Net sales in our RF microwave amplifiers segment were $14.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008, compared to $9.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007, an increase of $5.0 million, or 54.9%. The increase in net sales was primarily due to higher sales of our amplifiers and high-power switches that are incorporated into defense-related systems, including sales associated with our participation in the Counter Remote-Control Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare 2.1 program (“CREW 2.1”). Our RF microwave amplifiers segment represented 9.3% of consolidated net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to 8.2% for the three months ended January 31, 2007.
Based on the level of our current backlog and anticipated future orders, we currently expect annual sales in our RF microwave amplifiers segment, including sales of amplifiers and high-power switches related to our participation in the CREW 2.1 program, to increase in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007.
International sales (which include sales to U.S. companies for inclusion in products that are sold to international customers) represented 23.4% and 28.6% of consolidated net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Domestic commercial sales represented 6.0% and 12.9% of consolidated net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Sales to the U.S. government (including sales to prime contractors to the U.S. government) represented 70.6% and 58.5% of consolidated net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Excluding the impact of adjustments discussed below, our gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2007, would have been 42.7%. The increase in gross profit percentage from 42.7% to 43.6% was driven by increased gross profit percentages in both our mobile data communications and telecommunications transmission segments, offset by the impact of a higher percentage of consolidated net sales occurring within the mobile data communications segment, which typically has a lower gross profit percentage than our telecommunications transmission segment. In addition, we experienced a lower gross profit percentage in our RF microwave amplifiers segment.
Our mobile data communications segment experienced a higher gross profit percentage due to increased operating efficiencies associated with increased sales related to our new MTS and BFT contracts and a more favorable product mix during the three months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to the three months ended January 31, 2007. Our telecommunications transmission segment experienced a higher gross profit percentage as it benefited from increased usage of our high-volume technology manufacturing center (including both incremental satellite earth station product sales and use by our two other operating segments) that was partially offset by lower sales of our 16 Mbps troposcatter modem upgrade kits. Our RF microwave amplifiers segment experienced a lower gross profit percentage due to long production times associated with certain complex amplifiers and high-power switches that employ newer technology.
During the three months ended January 31, 2007, we recorded favorable cumulative gross profit adjustments of $4.9 million (of which $3.8 million related to our original MTS contract and $1.1 million related to a large over-the-horizon microwave system contract in the telecommunications transmission segment), resulting from our ongoing review of total estimated contract revenues and costs, and the related gross margin at completion, on long-term contracts. These adjustments were partially offset by a $0.4 million firmware-related warranty provision in our mobile data communications segment.
Included in cost of sales for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 are provisions for excess and obsolete inventory of $0.7 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 $21.3 million and $18.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, representing an increase of $3.0 million, or 16.4%. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to higher payroll-related expenses (including amortization of stock-based compensation and cash-based incentive compensation) associated with the overall increase in net sales and profits of the Company, and to a lesser extent, legal and other professional fees associated with the Brazil Subpoena matter, discussed in “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note (15) Legal Proceedings”. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 14.0% and 16.4% for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in percentage is primarily due to the increase in net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2008.
Assuming no significant change or unexpected findings related to the Brazil Subpoena, we expect selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, for fiscal year 2008 to be similar to fiscal 2007.
Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $2.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 from $1.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2007.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses were $9.1 million and $7.6 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, representing an increase of $1.5 million, or 19.7%. The increase in expenses primarily reflects our continued investment in research and development efforts across all of our business segments.
For the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, research and development expenses of $5.8 million and $5.1 million, respectively, related to our telecommunications transmission segment, $2.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively, related to our mobile data communications segment, $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively, related to our RF microwave amplifiers segment, with the remaining expenses related to the amortization of stock-based compensation expense which is not allocated to our three operating segments. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as research and development expenses increased to $0.4 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 from $0.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2007.
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, 2008 and 2007, customers reimbursed us $2.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively, which is not reflected in the reported research and development expenses, but is included in net sales with the related costs included in cost of sales. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, research and development expenses were 6.0% and 6.8% for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles was $0.4 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The amortization primarily relates to intangibles with finite lives that we acquired in connection with various acquisitions. The decrease in amortization of intangibles for the three months ended January 31, 2008 is related to certain intangibles that have been fully amortized.
Operating Income. Operating income for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 was $35.4 million and $23.3 million, respectively. The $12.1 million, or 51.9% increase, was primarily the result of the higher consolidated net sales during the three months ended January 31, 2008, partially offset by a lower consolidated gross margin percentage and increased operating expenses (including research and development expenses) as discussed above.
Operating income in our telecommunications transmission segment decreased to $13.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 from $19.4 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007, primarily driven by lower net sales, as discussed above. In addition, operating expenses (which include expenses associated with the Brazil Subpoena matter) were slightly higher. 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 system contract which favorably impacted operating income by $0.9 million.
Our mobile data communications segment generated operating income of $28.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to $8.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the significant increase in net sales and gross margins achieved during the three months ended January 31, 2008, partially offset by increased operating expenses. As discussed above under “Gross Profit,” included in operating income in the three months ended January 31, 2007 is the positive impact from a cumulative adjustment related to our original MTS contract, net of the respective firmware-related warranty provision, of $2.9 million.
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Operating income in our RF microwave amplifiers segment increased to $1.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 from $0.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007 due primarily to an increase in net sales (at a lower gross profit percentage) offset by increased spending on research and development activities.
Unallocated operating expenses increased to $7.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 from $5.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007 due to higher payroll-related expenses (including amortization of stock-based compensation and cash-based incentive compensation) as well as increased other costs associated with growing our business. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense increased to $2.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 from $1.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2007. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in both the number and related fair value of stock-based awards that are being amortized over their respective service periods for the three months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to the three months ended January 31, 2007.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $0.7 million for both the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007. Interest expense primarily represents interest associated with our 2.0% convertible senior notes.
Interest Income and Other. Interest income and other for the three months ended January 31, 2008 was $4.1 million, as compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007. The $0.8 million increase was primarily due to an increase in investable cash since January 31, 2007, partially offset by a decline in interest rates.
Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $13.4 million and $7.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 34.5% and 30.0% for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended January 31, 2008 is attributable to the recording of certain net tax benefits, primarily the retroactive extension (in December 2006) of the Federal research and experimentation credit, that are reflected in the effective tax rate for the three months ended January 31, 2007. In addition, we recorded discrete tax benefits of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2008 and January 31, 2007, respectively, relating to disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options.
Excluding the discrete tax benefits, we currently expect that our effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 will approximate 34.75%. Our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2008 reflects the fact that the Federal research and experimentation credit has expired as of December 31, 2007.
Our Federal income tax return for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004 is currently being audited by the Internal Revenue Service. Additional income tax returns for other fiscal years may also be examined. If the outcome of the audit differs materially from our original income tax provisions, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
COMPARISON OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2008 AND JANUARY 31, 2007
Net Sales. Consolidated net sales were $267.1 million and $208.5 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, representing an increase of $58.6 million, or 28.1%. The increase in net sales reflects significant growth in the mobile data communications and RF microwave amplifiers segments, partially offset by lower net sales, as anticipated, in the telecommunications transmission segment.
Net sales in our telecommunications transmission segment were $99.1 million and $114.6 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, a decrease of $15.5 million, or 13.5%. Sales in this segment reflect increased sales of satellite earth station products which were more than offset by lower sales, as anticipated, of over-the-horizon microwave systems. Net sales of our satellite earth station products for the six months ended January 31, 2008 were higher than the six months ended January 31, 2007 as we continue to benefit from the ongoing strong demand for our bandwidth efficient satellite earth station modems, including those used to support cellular backhaul applications. Sales of our over-the-horizon microwave systems for the six months ended January 31, 2008 were significantly lower than the six months ended January 31, 2007 primarily due to lower sales of our 16 Mbps troposcatter modem upgrade kits for use on the U.S. Department of Defense’s (“DoD”) AN/TRC-170 digital troposcatter terminals and lower indirect sales to our North African country end-customer. We believe our North African country end-customer is between major phases of a multi-year roll-out of a large project. Net sales in the telecommunications transmission segment for 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. Our telecommunications transmission segment represented 37.1% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to 54.9% for the six months ended January 31, 2007.
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Sales and profitability in our telecommunications transmission segment can fluctuate from period-to-period due to many factors including (i) the book-and-ship nature associated with our satellite earth station products and (ii) the timing of, and our related performance on, contracts from the U.S. government and international customers for our over-the-horizon microwave systems.
Net sales in our mobile data communications segment were $140.7 million and $75.4 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, an increase of $65.3 million, or 86.6%. This increase in net sales was due to the significant increase in deliveries to the U.S. Army in connection with our new MTS and BFT contracts, including deliveries to the Army National Guard. Net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2007 included sales of $1.1 million relating to a favorable gross profit adjustment on our original MTS contract. Our mobile data communications segment represented 52.7% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to 36.2% for the six months ended January 31, 2007.
Sales and profitability in our mobile data communications segment can fluctuate dramatically from period-to-period due to many factors including unpredictable funding, deployment and technology decisions by the U.S. government. In addition, our new MTS and BFT contracts are IDIQ contracts, and as such, the U.S. Army is generally not obligated to purchase any equipment or services under these contracts. We are aware, that on occasion, the U.S. government has experienced delays in the receipt of certain components that are eventually provided to us for incorporation into our mobile satellite transceivers. Although we currently anticipate receiving sufficient quantities of these components, if we do not receive them in a timely manner, we could experience delays in fulfilling funded and anticipated orders from our customers.
Net sales in our RF microwave amplifiers segment were $27.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008, compared to $18.5 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007, an increase of $8.8 million, or 47.6%. The increase in net sales was primarily due to higher sales of our amplifiers and high-power switches that are incorporated into defense-related systems, including sales associated with our participation in the CREW 2.1 program. Our RF microwave amplifiers segment represented 10.2% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to 8.9% for the six months ended January 31, 2007.
International sales (which include sales to U.S. companies for inclusion in products that are sold to international customers) represented 26.5% and 29.0% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Domestic commercial sales represented 7.2% and 13.5% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Sales to the U.S. government (including sales to prime contractors to the U.S. government) represented 66.3% and 57.5% of consolidated net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $116.8 million and $89.2 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, representing an increase of $27.6 million, or 30.9%. The increase in gross profit was attributable to the increase in net sales discussed above. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 43.7% for the six months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to 42.8% for the six months ended January 31, 2007.
Excluding the impact of adjustments discussed below, our gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the six months ended January 31, 2007, would have been 41.2%. The increase in gross profit percentage from 41.2% to 43.7% was driven by increased gross profit percentages in both our mobile data communications and telecommunications transmission segments, offset by the impact of a higher percentage of consolidated net sales occurring within the mobile data communications segment, which typically has a lower gross profit percentage than our telecommunications transmission segment. In addition, we experienced a lower gross profit percentage in our RF microwave amplifiers segment.
Our mobile data communications segment experienced a higher gross profit percentage due to increased operating efficiencies associated with increased sales related to our new MTS and BFT contracts and a more favorable product mix during the six months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to the six months ended January 31, 2007. Our telecommunications transmission segment experienced a higher gross profit percentage as it benefited from increased usage of our high-volume technology manufacturing center (including both incremental satellite earth station product sales and use by our two other operating segments) that were partially offset by lower sales of our 16 Mbps troposcatter modem upgrade kits. Our RF microwave amplifiers segment experienced a lower gross profit percentage due to long production times associated with certain complex amplifiers and high-power switches that employ newer technology.
During the six months ended January 31, 2007, we recorded favorable cumulative gross profit adjustments of $4.7 million (of which $3.6 million related to our original MTS contract and $1.1 million related to a large over-the-horizon microwave system contract in the telecommunications transmission segment) resulting from our ongoing review of total estimated contract revenues and costs, and the related gross margin at completion, on long-term contracts. These adjustments were partially offset by a $0.4 million firmware-related warranty provision in our mobile data communications segment.
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Included in cost of sales for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 are provisions for excess and obsolete inventory of $1.2 million and $1.5 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 $41.7 million and $34.8 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, representing an increase of $6.9 million, or 19.8%.
The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to higher payroll-related expenses (including amortization of stock-based compensation and cash-based incentive compensation) associated with the overall increase in net sales and profits of our Company and, to a lesser extent, legal and other professional fees for the matters discussed in “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note (15) Legal Proceedings”. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 15.6% and 16.7% for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in percentage is due primarily to the increase in net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2008.
Assuming no significant change or unexpected findings related to the Brazil Subpoena, we expect selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, for fiscal year 2008 to be similar to fiscal 2007.
Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $4.0 million in the six months ended January 31, 2008 from $2.6 million in the six months ended January 31, 2007.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses were $20.2 million and $14.8 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, representing an increase of $5.4 million, or 36.5%. The increase in expenses primarily reflects our continued investment in research and development efforts across all of our business segments.
For the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, research and development expenses of $12.0 million and $10.0 million, respectively, related to our telecommunications transmission segment, $5.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively, related to our mobile data communications segment, $1.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively, related to our RF microwave amplifiers segment, with the remaining expenses related to the amortization of stock-based compensation expense which is not allocated to our three operating segments. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense recorded as research and development expenses increased to $0.9 million in the six months ended January 31, 2008 from $0.5 million in the six months ended January 31, 2007.
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, 2008 and 2007, customers reimbursed us $3.1 million and $3.2 million, respectively, which is not reflected in the reported research and development expenses, but is included in net sales with the related costs included in cost of sales. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, research and development expenses were 7.6% and 7.1% for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 was $0.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The amortization primarily relates to intangibles with finite lives that we acquired in connection with various acquisitions. The decrease in amortization of intangibles for the six months ended January 31, 2008 is related to certain intangibles that have been fully amortized.
Operating Income. Operating income for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007 was $54.1 million and $38.3 million, respectively. The $15.8 million, or 41.3% increase, was primarily the result of the higher consolidated sales and gross margin percentage during the six months ended January 31, 2008, partially offset by increased operating expenses (including research and development expenses) as discussed above.
Operating income in our telecommunications transmission segment decreased to $24.1 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 from $32.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007, primarily as a result of lower net sales and increased operating expenses (including expenses associated with the Brazil Subpoena matter). 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.
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Our mobile data communications segment generated operating income of $41.1 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to $14.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the significant increase in net sales and gross margins achieved during the six months ended January 31, 2008, partially offset by increased operating expenses including increased spending on research and development activities. As discussed above under “Gross Profit,” included in operating income in the six months ended January 31, 2007 is the positive impact from the cumulative adjustment, net of the respective firmware-related warranty provision, of $2.8 million.
Operating income in our RF microwave amplifiers segment increased to $2.1 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 from $1.7 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 due primarily to an increase in net sales (at a lower gross profit percentage) offset by increased spending on research and development activities.
Unallocated operating expenses increased to $13.2 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 from $10.0 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007 due to higher payroll-related expenses (including increased amortization of stock-based compensation and cash-based incentive compensation) as well as increased other costs associated with growing our business. Amortization of stock-based compensation expense increased to $5.3 million in the six months ended January 31, 2008 from $3.3 million in the six months ended January 31, 2007. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in both the number and related fair value of stock-based awards that are being amortized over their respective service periods for the six months ended January 31, 2008 as compared to the six months ended January 31, 2007.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $1.3 million and $1.4 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Interest expense primarily represents interest associated with our 2.0% convertible senior notes.
Interest Income and Other. Interest income and other for the six months ended January 31, 2008 was $8.5 million, as compared to $6.5 million for the six months ended January 31, 2007. The $2.0 million increase was primarily due to an increase in investable cash since January 31, 2007, partially offset by a decline in interest rates.
Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $21.1 million and $14.4 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 34.5% and 33.2% for the six months ended January 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the six months ended January 31, 2008 is attributable to the recording of certain net tax benefits, primarily the retroactive extension (in December 2006) of the Federal research and experimentation credit, that are reflected in the effective tax rate for the six months ended January 31, 2007. In addition, we recorded discrete tax benefits of approximately $0.2 million for both the six months ended January 31, 2008 and January 31, 2007, relating to disqualifying dispositions of stock options.
Excluding the discrete tax benefits, we currently expect that our effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 will approximate 34.75%. Our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2008 reflects the fact that the Federal research and experimentation credit has expired as of December 31, 2007.
Our Federal income tax return for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004 is currently being audited by the Internal Revenue Service. Additional income tax returns for other fiscal years may also be examined. If the outcome of the audit differs materially from our original income tax provisions, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents decreased to $340.9 million at January 31, 2008 from $342.9 million at July 31, 2007.
Net cash used in operating activities was $1.0 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008, compared to $17.2 million of net cash provided by operations for the first six months of fiscal 2007. During the six months ended January 31, 2008 we experienced an increase in working capital requirements associated with the significant increase in sales activity across our Company. The increase in working capital requirements (primarily for accounts receivable and inventory) was driven by the timing of shipments and related collection of cash from our customers, as well as the necessary investment in inventory in support of current backlog that is expected to be recognized as revenue during the second half of fiscal 2008.
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended January 31, 2008 was $6.8 million, of which $6.4 million was for purchases of property, plant and equipment including expenditures related to ongoing equipment upgrades, as well as enhancements to our high-volume technology manufacturing center located in Tempe, Arizona.
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Net cash provided by financing activities was $5.8 million for the six months ended January 31, 2008, due primarily to proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchase plan shares aggregating $4.4 million and a $1.5 million excess income tax benefit from the exercise of stock awards.
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 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. For further information concerning this financing, see “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note (9) - 2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024.”
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, 2008, will materially adversely affect our liquidity.
At January 31, 2008, we had contractual cash obligations to repay our 2.0% convertible senior notes, 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 2.0% convertible senior notes, are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| |
| | Obligations Due by Fiscal Years (in thousands) | |
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| |
| | Total | | Remainder of 2008 | | 2009 and 2010 | | 2011 and 2012 | | After 2012 | |
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|
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2.0% convertible senior notes | | $ | 105,000 | | — | | — | | — | | 105,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating lease commitments | | | 32,921 | | 15,082 | | 8,097 | | 4,593 | | 5,149 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other obligations | | | 188 | | 75 | | 113 | | — | | — | |
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| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Total contractual cash obligations | | $ | 138,109 | | 15,157 | | 8,210 | | 4,593 | | 110,149 | |
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As further discussed in “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note (9) - 2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024,” we may, at our option, redeem some or all of the notes on or after February 4, 2009. Holders of our 2.0% 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. The notes can be converted, at the option of the noteholders, during the conversion period of December 17, 2007 through March 14, 2008. On the basis of the closing sale prices of our common stock through March 3, 2008, we also anticipate that the notes will be convertible during the conversion period of March 17, 2008 through June 16, 2008. Upon receiving notification of a noteholder’s intent to convert, we, in accordance with the provisions of the indenture, will inform the noteholder of our intention to deliver shares of common stock or cash, or a combination thereof.
We have entered into standby letter of credit agreements with financial institutions relating to the guarantee of future performance on certain contracts. At January 31, 2008, the balance of these agreements was $4.4 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.
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RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose all of the information required to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. This statement is effective for acquisition dates on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”) to change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. This new consolidation method significantly changes the accounting for transactions involving minority interest holders. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 160 beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. We currently do not have any noncontrolling interests recorded in our financial statements; accordingly, we do not expect a material impact on our financial statements, upon adoption.
In December 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus in Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 07-1, “Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements” (“EITF No. 07-1”), which defines collaborative arrangements and establishes reporting requirements for transactions between participants in a collaborative arrangement and between participants in the arrangement and third parties. We must adopt EITF No. 07-1 effective August 1, 2009. EITF No. 07-1 is generally to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented for all collaborative arrangements existing as of the effective date. We currently do not participate in collaborative arrangements as defined by EITF No. 07-1; accordingly, we currently do not expect EITF No. 07-1 to have a material impact on our financial statements upon adoption.
On August 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FIN No. 48. Except for additional disclosures which are contained in “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note (10) Income Taxes,” there was no material impact on our financial statements and we did not record any cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. In accordance with FIN No. 48, there was no retrospective application to any prior financial statement periods.
In February 2007, the FASB released SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”) to provide companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective of SFAS No. 159 is to reduce both the complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of our fiscal 2009. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating SFAS No. 159 and are not yet in a position to determine what, if any, effect SFAS No. 159 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”) to clarify the definition of fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value and expand the disclosures on fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS No. 157 also stipulates that, as a market-based measurement, fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (a) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (b) the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). Except for the deferral for the implementation of SFAS No. 157 for other non-financial assets and liabilities, as defined, SFAS No. 157 will be effective for our first quarter of fiscal 2009. The FASB is expected to continue to further debate the aspects of SFAS No. 157 that relate to non-financial assets and liabilities and the aforementioned accounting could change. We are currently evaluating SFAS No. 157 and are not yet in a position to determine what, if any, effect SFAS No. 157 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
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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 $1.4 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. As of January 31, 2008, we estimate the fair market value of our 2.0% convertible senior notes to be $155.7 million based on recent trading activity.
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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
See “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note (15) Legal Proceedings,” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for information regarding legal proceedings.
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, 2007, except as discussed below.
We could be adversely affected by the results of an ongoing investigation into our contract to supply certain equipment to the Brazilian Government.
In October 2007, our Florida-based subsidiary, Comtech Systems, Inc. (“CSI”), received a customs export enforcement subpoena from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) branch of the Department of Homeland Security. The subpoena relates to CSI’s $2.0 million contract with the Brazilian Naval Commission (“the Brazil contract”) and it required the production of all books, records and documents, including copies of contracts, invoices and payments related to agreements between CSI, its agent, its subcontractor and the Brazilian government. We believe that the ICE investigation is focused primarily on whether or not CSI was in compliance with export-related laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and the Export Administration Regulations. CSI produced documents in response to the subpoena request and will continue to provide related information to ICE. Customs officials have detained certain inventory related to the Brazil contract pending resolution of this matter.
We engaged outside counsel to assist CSI in its response to the subpoena and related matters and to conduct our own investigation. Based on its ongoing investigation into this matter, we believe that the detained inventory, which consists of commercial satellite equipment, was not modified or adapted in any way to meet Brazilian military requirements and was only subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce and not the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State. In addition, in order to provide certain defense services, including conducting factory acceptance testing at CSI’s Florida facility, we also believe that CSI was required to obtain a license (referred to as a Technical Assistance Agreement (“TAA”)) from the U.S. Department of State. We believe that the TAA authorized all activities under the Brazil contract that were subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State.
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We believe that CSI made a good faith effort to comply with applicable regulations; however, we believe that CSI made inadvertent administrative errors resulting in a TAA that did not become effective on a timely basis. The administrative errors relate primarily to the execution of non-disclosure agreements (“NDA”) with certain third country national employees of CSI’s agent. These individuals have now signed appropriate NDAs, and, in December 2007, CSI filed an amended TAA with the U.S. Department of State. CSI has also requested that the U.S. Department of State confirm CSI’s and our view that the Brazil contract does not require any other State Department license.
We also engaged counsel to help us assess and improve, as appropriate, internal controls at CSI with respect to U.S. export control laws and regulations and laws governing record keeping and dealings with foreign representatives. To date, we have noted opportunities for improving our procedures for ensuring compliance with such laws and regulations. We expect our assessment process and any necessary remediation of internal controls to be completed by the end of fiscal 2008.
Violations of U.S. export control related laws and regulations that are identified by the U.S. government could result in civil or criminal fines and/or penalties and/or result in an injunction against CSI, all of which could, in the aggregate, materially impact our business, results of operations and cash flows. Should we identify a material weakness relating to our compliance, the ongoing costs of remediation could be material. In addition, inventory related to the Brazil contract (including the inventory that has been detained) had a net book value of $1.1 million as of January 31, 2008. If this inventory is permanently seized or not returned to us timely, or we can not resell the inventory to other customers, we would be required to write-off the value of this inventory in a future accounting period.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP.
(Registrant)
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Date: March 5, 2008 | By: | /s/ Fred Kornberg |
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| | Fred Kornberg |
| | Chairman of the Board |
| | Chief Executive Officer and President |
| | (Principal Executive Officer) |
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Date: March 5, 2008 | By: | /s/ Michael D. Porcelain |
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| | Michael D. Porcelain |
| | Senior Vice President and |
| | Chief Financial Officer |
| | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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