UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended                       March 31, 2012                 

Commission File Number 001-34974

 

 

 

AEROFLEX HOLDING CORP.

 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

DELAWARE   01-0899019
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)

 

35 South Service Road    
P.O. Box 6022    
Plainview, N.Y.   11803-0622
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(516) 694-6700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x      No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ¨   Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer x   Smaller reporting company ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

 

May 10, 2012   84,845,687
(Date)   (Number of Shares)

 

 
 

 

AEROFLEX HOLDING CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

    PAGE
  PART I:           FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1 UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
  March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2011 2
     
  UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 3
  Nine Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 4
     
  UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  
  Nine Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 5
     
  NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 6 – 20
     
Item 2 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  
  Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 21 – 35
     
Item 3 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 36
     
Item 4 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 37
     
  PART II:           OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 38
     
Item 1A RISK FACTORS 38
     
Item 2 UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 38
     
Item 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 38
     
Item 4 [REMOVED AND RESERVED] 38
     
Item 5 OTHER INFORMATION 38
     
Item 6 EXHIBITS 39
     
SIGNATURE 40
   
EXHIBIT INDEX 41
   
CERTIFICATIONS  

 

1
 

 

Aeroflex Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   March 31,   June 30, 
   2012   2011 
         
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $31,770   $66,278 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $993 and $1,210   128,839    168,141 
Inventories   179,128    186,370 
Deferred income taxes   38,481    51,855 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   12,878    10,044 
Total current assets   391,096    482,688 
           
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $97,774 and $82,581   101,197    105,162 
Deferred financing costs, net   13,068    15,289 
Other assets   36,098    29,000 
Intangible assets with definite lives, net   136,110    183,614 
Intangible assets with indefinite lives   111,660    114,730 
Goodwill   407,910    465,443 
           
Total assets  $1,197,139   $1,395,926 
           
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity          
Current liabilities:          
Current portion of long-term debt  $385   $7,635 
Accounts payable   28,379    48,737 
Advance payments by customers and deferred revenue   23,648    25,859 
Income taxes payable   1,071    8,371 
Accrued payroll expenses   18,024    22,063 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   37,469    45,772 
Total current liabilities   108,976    158,437 
           
Long-term debt   656,375    717,750 
Deferred income taxes   92,589    117,150 
Other long-term liabilities   25,827    19,065 
Total liabilities   883,767    1,012,402 
           
Stockholders' equity:          
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding   -    - 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 84,839,568 and 84,789,180 shares issued and outstanding   848    848 
Additional paid-in capital   647,137    644,262 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (34,725)   (32,536)
Accumulated deficit   (299,888)   (229,050)
Total stockholders' equity   313,372    383,524 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $1,197,139   $1,395,926 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2
 

 

Aeroflex Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Net sales  $162,262   $193,219 
Cost of sales   83,089    86,861 
Gross profit   79,173    106,358 
           
Operating expenses:          
Selling, general and administrative costs   38,618    38,265 
Research and development costs   22,245    24,663 
Amortization of acquired intangibles   15,642    15,900 
Restructuring charges   4,031    2,698 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles   59,700    - 
Total operating expenses   140,236    81,526 
Operating income (loss)   (61,063)   24,832 
           
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense   (8,252)   (13,852)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   (864)   - 
Other income (expense), net   (251)   (119)
Total other income (expense), net   (9,367)   (13,971)
           
Income (loss) before income taxes   (70,430)   10,861 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (5,169)   6,734 
Net income (loss)  $(65,261)  $4,127 
           
Net income (loss) per common share:          
Basic  $(0.77)  $0.05 
Diluted  $(0.77)  $0.05 
           
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:          
Basic   84,824    84,789 
Diluted   84,824    84,789 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3
 

 

Aeroflex Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   Nine Months Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Net sales  $488,284   $530,729 
Cost of sales   244,901    249,705 
Gross profit   243,383    281,024 
           
Operating expenses:          
Selling, general and administrative costs   114,597    113,234 
Research and development costs   68,940    68,477 
Amortization of acquired intangibles   47,043    47,706 
Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement   -    18,133 
Restructuring charges   5,382    10,790 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles   59,700    - 
Total operating expenses   295,662    258,340 
Operating income (loss)   (52,279)   22,684 
           
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense   (25,386)   (55,803)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   (864)   (25,178)
Gain from a bargain purchase of a business   -    173 
Other income (expense), net   (944)   (526)
Total other income (expense), net   (27,194)   (81,334)
           
Income (loss) before income taxes   (79,473)   (58,650)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (8,635)   (45,557)
Net income (loss)  $(70,838)  $(13,093)
           
Net income (loss) per common share:          
Basic  $(0.84)  $(0.18)
Diluted  $(0.84)  $(0.18)
           
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:          
Basic   84,806    74,608 
Diluted   84,806    74,608 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4
 

 

Aeroflex Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

   Nine Months Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income (loss)  $(70,838)  $(13,093)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   62,863    62,426 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles   59,700    - 
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   864    25,178 
Deferred income taxes   (11,133)   (52,317)
Share-based compensation   2,649    1,655 
Non - cash restructuring charges   1,015    4,860 
Amortization of deferred financing costs   1,515    3,976 
Paid in kind interest   -    2,434 
Other, net   2,063    1,321 
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchases of businesses:          
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable   38,182    (10,890)
Decrease (increase) in inventories   5,563    (39,936)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets   (7,710)   (8,142)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities   (29,727)   4,430 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   55,006    (18,098)
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Payments for purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired   (5,106)   (23,593)
Capital expenditures   (15,030)   (17,132)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities   -    10,357 
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment   239    819 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (19,897)   (29,549)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock   -    244,021 
Repurchase of senior unsecured notes and senior subordinated unsecured term loans, including premiums and fees   -    (207,690)
Payment of contingent consideration related to business acquisition   (948)   - 
Debt repayments   (68,625)   (21,458)
Deferred financing costs   (158)   (3,332)
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (69,731)   11,541 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   114    2,595 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (34,508)   (33,511)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   66,278    100,663 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $31,770   $67,152 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial information of Aeroflex Holding Corp. and subsidiaries (“we”, “our”, “us”, or the “Company”) has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which in management’s opinion are necessary to state fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31, 2012, its results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and its cash flows for the nine month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. The June 30, 2011 balance sheet information has been derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all information or disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial statements.

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011 (“the fiscal year 2011 Form 10-K”).

 

Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) “Sponsors” refers collectively to affiliates of or funds managed by The Veritas Capital Fund III, L.P., Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc., and GS Direct, L.L.C., which indirectly control the Company and (ii) “fiscal year” refers to the twelve months ended June 30 of the applicable year. For example, “fiscal year 2011” refers to the twelve months ended June 30, 2011.

 

Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

 

2.Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance to amend the accounting and disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The new guidance limits the highest-and-best-use measure to nonfinancial assets, permits certain financial assets and liabilities with offsetting positions in market or counterparty credit risks to be measured at a net basis, and provides guidance on the applicability of premiums and discounts. Additionally, the new guidance expands the disclosures on Level 3 inputs by requiring quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions, as well as description of the valuation processes and the sensitivity of the fair value to changes in unobservable inputs. The adoption on January 1, 2012 of this new guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

6
 

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist.  The adoption on July 1, 2011 of this new guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2010, the FASB amended its authoritative guidance related to business combinations entered into by an entity that are material on an individual or aggregate basis.  These amendments clarify existing guidance that if an entity presents comparative financial statements that include a material business combination, the entity should disclose pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period.  The amendments also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings.  We adopted this new guidance on July 1, 2011 and it became effective prospectively for business combinations consummated by us after June 30, 2011.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to amend the disclosure requirements related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The guidance requires a roll forward of activities on purchases, sales, issuance, and settlements on a gross basis of the assets and liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value measurements). The adoption on July 1, 2011 of the gross presentation of the Level 3 roll forward did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

3.Acquisitions of Businesses and Intangible Assets

 

Gaisler Research AB

 

On June 30, 2008, we acquired the stock of Gaisler Research AB, or Gaisler, for $12.3 million cash (net of $2.7 million cash acquired), plus contingent consideration over the three year period of fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2011, based on Gaisler’s achieved EBITDA. Based on Gaisler’s actual results of operations an additional $4.0 million was paid to the selling shareholders in October 2009, $4.6 million was paid to the selling shareholders in October 2010, and $5.1 million was paid to the selling shareholders in October 2011, all of which has been added to goodwill in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Radiation Assured Devices

 

On June 30, 2010, we acquired 100% of the stock of Radiation Assured Devices, Inc., or RAD, for $13.0 million in cash, which is net of cash acquired and a closing date deficiency in adjusted net assets, and recorded a $7.1 million liability for the fair value of contingent consideration over a five year period ending June 30, 2015. In October 2011, we paid $1.4 million of contingent consideration. In the statement of cash flows, $948,000 of the $1.4 million payment was classified as a financing activity, and the balance was classified as an operating activity in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 230. After considering interest accretion, we have $1.9 million reflected in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and $6.9 million reflected in other long-term liabilities as of March 31, 2012.

 

Advanced Control Components

 

On August 31, 2010, we acquired 100% of the stock of Advanced Control Components, Inc., or ACC, for $18.6 million in cash, which is net of working capital adjustments.  The results of operations of ACC were included in our accompanying consolidated financial statements commencing with the date it was acquired.

 

7
 

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives

 

We assess goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives at least annually for impairment in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or more frequently if certain events or circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. We test goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segments. Based on a reduced forecast of earnings for the fourth quarter fiscal 2012 and beyond in one of our reporting units, the Radio Frequency MicroWave, or RFMW group, we tested this reporting unit for impairment in the third quarter of fiscal year 2012.

 

As of March 31, 2012, the RFMW group had goodwill of $66.2 million and an enterprise carrying value of $158.1 million, before impairment. We determined that there was an impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its enterprise carrying value. Based on our analysis, considering observed conditions during our third quarter of fiscal 2012, the future discounted estimated cash flows of this group indicated a fair value of approximately $106.0 million at March 31, 2012 and that the goodwill had been impaired.

 

We then proceeded to the prescribed step 2 of the impairment process and calculated the amount of the write-down of goodwill by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill (the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value of its net identifiable assets) with the carrying amount of that goodwill. We recorded this difference of $56.7 million as a preliminary non-cash goodwill impairment charge. Due to the complexity of the analysis which involves completion of fair value analyses and the resolution of certain significant assumptions, we will finalize this goodwill impairment charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

 

In determining the fair value above, a discount rate of 17% was applied to the expected cash flow and a long-term growth rate of 5% was used to determine the residual value. As part of the analysis we also estimated the fair value of the RFMW group tradenames. In determining the fair value of the tradenames we used the relief-from-royalty method and a 2% royalty rate discounted to a present value at 18% and a 5% long-term growth rate was used to determine the residual value. The carrying value of the tradenames was higher than the fair value determined. Therefore we recorded an additional non-cash impairment of $3.0 million. The discounted cash flow model and the relief-from-royalty method are Level 3 fair value measurements consisting of inputs unobservable in the market and significant to the fair value calculation.

 

As of March 31, 2012, there were no indicators of any goodwill impairment for the Company’s five other reporting units. In connection with our annual assessment of goodwill during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, we will be updating our key assumptions including future forecasts of revenue and income for each of our six reporting units.

 

The carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, was as follows:

 

   Microelectronic   Test     
   Solutions   Solutions   Total 
   (In thousands) 
             
Balance at June 30, 2011  $304,481   $160,962   $465,443 
Impairment of goodwill   (56,700)   -    (56,700)
Impact of foreign currency translation   (749)   (84)   (833)
Balance at March 31, 2012  $247,032   $160,878   $407,910 

 

8
 

 

4.Restructuring Charges

 

The following table sets forth the charges and payments related to the restructuring liability, which is reflected in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated:

 

   Balance               Balance 
   June 30,               March 31, 
   2011   Nine Months Ended March 31, 2012   2012 
           Effect of     
   Restructuring           Foreign   Restructuring 
   Liability   Net Additions   Cash Payments   Currency   Liability 
       (In thousands)     
                     
Work force reduction  $2,666   $3,679   $(3,297)  $(92)  $2,956 
                          
Facilities closures and other costs   497    1,703    (2,152)   18    66 
                          
Total  $3,163   $5,382   $(5,449)  $(74)  $3,022 

 

Restructuring charges for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 consist of severance and facility closure costs in connection with continued consolidation activities related to certain manufacturing operations located in Europe and the U.S.

 

5.Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,   June 30, 
   2012   2011 
   (In thousands) 
         
Raw materials  $90,256   $101,854 
Work in process   56,950    60,290 
Finished goods   31,922    24,226 
   $179,128   $186,370 

 

6.Derivative Financial Instruments

 

We address certain financial exposures through a controlled program of risk management that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. When deemed appropriate to do so, we enter into interest rate swap derivatives to manage the effects of interest rate movements on portions of our debt. We routinely enter into foreign currency forward contracts, not designated as hedging instruments, to protect us from fluctuations in exchange rates.

 

9
 

 

The fair values of our derivative financial instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2011 were as follows:

 

   Asset (Liability) Derivatives 
   March 31, 2012  June 30, 2011
   Balance Sheet      Balance Sheet    
(In thousands)  Location  Fair Value(1)   Location  Fair Value(1) 
                 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:                
                 
Foreign currency forward contracts  Prepaid expenses and other current assets  $305   Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  $(30)

 

 

(1)The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities are determined based on observable market data and are considered level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

The gains and losses related to our derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
Relationships
  Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized on Derivatives in Other
Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)
 
   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
   (In thousands) 
                     
Interest rate swap contracts  $-   $-   $-   $(612)

 

Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income into Income
(Effective Portion)
  Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion)
 
   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   March 31   March 31 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
   (In thousands) 
                     
Interest expense  $-   $(1,033)  $-   $(7,225)

 

10
 

 

The amounts of the gains and losses related to our derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

Derivatives Not  Location of Gain or (Loss)  Amount of Gain or (Loss) 
Designated as  Recognized in Earnings on  Recognized in Earnings on 
Hedging Instruments  Derivative  Derivative 
      Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended 
      March 31,    March 31, 
      2012   2011   2012   2011 
      (In thousands) 
Foreign currency forward contracts  Other income (expense)  $522   $(15)  $335   $296 

 

Interest Rate Swap Cash-Flow Hedges

 

We enter into interest rate swap contracts with counterparties that are rated investment grade to manage the effects of interest rate movements on portions of our debt. Such contracts effectively fix the borrowing rates on floating rate debt to limit the exposure against the risk of rising rates. We do not enter into interest rate swap contracts for speculative purposes. There were no interest rate swap contracts that were outstanding as of June 30, 2011, and we have not entered into any new interest rate swap contracts since that date.

 

Foreign Currency Contract Derivatives

 

Foreign currency contracts are used to protect us from fluctuations in exchange rates. Our foreign currency contracts are not designated as hedges and therefore the change in fair value is included in other income (expense) as it occurs. As of March 31, 2012, we had $34.2 million of notional value foreign currency forward contracts maturing through April 30, 2012. Notional amounts do not quantify risk or represent assets or liabilities of the Company, but are used in the calculation of cash settlements under the contracts.

 

7.Marketable Securities

 

In December 2010, $2.0 million of our auction rate securities were sold at par. In January 2011, the remaining $9.0 million of our auction rate securities were sold at an average of 92.4% of par. The resulting $688,000 realized loss was recorded in the statement of operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2011.

 

8.Long Term Debt and Credit Agreements

 

On November 4, 2010, we amended our then existing senior secured credit facility, for which we paid a $3.3 million fee to the lenders which was recorded as deferred financing costs and $579,000 of other costs that were expensed as incurred, which allowed us to, among other things:

 

·increase the amount of cash we could spend for acquisitions of businesses;

 

·pay certain fees to affiliates of our Sponsors upon the completion of our initial public offering (“IPO”). These fees were paid on November 24, 2010, and consisted of a $2.5 million transaction fee for services directly attributable to the IPO, which was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital, and a $16.9 million termination fee to terminate the advisory agreement with them (“Termination Fee”). The Termination Fee, when combined with the related write-off of prepaid advisory fees, amounted to an $18.1 million expense which is reported in the statement of operations as Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement; and

 

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·change the basis for calculating our interest rate margin above LIBOR.

 

In November 2010, we consummated the IPO of our common stock. We used a portion of the net proceeds of our IPO to repurchase an aggregate of $186.6 million of our then existing senior unsecured notes and senior subordinated unsecured term loans. This resulted in a $25.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs, which was comprised of the following: 

 

·an 11% premium paid on the debt repurchased, which amounted to $20.5 million;

 

·the write-off of the related deferred financing costs of $4.0 million; and

 

·professional fees of $614,000.

 

On May 9, 2011, we entered into a new senior secured credit facility with various lenders, consisting of a senior secured term loan facility of $725.0 million and a senior secured revolving credit facility of $75.0 million, to refinance $695.5 million of our then outstanding debt.

 

For the nine months ended March 31, 2012, we repaid $68.6 million of our term loan, including voluntary prepayments of $65.0 million, with cash on hand from operations. The voluntary prepayment resulted in the write-off of the related deferred financing costs of $864,000.

 

As of March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants contained in the senior secured credit facility. Pursuant to the credit agreement, the maximum permitted leverage ratio continues to periodically decrease. Based on the range of our current forecasts of earnings for fiscal 2012, and anticipated debt payments for the balance of fiscal 2012, we will be in compliance with the leverage ratio covenant at the higher end of the earnings range. In light of this, we have requested an amendment to the credit facility to ease the covenant maximum. There is no assurance that we will be able to successfully negotiate an amendment with our lending group nor are we able to currently estimate the final agreed upon covenants, terms (including an increase in the interest rate on borrowings) or cost of the amendment.

 

Interest paid was $23.8 million and $56.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Accrued interest of $4.2 million and $4.4 million was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities at March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively.

 

The fair value of our debt instruments was as follows:

 

   As of March 31, 2012 
   (In thousands) 
   Carrying Amount   Estimated Fair Value 
         
Senior secured term loan  $656,375   $639,129 
Other   385    385 
Total debt  $656,760   $639,514 

 

As of June 30, 2011, our total debt had a carrying value of $725.4 million and a fair value of $726.3 million.

 

The estimated fair values of each of our debt instruments were based on quoted prices and are considered Level 2 measurements. Fair value estimates related to our debt instruments are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information. The estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.

 

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9.Stockholders’ Equity

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

In November 2011, our stockholders approved the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan authorizes us to provide equity-based compensation in the form of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”), other share based awards and performance awards. Awards may be granted to employees, directors and consultants of the Company. The number of shares of our common stock authorized for award under the 2011 Plan was 4.5 million shares. The compensation committee of our board of directors administers the 2011 Plan including selecting participants, the type and terms of awards to be granted and number of shares subject to the awards.

 

In fiscal 2012, the compensation committee awarded RSUs covering a total of 432,000 shares including 35,000 RSUs that were immediately vested on the date of grant. In connection with these vestings, we withheld and remitted $63,000 of payroll taxes. As of March 31, 2012, 4.0 million shares of our common stock were reserved and available for grants pursuant to the 2011 Plan.

 

RSUs generally vest in equal tranches over a service period of up to five years. We have elected to recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Except as noted below, the estimated fair value of RSUs granted under the 2011 Plan was determined based on the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. RSUs awarded to employees in certain foreign countries are to be settled in cash at their vesting date and were therefore recorded as liability-classified awards. Liability-classified awards are remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until settlement.

 

The weighted average grant date fair value of RSUs granted for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 was $8.84 per share. The total intrinsic value of RSUs vested during the nine months ended March 31, 2012 was $315,000.

 

As of March 31, 2012, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs was $3.2 million and the related weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized was approximately 2.7 years.

 

Additional information with respect to our RSUs was as follows:

 

   Shares   Average
Intrinsic Value
   Weighted
Average
Contractual Life
Remaining in
Years
 
   (In thousands)   (In thousands)     
             
Outstanding at June 30, 2011   -           
Granted   432           
Forfeited   (3)          
Vested   (35)          
                
Outstanding at March 31, 2012   394   $4,390    2.7 
                
Expected to Vest at March 31, 2012   364   $4,057    2.7 

 

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Membership Interests

 

On August 15, 2007, certain members of our management were granted Class B membership interests and during the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 certain employees were granted Class B-1 membership interests, in a limited liability company (“parent LLC”) that owns 76.6% of our common stock as of March 31, 2012. The parent LLC is a holding company with no operations or employees of its own. The parent LLC has three classes of membership interests, Class A, Class B and Class B-1. Our non-management equity investors, or their affiliates, and certain of our employees that made equity investments in parent LLC are Class A members. Class B and Class B-1 members consist of certain of our employees. Pursuant to the terms of the limited liability company operating agreement (“LLC Agreement”) governing parent LLC, all class members will share in any distributions on a pro-rata basis based on their percentage of membership interests, to the extent funds are available, after the Class A members first receive a priority distribution, then the Class B members receive a priority distribution and finally the Class B-1 members receive a priority distribution (each distribution as separately defined in the LLC Agreement). The Class B and Class B-1 membership interests are non-transferable and vest ratably over five years, with any unvested interests reverting to the holders of Class A interests in the event they are forfeited or repurchased. The Class B and Class B-1 membership interests are equity classified awards and, therefore, the fair value of the Class B and Class B-1 membership interests at the grant date is being recorded as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the respective vesting period. In addition, since the Class A employee members that made equity investments in parent LLC paid less than fair value for their Class A member interests, as only they are entitled to a $3.2 million special distribution, and there is no vesting associated with the special distribution, we recorded the present value of the discount from fair value of $1.4 million as compensation expense on August 15, 2007. The accretion of $99,000 and $86,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and of $288,000 and $249,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was recorded as interest expense.

 

Compensation expense attributable to share based compensation (for both RSUs and membership interests) was $919,000 ($573,000 after tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $629,000 ($385,000 after tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Compensation expense attributable to share based compensation was $2.6 million ($1.6 million after tax) for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and $1.7 million ($1.0 million after tax) for the nine months ended March 31, 2011.

 

10.Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

 

Our consolidated statements of operations present basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share. Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share reflects the dilutive effects of RSUs. The treasury stock method was used to determine the dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities. Due to the net loss for both the three and nine months ended March 31, 2012, all 394,000 shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from diluted net income (loss) per common share because they were anti-dilutive. There were no potentially dilutive securities for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011.

 

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11.Comprehensive Income

 

The components of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
   (In thousands) 
                 
Net income (loss)  $(65,261)  $4,127   $(70,838)  $(13,093)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of interest rate swap contracts, net of tax provision (benefit) of $0, $401, $0 and $2,567   -    632    -    4,046 
Valuation allowance against non-current marketable securities   -    -    -    1,276 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax provision (benefit) of $348, $0, $(18) and $625   6,006    7,200    (2,189)   14,983 
Total comprehensive income (loss)  $(59,255)  $11,959   $(73,027)  $7,212 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:

 

   Minimum   Foreign     
   Pension   Currency     
   Liability   Translation     
   Adjustment   Adjustment   Total 
   (net of tax)   (net of tax)   (net of tax) 
   (In thousands) 
             
Balance, June 30, 2011  $(544)  $(31,992)  $(32,536)
Nine months' activity   -    (2,189)   (2,189)
Balance, March 31, 2012  $(544)  $(34,181)  $(34,725)

 

12.Income Taxes

 

The income tax benefit was $5.2 million and the income tax provision was $6.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, on a pre-tax loss of $70.4 million and pre-tax income of $10.9 million, respectively. The income tax benefit was $8.6 million and $45.6 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, on a pre-tax loss of $79.5 million and $58.7 million, respectively. The effective income tax rate for both periods differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to income before taxes primarily due to foreign, state and local income taxes, including U.S. income tax on certain foreign net income that we anticipate will be repatriated to the U.S. and a goodwill and intangible impairment charge that was mostly non-deductible during the three and nine months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Although the Company has a history of domestic pre-tax losses in recent years, these losses are largely driven by amortization expense recorded in the financial statements relating to the U.S. operations which are not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.  The amount of non-deductible U.S. book amortization expense recorded in fiscal 2011 and 2010 was $54.3 million and $53.1 million respectively.  As a result of this significant non-deductible expense, the Company had U.S. taxable income for fiscal 2010, while having a pre-tax book loss.  During fiscal 2011, the Company incurred unusual charges of $18.1 million in connection with the termination of an advisory agreement and $59.4 million in connection with the refinancing of its debt that resulted in a taxable loss for which a deferred tax asset was recorded for the net operating loss carryforwards.  These charges are not expected to recur and taxable income is expected in fiscal 2012 and future years.

 

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We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards, by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies.  Based on the significant balance of deferred tax liabilities associated with our intangible assets that are scheduled to reverse over the next several years, we have not recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset generated in fiscal 2011 with respect to our U.S. net operating loss carryforwards.  Also, we expect that sufficient taxable income will be generated in the U.S., in fiscal 2012, to fully utilize the net operating loss carryforwards.

 

The income tax benefit for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 reflects a net discrete benefit of $2.6 million of which $1.6 million relates to previously unanticipated tax benefits taken on our prior year tax returns in the United States and United Kingdom, a $606,000 tax benefit due to a change in reporting for the state of Colorado, a benefit of $700,000, recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2011, relating to a reduction in the statutory income tax rate in the United Kingdom partially offset by a prior year non-trade loss in the U.K. of $324,000 for which future utilization is uncertain. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended March 31, 2011, reflects various discrete items, including a $1.2 million income tax benefit for the retroactive reinstatement of the U.S. R&D credit and a reduction of $5.8 million of deferred tax liabilities related to U.S. income taxes previously provided on unremitted foreign earnings, both of which were recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2010. As a direct result of our IPO in November 2010 and related repurchase of a portion of our debt, interest expense was expected to decrease in the future. Consequently, we had changed our intent as to the amount and method of repatriations of foreign earnings, which resulted in the reduction of deferred tax liabilities.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2010, we identified an overstatement of deferred income tax liabilities established in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and throughout fiscal 2010 related to U.S. income taxes provided on unremitted foreign earnings. After consideration of both quantitative and qualitative factors, we determined the amounts were not material to any of those prior period financial statements or the fiscal 2011 estimated results and thus corrected the balance in the three months ended September 30, 2010. The adjustment resulted in a reduction of deferred income tax liabilities of $3.7 million, with a corresponding increase in income tax benefit in the statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The adjustment did not impact the statement of cash flows.

 

Absent the discrete items, the effective tax rates were 5% and 62% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and 8% and 59% for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The current year’s provision was a combination of year to date U.S. tax benefit on domestic losses, which included a largely non-deductible goodwill and intangible impairment charge and foreign tax benefit on foreign losses, after consideration of a foreign research credit. The prior year’s provision was a combination of projected annual U.S. tax benefits on domestic losses and foreign tax expense on foreign earnings. The resulting projected net consolidated income tax rate was applied against year-to-date pre-tax income to arrive at the year-to-date provision before adjustment for discrete items.

 

In the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we paid income taxes of $7.6 million and $14.3 million and received refunds of $184,000 and $3.1 million, respectively, related to federal, state and foreign income taxes.

 

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13.Legal Matters

 

We have identified instances of noncompliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) in certain of our past business activities as well as in the pre-acquisition business activities of certain recently acquired companies. These include the inadvertent misclassification and/or export of products without the required license and the disclosure of controlled technology to certain foreign national employees. These matters were formally disclosed to the U.S. Department of State from time to time from fiscal 2007 through fiscal 2012. At this time it is not possible to determine whether any fines or other penalties will be assessed against us or the materiality of the outcome of any of these ITAR matters.

 

In March 2005, we sold the net assets of our shock and vibration control device manufacturing business, which we refer to as VMC. Under the terms of the sale agreements, we retained certain liabilities relating to adverse environmental conditions that existed at the premises occupied by VMC as of the date of sale. We recorded a liability for the estimated remediation costs related to adverse environmental conditions that existed at the VMC premises when it was sold. The accrued environmental liability at March 31, 2012 was $1.5 million, of which $350,000 was expected to be paid within one year.

 

We are also involved in various other claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any of these actions will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

 

14.Business Segments

 

We are a global provider of radio frequency, or RF, and microwave integrated circuits, components and systems used in the design, development and maintenance of technically demanding, high-performance wireless communication systems. Our solutions include highly specialized microelectronic components and test and measurement equipment used by companies in the space, avionics, defense, commercial wireless communications, medical and other markets. Approximately 33% and 26% of our sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and 35% and 29% for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were to agencies of the United States government or to prime defense contractors or subcontractors of the United States government. No customer constituted more than 10% of sales during any of the periods presented. Inter-segment sales were not material and have been eliminated from the tables below.

 

The majority of our operations are located in the United States. We also have operations in Europe and Asia, with our most significant non-U.S. operations in the U.K. Net sales from facilities located in the U.K. were $29.7 million and $47.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and $98.6 million and $128.0 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Total assets of the U.K. operations were $184.1 million as of March 31, 2012 and $209.6 million as of June 30, 2011.

 

Net sales, based on the customers’ locations, attributed to the United States and other regions were as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
   (In thousands) 
                 
United States of America  $102,341   $101,533   $296,917   $291,364 
Europe and Middle East   34,383    40,623    98,673    105,281 
Asia and Australia   22,298    44,726    79,026    117,841 
Other regions   3,240    6,337    13,668    16,243 
   $162,262   $193,219   $488,284   $530,729 

 

The decreases in the sales to Asia in both the three and nine month periods were primarily due to reduced wireless test equipment sales.

 

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We organize our operations into two segments: Aeroflex Microelectronic Solutions, or AMS, and Aeroflex Test Solutions, or ATS. We engineer, manufacture and market a diverse range of products in each of our segments.

 

AMS offers a broad range of microelectronics products and is a leading provider of high-performance, high reliability specialty microelectronics components. Its products include high reliability, or HiRel, microelectronics/semiconductors, RF and microwave components, mixed-signal/digital ASICs and motion control products. ATS is a leading provider of a broad line of specialized test and measurement equipment. Its products include wireless test equipment, military radio and private mobile radio test equipment, avionics test equipment, synthetic test equipment and other general purpose test equipment.

 

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Selected financial data by segment was as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
   (In thousands) 
Net sales                    
- Microelectronic solutions ("AMS")  $91,288   $97,856   $257,685   $264,386 
- Test solutions ("ATS")   70,974    95,363    230,599    266,343 
Net sales  $162,262   $193,219   $488,284   $530,729 
                     
Segment adjusted operating income                    
- AMS  $22,925   $28,796   $61,615   $70,625 
- ATS   (456)   18,996    11,768    43,024 
- General corporate expense   (2,723)   (3,233)   (9,366)   (8,496)
Adjusted operating income   19,746    44,559    64,017    105,153 
                     
Amortization of acquired intangibles                    
- AMS   (9,013)   (9,220)   (27,059)   (27,676)
- ATS   (6,629)   (6,680)   (19,984)   (20,030)
Share-based compensation                    
- Corporate   (708)   (629)   (2,348)   (1,655)
- AMS   (134)   -    (190)   - 
- ATS   (77)   -    (111)   - 
Restructuring charges                    
- AMS   (177)   (797)   (788)   (6,928)
- ATS   (3,854)   (1,901)   (4,594)   (3,862)
Business acquisition costs - Corporate   -    -    (14)   (282)
Increase in fair value of acquisition contingent consideration liability - Corporate   (446)   (409)   (1,297)   (1,193)
Merger related expenses - Corporate   -    -    -    (1,222)
Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement - Corporate   -    -    -    (18,133)
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles -AMS   (59,700)   -    (59,700)   - 
Current period impact of acquisition related adjustments                    
- AMS   (38)   (38)   (113)   (731)
- ATS   22    2    67    (592)
- Corporate   (55)   (55)   (165)   (165)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)   (61,063)   24,832    (52,279)   22,684 
                     
Interest expense   (8,252)   (13,852)   (25,386)   (55,803)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   (864)   -    (864)   (25,178)
Gain from a bargain purchase of a business   -    -    -    173 
Other income (expense), net   (251)   (119)   (944)   (526)
Income (loss) before income taxes  $(70,430)  $10,861   $(79,473)  $(58,650)

 

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Management evaluates the operating results of our two segments based upon adjusted operating income, which is pre-tax operating income before costs related to amortization of acquired intangibles, share-based compensation, restructuring charges, business acquisition and merger related expenses, termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement and the impact of any acquisition related adjustments. We have set out above our adjusted operating income by segment and in the aggregate, and have provided a reconciliation of adjusted operating income to operating income on a GAAP basis and income (loss) before income taxes for the periods presented.

 

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

 

Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) “we”, “our”, “us”, or the “Company” refer to Aeroflex Holding Corp. and subsidiaries, (ii) “Sponsors” refers collectively to affiliates of or funds managed by The Veritas Capital Fund III, L.P., Golden Gate Private Equity, Inc., and GS Direct, L.L.C., which indirectly control the Company, and (iii) “fiscal year” refers to the twelve months ended June 30 of the applicable year. For example, “fiscal year 2011” refers to the twelve months ended June 30, 2011.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements for purposes of the U.S. federal and state securities laws. These statements may be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "might", "plan", "potential", "predict", "should" or "will" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology.

 

We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. A listing of some of the key factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations is included under the caption "Risk Factors" disclosed in our fiscal 2011 Form 10-K.

 

Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, either to reflect new developments, or for any other reason, except as required by law.

 

Overview

 

Company Background

 

We are a leading global provider of RF and microwave integrated circuits, components and systems used in the design, development and maintenance of technically demanding, high-performance wireless communication systems. Our solutions include highly specialized microelectronic components and test and measurement equipment used by companies in the (i) space, avionics, defense; (ii) commercial wireless communications; and (iii) medical and other markets. We have targeted customers in these end markets because we believe our solutions address their technically demanding requirements. We were founded in 1937 and have proprietary technology that is based on extensive know-how and a long history of research and development focused on specialized technologies, often in collaboration with our customers.

 

Business Segments

 

Our business segments and major products included in each segment are as follows:

 

Microelectronic Solutions (“AMS”)

 

·HiRel microelectronics/semiconductors
·RF and microwave components
·Mixed-signal/digital ASICs

 

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·Motion control products

 

Test Solutions (“ATS”)

 

·Wireless test equipment
·Military radio and Private Mobile Radio, or PMR, test equipment
·Avionics test equipment
·Synthetic test equipment
·General purpose test equipment

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth our historical results of operations as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below:

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
Net sales   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of sales   51.2    45.0    50.2    47.0 
Gross profit   48.8    55.0    49.8    53.0 
                     
Operating expenses:                    
Selling, general and administrative costs   23.8    19.7    23.5    21.4 
Research and development costs   13.7    12.8    14.1    12.9 
Amortization of acquired intangibles   9.6    8.2    9.6    9.0 
Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement   -    -    -    3.4 
Restructuring charges   2.5    1.4    1.1    2.0 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles   36.8    -    12.2    - 
Total operating expenses   86.4    42.1    60.5    48.7 
                     
Operating income (loss)   (37.6)   12.9    (10.7)   4.3 
                     
Other income (expense):                    
Interest expense   (5.1)   (7.2)   (5.2)   (10.5)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   (0.5)   -    (0.2)   (4.7)
Gain from a bargain purchase of a business   -    -    -    - 
Other income (expense), net   (0.2)   (0.1)   (0.2)   (0.1)
                     
Income (loss) before income taxes   (43.4)   5.6    (16.3)   (11.0)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (3.2)   3.5    (1.8)   (8.6)
                     
Net income (loss)   (40.2)%   2.1%   (14.5)%   (2.4)%

 

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

 

Overview

 

Our consolidated sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were substantially less than we anticipated, due in large part to the marketplace difficulties encountered by ATS’ wireless test business. To a lesser extent, the changes in U.S. government-related purchasing patterns have also negatively impacted our business this quarter.

 

We continued to feel the impact of the economic crisis in Europe and conservative capital spending in Asia geographies where the majority of our wireless test customers are located. Additionally, the rollout of the next generation wireless protocol, 4G/LTE (Long Term Evolution), has been significantly slower than we initially anticipated. We have maintained our strong position in the infrastructure market, but the timing of the much larger growth opportunity in 4G/LTE handset manufacturing testing is still uncertain. We continue to invest in our technology and customer relationships and are well positioned in the wireless market in anticipation of the uptick in handset manufacturing. During the pause in this market, we have taken actions to combine certain operations and to right-size others, and will be taking additional measures to make our operations more efficient.

 

Net Sales. Net sales decreased $31.0 million, or 16%, to $162.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $193.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Net Sales 
Three Months       % of       % of     
Ended       Consolidated       Consolidated     
March 31,   AMS   Net Sales   ATS   Net Sales   Total 
(In thousands, except percentages) 
                            
 2012   $91,288    56.3%  $70,974    43.7%  $162,262 
 2011   $97,856    50.6%  $95,363    49.4%  $193,219 

 

Net sales in the AMS segment decreased $6.6 million, or 7%, to $91.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $97.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The sales decrease was attributable to volume driven reductions in (i) sales of HiRel microelectronics/semiconductors primarily due to program delays, combined with government budgetary constraints on defense and space programs; and (ii) sales of RF and microwave components primarily due to a slowdown in the telecom/broadband market. This is offset by a $5.5 million volume driven increase in sales of mixed-signal/digital ASICs.

 

Net sales in the ATS segment decreased $24.4 million, or 26%, to $71.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $95.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The sales decrease was attributable to (i) a $15.8 million reduction in sales of wireless products, primarily due to capital equipment freezes put in place by certain of our customers in the latter part of calendar year 2011 and, to a lesser extent, pricing pressure; and (ii) an $8.6 million volume driven reduction in sales of military radio and private mobile radio test equipment (“radio test sets”), primarily due to fulfillment of two large orders, totaling $14 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 offset by approximately $5 million of shipments related to the Ground Radio Mobile Test System (“GRMATS”) in the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

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Gross Profit. Gross profit equals net sales less cost of sales. Cost of sales includes materials, direct labor, amortization of capitalized software development costs and overhead expenses such as engineering labor, fringe benefits, depreciation, allocable occupancy costs and manufacturing supplies.

 

On a consolidated basis, gross profit was $79.2 million, or 48.8% of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to $106.4 million, or 55.0% of net sales, for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in gross margin resulted from product mix and pricing pressure in the ATS segment and product mix in the AMS segment.

 

Gross Profit 
Three Months       % of       % of       % of 
Ended       Net       Net       Net 
March 31,   AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages) 
                          
 2012   $46,363    50.8%  $32,810    46.2%  $79,173    48.8%
 2011   $51,971    53.1%  $54,387    57.0%  $106,358    55.0%

 

Gross margins in the AMS segment were 50.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 53.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Gross profit decreased $5.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in gross margin was caused primarily by a smaller percentage of sales of HiRel microelectronic/semiconductors which tend to carry margins greater than the AMS segment average.

 

Gross margins in the ATS segment were 46.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 57.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Gross profit decreased $21.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in gross margin was caused primarily by the reduction in wireless sales and radio test sets, which tend to carry margins greater than the ATS segment average and, to a lesser extent, pricing pressure on certain products.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Costs. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) costs include office and management salaries, fringe benefits, commissions, insurance and professional fees.

 

On a consolidated basis, SG&A costs increased $353,000 to $38.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Our cost containment efforts included a general hiring freeze and a suspension of the company match to our 401(k) retirement plan. These efforts were partially offset by increased legal and settlement costs of $433,000 related to several litigation matters. As a percentage of sales, however, SG&A costs increased from 19.7% to 23.8% from the three months ended March 31, 2011 to the three months ended March 31, 2012, due to the $30.9 million unanticipated reduction in sales. On a percentage basis to sales, SG&A costs increased in both the AMS and ATS segments as most of our costs are fixed in the short term. We are reassessing our expense levels in light of the current market conditions.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Costs 
Three Months       % of       % of           % of 
Ended       Net       Net           Net 
March 31,   AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Corporate   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages) 
                                      
 2012   $13,850    15.2%  $20,836    29.4%  $3,932   $38,618    23.8%
 2011   $13,483    13.8%  $20,456    21.5%  $4,326   $38,265    19.7%

  

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Research and Development Costs. Research and development costs include materials, engineering labor and allocated overhead.

 

On a consolidated basis, research and development costs decreased $2.4 million, or 10%, to $22.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. As a percentage of sales, research and development costs increased from 12.8% to 13.7% from the three months ended March 31, 2011 to the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Research and Development Costs 
Three Months       % of       % of       % of 
Ended       Net       Net       Net 
March 31,   AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages) 
                                 
 2012   $9,758    10.7%  $12,487    17.6%  $22,245    13.7%
 2011   $9,729    9.9%  $14,934    15.7%  $24,663    12.8%

 

ATS segment self-funded research and development costs decreased $2.4 million, or 16%, to $12.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 primarily due to a decrease of $1.8 million related to the completion of the GRMATS program, within our radio test set line of business.

 

Restructuring Charges. On a consolidated basis, restructuring charges were $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

The AMS segment incurred total restructuring costs of $177,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. In comparison, in the three months ended March 31, 2011, the AMS segment incurred total restructuring costs of $797,000. In both periods, the costs related primarily to consolidation of our components operations by relocating a portion of our Whippany, New Jersey facility’s production to our Ann Arbor, Michigan facility and a portion to our Eatontown, New Jersey facility.

 

The ATS segment incurred restructuring costs of $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. In comparison, for the three months ended March 31, 2011, the ATS segment incurred restructuring costs of $1.9 million. In both periods, the costs related primarily to the relocation of our Germany operations to the U.K.

 

Impairment of Goodwill and Intangibles. In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, due to a decline in the RFMW reporting unit’s forecasted operating results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and beyond, we recorded preliminary non-cash impairment charges to both goodwill and tradenames related to the RFMW reporting unit of $56.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively. There were no similar impairment charges recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $5.6 million to $8.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $13.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Interest expense decreased as a result of the refinancing in May 2011 of the then outstanding amounts due under the prior secured credit facility, senior unsecured notes and senior subordinated unsecured term loan with borrowings under a new senior secured credit facility at lower aggregate interest rates, and the voluntary prepayment of $65.0 million of our term loan with cash on hand from operations during fiscal 2012.

 

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Write-off of Deferred Financing Costs. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we wrote-off $864,000 of deferred financing costs related to the voluntary prepayment of $65 million of debt during the quarter.

 

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Income Taxes. The income tax benefit was $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 on a pre-tax loss of $70.4 million. We recorded an income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2011 of $6.7 million on pre-tax income of $10.9 million. The effective income tax rate for both periods differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to income before taxes primarily due to foreign, state and local income taxes, including U.S. income tax on certain foreign net income that we anticipate will be repatriated to the U.S. and, in fiscal 2012, a goodwill and intangible impairment charge that was mostly non-deductible.

 

Although the Company has a history of domestic pre-tax losses in recent years, these losses are largely driven by amortization expense recorded in the financial statements relating to the U.S. operations which are not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.  The amount of non-deductible U.S. book amortization expense recorded in fiscal 2011 and 2010 was $54.3 million and $53.1 million respectively.  As a result of this significant non-deductible expense, the Company had U.S. taxable income for fiscal 2010, while having a pre-tax book loss.  During fiscal 2011, the Company incurred unusual charges of $18.1 million in connection with the termination of an advisory agreement and $59.4 million in connection with the refinancing of its debt that resulted in a taxable loss for which a deferred tax asset was recorded for the net operating loss carryforwards.  These charges are not expected to recur and taxable income is expected in fiscal 2012 and future years.

 

We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards, by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies.  Based on the significant balance of deferred tax liabilities associated with our intangible assets that are scheduled to reverse over the next several years, we have not recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset generated in fiscal 2011 with respect to our U.S. net operating loss carryforwards.  Also, we expect that sufficient taxable income will be generated in the U.S., in fiscal 2012, to fully utilize the net operating loss carryforwards.

 

The income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2012 reflects various other discrete items including $1.6 million in unanticipated tax benefits taken on our prior year tax returns in the United States and United Kingdom, a $606,000 tax benefit due to a change in reporting for the state of Colorado partially offset by a charge of $324,000 related to a prior year non-trade loss in the United Kingdom for which future utilization is uncertain.

 

Absent the discrete items, the effective tax rates were 5% and 62% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The current year’s provision was a combination of year to date U.S. tax benefit on domestic losses, which included a largely non-deductible goodwill and intangible impairment charge, and foreign tax benefit on foreign losses after consideration of a foreign research credit. The prior year’s provision was a combination of projected annual U.S. tax benefits on domestic losses and foreign tax expense on foreign earnings. The resulting projected net consolidated income tax rate was applied against year-to-date pre-tax income to arrive at the year-to-date provision before adjustment for discrete items.

 

In the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we paid income taxes of $1.3 million and $4.1 million and received refunds of $4,000 and $0, respectively, related to federal, state and foreign income taxes.

 

Net Income (Loss). Net income (loss) was $(65.3) million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

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Nine Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared to Nine Months Ended March 31, 2011

 

Net Sales. Net sales decreased $42.4 million, or 8%, to $488.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 from $530.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2011 primarily due to a decline in the ATS segment, most of which occurred in the third quarter.

 

Net Sales 
NIne Months,       % of       % of     
Ended       Consolidated       Consolidated     
March 31,   AMS   Net Sales   ATS   Net Sales   Total 
(In thousands, except percentages) 
                            
 2012   $257,685    52.8%  $230,599    47.2%  $488,284 
 2011   $264,386    49.8%  $266,343    50.2%  $530,729 

 

Net sales in the AMS segment decreased $6.7 million, or 3%, to $257.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 from $264.4 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2011. This sales decrease was primarily attributable to volume driven reductions in (i) sales of RF and microwave components primarily related to what we believe is a slowdown in the telecom/broadband market; and (ii) sales of HiRel microelectronics/semiconductors primarily due to program delays, combined with government budgetary constraints on defense and space programs. These reductions were offset by volume driven increases, the more significant of which was $6.9 million of mixed-signal/digital ASICs.

 

Net sales in the ATS segment decreased $35.7 million, or 13%, to $230.6 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 from $266.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease was attributable to a $28.2 million reduction in sales of wireless test equipment and an $8.9 million reduction in sales of general purpose test equipment primarily due to capital equipment freezes put in place by our customers in the latter part of calendar year 2011 and, to a lesser extent, pricing pressure. The increase in sales of radio test sets primarily relates to shipments in the nine months ended March 31, 2012 of $15.7 million to the U.S. Military, related to our GRMATS product, partially offset by reductions related to the fulfillment of two large orders, totaling $14 million in the nine months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Gross Profit. On a consolidated basis, gross profit was $243.4 million, or 49.8% of net sales, for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 compared to $281.0 million, or 53.0% of net sales, for the nine months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in gross margins were due to product mix and pricing pressure in the ATS segment and product mix in the AMS segment.

 

Gross Profit 
NIne Months,       % of       % of       % of 
Ended       Net       Net       Net 
March 31,   AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages) 
                                 
 2012   $129,665    50.3%  $113,718    49.3%  $243,383    49.8%
 2011   $135,386    51.2%  $145,638    54.7%  $281,024    53.0%

 

Gross margins in the AMS segment were 50.3% for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 51.2% for the nine months ended March 31, 2011. Gross profit decreased $5.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in gross margin was caused primarily by product mix, as sales of HiRel microelectronics/semiconductors carry margins greater than the AMS segment average.

 

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Gross margins in the ATS segment were 49.3% for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 54.7% for the nine months ended March 31, 2011. Gross profit decreased $31.9 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in gross margin was caused primarily by the reduction in wireless sales, which tend to carry margins greater than the ATS segment average, and the $15.7 million sale of the GRMATS products in the nine months ended March 31, 2012 which were sold at margins below the ATS segment average.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Costs. On a consolidated basis, SG&A costs increased $1.4 million to $114.6 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012. Our cost containment efforts included a general hiring freeze and a suspension of the company match to our 401(k) retirement plan. These efforts were partially offset by increased legal and settlement costs of $2.0 million related to several litigation matters. As a percentage of sales, however, SG&A costs increased from 21.4% to 23.5% from the nine months ended March 31, 2011 to the nine months ended March 31, 2012, due to the $42.4 million unanticipated reduction in sales. On a percentage basis to sales, SG&A costs increased in both the AMS and ATS segments as most of our costs are fixed in the short term. We are reassessing our expense levels in light of the current market conditions.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Costs 
NIne Months,       % of       % of           % of 
Ended       Net       Net           Net 
March 31,   AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Corporate   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages) 
                              
 2012   $40,503    15.7%  $60,904    26.4%  $13,190   $114,597    23.5%
 2011   $39,463    14.9%  $60,758    22.8%  $13,013   $113,234    21.4%

 

Research and Development Costs. On a consolidated basis, research and development costs increased $464,000 to $68.9 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012. As a percentage of sales, research and development costs increased from 12.9% to 14.1% from the nine months ended March 31, 2011 to the nine months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Research and Development Costs 
NIne Months,       % of       % of       % of 
Ended       Net       Net       Net 
March 31,   AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages) 
                          
 2012   $27,849    10.8%  $41,091    17.8%  $68,940    14.1%
 2011   $26,028    9.8%  $42,449    15.9%  $68,477    12.9%

 

AMS segment self-funded research and development costs increased $1.8 million, or 7%, to $27.8 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 primarily due to increases of $1.3 million in HiRel microelectronics/semiconductors combined with an increase of $725,000 in the development of RF and microwave components.

 

ATS segment self-funded research and development costs decreased $1.4 million, or 3%, to $41.1 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 primarily attributable to completion of our GRMATS program within our radio test set line of business, partially offset by an increase in various programs in Europe.

 

Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement. In connection with the IPO, we paid a $16.9 million fee to affiliates of the Sponsors on November 24, 2010 to terminate the advisory agreement with them and eliminate all future payments to the Sponsors under that agreement which, including the related write-off of prepaid advisory fees, resulted in an $18.1 million expense in the nine months ended March 31, 2011. There was no similar charge recorded for the nine months ended March 31, 2012.

 

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Restructuring Charges. On a consolidated basis, restructuring charges were $5.4 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 compared to $10.8 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2011.

 

The AMS segment incurred total restructuring costs of $788,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2012. In comparison, in the nine months ended March 31, 2011, the AMS segment incurred total restructuring costs of $6.9 million. In both periods, the costs related primarily to the consolidation of our components operations by relocating a portion of our Whippany, New Jersey facility’s production to our Ann Arbor, Michigan facility and a portion to our Eatontown, New Jersey facility. In connection with this consolidation, in the nine months ended March 31, 2011, we recorded a $4.9 million impairment charge based on the fair value of the Whippany, New Jersey facility we intend to sell.

 

The ATS segment incurred restructuring costs of $4.6 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012. In comparison, for the nine months ended March 31, 2011, the ATS segment incurred restructuring costs of $3.9 million. In both periods, the costs related primarily to the relocation of our Germany operations to the U.K.

 

Impairment of Goodwill and Intangibles. In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, due to a decline in the RFMW reporting unit’s forecasted operating results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and beyond, we recorded preliminary non-cash impairment charges to both goodwill and tradenames related to the RFMW reporting unit of $56.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively. There were no similar impairment charges recorded in the nine months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $30.4 million to $25.4 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 from $55.8 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2011. Interest expense decreased as a result of the repurchase, in December 2010, of $186.6 million of our senior unsecured notes and senior subordinated unsecured term loans with the proceeds from our IPO and the refinancing in May 2011 of the then outstanding amounts due under the prior secured credit facility, senior unsecured notes and senior subordinated unsecured term loan with borrowings under a new senior secured credit facility at lower aggregate interest rates. In addition, during fiscal 2012, we voluntarily prepaid $65.0 million of our term loan with cash on hand from operations.

 

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Write-off of Deferred Financing Costs. During the nine months ended March 31, 2011 we incurred a $25.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs, which was comprised primarily of $20.5 million in tender premiums paid on the debt repurchased and $4.0 million for the write-off of the related deferred financing costs. During the nine months ended March 31, 2012, we wrote off $864,000 of deferred financing costs related to the prepayment of $65 million of debt.

 

Gain from a Bargain Purchase of a Business. During the nine months ended March 31, 2011 we recognized a $173,000 gain on the Willtek bargain purchase, acquired in June 2010, related to the final working capital adjustment to the purchase price. There was no comparable item for the nine months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Other income (expense) of $(944,000) for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 consisted of $(454,000) of foreign currency transaction losses and $(490,000) of miscellaneous expense, net. Other income (expense) of $(526,000) for the nine months ended March 31, 2011 consisted of a $(688,000) other than temporary impairment recorded on our auction rate securities and $(711,000) of foreign currency transactions losses offset by $873,000 of interest income and miscellaneous income, net.

 

Income Taxes. The income tax benefit was $8.6 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 on a pre-tax loss of $79.5 million. We recorded an income tax benefit for the nine months ended March 31, 2011 of $45.6 million on a pre-tax loss of $58.7 million. The effective income tax rate for both periods differed from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to income before taxes primarily due to foreign, state and local income taxes, including U.S. income tax on certain foreign net income that we anticipate will be repatriated to the U.S. and, in fiscal 2012, a goodwill and intangible impairment charge that was mostly non-deductible.

 

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Although the Company has a history of domestic pre-tax losses in recent years, these losses are largely driven by amortization expense recorded in the financial statements relating to the U.S. operations which are not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.  The amount of non-deductible U.S. book amortization expense recorded in fiscal 2011 and 2010 was $54.3 million and $53.1 million respectively.  As a result of this significant non-deductible expense, the Company had U.S. taxable income for fiscal 2010, while having a pre-tax book loss.  During fiscal 2011, the Company incurred unusual charges of $18.1 million in connection with the termination of an advisory agreement and $59.4 million in connection with the refinancing of its debt that resulted in a taxable loss for which a deferred tax asset was recorded for the net operating loss carryforwards.  These charges are not expected to recur and taxable income is expected in fiscal 2012 and future years.

 

We evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards, by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies.  Based on the significant balance of deferred tax liabilities associated with our intangible assets that are scheduled to reverse over the next several years, we have not recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset generated in fiscal 2011 with respect to our U.S. net operating loss carryforwards.  Also, we expect that sufficient taxable income will be generated in the U.S., in fiscal 2012, to fully utilize the net operating loss carryforwards.

 

The income tax benefit for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 reflects a net discrete benefit of $2.6 million of which $1.6 million relates to previously unanticipated tax benefits taken on our prior year tax returns in the United States and United Kingdom, a $606,000 tax benefit due to a change in reporting for the state of Colorado, a benefit of $700,000, recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2011, relating to a reduction in the statutory income tax rate in the United Kingdom partially offset by a prior year non-trade loss in the U.K. of $324,000 for which future utilization is uncertain. The income tax benefit for nine months ended March 31, 2011, reflects various discrete items including a $1.2 million income tax benefit for the retroactive reinstatement of the U.S. R&D credit and a reduction of $5.8 million of deferred tax liabilities related to U.S. income taxes previously provided on unremitted foreign earnings. As a direct result of our IPO in November 2010 and related repurchase of a portion of our debt, interest expense was expected to decrease in the future. Consequently, we had changed our intent as to the amount and method of repatriations of foreign earnings, which resulted in the reduction of deferred tax liabilities.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2010, we identified an overstatement of deferred income tax liabilities established in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 and throughout fiscal 2010 related to U.S. income taxes provided on unremitted foreign earnings. After consideration of both quantitative and qualitative factors, we determined the amounts were not material to any of those prior period financial statements or the fiscal 2011 estimated results and thus corrected the balance in the three months ended September 30, 2010. The adjustment resulted in a reduction of deferred income tax liabilities of $3.7 million, with a corresponding increase in income tax benefit in the statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The adjustment did not impact the statement of cash flows.

 

Absent the discrete items, the effective tax rates were 8% and 59% for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The current year’s provision was a combination of projected U.S. tax benefit on domestic losses, which included a largely non-deductible goodwill and intangible impairment charge, and foreign tax benefit on foreign losses, after consideration of a foreign research credit. The prior year’s provision was a combination of projected annual U.S. tax benefits on domestic losses and foreign tax expense on foreign earnings. The resulting projected net consolidated income tax rate was applied against year-to-date pre-tax income to arrive at the year-to-date provision before adjustment for discrete items.

 

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In the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we paid income taxes of $7.6 million and $14.3 million and received refunds of $184,000 and $3.1 million, respectively, related to federal, state and foreign income taxes.

 

Net Income (Loss). Net income (loss) was $(70.8) million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and $(13.1) million for the nine months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of March 31, 2012, we had $31.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, $282.1 million in working capital and our current ratio was 3.59 to 1, versus $66.3 million, $324.3 million and 3.05 to 1, respectively, at June 30, 2011.

 

Our principal liquidity requirements are to service our debt and interest and meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs. As of March 31, 2012, we had $656.8 million of debt outstanding, of which $656.4 million was long-term under the senior secured term loan. Additionally, at March 31, 2012, we were able to borrow $75.0 million under the revolving portion of our senior secured credit facility, of which none was outstanding.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we had accumulated cash in excess of our forecasted operating needs. Consistent with our objective to repay the outstanding term loan balance and reduce our ongoing interest expense, we voluntarily prepaid a total of $65.0 million of our term loan during the three months ended March 31, 2012. Including mandatory payments of $3.6 million, we repaid a total of $68.6 million of our term loan during the nine months ended March 31, 2012.

 

The following is a summary of required principal repayments of our debt for the next five years and thereafter as of March 31, 2012:

 

Twelve Months Ended
March 31,
  (In thousands) 
2013  $385 
2014   - 
2015   - 
2016   - 
2017   - 
Thereafter   656,375 
Total  $656,760 

 

As of March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all of the covenants contained in our debt agreement. Certain loan covenants are based on Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA (net income (loss), before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) adjusted to add back or subtract certain non-cash, non-recurring and other items, as permitted by various provisions in our debt agreement. Our use of the term Adjusted EBITDA may vary from others in our industry. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of operating income (loss), performance or liquidity under U.S. GAAP and are subject to important limitations. A reconciliation of net income (loss), which is a U.S. GAAP measure of our operating results, to Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in our debt agreement, is as follows:

 

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   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   March 31,   March 31, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
   (In thousands) 
                 
Net income (loss)  $(65,261)  $4,127   $(70,838)  $(13,093)
Interest expense   8,252    13,852    25,386    55,803 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (5,169)   6,734    (8,635)   (45,557)
Depreciation and amortization   21,059    20,892    62,863    62,426 
EBITDA   (41,119)   45,605    8,776    59,579 
                     
Non-cash purchase accounting adjustments   -    21    -    1,067 
Merger related expenses   -    -    -    1,222 
Restructuring costs and related pro forma savings (a)   4,363    4,384    7,561    15,833 
Share-based compensation   919    629    2,649    1,655 
Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement   -    -    -    18,133 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles   59,700    -    59,700    - 
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   864    -    864    25,178 
Gain from a bargain purchase of a business   -    -    -    (173)
Other defined items (b)   1,581    659    3,971    3,344 
Adjusted EBITDA (c)  $26,308   $51,298   $83,521   $125,838 

 

(a)Primarily reflects costs associated with the reorganization of our European operations and consolidation of certain of our U.S. components facilities. Pro forma savings reflect the costs that we estimate would have been eliminated during the fiscal year in which a restructuring occurred had the restructuring occurred as of the first day of that fiscal year.

 

(b)Reflects other adjustments required in calculating our debt covenant compliance. These other defined items include legal fees related to litigation, business acquisition costs and pro forma EBITDA for periods prior to the acquisition dates for companies acquired during the respective fiscal year.

 

(c)Pro forma savings of $332,000 and $2.2 million were applicable to the three and nine months ended March 31, 2012, respectively, and relate to restructuring activities recorded throughout fiscal 2012. The portion of pro forma savings that was applicable to the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, but was not reflected in our Adjusted EBITDA as reported in our December 31, 2011 report on Form 10-Q, was $573,000 and $1.1 million, respectively. Pro forma savings of $1.7 million and $5.0 million were applicable to the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011, respectively, and relate to restructuring activities recorded throughout fiscal 2011. The portion of pro forma savings that was applicable to the three and nine months ended March 31, 2011, but was not reflected in our Adjusted EBITDA as reported in our March 31, 2011 report on Form 10-Q, was $637,000 and $2.0 million, respectively.

 

Financial covenants in our senior secured credit facility include a maximum leverage ratio of total debt (less up to $15.0 million of unrestricted cash) to Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in our senior secured credit facility. The maximum leverage ratio permitted for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 was 4.75 whereas our actual leverage ratio was 4.54. The maximum leverage ratio permitted periodically decreases as follows:

 

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Effective as of  Maximum 
the Twelve Months  Permitted 
Ending  Leverage Ratio 
September 30, 2012   4.50 
December 31, 2012   4.25 
June 30, 2013   4.00 
September 30, 2013   3.75 
September 30, 2014   3.50 

 

Based on the range of our current forecasts of earnings for fiscal 2012, and anticipated debt payments for the balance of fiscal 2012, we will be in compliance with the leverage ratio covenant at the higher end of the earnings range. In light of this, we have requested an amendment to the credit facility to increase the maximum permitted leverage ratio. There is no assurance that we will be able to successfully negotiate an amendment with our lending group nor are we able to currently estimate the final agreed upon covenants, terms (including an increase in the interest rate on borrowings) or cost of the amendment.

 

Our senior secured credit facility contains restrictions on our activities, including but not limited to covenants that restrict us and our restricted subsidiaries, as defined in the senior secured credit facility, from:

 

·incurring additional indebtedness and issuing disqualified stock or preferred stock;

 

·making certain investments or other restricted payments;

 

·paying dividends and making other distributions with respect to capital stock, or repurchasing, redeeming or retiring capital stock or subordinated debt;

 

·selling or otherwise disposing of assets;

 

·under certain circumstances, issuing or selling equity interests;

 

·creating liens on assets;

 

·consolidating or merging with, or acquiring in excess of specified limitations, another business, or selling or disposing of all or substantially all of their assets; and

 

·entering into certain transactions with affiliates.

 

If for any reason we fail to comply with the covenants in the senior secured credit facility, we would be in default under the terms of the agreements governing our outstanding debt. If such a default were to occur, the lenders under the senior secured credit facility could elect to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder immediately due and payable, and the lenders would not be obligated to continue to advance funds to us. If the amounts outstanding under these debt agreements are accelerated, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full the amounts owed.

  

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We expect that cash generated from operating activities and availability under the revolving portion of our senior secured credit facility will be our principal sources of liquidity. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund working capital needs and planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond our control. In addition, beginning with the year ending June 30, 2012, to the extent we have consolidated excess cash flows, as defined in the credit agreement governing the senior secured credit facility, we must use specified portions of the excess cash flows to prepay the senior secured credit facility. Based on our current level of operations, we believe our cash flow from operations and available borrowings under our senior secured credit facility will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs for at least the next twelve months. We cannot assure you, however, that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or those future borrowings will be available under the senior secured credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable us to repay our indebtedness at maturity or to fund other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before the maturity thereof. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

 

Cash Flows

 

For the nine months ended March 31, 2012, our cash flow provided by operations was $55.0 million. Our investing activities used cash of $19.9 million, primarily for capital expenditures of $15.0 million and earn-out payments of $5.1 million related to prior year acquisitions. Our financing activities used cash of $69.7 million, primarily for debt repayments of $68.6 million and for the payment of contingent consideration related to a business acquisition of $948,000.

 

For the nine months ended March 31, 2011, our cash flow used by operations was $18.1 million, which included cash used to increase inventory by $39.9 million in support of higher sales, to address longer lead times from suppliers and to reduce product delivery times to customers. Our investing activities used cash of $29.5 million, for payments for the purchase of businesses of $23.6 million and for capital expenditures of $17.1 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of marketable securities of $10.4 million combined with the sale of property, plant and equipment of $819,000. Our financing activities provided cash of $11.5 million - $244.0 million from the IPO of our common stock, partially offset by the repurchase of senior unsecured notes and senior subordinated unsecured term loans, including premiums and fees, of $207.7 million, debt repayments of $21.5 million and debt financing costs of $3.3 million.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Capital expenditures were $15.0 million and $17.1 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Our capital expenditures consist primarily of equipment replacements.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations disclosed in our fiscal 2011 Form 10-K.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not maintain any off-balance sheet arrangements, transactions, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities that would be expected to have material current or future effect upon our results of operations or financial condition.

 

Seasonality

 

Historically our net sales and earnings increase sequentially from quarter to quarter within a fiscal year, but the first quarter is typically less than the previous year’s fourth quarter.

  

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Information regarding our critical accounting policies and estimates appears within the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our fiscal 2011 Form 10-K. During the nine month period ended March 31, 2012, there were no significant changes to any critical accounting policies or to the related estimates and judgments involved in applying those policies.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The new guidance provides an entity the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines that this is the case, it is required to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss to be recognized for that reporting unit (if any). If an entity determines that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. This new guidance will become effective for us beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on presentation of comprehensive income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, an entity will be required to present either a continuous statement of net income and other comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance also requires entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. This new guidance will become effective for us beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and is to be applied retrospectively. We have not yet determined which presentation method we will adopt.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Interest Rate Risk. We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with borrowings under our senior secured credit facility. We currently do not have interest rate swap agreements hedging this debt. As of March 31, 2012, there is $656.4 million outstanding at adjusted LIBOR plus 3.0% under the term loan portion of the senior secured credit facility, all of which is subject to variable interest rates. The adjusted LIBOR, as defined in the senior secured credit facility, has a floor of 1.25% on the term loan. An increase of 1% in interest rates would result in a 0.22% increase, due to the 1.25% floor, or a $1.5 million increase in our annual interest expense. Any 1% increase in interest rates above the 1.25% floor would result in a $6.7 million increase in our annual interest expense. A 1% change in interest rates would result in a $763,000 change in our annual interest expense on the revolving loan borrowings, assuming the entire $75.0 million was outstanding. Any debt we incur in the future may also bear interest at floating rates.

 

Foreign Currency Risk. Foreign currency contracts are used to protect us from exchange rate fluctuation from the time customers are invoiced in local currency until such currency is exchanged for U.S. dollars. We periodically enter into foreign currency contracts, which are not designated as hedges, and the change in the fair value is included in income currently within other income (expense). As of March 31, 2012, we had $34.2 million of notional value foreign currency forward contracts maturing through April 30, 2012. Notional amounts do not quantify risk or represent assets or liabilities, but are used in the calculation of cash settlements under the contracts. The fair value of these contracts at March 31, 2012 was an asset of $305,000. If foreign currency exchange rates (primarily the British pound and the Euro) change by 10% from the levels at March 31, 2012, the effect on our comprehensive income would be approximately $16.4 million.

 

Inflation Risk. Inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition during the preceding three years.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Our disclosure controls and procedures under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, with the assistance from other members of management, have reviewed the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2012 and, based on their evaluation, have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

  

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

There have been no material changes in our legal proceedings disclosed in our fiscal 2011 Form 10-K.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes in our risk factors disclosed in our fiscal 2011 Form 10-K.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4. [Removed and Reserved]

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None

  

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Item 6. Exhibits

  

Exhibit No.   Exhibit Description
     
31.1   Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14a as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Executive Officer)
     
31.2   Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14a as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Financial Officer)
     
31.3   Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14a as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Principal Accounting Officer)
     
32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Executive Officer)
     
32.2   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Financial Officer)
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  AEROFLEX HOLDING CORP.
   
  /s/ John Adamovich, Jr.  
  John Adamovich, Jr.  
  Senior Vice President and  
  Chief Financial Officer  
  (Principal Financial Officer)  

  

May 10, 2012

  

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EXHIBIT INDEX

  

Exhibit No.   Exhibit Description
     
31.1   Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14a as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Executive Officer)
     
31.2   Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14a as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Financial Officer)
     
31.3   Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14a as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Principal Accounting Officer)
     
32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Executive Officer)
     
32.2   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Financial Officer)
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

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