2 million and $8.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, representing an increase of $2.6 million, or 30.2%. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 20.0% and 15.3% for the three months ended October 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase was primarily due to incremental compensation costs, expenses associated with the Memotec business that was acquired in May 2004, costs associated with compliance with recent corporate governance regulations and the initiation of commercial marketing efforts in our mobile data communications segment. In addition, we recorded $0.4 million of expenses, net of insurance recoveries, related to hurricane damage recently sustained at two of our leased facilities located in Florida. We expect selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, to decline during the remainder of the year due to the anticipated increase in sales, as discussed above. Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses were $4.9 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended October 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Approximately $4.2 million and $3.3 million of such amounts, respectively, related to our telecommunications transmission segment. As an investment for the future, we are continually enhancing our existing products and developing new products and technologies. Whenever possible, we seek customer funding for research and development to adapt our products to specialized customer requirements. During the three months ended October 31, 2004 and 2003, customers reimbursed us $0.8 million, in each period, which is not reflected in the reported research and development expenses, but is included in consolidated net sales with the related costs included in cost of sales. Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles for the three months ended October 31, 2004 and 2003 was $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The amortization relates to intangibles with definite lives which we acquired in connection with various acquisitions. The increase was attributable to the Memotec acquisition in May 2004. Operating Income. Operating income for the three months ended October 31, 2004 and 2003 was $10.4 million and $8.4 million, respectively. The $2.0 million increase was the result of the higher gross profit, discussed above, partially offset by higher operating expenses. |