Exhibit 99
Communications Systems Announces
First Quarter 2004 Operating Results.
Hector, MN ---- May 4, 2004--- Communications Systems, Inc. (AMEX: JCS) today
reported net income of $724,000 or $0.09 per diluted share for the first quarter
ended March 31, 2004 compared to net income of $723,000 or $0.09 per diluted
share for the first quarter of 2003. First quarter 2004 revenues totaled
$25,249,000 compared to revenues of $26,575,000 in the first quarter of 2003.
The company's Hector, MN based business unit, which manufactures and distributes
telecommunications connection products and filtering devices for voice, data and
video applications reported increased revenues and profits in the first quarter
of 2004. First quarter 2004 revenues totaled $9,310,000 compared to $8,143,000
in the first quarter of 2003. Operating income in the first quarter of 2004 was
$890,000 compared to $263,000 in the first quarter of 2003.
Media conversion and network switch segment revenues for first quarter 2004
remained strong with first quarter revenues of $12,227,000 compared to
$12,381,000 in 2003. Operating income for the first quarter of 2004 for this
business segment was $1,015,000 compared to $1,158,000 in 2003.
The company's United Kingdom based business unit reported improved results in
the first quarter of 2004. Revenues in the first three months of 2004 were
$2,742,000 compared to $1,574,000 in the same period of 2003. This segment also
posted an operating profit of $18,000 in the first quarter of 2004 compared to
an operating loss of $411,000 in 2003.
The company's education consulting segment continues to report declining
revenues and operating income in 2004. First quarter 2004 revenues were $970,000
compared to $4,477,000 in the first quarter of 2003. This segment reported an
operating loss in the first quarter of 2004 of $351,000 compared to operating
income of $560,000 in the first quarter of 2003.
As previously announced, CSI's acquisition of Image Systems, Corp, which was
approved by both boards of directors, was completed at the end of March 2004
following approval by Image Systems shareholders. This acquisition will provide
synergy and will be reflected in the operations of the other business units.
Revenues and operating results for Image Systems Corp. will be reflected in CSI
consolidated results beginning the second quarter of 2004.
Jeffrey K. Berg, President and Chief Operating Officer, commented: "The
achievement by both the Minnesota and U.K. based business units is significant
to CSI's positive first quarter results. The increased revenue and profit is
being generated in part by new customers and new products."
Curtis A. Sampson Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: "It is
particularly encouraging to have our Minnesota based Suttle operation rebound as
they have which is a real tribute to that management team. Five of our six
business units are operating profitably. Unfortunately, the delays for the year
6 government technology funding (Federal E-Rate program) experienced by our
education consulting segment has adversely affected CSI's revenue and profit for
the first quarter of 2004. While we remain optimistic about the long-term
outlook for this business segment, the second quarter will also be below plan.
We will continue to invest and focus on expending our new growth segments while
evaluating our portfolio to identify and pursue opportunities for higher growth
and profitability."
About Communications Systems
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Communications Systems, Inc. provides physical connectivity infrastructure and
services for cost-effective broadband solutions and is a leading supplier of
voice-grade connecting devices and wiring systems. CSI serves the broadband
network market as the world's leading supplier of media conversion technology,
which permits networks to deploy fiber optic technology, while retaining the
copper-based infrastructure already embedded in the network. In addition, CSI
supplies copper wire and fiber optic structured wiring systems for broadband
networks, as well as line filters for digital subscriber line service. CSI also
provides network design, training and management services.
Cautionary Statement: From time to time, in reports filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, in press releases, and in other communications to
shareholders or the investing public, the Company may make forward-looking
statements concerning possible or anticipated future financial performance,
business activities or plans which are typically preceded by the words
"believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends" or similar expressions. For such
forward-looking statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor
for forward-looking statements contained in federal securities laws.
Shareholders and the investing public should understand that such
forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could
cause actual performance, activities or plans to differ significantly from those
indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties
include, but are not limited to: lower sales to RBOCs and other major customers;
competitive products and technologies; our ability to successfully reduce
operating expenses at certain business units; the general health of the telecom
sector; profitability of recent acquisitions; delays in new product
introductions; higher than expected expense related to new sales and marketing
initiatives; availability of adequate supplies of raw materials and components;
fuel prices; and other factors discuss from time to time in the Company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CSI CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF EARNINGS
Three Months Ended March 31
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2004 2003
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Sales $ 25,249,164 $ 26,575,150
Gross Margin 7,936,793 7,405,789
Operating Income 1,120,912 1,183,898
Income Before Income Taxes 1,154,417 1,173,071
Income Taxes 430,000 450,000
Net Income 724,417 723,071
Basic Net Income Per Share $ .09 $ .09
Diluted Net Income Per Share $ .09 $ .09
Average Shares Outstanding:
Average Common Shares Outstanding 8,219,410 8,160,931
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options Outstanding 52,593 10,937
--------------- --------------
8,272,003 8,171,868
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