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 December 31, 2011
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 S 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 S 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  S   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 S

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

 

February 9, 2012   84,824,064
(Date)   (Number of Shares)

 

 
 

 

AEROFLEX HOLDING CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

  PART I:           FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE
     
Item 1 UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
  December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 2
     
  UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
  Three Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 3
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 4
     
  UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 5
     
  NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  6 – 18
     
Item 2 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  
  Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 19 – 33
     
Item 3 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 34
     
Item 4 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 35
     
  PART II:           OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 36
     
Item 1A RISK FACTORS 36
     
Item 2 UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 36
     
Item 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 36
     
Item 4 [REMOVED AND RESERVED] 36
     
Item 5 OTHER INFORMATION 36
     
Item 6 EXHIBITS 37
     
SIGNATURE 38
   
EXHIBIT INDEX 39
   
CERTIFICATIONS

 

 
 

  

Aeroflex Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   December 31,   June 30, 
   2011   2011 
         
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $64,370   $66,278 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,114 and $1,210   148,668    168,141 
Inventories   182,560    186,370 
Deferred income taxes   54,617    51,855 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   13,020    10,044 
Total current assets   463,235    482,688 
           
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $92,640 and $82,581   100,709    105,162 
Deferred financing costs, net   14,395    15,289 
Other assets   29,598    29,000 
Intangible assets with definite lives, net   151,160    183,614 
Intangible assets with indefinite lives   113,838    114,730 
Goodwill   462,956    465,443 
           
Total assets  $1,335,891   $1,395,926 
           
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity          
Current liabilities:          
Current portion of long-term debt  $7,635   $7,635 
Accounts payable   26,176    48,737 
Advance payments by customers and deferred revenue   26,395    25,859 
Income taxes payable   —      8,371 
Accrued payroll expenses   17,047    22,063 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   37,028    45,772 
Total current liabilities   114,281    158,437 
           
Long-term debt   714,125    717,750 
Deferred income taxes   115,615    117,150 
Defined benefit plan obligations   5,685    5,539 
Other long-term liabilities   14,532    13,526 
Total liabilities   964,238    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; 84,824,064 and 84,789,180 shares issued and outstanding   848    848 
Additional paid-in capital   646,163    644,262 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (40,731)   (32,536)
Accumulated deficit   (234,627)   (229,050)
Total stockholders' equity   371,653    383,524 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $1,335,891   $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 December 31, 
   2011   2010 
         
Net sales  $171,138   $181,579 
Cost of sales   85,447    86,739 
Gross profit   85,691    94,840 
           
Operating expenses:          
Selling, general and administrative costs   38,445    38,266 
Research and development costs   22,420    21,656 
Amortization of acquired intangibles   15,665    15,843 
Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement   —      18,133 
Restructuring charges   915    6,293 
Total operating expenses   77,445    100,191 
Operating income (loss)   8,246    (5,351)
           
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense   (8,560)   (20,713)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   —      (25,178)
Gain from a bargain purchase of a business   —      173 
Other income (expense), net   (398)   (378)
Total other income (expense), net   (8,958)   (46,096)
           
Income (loss) before income taxes   (712)   (51,447)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (177)   (40,044)
Net income (loss)  $(535)  $(11,403)
           
Net income (loss) per common share:          
Basic  $(0.01)  $(0.15)
Diluted  $(0.01)  $(0.15)
           
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:          
Basic   84,804    74,034 
Diluted   84,804    74,034 

 

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)

 

   Six Months Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010 
         
Net sales  $326,022   $337,510 
Cost of sales   161,812    162,844 
Gross profit   164,210    174,666 
           
Operating expenses:          
Selling, general and administrative costs   75,979    74,969 
Research and development costs   46,695    43,814 
Amortization of acquired intangibles   31,401    31,806 
Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement   —      18,133 
Restructuring charges   1,351    8,092 
Total operating expenses   155,426    176,814 
Operating income (loss)   8,784    (2,148)
           
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense   (17,134)   (41,951)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   —      (25,178)
Gain from a bargain purchase of a business   —      173 
Other income (expense), net   (693)   (407)
Total other income (expense), net   (17,827)   (67,363)
           
Income (loss) before income taxes   (9,043)   (69,511)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (3,466)   (52,291)
Net income (loss)  $(5,577)  $(17,220)
           
Net income (loss) per common share:          
Basic  $(0.07)  $(0.25)
Diluted  $(0.07)  $(0.25)
           
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:          
Basic   84,797    69,517 
Diluted   84,797    69,517 
           

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4
 

 

Aeroflex Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

   Six Months Ended December 31, 
   2011   2010 
         
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income (loss)  $(5,577)  $(17,220)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   41,804    41,534 
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   —      25,178 
Deferred income taxes   (754)   (55,926)
Share-based compensation   1,730    1,026 
Non - cash restructuring charges   —      4,860 
Amortization of deferred financing costs   1,009    2,839 
Paid in kind interest   —      2,434 
Other, net   1,100    2,019 
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchases of businesses:          
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable   17,994    13,629 
Decrease (increase) in inventories   1,349    (24,214)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets   (1,533)   (1,088)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities   (38,706)   (6,128)
           
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   18,416    (11,057)
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Payments for purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired   (5,106)   (23,591)
Capital expenditures   (9,494)   (11,213)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities   —      2,000 
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment   79    741 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (14,521)   (32,063)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock   —      244,097 
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   (3,625)   (21,458)
Deferred financing costs   (115)   (3,332)
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (4,688)   11,617 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   (1,115)   1,483 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (1,908)   (30,020)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   66,278    100,663 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $64,370   $70,643 

 

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 December 31, 2011, its results of operations for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and its cash flows for the six month periods ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. 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 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 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 December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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.

 

6
 

 

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 Goodwill

 

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 $6.5 million reflected in other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2011.

 

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 are included in our accompanying consolidated financial statements commencing with the date it was acquired.

 

Goodwill

 

We assess goodwill 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 for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is one level below our operating segments. Based on a reduced forecast of earnings for fiscal 2012 in one of our reporting units, the Radio Frequency MicroWave, or RFMW, group, we have tested this reporting unit for impairment.

 

As of December 31, 2011, the RFMW group had goodwill of $66.2 million and an enterprise carrying value of $159.8 million. We determined if there was an impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its enterprise carrying value. Based on our current analysis of the discounted estimated cash flows of this group, we have estimated that the fair value of this group was approximately $164 million at December 31, 2011 and that the goodwill has not been impaired. However, should actual results differ from our forecasts of cash flows and our estimated enterprise fair value decreases below the carrying value, then an impairment may occur and we would need to calculate 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.

 

7
 

 

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,               December 31, 
   2011   Six Months Ended December 31, 2011   2011 
             
           Effect of     
   Restructuring           Foreign   Restructuring 
   Liability   Net Additions   Cash Payments   Currency   Liability 
       (In thousands)     
Work force reduction  $2,666   $893   $(2,546)  $(114)  $899 
                          
Closure of facilities   497    458    (888)   (2)   65 
                          
Total  $3,163   $1,351   $(3,434)  $(116)  $964 

 

Restructuring charges for the six months ended December 31, 2011 amounted to $1.4 million, consisting 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:

 

   December 31,   June 30, 
   2011   2011 
   (In thousands) 
         
Raw materials  $93,619   $101,854 
Work in process   59,314    60,290 
Finished goods   29,627    24,226 
   $182,560   $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.

 

8
 

 

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

 

   Asset (Liability) Derivatives 
   December 31, 2011   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   Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   $(217)   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 six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 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     Six Months Ended  
    December 31,    December 31, 
   2011   2010   2011   2010 
    (In thousands) 
Interest rate swap contracts  $—     $(37)  $—     $(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     Six Months Ended  
    December 31,    December 31, 
   2011   2010   2011   2010 
    (In thousands) 
Interest expense  $—     $(2,751)  $—     $(6,192)

 

9
 

 

The amounts of the gains and losses related to our derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

Derivatives Not
 Designated as
 Hedging Instruments
  Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivative    Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Earnings on
Derivative 
 
                    
       Three Months Ended
December 31,
   Six Months Ended
 December 31, 
 
      2011   2010   2011   2010 
       (In thousands) 
Foreign currency                   
forward contracts   Other income (expense)   $(343)  $351   $(187)  $311 

 

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 December 31, 2011, we had $32.5 million of notional value foreign currency forward contracts maturing through January 31, 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, which approximated the other than temporary impairment at December 31, 2010, was recorded in the statement of operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2010.

 

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

 

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

 

10
 

 

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.

 

As of December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants contained in the senior secured credit facility.

 

On February 3, 2012 we decided to prepay, and on February 6, 2012 we voluntarily prepaid, $30 million of our term loan with cash on hand from operations, reducing the outstanding balance of total debt to $691.8 million.

 

Interest paid was $15.9 million and $36.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Accrued interest of $4.5 million and $4.4 million was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities at December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, respectively.

 

The fair value of our debt instruments was as follows:

 

   As of December 31, 2011 
   (In thousands) 
   Carrying Amount   Estimated Fair Value 
         
Senior secured term loan  $721,375   $674,486 
Other   385    385 
Total debt  $721,760   $674,871 

 

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 market prices for the same or similar issues. 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 November 2011, the compensation committee awarded RSUs covering a total of 426,000 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 December 31, 2011, 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 six months ended December 31, 2011 was $8.80 per share. The total intrinsic value of RSUs vested during the six months ended December 31, 2011 was $315,000.

 

As of December 31, 2011, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs was $3.4 million and the related weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized was approximately 2.9 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   426           
Forfeited   —             
Vested   (35)          
                
Outstanding at December 31, 2011   391   $4,008    2.9 
                
Expected to Vest at December 31, 2011   362   $3,705    2.9 

  

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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 December 31, 2011. 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 (as separately defined in the LLC Agreement), then the Class B members receive a priority distribution (as separately defined in the LLC Agreement) and finally the Class B-1 members receive a priority 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 $96,000 and $83,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and of $189,000 and $163,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, was recorded as interest expense.

 

Compensation expense attributable to share based compensation (for both RSUs and membership interests) was $1.1 million ($696,000 after tax), or $0.01 for both basic and diluted earnings per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and $513,000 ($314,000 after tax), or $0.01 for both basic and diluted earnings per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2010. Compensation expense attributable to share based compensation was $1.7 million ($1.1 million after tax), or $0.02 for both basic and diluted earnings per share, for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and $1.0 million ($628,000 after tax), or $0.01 for both basic and diluted earnings per share, for the six months ended December 31, 2010.

 

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 six months ended December 31, 2011, all 391,000 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 six months ended December 31, 2010.

 

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11. Comprehensive Income

 

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

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2011   2010   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
                 
Net income (loss)  $(535)  $(11,403)  $(5,577)  $(17,220)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of interest rate swap contracts, net of tax provision (benefit) of $0, $1,053, $0 and $2,166   —      1,661    —      3,414 
Valuation allowance against non-current marketable securities   —      1,239    —      1,276 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax provision (benefit) of $(50), ($55), $(366) and $625   (817)   (2,239)   (8,195)   7,783 
Total comprehensive income (loss)  $(1,352)  $(10,742)  $(13,772)  $(4,747)
                     

 

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)
Six months' activity   —      (8,195)   (8,195)
Balance, December 31, 2011  $(544)  $(40,187)  $(40,731)

 

12. Income Taxes

 

The income tax benefit was $177,000 and $40.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 on a pre-tax loss of $712,000 and $51.4 million, respectively. The income tax benefit was $3.5 million and $52.3 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 on a pre-tax loss of $9.0 million and $69.5 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.

 

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 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.

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The income tax benefit for the six months ended December 31, 2011 reflects a discrete 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. The income tax benefit for the six months ended December 31, 2010, 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 $5.7 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 Aeroflex Holding’s IPO in November 2010 and related repurchase of a portion of Aeroflex’s 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 25% and 56% for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and 31% and 59% for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The current year’s provision was a combination of projected annual U.S. tax expense on domestic earnings and foreign tax benefit on foreign earnings, 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 six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we paid income taxes of $6.3 million and $10.2 million and received refunds of $180,000 and $3.1 million, respectively, related to federal, state and foreign income taxes.

 

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.

 

For example, in fiscal 2007, when we became aware that certain RadHard bidirectional multipurpose transceivers sold by us since 1999 may have been subject to the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State in accordance with ITAR, we filed a Voluntary Disclosure with the Department of State describing the details of the possible inadvertent misclassification and identifying certain unauthorized exports from the United States to end-users in a number of countries, including China and Russia. Once our request for reclassification was denied and a determination was made that the product was subject to the licensing jurisdiction of the Department of State in accordance with ITAR, on September 18, 2008, we filed an addendum to our Voluntary Disclosure identifying other products that may have been subject to the licensing jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State in accordance with ITAR but were inadvertently misclassified and exported without a license.

 

15
 

 

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 December 31, 2011 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 39% and 30% of our sales for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and 36% and 31% for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, 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 $34.1 million and $42.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and $68.9 million and $80.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Total assets of the U.K. operations were $184.3 million as of December 31, 2011 and $209.6 million as of June 30, 2011.

 

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

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2011   2010   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
                 
United States of America  $104,390   $101,311   $194,576   $189,831 
Europe and Middle East   30,986    34,356    64,290    64,658 
Asia and Australia   30,119    40,004    56,728    73,115 
Other regions   5,643    5,908    10,428    9,906 
   $171,138   $181,579   $326,022   $337,510 

 

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

 

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   Six Months Ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2011   2010   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
Net sales                    
- Microelectronic solutions ("AMS")  $84,592   $89,225   $166,397   $166,530 
- Test solutions ("ATS")   86,546    92,354    159,625    170,980 
Net sales  $171,138   $181,579   $326,022   $337,510 
                     
Segment adjusted operating income                    
- AMS  $19,302   $22,942   $38,690   $41,829 
- ATS   10,395    17,171    12,224    24,028 
- General corporate expense   (3,223)   (2,849)   (6,643)   (5,263)
Adjusted operating income   26,474    37,264    44,271    60,594 
                     
Amortization of acquired intangibles                    
- AMS   (9,013)   (9,196)   (18,046)   (18,456)
- ATS   (6,652)   (6,647)   (13,355)   (13,350)
Share-based compensation                    
- Corporate   (1,040)   (513)   (1,640)   (1,026)
- AMS   (56)   —      (56)   —   
- ATS   (34)   —      (34)   —   
Restructuring charges                    
- AMS   (235)   (5,555)   (611)   (6,131)
- ATS   (680)   (738)   (740)   (1,961)
Business acquisition costs - Corporate   (448)   (876)   (865)   (1,066)
Merger related expenses - Corporate   —      (507)   —      (1,222)
Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement   —      (18,133)   —      (18,133)
Current period impact of acquisition related adjustments                    
- AMS   (37)   (393)   (75)   (693)
- ATS   22    (2)   45    (594)
- Corporate   (55)   (55)   (110)   (110)
Operating income (loss) (GAAP)   8,246    (5,351)   8,784    (2,148)
                     
Interest expense   (8,560)   (20,713)   (17,134)   (41,951)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   —      (25,178)   —      (25,178)
Gain from a bargain purchase of a business   —      173    —      173 
Other income (expense), net   (398)   (378)   (693)   (407)
Income (loss) before income taxes  $(712)  $(51,447)  $(9,043)  $(69,511)
                     

 

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 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
·Motion control products

 

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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  06   Six Months Ended 
   December 31,   December 31,  
    2011    2010    2011    2010 
Net sales   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of sales   49.9    47.8    49.6    48.2 
Gross profit   50.1    52.2    50.4    51.8 
Operating expenses:                    
Selling, general and administrative costs   22.5    21.0    23.3    22.3 
Research and development costs   13.1    11.9    14.3    13.0 
Amortization of acquired intangibles   9.2    8.7    9.6    9.4 
Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement   —      10.0    —      5.4 
Restructuring charges   0.5    3.5    0.4    2.4 
Total operating expenses   45.3    55.1    47.6    52.5 
Operating income (loss)   4.8    (2.9)   2.8    (0.7)
                     
Other income (expense):                    
Interest expense   (5.0)   (11.4)   (5.3)   (12.5)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   —      (13.9)   —      (7.5)
Gain from a bargain purchase of a business   —      0.1    —      0.1 
Other income (expense), net   (0.2)   (0.2)   (0.2)   (0.1)
                     
Income (loss) before income taxes   (0.4)   (28.3)   (2.7)   (20.7)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (0.1)   (22.0)   (1.1)   (15.6)
Net income (loss)   (0.3)%   (6.3)%   (1.6)%   (5.1)%

 

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Three Months Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2010

 

Net Sales. Net sales decreased $10.4 million, or 6%, to $171.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 from $181.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010.

 

 Net Sales
 
 Three Months        % of          % of       
Ended         Consolidated          Consolidated       
 December 31,   AMS     Net Sales     ATS     Net Sales     Total  
 (In thousands, except percentages)
                          
2011  $84,592    49.4%  $86,546    50.6%  $171,138 
2010  $89,225    49.1%  $92,354    50.9%  $181,579 

 

 

Net sales in the AMS segment decreased $4.6 million, or 5%, to $84.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 from $89.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010. The sales decrease was attributable to (i) a $2.0 million volume driven reduction in sales of mixed-signal digital ASICs; (ii) a $1.4 million volume driven reduction in sales of RF and microwave components primarily due to a reduction in sales in Asia due to capital equipment freezes in the telecom market; and (iii) a $940,000 volume driven reduction in sales of HiRel microelectronics/semiconductors primarily due to a sluggish European economy.

Net sales in the ATS segment decreased $5.8 million, or 6%, to $86.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 from $92.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010. The sales decrease was attributable to a $7.4 million reduction in sales of general purpose test products and a $4.7 million reduction in sales of wireless products, both 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, lower pricing. The decreases are partially offset by a volume driven increase of $6.4 million in military radio and private mobile radio test equipment (“radio test sets”). The increase in sales of radio test sets primarily relates to an individual shipment of $11.4 million to the U.S. Military, related to our Ground Radio Maintenance Automatic Test Systems (“GRMATS”) program.

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 $85.7 million, or 50.1% of net sales, for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and $94.8 million, or 52.2% of net sales, for the three months ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in gross profit resulted from the decline in sales in both segments and the decrease in gross margins in the ATS segment.

 

Gross Profit
                         
Three Months      % of       % of       % of 
Ended      Net       Net       Net 
December 31,  AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages)
                               
2011  $42,280    50.0%  $43,411    50.2%  $85,691    50.1%
2010  $44,696    50.1%  $50,144    54.3%  $94,840    52.2%

 

21
 

 

Gross margins in the ATS segment were 50.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 54.3% for the three months ended December 31, 2010. Gross profit decreased $6.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2010. The decreases in gross margin and gross profit were caused primarily by the reduction in wireless sales, which tend to carry margins much greater than the ATS segment average, and the increased radio test set sales, as the GRMATS products carry margins below the ATS segment average.

 

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 $179,000 to $38.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011. Our cost containment efforts, including a general hiring freeze and a suspension of the company match to our 401(k) retirement plan, has been successful in controlling SG&A costs. As a percentage of sales, SG&A costs increased from 21.0% to 22.5% from the three months ended December 31, 2010 to the three months ended December 31, 2011, due mainly to the $10.4 million reduction in sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Costs
                             
Three Months      % of       % of           % of 
Ended      Net       Net           Net 
December 31,  AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Corporate   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages)
                                    
2011  $13,630    16.1%  $20,049    23.2%  $4,766   $38,445    22.5%
2010  $13,596    15.2%  $19,870    21.5%  $4,800   $38,266    21.0%

 

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

On a consolidated basis, research and development costs increased $764,000, or 4%, to $22.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011. As a percentage of sales, research and development costs increased from 11.9% to 13.1% from the three months ended December 31, 2010 to the three months ended December 31, 2011, as we have decided to continue investing in the future despite the $10.4 million reduction in sales.

 

Research and Development Costs
                         
Three Months      % of       % of       % of 
Ended      Net       Net       Net 
December 31,  AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages)
                               
2011  $9,442    11.2%  $12,978    15.0%  $22,420    13.1%
2010  $8,552    9.6%  $13,104    14.2%  $21,656    11.9%

 

AMS segment self-funded research and development costs increased $890,000, or 10%, to $9.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to an increase of $572,000 in mixed-signal/digital ASICs for the development of mixed-signal and SPO memory products, combined with an increase in RF and microwave components development of $407,000.

22
 

 

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 three months ended December 31, 2010. There was no similar charge recorded for the three months ended December 31, 2011.

 

Restructuring Charges. On a consolidated basis, restructuring charges were $915,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 compared to $6.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010.

The AMS segment incurred total restructuring costs of $235,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011. In comparison, in the three months ended December 31, 2010, the AMS segment incurred total restructuring costs of $5.6 million. 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 $680,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011. In comparison, for the three months ended December 31, 2010, the ATS segment incurred restructuring costs of $738,000. In both periods, the costs related primarily to consolidation and reorganization efforts in our European operations.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $12.2 million to $8.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 from $20.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010. 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.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Write-off of Deferred Financing Costs. During the three months ended December 31, 2010 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. There were no comparable charges for the three months ended December 31, 2011.

 

Gain from a Bargain Purchase of a Business. During the three months ended December 31, 2010 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 three months ended December 31, 2011.

 

Income Taxes. The income tax benefit was $177,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 on a pre-tax loss of $712,000. We recorded an income tax benefit for the three months ended December 31, 2010 of $40.0 million on a pre-tax loss of $51.4 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.

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 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.

23
 

 

The income tax benefit for three months ended December 31, 2010 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 $5.7 million of deferred tax liabilities related to U.S. income taxes previously provided on unremitted foreign earnings. As a direct result of Aeroflex Holding’s IPO in November 2010 and related repurchase of a portion of Aeroflex’s 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.

 

Absent the discrete items, the effective tax rates were 25% and 56% for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The current year’s provision was a combination of projected annual U.S. tax expense on domestic earnings and foreign tax benefit on foreign earnings 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 December 31, 2011 and 2010, we paid income taxes of $2.8 million and $6.5 million, and received refunds of $85,000 and $3.1 million, respectively, related to federal, state and foreign income taxes.

Net Income (Loss). Net income (loss) was $(535,000) for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and $(11.4) million for the three months ended December 31, 2010.

 

24
 

 

Six Months Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Six Months Ended December 31, 2010

 

Net Sales. Net sales decreased $11.5 million, or 3%, to $326.0 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 from $337.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to a decline in the ATS segment.

 

Net Sales
                     
Six Months,      % of       % of     
Ended      Consolidated       Consolidated     
December 31,  AMS   Net Sales   ATS   Net Sales   Total 
(In thousands, except percentages)
                          
2011  $166,397    51.0%  $159,625    49.0%  $326,022 
2010  $166,530    49.3%  $170,980    50.7%  $337,510 

 

Net sales in the AMS segment were $166.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and $166.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2010. Significant sales changes included a $2.9 million volume driven reduction in sales of RF and microwave components, of which $1.6 million relates to a reduction in sales in Asia due to capital equipment freezes in the telecom market. The decrease was offset by volume driven increases, the more significant of which were $1.5 million in sales of HiRel microelectronics/semiconductors and $870,000 in sales of motion control products.

Net sales in the ATS segment decreased $11.4 million, or 7%, to $159.6 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 from $171.0 million for the six months ended December 31, 2010. The decrease was attributable to a $12.4 million reduction in sales of wireless test equipment and a $9.7 million reduction in sales of general purpose test equipment both 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, lower pricing. In addition, there was a $4.9 million reduction in sales of synthetic test equipment. The decreases are partially offset by a volume driven increase of $12.8 million in sales of military radio and private mobile radio test equipment and a $2.9 million increase in sales of avionic products. The increase in sales of radio test sets primarily relates to an individual shipment of $11.4 million to the U.S. Military, related to our GRMATS product.

Gross Profit. On a consolidated basis, gross profit was $164.2 million, or 50.4% of net sales, for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and $174.7 million, or 51.8% of net sales, for the six months ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in gross profit was the result of decreased sales and lower gross margins in the ATS segment.

 

Gross Profit
                         
Six Months,      % of       % of       % of 
Ended      Net       Net       Net 
December 31,  AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages)
                               
2011  $83,302    50.1%  $80,908    50.7%  $164,210    50.4%
2010  $83,415    50.1%  $91,251    53.4%  $174,666    51.8%

 

25
 

 

Gross margins in the ATS segment were 50.7% for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 53.4% for the six months ended December 31, 2010. Gross profit decreased $10.3 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the six months ended December 31, 2010. The decreases in gross margin and gross profit were caused primarily by the reduction in wireless sales, which tend to carry margins much greater than the ATS segment average, and the increased radio test set sales, as the GRMATS products carry margins below the ATS segment average.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Costs. On a consolidated basis, SG&A costs increased $1.0 million, or 1%, to $76.0 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011. Our cost containment efforts, including a general hiring freeze and a suspension of the company match to our 401(k) retirement plan, have been successful in controlling SG&A costs. As a percentage of sales, SG&A costs increased from 22.3% to 23.3% from the six months ended December 31, 2010 to the six months ended December 31, 2011, due mainly to the $11.5 million reduction in sales.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Costs
                             
Six Months,      % of       % of           % of 
Ended      Net       Net           Net 
December 31,  AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Corporate   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages)
                                    
2011  $26,653    16.0%  $40,068    25.1%  $9,258   $75,979    23.3%
2010  $25,980    15.6%  $40,302    23.6%  $8,687   $74,969    22.3%

 

Research and Development Costs. On a consolidated basis, research and development costs increased $2.9 million, or 7%, to $46.7 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011. As a percentage of sales, research and development costs increased from 13.0% to 14.3% from the six months ended December 31, 2010 to the six months ended December 31, 2011, as we have decided to continue investing in the future despite the $11.5 million reduction in sales.

 

Research and Development Costs
                         
Six Months,      % of       % of       % of 
Ended      Net       Net       Net 
December 31,  AMS   Sales   ATS   Sales   Total   Sales 
(In thousands, except percentages)
                               
2011  $18,091    10.9%  $28,604    17.9%  $46,695    14.3%
2010  $16,299    9.8%  $27,515    16.1%  $43,814    13.0%

AMS segment self-funded research and development costs increased $1.8 million, or 11%, to $18.1 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to increases of $1.1 million in mixed-signal/digital ASICs for mixed-signal and SPO memory products, combined with an increase of $714,000 in the development of RF and microwave components.

ATS segment self-funded research and development costs increased $1.1 million, or 4%, to $28.6 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 primarily attributable to next generation wireless test equipment.

26
 

 

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 six months ended December 31, 2010. There was no similar charge recorded for the six months ended December 31, 2011.

 

Restructuring Charges. On a consolidated basis, restructuring charges were $1.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 compared to $8.1 million for the six months ended December 31, 2010.

 

The AMS segment incurred total restructuring costs of $611,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011. In comparison, in the six months ended December 31, 2010, the AMS segment incurred total restructuring costs of $6.1 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.

The ATS segment incurred restructuring costs of $740,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2011. In comparison, for the six months ended December 31, 2010, the ATS segment incurred restructuring costs of $2.0 million. In both periods, the costs related primarily to consolidation and reorganization efforts in our European operations.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $24.8 million to $17.1 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 from $42.0 million for the six months ended December 31, 2010. 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.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Write-off of Deferred Financing Costs. During the six months ended December 31, 2010 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. There were no comparable charges for the six months ended December 31, 2011.

 

Gain from a Bargain Purchase of a Business. During the six months ended December 31, 2010 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 six months ended December 31, 2011.

 

Other income (expense) of $(693,000) for the six months ended December 31, 2011 consisted of $(323,000) of foreign currency transaction losses and $(370,000) of miscellaneous expense, net. Other income (expense) of $(407,000) for the six months ended December 31, 2010 consisted of a $(688,000) other than temporary impairment recorded on our auction rate securities and $(305,000) of foreign currency transactions losses offset by $586,000 of interest income and miscellaneous income, net.

Income Taxes. The income tax benefit was $3.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 on a pre-tax loss of $9.0 million. We recorded an income tax benefit for the six months ended December 31, 2010 of $52.3 million on a pre-tax loss of $69.5 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.

27
 

 

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 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 six months ended December 31, 2011 reflects a discrete benefit of $700,000 relating to a reduction in the statutory income tax rate in the United Kingdom. The income tax benefit for six months ended December 31, 2010, 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 $5.7 million of deferred tax liabilities related to U.S. income taxes previously provided on unremitted foreign earnings. As a direct result of Aeroflex Holding’s IPO in November 2010 and related repurchase of a portion of Aeroflex’s 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 31% and 59% for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The current year’s provision was a combination of projected annual U.S. tax expense on domestic earnings and foreign tax benefit on foreign earnings 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 six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we paid income taxes of $6.3 million and $10.2 million and received refunds of $180,000 and $3.1 million, respectively, related to federal, state and foreign income taxes.

28
 

 

Net Income (Loss). Net income (loss) was $(5.6) million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and $(17.2) million for the six months ended December 31, 2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2011, we had $64.4 million of cash and cash equivalents, $349.0 million in working capital and our current ratio was 4.05 to 1, versus $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 December 31, 2011, we had $721.8 million of debt outstanding (of which $714.1 million was long-term), including $721.4 million under the senior secured term loan. Additionally, at December 31, 2011, we were able to borrow $75.0 million under the revolving portion of our senior secured credit facility.

The following is a summary of required principal repayments of our debt for the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2011:

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,  (In thousands) 
2012  $7,635 
2013   7,250 
2014   7,250 
2015   7,250 
2016   7,250 
Thereafter   685,125 
Total  $721,760 

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2011, 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, on February 6, 2012, we voluntarily prepaid $30 million of our term loan, reducing the outstanding balance of total debt to $691.8 million.

 

As of December 31, 2011, 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 required 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:

 

29
 

 

   Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2011   2010   2011   2010 
   (In thousands) 
                 
Net income (loss)  $(535)  $(11,403)  $(5,577)  $(17,220)
Interest expense   8,560    20,713    17,134    41,951 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (177)   (40,044)   (3,466)   (52,291)
Depreciation and amortization   20,830    20,648    41,804    41,534 
EBITDA   28,678    (10,086)   49,895    13,974 
                     
Non-cash purchase accounting adjustments   —      391    —      1,046 
Merger related expenses   —      507    —      1,222 
Restructuring costs and related pro forma savings (a)   1,079    8,211    2,124    11,449 
Share-based compensation   1,130    513    1,730    1,026 
Termination of Sponsor Advisory Agreement   —      18,133    —      18,133 
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs   —      25,178    —      25,178 
Gain from a bargain purchase of a business   —      (173)   —      (173)
Other defined items (b)   1,498    1,820    2,390    2,685 
Adjusted EBITDA (c)  $32,385   $44,494   $56,139   $74,540 
                     

 

(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 $164,000 and $773,000 were applicable to the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, respectively, and relate to restructuring activities recorded throughout fiscal 2012. The portion of pro forma savings that was applicable to the three months ended September 30, 2011 ($609,000) was not reflected in our Adjusted EBITDA as reported in our September 30, 2011 report on Form 10-Q. Pro forma savings of $1.9 million and $3.4 million were applicable to the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, respectively, and relate to restructuring activities recorded throughout fiscal 2011. The impact of these savings, when combined with other adjustments of $255,000 and $451,000 for the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, respectively, totaled $2.2 million and $3.8 million for the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, respectively, and were not reflected in our Adjusted EBITDA as reported in our September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2010 reports on Form 10-Q.

 

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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 December 31, 2011 was 4.80 whereas our actual leverage ratio was 4.28. The maximum leverage ratio permitted periodically decreases as follows:

 

Effective  as of  Maximum 
the Twelve Months  Permitted 
Ending  Leverage Ratio 
      
March 31, 2012   4.75 
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 mid-point of the range of our current forecasts of earnings for fiscal 2012, and considering the $30 million previously mentioned term loan paydown and no further debt payments for the balance of fiscal 2012, we anticipate the leverage ratio to be approximately 4.60 at March 31, 2012 and 4.48 at June 30, 2012.

 

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 six months ended December 31, 2011, our cash flow provided by operations was $18.4 million. Our investing activities used cash of $14.5 million, primarily for capital expenditures of $9.5 million and earn-out payments of $5.1 million related to a prior year acquisition. Our financing activities used cash of $4.7 million, primarily for debt repayments of $3.6 million and for the payment of contingent consideration related to a business acquisition of $948,000.

 

For the six months ended December 31, 2010, our cash flow used by operations was $11.1 million, which included cash used to increase inventory by $24.2 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 $32.1 million, for payments for the purchase of businesses of $23.6 million and for capital expenditures of $11.2 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of marketable securities of $2.0 million combined with the sale of property, plant and equipment of $741,000. Our financing activities provided cash of $11.6 million - $244.1 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 $9.5 million and $11.2 million for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, 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.

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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.

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 six month period ended December 31, 2011, 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 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. This new guidance will become effective for us on January 1, 2012 and is to be applied prospectively. Other than requiring additional disclosures, we do not anticipate a material impact on our financial statements upon adoption.

 

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.

 

In September 2011, the 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.

  

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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 December 31, 2011, there is $721.4 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 0.33% increase, due to the 1.25% floor, or a $2.4 million increase in our annual interest expense. Any 1% increase in interest rates above the 1.25% floor would result in a $7.3 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 December 31, 2011, we had $32.5 million of notional value foreign currency forward contracts maturing through January 31, 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 December 31, 2011 was a liability of $217,000. If foreign currency exchange rates (primarily the British pound and the Euro) change by 10% from the levels at December 31, 2011, the effect on our comprehensive income would be approximately $17.2 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 December 31, 2011 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 December 31, 2011 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

 


37
 

 

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.
   
  By:  /s/ John Adamovich, Jr.
   

John Adamovich, Jr

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 February 9, 2012

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No. Exhibit Description
31.1Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14a as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Executive Officer)

 

31.2Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14a as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Financial Officer)

 

31.3Certification pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a)/15d-14a as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

32.1Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Chief Executive Officer)

 

32.2Certification 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

 

 

39