During the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, one customer, a prime contractor, represented 7.7% and 12.0% of consolidated net sales. Direct and indirect sales to a North African country (including certain sales to the prime contractor mentioned above) during the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 represented 4.6% and 10.8% of consolidated net sales, respectively.
Excluding the impact of adjustments to both net sales and gross profit, as discussed below, our gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 would have been 42.7% and 39.9%, respectively. The increase in the gross profit percentage was primarily due to (i) a higher proportion of our consolidated net sales occurring in our telecommunications transmission segment, which typically realizes higher margins than our other two segments; (ii) increased operating efficiencies in our mobile data communications segment, including the benefit of our decision to significantly de-emphasize stand-alone sales of low margin turnkey employee mobility solutions to further focus our efforts on selling commercial satellite-based mobile data applications; and (iii) the reduction in our estimated reserve for warranty obligations by $0.2 million due to lower than anticipated claims received to date on a large over-the-horizon microwave system contract whose warranty period is nearing expiration.
During the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, we recorded favorable cumulative gross profit adjustments of $4.9 million (of which $3.8 million related to the mobile data communications segment and $1.1 million related to the telecommunications transmission segment) and $7.3 million (of which $6.5 million related to the mobile data communications segment and $0.8 million related to the RF microwave amplifiers segment), respectively, relating to our ongoing review of total estimated contract revenues and costs, and the related gross margin at completion, on long-term contracts. The adjustments in both periods were partially offset by a firmware-related warranty provision discussed below.
In our mobile data communications segment, during the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, we increased the estimated gross profit at completion on the MTS contract, which resulted in a cumulative increase to the gross profit recognized in prior periods of $3.8 million and $6.5 million, respectively. These adjustments were the result of increased funding from the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, as well as improved operating efficiencies. We continue to rollout our next generation satellite transceiver, known as the MT 2012, and enhance our network and related software to provide increased speed and performance. We are working closely with our customers and currently expect to continue these initiatives. Unrelated to the next generation MTS technology upgrade, we continue to upgrade certain of our firmware that needs to be modified. Included in cost of sales for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 is a warranty provision related to modifying units previously shipped to non-MTS customers of $0.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively. An additional $0.1 million and $0.8 million was included in the MTS contract’s estimated costs at completion relating to the same firmware modification for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The ultimate amount of warranty expense relating to this firmware upgrade could differ from our current estimate and we may incur additional unanticipated costs or delays. As discussed in our “Critical Accounting Policies – Provision for Warranty Obligations,” we periodically review and update our estimate of future warranty expense.
During the three months ended January 31, 2007, we increased the estimated gross profit at completion on a large over-the-horizon microwave system contract. This adjustment resulted in a $1.1 million cumulative increase to gross profit recognized on this contract in prior periods. During the three months ended January 31, 2006, we increased the estimated gross profit at completion on a military contract in our RF microwave amplifiers segment as it was substantially completed. This adjustment resulted in a $0.8 million cumulative increase to the gross profit recognized on the contract in prior periods.
Included in cost of sales for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 are provisions for excess and obsolete inventory of $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively. As discussed in our “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 and projected usage assumptions.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $18.3 million and $15.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, representing an increase of $2.5 million, or 15.8%. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to increased expenses (including higher payroll-related expenses) associated with the overall increase in net sales activity across our businesses. This increase was offset, in part, by lower expenses in our mobile data communications segment as we continue to de-emphasize stand-alone sales of low margin turnkey employee mobility solutions. The increase in payroll-related expenses is due, in part, to the increased headcount associated with the actual year-to-date and anticipated increase in sales for fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006.
Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses for both the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 was $1.2 million. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended January 31, 2007 was favorably impacted by a $0.3 million reduction associated with an increase in the estimated forfeiture rate of stock-based awards. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 16.4% and 16.5% for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Research and Development Expenses.Research and development expenses were $7.6 million and $6.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Approximately $5.1 million and $4.5 million of such amounts, respectively, related to our telecommunications transmission segment, with the remaining expenses primarily related to our mobile data communications segment and, to a lesser extent, our RF microwave amplifiers 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 January 31, 2007 and 2006, customers reimbursed us $1.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, 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 stock-based compensation expense recorded as research and development expenses for both the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 was $0.2 million. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as research and development expenses for the three months ended January 31, 2007 was favorably impacted by a $0.1 million reduction associated with an increase in the estimated forfeiture rate of stock-based awards. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, research and development expenses were 6.8% and 6.3% for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Amortization of Intangibles.Amortization of intangibles for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 was $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The amortization primarily relates to intangibles with finite lives that we acquired in connection with various acquisitions (including our acquisition of Insite).
Operating Income.Operating income for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 was $23.3 million and $18.7 million, respectively. The $4.6 million, or 24.6% increase, was primarily the result of higher sales and gross profit, partially offset by increased operating expenses (including research and development), as discussed above.
Operating income in our telecommunications transmission segment increased to $19.4 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007 from $13.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2006 as a result of increased net sales and gross profit, partially offset by higher operating expenses. As discussed above under “Gross Profit,” included in operating income in the three months ended January 31, 2007 is a cumulative adjustment related to a large over-the-horizon microwave systems contract which favorably impacted operating income by $0.9 million.
Our mobile data communications segment generated operating income of $8.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $7.6 million for the three months ended January 31, 2006. The increase in operating income was due to operating efficiencies achieved, including the benefit of lower selling, general and administrative expenses as we continue to de-emphasize stand-alone sales of low margin turnkey employee mobility solutions. As discussed above under “Gross Profit,” included in operating income in the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, are the positive impacts from the cumulative adjustments, net of the respective firmware-related warranty provisions, of $2.9 million and $4.1 million, respectively.
Operating income in our RF microwave amplifier segment decreased to $0.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007 from $2.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2006, due primarily to lower net sales during the three months ended January 31, 2007. As discussed above under “Gross Profit,” included in the three months ended January 31, 2006 is a cumulative adjustment relating to certain contracts which favorably impacted operating income by $0.7 million.
27
Unallocated operating expenses increased to $5.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007 from $4.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2006 due primarily to higher payroll-related expenses. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense for both the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 was $1.5 million. Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended January 31, 2007 was favorably impacted by a $0.4 million reduction associated with an increase in the estimated forfeiture rate of stock-based awards.
Interest Expense.Interest expense was $0.7 million for both the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006. Interest expense primarily represents interest associated with our 2.0% convertible senior notes issued in January 2004.
Interest Income.Interest income for the three months ended January 31, 2007 was $3.3 million, as compared to $2.2 million for three months ended January 31, 2006. The $1.1 million increase was due primarily to an increase in interest rates and additional investable cash since January 31, 2006.
Provision for Income Taxes.The provision for income taxes was $7.8 million and $6.9 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 30.0% and 34.0% for the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to (i) the retroactive extension, in December 2006, of the Federal research and experimentation credit from December 31, 2005 until December 31, 2007; (ii) the approval by our stockholders of an amendment to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which will permit us to claim tax deductions for cash awards anticipated to be paid under the Plan without limitation under §162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code; and (iii) a tax benefit of $0.2 million relating to disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options. Included in the tax provision for the three months ended January 31, 2007 is a $0.6 million tax benefit related to the retroactive application of the Federal research and experimentation credit to fiscal 2006. Our tax rate for the three months ended January 31, 2006 was favorably impacted by the recording of a net benefit of $0.6 million relating to the favorable settlement of a state tax matter. Excluding the tax benefit relating to fiscal 2006, we now estimate our effective tax rate for fiscal 2007 will approximate 35.0%.
In fiscal 2006, we were informed by the Internal Revenue Service that our Federal income tax return for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004 was selected for audit. The audit is ongoing and additional income tax returns for other fiscal years may be examined. If the outcome of the audit differs materially from our original income tax provisions, it could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial position.
COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2007 AND JANUARY 31, 2006
Net Sales.Consolidated net sales were $208.5 million and $202.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, representing an increase of $6.2 million, or 3.1%. The increase in net sales reflects growth in the telecommunications transmission segment, partially offset by lower sales in the mobile data communications and RF microwave amplifiers segments.
Net sales in our telecommunications transmission segment were $114.6 million and $99.9 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, an increase of $14.7 million, or 14.7%. Sales in this segment reflect continued strong demand for our satellite earth station products, as well as sales related to deliveries of our new 16 Mbps troposcatter modem upgrade kits for use on the U.S. DoD’s AN/TRC-170 digital troposcatter terminals. As previously anticipated, sales of our over-the-horizon microwave systems to a North African country, both direct and indirect, were lower during the six months ended January 31, 2007 as we believe the end-customer is between major phases of a large program. Net sales during the six months ended January 31, 2007 were positively impacted by $1.2 million relating to a gross profit adjustment on a large over-the-horizon microwave systems contract, discussed below. Sales in the over-the-horizon microwave systems product line can fluctuate dramatically from period to period based on the receipt of large contracts and our performance thereon. Our telecommunications transmission segment represented 54.9% and 49.4% of consolidated net sales for six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
28
Net sales in our mobile data communications segment were $75.4 million and $75.6 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 0.3%. The decrease in net sales was due to a decline of $10.3 million of sales related to the impact of our decision, made in fiscal 2006, to significantly de-emphasize stand-alone sales of low margin turnkey employee mobility solutions. This decrease was significantly offset by an increase in deliveries to the U.S. Army and Army National Guard for ongoing support of MTS program activities and higher sales of battlefield command and control applications to the U.S. military. Net sales during the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 were positively impacted by $1.1 million and $5.6 million, respectively, relating to the MTS gross profit adjustments discussed below. There continues to be uncertainty as to the ultimate amount and timing of additional U.S. Army and Army National Guard orders that we receive, and as such, quarterly sales and profitability can continue to fluctuate dramatically. The MTS contract is not subject to automatic renewal or extension upon its scheduled expiration in July 2007 and we are not privy to the procurement strategy of the U.S. Army. Although subject to change, based on public information available, the President’s preliminary proposed DoD budget for the government’s fiscal year beginning October 1, 2007 has $143.1 million of funding available for the MTS program (comprised of $73.2 million from the base budget and $69.9 million from the Global War on Terrorism budget). If the MTS contract, which expires in July 2007, is not renewed, extended or if we fail to succeed in a recompete process, it would have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations. In addition, we are aware that the government has experienced delays in the receipt of certain components that are provided to us for incorporation into our satellite transceivers. If we do not receive these government furnished components in a timely manner, we could experience delays in fulfilling funded and anticipated orders from our customers. Our mobile data communications segment represented 36.2% and 37.4% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Net sales in our RF microwave amplifiers segment were $18.5 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007, compared to $26.8 million for the six months ended January 31, 2006, a decrease of $8.3 million, or 31.0%. The decrease in net sales was due to lower sales, as anticipated, of our amplifiers that are incorporated into improvised explosive device jamming systems. Our RF microwave amplifiers segment represented 8.9% and 13.2% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
International sales (which include sales to U.S. companies for inclusion in products which are sold to international customers) represented 29.0% and 38.1% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Domestic commercial sales represented 13.5% and 14.5% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Sales to the U.S. government (including sales to prime contractors to the U.S. government) represented 57.5% and 47.4% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
During the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, one customer, a prime contractor, represented 7.1% and 12.1% of consolidated net sales. Direct and indirect sales to a North African country (including certain sales to the prime contractor mentioned above) during the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 represented 4.2% and 13.2% of consolidated net sales, respectively.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $89.2 million and $81.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, representing an increase of $7.9 million, or 9.7%. The increase in gross profit was primarily attributable to the increase in net sales discussed above, as well as an increase in the gross profit percentage to 42.8% for the six months ended January 31, 2007 from 40.2% for the six months ended January 31, 2006. As discussed below, we recorded favorable cumulative adjustments to certain long-term contracts, partially offset by a firmware-related warranty provision in both periods.
Excluding the impact of adjustments to both net sales and gross profit, as discussed below, our gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 would have been 41.2% and 39.1%, respectively. The increase in the gross profit percentage was primarily due to (i) a higher proportion of our consolidated net sales occurring in our telecommunications transmission segment, which typically realizes higher margins than our other two segments; (ii) increased operating efficiencies in our mobile data communications segment, including the benefit of our decision to significantly de-emphasize stand-alone sales of low margin turnkey employee mobility solutions to further focus our efforts on selling commercial satellite-based mobile data applications; and (iii) the reduction in our estimated reserve for warranty obligations by $0.7 million due to lower than anticipated claims received to date on a large over-the-horizon microwave system contract whose warranty period is nearing expiration.
29
During the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, we recorded favorable cumulative gross profit adjustments of $4.7 million (of which $3.6 million related to the mobile data communications segment and $1.1 million related to the telecommunications transmission segment) and $6.1 million (of which $5.5 million related to the mobile data communications segment and $0.6 million related to the RF microwave amplifiers segment), respectively, relating to our ongoing review of total estimated contract revenues and costs, and the related gross margin at completion, on long-term contracts. The adjustments in both periods were partially offset by a firmware-related warranty provision discussed below.
In our mobile data communications segment, during the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, we increased the estimated gross profit at completion on the MTS contract, which resulted in a cumulative increase to the gross profit recognized in prior periods of $3.6 million and $5.5 million, respectively. These adjustments were the result of increased funding from the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, as well as improved operating efficiencies. Included in cost of sales for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 is a firmware-related warranty provision related to modifying units previously shipped to non-MTS customers of $0.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The ultimate amount of warranty expense relating to this firmware upgrade could differ from our current estimate and we may incur additional unanticipated costs or delays. As discussed in our “Critical Accounting Policies – Provision for Warranty Obligations,” we periodically review and update our estimate of future warranty expense.
During the six months ended January 31, 2006, we increased the estimated gross profit at completion on a military contract in our RF microwave amplifiers segment as it was substantially completed. This adjustment resulted in a $0.6 million cumulative increase to the gross profit recognized on the contract in prior periods.
Included in cost of sales for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 are provisions for excess and obsolete inventory of $1.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As discussed in our “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 and projected usage assumptions.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $34.8 million and $31.9 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, representing an increase of $2.9 million, or 9.1%. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to increased expenses (including higher payroll-related expenses) associated with the overall increase in net sales activity across our businesses. This increase was offset, in part, by lower expenses in our mobile data communications segment as we continue to de-emphasize stand-alone sales of low margin turnkey employee mobility solutions. The increase in payroll-related expenses is due, in part, to the increased headcount associated with the actual year-to-date and anticipated increase in sales for fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006.
Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $2.6 million from $2.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended January 31, 2007 was favorably impacted by a $0.4 million reduction associated with an increase in the estimated forfeiture rate of stock-based awards. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 16.7% and 15.8% for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Research and Development Expenses.Research and development expenses were $14.8 million and $12.8 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Approximately $10.0 million and $9.6 million of such amounts, respectively, related to our telecommunications transmission segment, with the remaining expenses primarily related to our mobile data communications segment and, to a lesser extent, our RF microwave amplifiers 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 six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, customers reimbursed us $3.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, 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 stock-based compensation expense recorded as research and development expenses increased to $0.5 million from $0.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as research and development expenses for the six months ended January 31, 2007 was favorably impacted by a $0.1 million reduction associated with an increase in the estimated forfeiture rate of stock-based awards. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, research and development expenses were 7.1% and 6.3% for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
30
Amortization of Intangibles.Amortization of intangibles for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 was $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The amortization primarily relates to intangibles with finite lives that we acquired in connection with various acquisitions (including our acquisition of Insite).
Operating Income.Operating income for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 was $38.3 million and $35.5 million, respectively. The $2.8 million, or 7.9% increase, was primarily the result of a higher sales and gross profit, partially offset by increased operating expenses (including research and development).
Operating income in our telecommunications transmission segment increased to $32.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 from $25.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2006 as a result of increased net sales and gross profit percentage, partially offset by higher operating expenses. As discussed above under “Gross Profit,” included in operating income for the six months ended January 31, 2007 is a cumulative adjustment related to a large over-the-horizon microwave systems contract which favorably impacted operating income by $0.9 million.
Our mobile data communications segment generated operating income of $14.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $11.8 million for the six months ended January 31, 2006. The increase in operating income was due to operating efficiencies achieved, including the benefit of lower selling, general and administrative expenses as we continue to de-emphasize stand-alone sales of low margin turnkey employee mobility solutions. As discussed above under “Gross Profit,” included in operating income for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, are the positive impacts from the cumulative adjustments, net of the respective firmware-related warranty provisions, of $2.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
Operating income in our RF microwave amplifier segment decreased to $1.7 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 from $6.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2006, due primarily to lower net sales during the six months ended January 31, 2007. As discussed above under “Gross Profit,” included in the six months ended January 31, 2006, is a cumulative adjustment relating to certain contracts which favorably impacted operating income by $0.5 million.
Unallocated operating expenses increased to $10.0 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 from $7.9 million for the six months ended January 31, 2006 due primarily to higher payroll-related expenses. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense increased to $3.3 million from $2.8 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense for the six months ended January 31, 2007 was favorably impacted by a $0.5 million reduction associated with an increase in the estimated forfeiture rate of stock-based awards.
Interest Expense.Interest expense was $1.4 million and $1.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Interest expense primarily represents interest associated with our 2.0% convertible senior notes issued in January 2004.
Interest Income.Interest income for the six months ended January 31, 2007 was $6.5 million, as compared to $3.9 million for six months ended January 31, 2006. The $2.6 million increase was due primarily to an increase in interest rates and investable cash since January 31, 2006.
Provision for Income Taxes.The provision for income taxes was $14.4 million and $13.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 33.2% and 35.0% for the six months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to (i) the retroactive extension, in December 2006, of the Federal research and experimentation credit from December 31, 2005 until December 31, 2007; (ii) the approval by our stockholders of an amendment to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which will permit us to claim tax deductions for cash awards anticipated to be paid under the Plan without limitation under §162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code; and (iii) a tax benefit of $0.2 million relating to disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options. Included in the tax provision for the six months ended January 31, 2007 is a $0.6 million tax benefit related to the retroactive application of the Federal research and experimentation credit to fiscal 2006. Our tax rate for the six months ended January 31, 2006, was favorably impacted by the recording of a net benefit of $0.6 million primarily relating to the favorable settlement of a state tax matter. Excluding the tax benefit relating to fiscal 2006, we now estimate our effective tax rate for fiscal 2007 will approximate 35.0%.
31
In fiscal 2006, we were informed by the Internal Revenue Service that our Federal income tax return for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004 was selected for audit. The audit is ongoing and additional income tax returns for other fiscal years may be examined. If the outcome of the audit differs materially from our original income tax provisions, it could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial position.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents increased to $266.2 million at January 31, 2007 from $251.6 million at July 31, 2006.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $17.2 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007, compared to $6.3 million for the first six months of fiscal 2006, reflecting an increase in net income, partially offset by an increase in inventory that is currently anticipated to be reduced in the second half of fiscal 2007, as well as the timing of payments for accounts payable and certain accrued expenses that occurred in the first half of fiscal 2007.
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended January 31, 2007 was $7.5 million, of which $4.9 million was for purchases of property, plant and equipment including expenditures related to the continued expansion of our high-volume technology manufacturing center located in Tempe, Arizona and the continued enhancement of our network operations facility in Germantown, Maryland. During the six months ended January 31, 2007, we paid $2.6 million of the $3.2 million purchase price (including transaction costs) for Insite Consulting, Inc. We expect to make the remaining payments through the first quarter of fiscal 2008.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $4.9 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007, due primarily to proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchase plan shares aggregating $3.1 million and a $1.9 million excess income tax benefit from the exercise of stock options.
FINANCING ARRANGEMENT
On January 27, 2004, we issued $105.0 million of our 2.0% convertible senior notes in a private offering pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The net proceeds from this transaction were $101.2 million after deducting the initial purchaser’s discount and other transaction costs. For further information concerning this financing, see “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note (9)2.0% Convertible Senior Notes.”
COMMITMENTS
In the normal course of business, we routinely enter into binding and non-binding purchase obligations primarily covering anticipated purchases of inventory and equipment. We do not expect that these commitments as of January 31, 2007 will materially adversely affect our liquidity.
At January 31, 2007, we had contractual cash obligations to repay our 2.0% convertible senior notes, capital lease and operating lease obligations (including satellite lease expenditures relating to our mobile data communications segment contracts) and the financing of a purchase of proprietary technology. Payments due under these long-term obligations, excluding interest on the 2% convertible senior notes, are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| |
| | Obligations due by fiscal year (in thousands) | |
| |
| |
| | Total | | Remainder of 2007 | | 2008 and 2009 | | 2010 and 2011 | | After 2011 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
2.0% convertible senior notes | | $ | 105,000 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 105,000 | |
Operating lease commitments | | | 28,029 | | | 13,667 | | | 10,194 | | | 3,369 | | | 799 | |
Other obligations | | | 338 | | | 75 | | | 263 | | | — | | | — | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Total contractual cash obligations | | $ | 133,367 | | | 13,742 | | | 10,457 | | | 3,369 | | | 105,799 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
32
As further discussed in “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note (9)2.0% Convertible Senior Notes,” we may, at our option, redeem some or all of the notes on or after February 4, 2009. Holders of our 2% convertible senior notes will have the right to require us to repurchase some or all of the outstanding notes on February 1, 2011, February 1, 2014 and February 1, 2019 and upon certain events.
We have entered into standby letter of credit agreements with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of our future performance on certain contracts. At January 31, 2007, the balance of these agreements was $5.2 million.
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our operating cash requirements for the foreseeable future. In the event that we identify a significant acquisition that requires additional cash, we would seek to borrow funds or raise additional equity capital.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Our earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in interest rates primarily from our investment of available cash balances. Under our current policies, we do not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes. If the interest rate we receive on our investment of available cash balances were to change by 10%, our annual interest income would be impacted by approximately $1.3 million.
Our 2.0% convertible senior notes bear a fixed rate of interest. As such, our earnings and cash flows are not sensitive to changes in interest rates on our long-term debt. As of January 31, 2007, we estimate the fair market value of our 2.0% convertible senior notes to be $130.1 million based on recent trading activity.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures was carried out by the Company under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures have been designed and are being operated in a manner that provides reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. A system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system of controls are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See Note (14) of the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for information regarding legal proceedings.
33
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006 or the Company’s Form 10-Q/A (filed on December 18, 2006), except as discussed below.
On November 30, 2006, KPMG, our independent registered public accounting firm, advised us that it believed that one of its staff accountants who worked on the engagement to audit our financial statements made an investment in our common stock. On December 16, 2006, following an assessment of the matter, both KPMG and the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors separately concluded that KPMG’s independence was not compromised. In making this determination, the Audit Committee considered, among other factors, that (i) the investment by the staff accountant was believed to be de minimis (approximately $5,000); (ii) the staff accountant had a low-level of responsibility as compared to other members of the audit engagement team; (iii) all original work performed by the staff accountant that required agreeing amounts to source documents, performing analytical reviews and performing other significant procedures was re-performed and evaluated by other KPMG partners, managers and staff not previously associated with the audit of the Company’s financial statements; (iv) as a result of this re-performance, KPMG is unaware of any material changes or errors in any of the Company’s consolidated financial statements or any required changes to Management’s Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting; and (v) the absence of any indication of independence matters with respect to other members of the audit engagement team.
The Company and KPMG reported their conclusions regarding this matter to the SEC Staff, who did not object to those conclusions.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
At the Company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, held on December 5, 2006, Mr. Richard L. Goldberg was elected as Director for a three-year term. The votes were as follows: shares for 19,881,798; shares withheld 1,948,376. Mr. Gerard R. Nocita and Mr. Ira Kaplan continued on as Directors for terms expiring in two years and Mr. Fred Kornberg and Mr. Edwin Kantor continued on as Directors for terms expiring in one year.
The stockholders approved the adoption of the amendment to the Company’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan by a vote of 17,036,357 shares for and 919,936 shares against, with 93,199 shares abstaining and 3,780,681 broker non-votes.
The stockholders ratified the selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s auditors for its 2007 fiscal year by a vote of 21,670,399 shares for and 147,871 shares against, with 11,902 shares abstaining.
Item 6. Exhibits
34
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP.
(Registrant)
| | |
Date: March 8, 2007 | By: | /s/ Fred Kornberg |
| |
|
| | Fred Kornberg |
| | Chairman of the Board |
| | Chief Executive Officer and President |
| | (Principal Executive Officer) |
| | |
Date: March 8, 2007 | By: | /s/ Michael D. Porcelain |
| |
|
| | Michael D. Porcelain |
| | Senior Vice President and |
| | Chief Financial Officer |
| | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
35