UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007

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

For the transition period from                  to

Commission File Number 1-8533


GRAPHIC

DRS Technologies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

Delaware

 

13-2632319

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

5 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey

 

07054

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(973) 898-1500

(Telephone No.)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Name of Each Exchange

Title of Each Class

 

on which Registered

Common Stock, $.01 par value

 

New York Stock Exchange Euronext

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant in not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o  No x

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated filer x  Accelerated filer o  Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No x

The market value of shares of common stock held by non-affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $1,741.4 million. The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of May 22, 2007 was 40,717,657.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held August 9, 2007 have been incorporated herein by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 




Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page

 

PART I

 

Item 1.

 

Business

 

 

1

 

 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

 

11

 

 

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

 

21

 

 

Item 2.

 

Properties

 

 

21

 

 

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

 

24

 

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

 

26

 

 

PART II

 

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

27

 

 

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

 

 

29

 

 

Item 7.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    

 

 

31

 

 

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

 

59

 

 

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

 

61

 

 

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    

 

 

128

 

 

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

 

128

 

 

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

 

 

130

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

 

131

 

 

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

 

 

131

 

 

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

 

131

 

 

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

 

 

131

 

 

Item 14.

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

 

131

 

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

132

 

 

Signatures

 

 

133

 

 

 

i




Item 1.                    Business

References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “DRS Technologies,” “DRS,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to DRS Technologies, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its controlling interests.

General

DRS is a leading supplier of defense electronic products, systems and military support services. We provide high-technology products and services to all branches of the U.S. military, major aerospace and defense prime contractors, government intelligence agencies, international military forces and industrial markets. We focus on several key areas of importance to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), such as command and control, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, power management, battlefield digitization, advanced communications and networks, military vehicle diagnostics, troop sustainment and technical support. Incorporated in 1968, we have served the defense industry for over 38 years. We are a leading provider of thermal imaging devices, combat display workstations, electronic sensor systems, power systems, rugged computer systems, air combat training systems, mission recorders, deployable flight incident recorders, environmental and telecommunication systems, aircraft loaders, military trailers and shelters, and integrated logistics support services. Our products are deployed on a wide range of high-profile military platforms, such as DDG-51 Aegis destroyers, M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, AH-64 Apache helicopters, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighters, F-15 Eagle tactical fighters, C-17 Globemaster II and C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft, Ohio, Los Angeles and Virginia class submarines, and on several other platforms for military and non-military applications. We have contracts that support future military platforms, such as the DDG-1000 Zumwalt destroyer, CVN-78 next-generation aircraft carrier and Future Combat System. We provide sustainment products that support military forces, such as environmental control systems, power generators, water and fuel distribution systems, chemical/biological decontamination systems and heavy equipment transport systems. We also provide support services to the military, including security and asset protection system services, telecommunication and information technology services, training and logistics support services for all branches of the U.S. armed forces and certain foreign militaries, homeland security forces, and selected government and intelligence agencies.

Available Information

The address of our principal executive office is 5 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054, and our telephone number is (973) 898-1500. Our web address is www.drs.com. We are subject to the informational requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act) and, in accordance therewith, file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Such reports and other information can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Room of the SEC, located at 100 F Street N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public Reference Room of the SEC at prescribed rates. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Such material also may be accessed electronically by means of the SEC’s home page on the Internet at www.sec.gov or at www.drs.com.

We provide free of charge on our web site, under the heading “Investor Info,” our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

The corporate governance information on our web site includes our Code of Ethics and Code of Business Conduct for all employees of DRS, including senior financial personnel and our Board of Directors. In addition, amendments to and waivers granted to our directors and executive

1




officers under our Code of Ethics, if any, will be posted in this area of our web site. These corporate governance documents can be accessed by visiting our web site and clicking on the “Corporate Info” link followed by the “Ethics Program” link. You can request a copy of our Code of Ethics at no cost by contacting Investor Relations at (973) 898-1500.

Company Organization

On October 2, 2006, we implemented a new organizational operating structure that realigned our three previously existing operating segments—the Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Intelligence Group, the Surveillance & Reconnaissance Group and the Sustainment Systems & Services Group—into four operating segments. The four operating segments are the Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Intelligence (C4I) Segment, the Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Acquisition (RSTA) Segment, the Sustainment Systems Segment and the Technical Services Segment. All other operations, primarily our Corporate Headquarters, are grouped in “Other.” All prior-year amounts presented by segment have been reclassified to reflect the new operating structure.

On January 31, 2006, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Engineered Support Systems, Inc. (ESSI) forming substantially all of our Sustainment Systems and Technical Services segments. The total transaction value was approximately $1.93 billion.

On March 10, 2005, we completed the sale of two of our operating units, DRS Weather Systems, Inc. (DRS Weather) and DRS Broadcast Technology, Inc. (DRS Broadcast). These operating units were acquired in connection with our fiscal 2004 acquisition of Integrated Defense Technologies, Inc. (IDT). The results of operations of DRS Weather and DRS Broadcast for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 are included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as “Earnings from Discontinued Operations,” which includes a gain on their sale. The cash flows of the discontinued operations also are presented separately in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. A summary of the operating results of the discontinued operations for the year ended March 31, 2005 is more fully described under Note 1.A. in our Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

On November 4, 2003 we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Integrated Defense Technologies, Inc. (IDT).  The business units acquired in connection with the transaction are included within the C4I Segment. The total transaction value was approximately $380.3 million.

Financial information on our reportable business segments is presented in Note 14 of our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included in this Form 10-K. See Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Additional financial data and commentary on the results of operations for the operating segments are included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which also is included in this Form 10-K. See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

C4I Segment

The C4I Segment is comprised of the following business areas: Command, Control & Communications (C3), which includes naval display systems, ship communications systems, radar systems, technical support, electronic manufacturing and system integration services, secure voice and data communications, air combat training and electronic warfare and ship network systems; Power Systems, which includes naval and industrial power generation, conversion, propulsion, distribution and control systems; Intelligence Technologies, which includes signals intelligence, communications intelligence, data collection, processing and dissemination equipment, high-speed digital data and imaging systems, unmanned vehicles and mission and flight recorders; and Tactical Systems, which includes battle management tactical computer systems, peripherals, electronic test, and diagnostics and vehicle electronics.

2




RSTA Segment

The RSTA Segment develops and produces electro-optical sighting, targeting and weapon sensor systems, and image intensification (I2 ) night vision, combat identification and laser aimer/illuminator products, and provides electronic manufacturing services.

Sustainment Systems Segment

The Sustainment Systems Segment designs, engineers and manufactures integrated military electronics and other military support equipment, primarily for the DoD, as well as related heat transfer and air handling equipment, and power generation and distribution equipment for domestic commercial and industrial users. The segment provides these systems primarily for military, humanitarian, disaster recovery and emergency responder applications.

Technical Services Segment

The Technical Services Segment provides engineering services, logistics and training services, advanced technology services, security and asset protection systems and services, telecommunication systems, integration and information technology services, power generation and vehicle armor kits. The segment provides these services for military, intelligence, humanitarian, disaster recovery and emergency responder applications.

Other.   ”Other” includes the activities of DRS Corporate Headquarters and certain of our non-operating subsidiaries.

Industry Background

The U.S. military has worked to meet the changing threats that have evolved since the mid-1980s with a focus on lighter, faster and more intelligent weapons and an emphasis on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. This change in focus followed the end of the Cold War and the subsequent reduction in defense spending, which led to consolidation in the defense industry. Today, we believe the industry is dominated by five domestic prime contractors and a few large European defense companies with an increasing presence in the U.S. markets. These large prime contractors have shifted their business strategies to focus on platforms and systems integration and, consequently, subcontract the development of many systems and subsystems.

Events of the last six years, including the Global War on Terrorism, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, have altered the defense and homeland security environment of the United States. We believe these events will likely continue to have a significant impact on the markets for defense and advanced technology products and services for the next several years. The DoD continues to focus on both supporting ongoing operations and transforming our military to confront future threats. We believe that the current military needs and political and global environments will continue to create new opportunities for mid-tier defense companies like DRS to develop strategic relationships directly with the government and with prime contractors. Through these relationships, we believe we can continue to provide essential systems and services, which are capable of meeting the military’s evolving requirements.

Business Strategy

Our goal is to continually improve our position as a leading supplier of defense electronics products and systems. Our strategies to achieve our objectives include:

·                    Leveraging Incumbent Relationships.   We intend to leverage our relationships with government and industry decision-makers by continuing to perform well on our existing contracts. Our experience has shown that strong performance on existing contracts enhances our ability to obtain additional business with our existing customer base. To accomplish this, we intend to continue to position ourselves as a “best value” provider

3




for our customers. “Best value” is a DoD contracting theme, which focuses supplier selection on a variety of criteria, including a supplier’s past performance, instead of evaluating suppliers solely on lowest price.

·                    Developing and Expanding Existing Technologies.   Through a combination of customer-funded research and development and our own internal research and development efforts, we intend to continue to focus on technology development. Customer-funded development contracts enable us to work with our customers to develop new technologies and design and manufacture new systems and components, while decreasing our financial risk.

·                    Leveraging Our Ability to Provide a Combination of Services with Products to Better Serve Customers.   We intend to leverage our ability to supplement our product portfolio with life-cycle engineering, product repair and logistics support services to provide a complete, integrated solution to our customers to better serve them.

·                    Continuing to React Quickly to the Changing Defense Environment.    In addition to being well positioned for conventional warfare roles, we intend to continue to adapt existing technologies and products, such as thermal imaging, rugged computer and communication systems, to address evolving military requirements, including rapid deployment and containment of non-conventional threats, such as terrorism, and asymmetric warfare.

·                    Capitalizing on the DoD’s Emphasis on Transformation and Modernization.   The DoD has emphasized its goal to transform the U.S. military into a nimble, light and network-centric force. We believe our expertise in electro-optics, power management, training and test, signals intelligence, rugged computers, advanced communications, network systems, sustainment systems and support services fits well into the DoD’s current and future technological focus. We also intend to continue to supply upgrades for force modernization of the current force through back-fit and forward-fit initiatives.

·                    Pursuing Strategic Acquisitions. We plan to continue our participation in the ongoing consolidation of the aerospace and defense industry. Through selective acquisitions, we aim to broaden our existing product base, build on our existing customer relationships and enhance our ability to enter new markets.

·                    Maintaining a Diversified Business Mix.   We have an attractive customer profile and a diverse and broad business mix, with limited reliance on any single program. We also have a balance of cost-reimbursable type, time-and-material type and fixed-price type contracts with significant follow-on business opportunities.

·                    Developing and Retaining Highly Talented Management and Technical Employees.   The success of our businesses, including our ability to retain existing business and to successfully compete for new business is primarily dependent on the management, marketing and business development, contracting, engineering and technical skills and knowledge of our employees. We intend to retain and develop our existing employees and recruit and hire new qualified and skilled employees through training, competitive compensation, and organizational and staff development, as well as effective recruiting.

Customers

We sell a significant portion of our products to agencies of the U.S. government, primarily the DoD, to international government agencies and to prime contractors and their subcontractors. Approximately 90%, 87% and 84% of total consolidated revenues for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were derived directly or indirectly from defense contracts for end use by the U.S. government and its agencies. Export sales accounted for approximately 8%, 10% and 14% of total consolidated revenues in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

4




Backlog

“Backlog” refers to the aggregate revenues on a specified date remaining to be earned under contracts held by us, including U.S. government contracts, to the extent the funded amounts under such a contract have been appropriated by Congress and allotted to the contract by the procuring government agency. Our backlog does not include the value of unexercised options that may be exercised in the future on multi-year contracts, nor does it include the value of additional purchase orders that we may receive under indefinite quantity-type contracts or basic ordering agreements. Backlog includes all firm orders for commercial/industrial products. Fluctuations in backlog generally relate to the timing and amount of defense contract awards. The following table sets forth our backlog by major customer-type at the dates indicated.

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

U.S. government

 

$

2,789,388

 

$

2,101,446

 

$

1,096,275

 

Foreign governments

 

213,397

 

240,976

 

171,880

 

 

 

3,002,785

 

2,342,422

 

1,268,155

 

Commercial/Industrial products

 

35,079

 

53,640

 

46,623

 

 

 

$

3,037,864

 

$

2,396,062

 

$

1,314,778

 

 

We expect to record as revenues approximately 72% of our funded backlog as of March 31, 2007 during fiscal 2008. However, there can be no assurance that our entire funded backlog will become revenues in future periods.

Research and Development

We conduct research and development to maintain and advance our technology base. Our research and development efforts are funded by both internal sources and customer-funded development contracts.

We recorded revenues for customer-funded research and development of approximately $110.4 million, $106.1 million and $93.1 million for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Such customer-funded activities are primarily the result of contracts directly or indirectly with the U.S. government. We also invest in internal research and development. Expenditures for internal research and development amounted to approximately $50.9 million, $47.6 million and $38.9 million for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Contracts

A significant portion of our revenue is derived from long-term programs and from programs for which we are the incumbent supplier or have been the sole or dual supplier for many years. A large percentage of our revenue is derived from programs that are in the production phase.

We have a diverse business mix with limited dependence on any single contract. The Rapid Response contractual instrument represented approximately 11% of our revenue for the year ended March 31, 2007. No single contractual instrument represented more than 10% of revenues for the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

The percentages of revenues during fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 attributable to our contracts by contract type were as follows:

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

Fixed-price

 

 

76

%

 

 

83

%

 

 

81

%

 

Cost-type/time and materials

 

 

24

%

 

 

17

%

 

 

19

%

 

 

5




Our contracts are normally for production, services or development. Production contracts are typically the fixed-price type, development contracts are typically the cost-type, and service contracts are typically time and material. We believe continued predominance of fixed-price contracts is reflective of the significant portion of production contracts in our U.S. government contract portfolio. Fixed-price contracts may provide for a fixed price or they may be fixed-price-incentive-fee contracts. Under the fixed-price contracts, we agree to perform for an agreed-upon price. Accordingly, we derive benefits from cost savings, but bear the risk of cost overruns. Under the fixed-price-incentive-fee contracts, if actual costs incurred in the performance of the contracts are less than estimated costs for the contracts, the savings are apportioned between the customer and us. If actual costs under such a contract exceed estimated costs, however, excess costs are apportioned between the customer and us, up to a ceiling. We bear all costs that exceed the ceiling, if any.

Cost-plus-type contracts typically provide for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred plus a fee (profit). Under cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts, we are reimbursed for allowable costs and receive a fixed fee, which is negotiated and specified in the contract. Such fees have statutory limits. Unlike fixed-price contracts in which we are committed to deliver without regard to cost, cost-plus contracts normally obligate us to use our best efforts to accomplish the scope of work within a specified time and a stated contract dollar limitation. In addition, U.S. government procurement regulations mandate lower profits for cost-type contracts because of our reduced risk. Under cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts, an additional incentive fee awarded may be based on cost or performance. When the incentive is based on cost, the contract specifies that we are reimbursed for allowable incurred costs plus a fee adjusted by a formula based on the ratio of total allowable costs to target cost. Target cost, target fee, minimum and maximum fee and adjustment formulae are agreed upon when the contract is negotiated. In the case of performance-based incentives, we are reimbursed for allowable incurred costs plus an incentive, contingent upon meeting or surpassing stated performance targets. The contract provides for increases in the fee to the extent that such targets are surpassed and for decreases to the extent that such targets are not met. In some instances, cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts also may include a combination of both cost and performance incentives. Under cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts, we are reimbursed for costs and receive a fixed fee, which is negotiated and specified in the contract. Such fees have statutory limits. Time-and-material-type contracts provide for reimbursement of labor hours expended at a contractual fixed labor rate per hour, plus the actual costs of material and other direct non-labor costs. The fixed labor rates on time-and-material-type contracts include amounts for the cost of direct labor, indirect contract costs and profit.

We negotiate for and generally receive progress payments from our customers of between 75-90% of allowable costs incurred on the previously described contracts. Included in our reported revenues are certain amounts, which we have not billed to customers. These amounts consist of costs and related profits, if any, in excess of progress payments for contracts on which revenues are recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis.

Under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), contract costs, including applicable general and administrative expenses on certain government contracts, are charged to work-in-progress inventory and are written off to costs and expenses as revenues are recognized. The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), incorporated by reference in U.S. government contracts, provide that internal research and development costs are allowable general and administrative expenses. To the extent that general and administrative expenses are included in inventory, research and development costs also are included. Unallowable costs, pursuant to the FAR, are excluded from costs accumulated on U.S. government contracts.

Our defense contracts and subcontracts are subject to audit, various profit and cost controls, and standard provisions for termination at the convenience of the customer. The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) performs these audits on behalf of the U.S. government. The

6




DCAA has the right to perform audits on our incurred costs on all contracts on a yearly basis. Approval of an incurred cost submission can take from one to three years from the date of the submission of the contract cost.

Under the Truth in Negotiations Act of 1962 (Negotiations Act), the U.S. government has the right for three years after final payment on certain negotiated contracts, subcontracts and modifications, to determine whether DRS furnished the U.S. government with complete, accurate and current cost or pricing data as defined by the Negotiations Act. If DRS fails to satisfy this requirement, the U.S. government has the right to adjust a contract or subcontract price by the amount of any overstatement, as defined by the Negotiations Act.

U.S. government contracts are, by their terms, subject to termination by the U.S. government for either convenience or default by the contractor. Fixed-price contracts provide for payment upon termination for items delivered to and accepted by the U.S. government and, if the termination is for convenience, for payment of fair compensation of work performed plus the costs of settling and paying claims by terminated subcontractors, other settlement expenses and a reasonable profit on the costs incurred. Cost-plus contracts provide that, upon termination, the contractor is entitled to reimbursement of its allowable costs and, if the termination is for convenience, a total fee proportionate to the percentage of the work completed under the contract. If a contract termination is for default, however, the contractor is paid an amount agreed upon for completed and partially completed products and services accepted by the U.S. government. In these circumstances, the U.S. government is not liable for excess costs incurred by us in procuring undelivered items from another source.

In addition to the right of the U.S. government to terminate, U.S. government contracts are conditioned upon the continuing availability of Congressional appropriations. Congress usually appropriates funds for a given program on a September 30 fiscal year basis, even though contract performance may take many years. Consequently, at the outset of a major program, the contract usually is funded partially, and additional monies normally are committed to the contract by the procuring agency only as appropriations are made by Congress for future fiscal years.

Competition

Our products are sold in markets in which several of our competitors are substantially larger than we are, devote substantially greater resources to research and development, and, generally, have greater financial resources. We face a variety of competitors, including BAE Systems PLC, Raytheon Company and L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc., among others. Certain competitors are also our customers and suppliers. The extent of competition for any single project generally varies according to the complexity of the product and the dollar value of the anticipated award. We believe that we compete on the basis of:

·       The performance, adaptability and price of our products;

·       Reputation for prompt and responsive contract performance;

·       Accumulated technical knowledge and expertise;

·       Breadth of our product lines; and

·       The capabilities of our facilities, equipment and personnel to undertake the programs for which we compete.

Our future success will depend in large part upon our ability to improve existing product lines and to develop new products and technologies in the same or related fields.

In the military sector, we compete with large and mid-tier defense contractors on the basis of product performance, cost, overall value, delivery schedule and reputation. Since a number of consolidations and mergers of defense suppliers has occurred, the number of participants in the

7




defense industry has decreased in recent years. We expect this consolidation trend to continue. As the industry consolidates, the large defense contractors are narrowing their supplier base, awarding increasing portions of projects to strategic mid- and lower-tier suppliers, and, in the process, are becoming oriented more toward systems integration and assembly. We believe that we have benefited from this defense industry trend.

In addition to the military sector, we compete with a large number of suppliers to commercial and industrial customers on the basis of both performance and price.

Patents and Licenses

We have patents on certain of our commercial and data recording products, semiconductor devices, rugged computer-related items, and electro-optical and infrared focal plane array products, in addition to other products. We and our subsidiaries have certain registered trademarks, none of which are considered material to our current operations. We believe our patent position and intellectual property portfolio in the aggregate are valuable to our operations. We do not believe that the conduct of our business as a whole is materially dependent on any single patent, trademark or copyright.

When we work on U.S. government contracts, the U.S. government may have contractual rights to data for our “core” technologies, source codes and other developments associated with such government contracts. Records of our data rights are maintained in order to claim these rights as our proprietary technology, but it may not always be possible to delineate our proprietary developments from those developed under U.S. government contracts. The protection of our data from use by other U.S. government contractors is subject to negotiation from time to time between us and the U.S. government. The extent of the government’s data rights in any particular product generally depends upon whether the product was developed under a government contract and the degree of government funding for the development of such product.

Manufacturing and Supplies

Our manufacturing processes for most of our products include the assembly of purchased components and testing of products at various stages in the assembly process. Purchased components include integrated circuits, circuit boards, sheet metal fabricated into cabinets, resistors, capacitors, semiconductors, silicon wafers and other conductive materials, and insulated wire and cables. In addition, many of our products use machine castings and housings, motors, and recording and reproducing media.

Many of the purchased components are fabricated to our designs and specifications. The manufacturing process for certain of our optic products includes the grinding, polishing and coating of various optical materials and the machining of metal components.

Although materials and purchased components generally are available from a number of different suppliers, several suppliers are our sole source of certain components. If a supplier should cease to deliver such components, other sources probably would be available; however, added cost and manufacturing delays might result. We have not experienced significant production delays attributable to supply shortages, but occasionally we experience quality and other related problems with respect to certain components, such as semiconductors and connectors. In addition, with respect to our optical products, certain materials, such as germanium, zinc sulfide and cobalt, may not always be readily available.

International Operations and Export Sales

We currently sell several of our products and services internationally, such as to Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, Spain and Australia, as well as other countries. International sales of our

8




U.S. products and services are subject to export licenses granted on a case-by-case basis by the U.S. Department of State and Department of Commerce. In addition, the U.S. government prohibits or restricts the export of some of our products. Our international contracts generally are payable in U.S. dollars. Export sales accounted for approximately 8%, 10% and 14% of total revenues in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

There are two principal contracting methods used by DRS for export sales: Direct Foreign Sales (DFS) and the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS). In a DFS transaction, the contractor sells directly to the foreign country and assumes all the risks in the transaction. In an FMS transaction, the sale is funded by, contracted by and made to the U.S. government, which then sells the product to the foreign country.

We currently operate in Canada through our C4I Segment and Sustainment Systems Segment and in the United Kingdom through our C4I Segment.

Our international operations involve additional risks for us, such as exposure to currency fluctuations, future investment obligations and changes in international economic and political environments. In addition, international transactions frequently involve increased financial and legal risks arising from stringent contractual terms and conditions and widely different legal systems, customs and practices in foreign countries.

Seasonality

No material portion of our business is considered to be seasonal. Various factors can affect the distribution of our revenue between accounting periods, including the timing of government awards, the availability of government funding, product deliveries and customer acceptance.

Environmental Matters

Our operations include the use, generation and disposal of hazardous materials. We are subject to various U.S. federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the clean up of contaminated sites and the maintenance of a safe workplace. Except as described under Item 3, Legal Proceedings, we believe that we have been and are in material compliance with environmental laws and regulations and that we have no liabilities under environmental requirements that would be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. It is possible, however, that the ultimate resolution of the matters discussed in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations for a particular reporting period.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN OTHER OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Executive Officers

The names of our executive officers, their positions and offices with us, and their ages are set forth below:

Name  

 

Age

 

Position

Mark S. Newman

 

57

 

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

Vice Admiral Michael L. Bowman, USN (Ret.)

 

63

 

Executive Vice President, Washington Operations

Nina Laserson Dunn

 

60

 

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Robert F. Mehmel

 

44

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Richard A. Schneider

 

54

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

 

Mark S. Newman is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. He joined us in 1973, four years after our founding, and became President and CEO in 1994, after serving many years as our Chief Financial Officer. He was named a director in 1988, and in 1995, was elected Chairman of the Board. He is active in many important professional organizations. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the Aerospace Industries Association and is a director on the boards of Business Executives for National Security and the New Jersey Technology Council. He also serves as a member of the Navy League of the United States, the National Defense Industrial Association, the Association of the U.S. Army and the Surface Navy Association, among other professional affiliations. He is a past chairman of the American Electronics Association. He is also a director of Congoleum Corporation and EFJ, Inc.

Vice Admiral Michael L. Bowman, USN (Ret.) has been our Executive Vice President, Washington Operations, since June 2005. He served as our Senior Vice President, Washington Operations, from the time he joined us in March 2001 until June 2005. Prior to that, he served for 35 years with the U.S. Navy, including a number of assignments in the Washington, D.C. area involving Congressional relations in support of Navy and Marine Corps defense issues. Initially heading the Senate Liaison Office of the Secretary of the Navy, he later was appointed Chief of Legislative Affairs, responsible for the coordination of all Department of the Navy issues in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.

Nina Laserson Dunn joined us as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in July 1997. Prior to joining DRS, Ms. Dunn was a director in the corporate law department of Hannoch Weisman, a Professional Corporation, where she served as our outside legal counsel. Ms. Dunn is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey and is a member of the American, New York State and New Jersey State Bar Associations.

Robert F. Mehmel has been our Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, since May 2006. He joined us as Executive Vice President, Business Operations and Strategy, in January 2001. Before joining DRS, he was Director, Corporate Development, at Jabil Circuit, Inc. Prior to that, he was Vice President, Planning, at L-3 Communications Corporation from its inception in April 1997 until June 2000. Earlier, Mr. Mehmel held various positions in divisional and corporate financial management with Lockheed Martin Corporation, Loral Corporation and Lear Siegler, Inc. He is also a member of the board of directors of United Industrial Corporation.

Richard A. Schneider joined us in 1999 as our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. He also served as our Treasurer until November 2002. He held similar positions at NAI Technologies, Inc. (NAI) and was a member of its board of directors prior to its acquisition by us in February 1999. Mr. Schneider has over 30 years of experience in corporate financial management.

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Employees

As of March 31, 2007, we had approximately 9,700 employees, approximately 9,300 of whom are located in the United States. There is a continuing demand for qualified technical personnel, and we believe that our future growth and success will depend upon our ability to attract, train and retain such personnel. Approximately 90 of our employees at DRS Power & Control Technologies, Inc. are represented by a labor union and are covered by a collective bargaining agreement through March 2009. Two DRS Power & Control Technologies employees are represented by a separate labor union and are covered by a collective bargaining agreement through September 2009. Approximately 145 employees at DRS Test & Energy Management, Inc. are represented by a union and are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in May 2009. Approximately 275 of our employees at DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc. are covered under a collective bargaining agreement that expires in March 2009. We believe that our relations with our employees generally are good.

Item 1A.           Risk Factors

Our financial position, results of operations and cash flows are subject to various risks, many of which are not exclusively within our control that may cause actual performance to differ materially from historical or projected future performance. Information in this Form 10-K should be considered carefully by investors in light of the risk factors described below.

Our revenues depend on our ability to maintain our level of government business. The loss of our contracts with domestic and non-U.S. government agencies could adversely affect our revenues.

We derive the substantial majority of our revenues from contracts or subcontracts with domestic and non-U.S. government agencies. A significant reduction in the purchase of our products by these agencies would have a material adverse effect our business. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, approximately 90%, 87% and 84%, respectively, of our revenues were derived directly or indirectly from defense-industry contracts with the U.S. government and its agencies. In addition, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, approximately 7%, 9% and 12% of our revenues were derived directly or indirectly from sales to foreign governments, respectively. Therefore, the development of our business in the future will depend upon the continued willingness of the U.S. government and its prime contractors to commit substantial resources to defense programs and, in particular, upon the continued purchase of our products, and other products which incorporate our products, by the U.S. government. In particular, the current funding demands on the U.S. government, combined with a potential reduction of forces in Iraq, may lead to lower levels of government defense spending.

The risk that governmental purchases of our products may decline stems from the nature of our business with the U.S. government, in which the U.S. government may:

·       terminate contracts at its convenience;

·       terminate, reduce or modify contracts or subcontracts if its requirements or budgetary constraints change;

·       cancel multi-year contracts and related orders if funds become unavailable; and

·       shift its spending priorities.

In addition, as a defense business, we are subject to the following risks in connection with government contracts:

·       the frequent need to bid on programs prior to completing the necessary design, which may result in unforeseen technological difficulties and/or cost overruns;

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·       the difficulty in forecasting long-term costs and schedules and the potential obsolescence of products related to long-term, fixed-price contracts;

·       the risk of fluctuations or a decline in government expenditures due to any changes in the DoD budget or appropriation of funds;

·       when we act as a subcontractor, the failure or inability of the prime contractor to perform its prime contract may result in an inability to obtain payment of fees and contract costs;

·       restriction or potential prohibition on the export of products based on licensing requirements; and

·       the fact that government contract wins can be contested by other contractors.

Our revenues will be adversely affected if we fail to receive renewal or follow-on contracts.

Renewal and follow-on contracts are important because our contracts are for fixed terms. These terms vary from shorter than one year to over five years, particularly for contracts with options. The typical term of our contracts with the U.S. government is between one and three years. The loss of revenues from our possible failure to obtain renewal or follow-on contracts may be significant because our U.S. government contracts account for a substantial portion of our revenues.

Our operating results may fluctuate.

Our results of operations fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include:

·       the termination of a key government contract;

·       the size and timing of new contract awards to replace completed or expired contracts; and

·       changes in governmental policies, budgetary priorities and allocation and timing of funding.

We may not be successful in implementing our growth strategy if we are unable to identify, acquire and finance suitable acquisition targets.

Finding and consummating acquisitions is an important component of our growth strategy. Our continued ability to grow by acquisition is dependent upon the availability of acquisition candidates at reasonable prices and our ability to obtain additional acquisition financing on acceptable terms. Larger companies with significantly greater resources compete against us for acquisitions. We are likely to use significant amounts of cash, issue additional equity securities and/or incur additional debt in connection with future acquisitions, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and/or a dilutive effect on returns to existing stockholders. Based on our current level of indebtedness and other factors, which may or may not be within our control, there can be no assurance that we will be able to procure the necessary funds to effectuate our acquisition strategy on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. In addition, as our revenue growth has been attributable historically in large part to our successful acquisition strategy, failure to identify, consummate or integrate suitable acquisitions could lead to a reduced rate of revenue growth, operating income and net earnings in the future.

Integration of the operations of businesses we may acquire is complex, time consuming and expensive and may adversely affect the results of our operations after the acquisition.

The anticipated benefits of our acquisitions will depend in part on whether we can integrate our operations in an efficient, timely and effective manner. Integrating our acquisitions is a

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complex, time consuming and expensive process. We may not successfully accomplish a given integration and may not realize the benefits contemplated by combining the operations of both companies. The diversion of our attention to integration efforts and any difficulty encountered in combining operations could cause the interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, activities of our business.

If we are unable to successfully integrate companies we acquire into our operations on a timely basis, our profitability could be negatively affected.

We generally expect our acquisitions to result in certain business opportunities and growth prospects. We, however, may never realize these expected business opportunities and growth prospects. We may experience increased competition that limits our ability to expand our business. Our assumptions underlying estimates of expected cost savings may be inaccurate, or general industry and business conditions may deteriorate. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including, but not limited to:

·       difficulties in assimilating and integrating the operations, technologies and products acquired;

·       the diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns;

·       our current operating and financial systems and controls, which may be inadequate to manage our growth;

·       our possible inability to maintain or renew contracts of businesses we acquire;

·       our entering of markets in which we have limited or no prior experience; and

·       the loss of key employees.

If these factors limit our ability to integrate the operations of our acquisitions successfully or on a timely basis, our expectations of future results of operations may not be met. In addition, our growth and operating strategies for businesses we acquire may be different from the strategies that such business currently is pursuing. If our strategies are not the proper strategies for a company we acquire, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain or enhance the profitability of any acquired business or consolidate the operations of any acquired business to achieve cost savings.

In addition, there may be liabilities that we fail or are unable to discover in the course of performing due diligence investigations on each company or business we have already acquired or may acquire in the future. Such liabilities could include those arising from employee benefits contribution obligations of a prior owner or non-compliance with or liability pursuant to applicable federal, state or local environmental requirements by prior owners for which we, as a successor owner, may be responsible. In addition, there may be additional costs relating to acquisitions, including, but not limited to, possible purchase price adjustments. We cannot assure you that rights to indemnification by sellers of assets to us, even if obtained, will be enforceable, collectible or sufficient in amount, scope or duration to fully offset the possible liabilities associated with the business or property acquired. Any such liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Failure to anticipate technical problems, estimate costs accurately or control costs during performance of a fixed-price contract may reduce our profit or cause a loss.

We provide our services primarily through two types of contracts: fixed-price and cost-type contracts. Approximately 76%, 83% and 81% of our total revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were derived from fixed-price contracts, which require us to perform services under a contract at a stipulated price. We derived approximately

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24%, 17% and 19% of our revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, from cost-type, including time-and-material-type, contracts by which we are reimbursed for incurred costs and receive a fee that, depending on the contract, is either dependent on cost savings and/or performance or is a fixed fee, which is negotiated but limited by statutes.

We assume greater financial risk on fixed-price contracts than on cost-type contracts. Failure to anticipate technical problems, estimate costs accurately or control costs during performance of a fixed-price contract will reduce our profit or cause a loss. In particular, because of their inherent uncertainties and consequent cost overruns, development contracts have historically been less profitable than production contracts. Although we believe that adequate provision for our costs of performance is reflected in our consolidated financial statements, we can give no assurance that this provision is adequate or that losses on fixed-price and cost-type contracts will not occur in the future. We also cannot assure you that current cost-type contracts will not be changed to fixed-price contracts.

We may experience production delays if suppliers fail to deliver materials to us.

Our manufacturing process for certain products consists primarily of the assembly of purchased components and testing of the product at various stages in the assembly process.

Although we can obtain materials and purchase components for these products from a number of different suppliers, several suppliers are our sole source of certain components. If a supplier should cease to deliver such components, we believe that we would probably find other sources; however, this could result in added cost and manufacturing delays. We have not experienced significant production delays attributable to supply shortages, but we occasionally experience procurement problems with respect to certain components, such as semiconductors and connectors. In addition, with respect to our electro-optical products, certain materials, such as germanium, zinc sulfide and cobalt, may not always be readily available.

Our backlog is subject to reduction and cancellation, which could negatively impact our revenues and results of operations.

Backlog represents products or services that our customers have committed by contract to purchase from us. Our total funded backlog as of March 31, 2007 was approximately $3.0 billion. Backlog is subject to fluctuations and is not necessarily indicative of future sales. Moreover, cancellations or reductions of product quantities in existing contracts could substantially and materially reduce backlog and, consequently, future revenues. Our failure to replace canceled or reduced backlog could negatively impact our revenues and results of operations.

Our international operations expose us to risks of losses.

Approximately 7%, 9% and 12% of our revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were derived from sales to foreign governments. We are exploring the possibility of expansion into additional international markets.  We cannot assure you that we will maintain significant operations internationally or that any such operations will be successful. Any international operations we establish will be subject to risks similar to those affecting our U.S. operations and our current operations in Canada and the United Kingdom, in addition to a number of other risks, including:

·       political and economic instability in foreign markets;

·       inconsistent product regulation by foreign agencies or governments;

·       imposition of product tariffs and burdens;

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·       cost of complying with a wide variety of international and U.S. export laws and regulatory requirements, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the Export Administration Act and the Arms Export Control Act (and the regulations promulgated thereunder);

·       lack of local business experience;

·       foreign currency fluctuations;

·       difficulty in enforcing intellectual property rights; and

·       language and other cultural barriers.

As noted above, the sale of certain of our products outside the United States is highly regulated.  Our inability to obtain the requisite licenses, meet registration standards or comply with applicable government export regulations may affect our ability to export products or to generate revenues from the sale of such products outside the United States, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Compliance with government regulations also may subject us to substantial fees, costs and delays.  The absence of comparable restrictions on competitors in other countries may adversely affect our competitive position.

We operate in highly competitive markets.

The markets in which we compete are highly competitive and are subject to rapid technological change. A potential inability to improve existing product lines and develop new products and technologies could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, our competitors could introduce new products with greater capabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

There are many competitors in the markets in which we sell our products. Some of these competitors are substantially larger than we are, devote substantially greater resources to research and development, and generally have greater financial and other resources. Consequently, these competitors may be better positioned to take advantage of economies of scale and develop new technologies. A number of these competitors are also our suppliers and customers.

We compete with many large and mid-tier defense contractors on the basis of performance, cost, overall value, delivery and reputation. Additionally, some customers, including the DoD, are increasingly purchasing “off the shelf” components from commercial suppliers in lieu of using traditional defense contractors to design and manufacture such items.  Further, the industry has experienced substantial consolidation, increasing the market share of certain companies and enabling them to enhance their competitive position.

We are dependent in part upon our relationships and alliances with industry participants in order to generate revenue.

We rely on the strength of our relationships with other industry participants to form strategic alliances. Some of our industry partners assist us in the development of some of our products through teaming arrangements.  If any of our existing relationships with our industry partners were impaired or terminated, we could experience significant delays in the development of new products ourselves, and we would incur additional development costs. We would need to fund these costs internally or identify new industry partners.

Some of our likely industry partners are also potential competitors, which may impair the viability of new or continued strategic relationships. While we must compete effectively in the marketplace, our future alliances may depend on our industry partners’ perception of us. Our ability to win new and/or follow-on contracts may be dependent upon our relationships within the defense industry.

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The U.S. government’s right to use technology developed by us limits our intellectual property rights.

We seek to protect the competitive benefits we derive from our patents, proprietary information and other intellectual property. However, we do not have the right to prohibit the U.S. government from using certain technologies developed by us or to prohibit third party companies, including our competitors, from using those technologies in providing products and services to the U.S. government. The U.S. government has the right to royalty-free use of technologies that we have developed under U.S. government contracts. We are free to commercially exploit those government-funded technologies and may assert our intellectual property rights to seek to block other non-government users thereof, but we cannot assure you that we successfully could do so.

We are subject to environmental laws and regulations, and our ongoing operations may expose us to environmental liabilities.

Our operations, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, are subject to federal, state, foreign and local environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. As a result, we have been involved from time to time in administrative or legal proceedings relating to environmental matters. We cannot assure you that the aggregate amount of future clean-up costs and other environmental liabilities will not be material. We could be subject to potentially significant fines or penalties, including criminal sanctions, if we fail to comply with these requirements. We have made and will continue to make capital and other expenditures in order to comply with these laws and regulations. However, the requirements of these laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and could become more stringent in the future. We cannot predict what environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist. Also, in the future, contamination may be found to exist at our current or former facilities or at off-site locations to which we or certain companies that we have acquired or previously owned may have sent waste, including the Orphan Mine site in the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, which is currently subject to a government investigation. We could be held liable for such contamination. The remediation of such contamination, or the enactment of more stringent laws or regulations or more strict interpretation of existing laws and regulations, may require us to make additional expenditures, some of which could be material.

ESSI currently is subject to investigations by the Enforcement Division of the SEC and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, each of which could require significant management attention and legal and financial resources and could have a material adverse effect on us.

In December 2004, ESSI, prior to its acquisition by us, was notified by the Enforcement Division of the SEC of the issuance of a formal order directing a private investigation relating to trading in ESSI stock in 2003 and to the adequacy of certain disclosures made by ESSI regarding certain related party transactions in 2002 and 2003.  In February 2007, the SEC filed a civil injunctive action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri against a former director, officer and consultant of ESSI, alleging that he had violated the federal securities laws by “tipping” his financial advisor and close friend by sharing material, nonpublic information regarding ESSI’s financial condition shortly before certain 2003 earnings announcements.

In September 2005, ESSI received notice that the SEC staff had expanded the scope of the foregoing investigation to include ESSI’s disclosure of a November 2004 stop-work order relating to ESSI’s Deployable Power Generation and Distribution Systems (DPGDS) program. In connection with this investigation, ESSI and certain of its directors and officers have received subpoenas and

16




provided information and testimony to the SEC. ESSI has furnished the information required by the SEC.

In January 2006, ESSI was informed that the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri was initiating an investigation into ESSI’s disclosure of the DPGDS stop-work order and into trading in ESSI stock by ESSI insiders, which preceded such disclosure. The U.S. Attorney’s office advised ESSI that although it considered it to be a subject of its investigation, ESSI was not a target.  In connection with this investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s office issued ESSI a subpoena requesting specified information, which ESSI has furnished. 

In May 2006, we were advised that the Enforcement Division of the SEC and the U.S. Attorney’s office each had expanded its investigation to include possible “backdating” of the timing of option grants at ESSI prior to the time we acquired it.  As a part of its investigation, the SEC issued subpoenas to certain officers and employees of ESSI to provide testimony and produce certain documents.

In February 2007, the SEC filed civil injunctive actions in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, against ESSI’s former chief financial officer and former controller in which each was alleged to have participated in a backdating scheme. In March 2007, ESSI’s former chief financial officer was indicted by the grand jury of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on ten counts of fraud relating to the “backdating” of the timing of stock options at ESSI prior to the time ESSI was acquired by DRS.  The indictment alleges that this former ESSI executive and others “backdated” stock options on at least eight occasions between 1996 and 2002. In February 2007, the SEC reported ESSI’s former controller had settled its action against him by consenting to disgorgement, financial penalties, an officer and director bar and a permanent suspension from practicing before the SEC as an accountant. In March 2007, the former controller pled guilty to a one-count brought by the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri charging him with making false statements to the government. In connection with his plea, this former ESSI executive admitted that a number of documents filed by ESSI with the SEC contained the materially false statement that the option price of shares subject to the ESSI stock option plan was the closing price of the stock on the date the options were awarded.

Although ESSI continues to be a subject of the U.S. Attorney’s office’s investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s office has advised us that ESSI is not a target.  Because the events being investigated occurred prior to the time of our acquisition of ESSI, the U.S. Attorney’s office has further advised us that it considers DRS to be a witness, not a subject or target of its investigation.

The Internal Revenue Service is in the process of auditing ESSI’s federal tax returns for the tax periods ended October 31, 2004, October 31, 2005 and January 31, 2006.  In connection with these audits, ESSI expects that it will be required to amend previously filed Federal and state tax returns to reflect the disallowance of certain compensation deductions taken during the periods under review. We have recorded an accrual to reflect the anticipated disallowance.

We are committed to full cooperation with regard to the foregoing investigations.  We are unable to determine at this time either the timing of the investigations or the impact, if any, the investigations could have on the Company. See Item 3. “Legal Proceedings.”

We are subject to an ongoing investigation by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, which could require significant management attention and legal resources and have a material adverse effect on the Company.

In July 2006, DRS and one of our subsidiaries, DRS Training & Control Systems, Inc. (TCS), each were issued a subpoena by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida. The subpoenas were issued in connection with an inquiry being conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and require TCS to produce certain documents related to an investigation involving allegations of anticompetitive activity in certain

17




international markets. In addition, certain employees and officers of TCS were served with subpoenas to testify before the grand jury of the Florida District Court with regard to this matter. We have cooperated with the DOJ in producing documents in response to the subpoenas. We have commenced an internal investigation regarding this matter, which we expect to continue through the conclusion of the DOJ’s investigatory process. We are unable to determine either the timing or the impact, if any, this investigation may have on us. See Item 3. “Legal Proceedings.”

We are involved in a number of legal proceedings, each of which could have a material adverse affect on our business. We cannot predict the outcome of litigation and other contingencies with certainty.

In addition to the investigations noted above, various legal lawsuits, claims and demands are pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. Although we believe that we have meritorious defenses to the claims made in the litigation matters in which we have been named a party and intend to contest each lawsuit vigorously, no assurances can be given that the results of these matters will be favorable to us. An adverse resolution or outcome of any of these lawsuits, claims or demands could have a negative impact on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. 

Our business may be adversely affected by the outcome of these legal proceedings and other contingencies that cannot be predicted with certainty. As required by GAAP, we estimate material loss contingencies and establish liabilities based on our assessment of contingencies where liability is deemed probable and reasonably estimable in light of the facts and circumstances known to us at a particular point in time. Subsequent developments in legal proceedings may affect our assessment and estimates of the loss contingency recorded as a liability or as a reserve against assets in our financial statements. It is possible that the ultimate resolution of those matters could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and/or cash flows from operating activities in a particular reporting period.  For a description of our current legal proceedings, see Item 3. “Legal Proceedings.”

A failure to attract and retain technical and other key personnel could reduce our revenues and our operational effectiveness.

There is a continuing demand for qualified technical and other key personnel, and we believe that our future growth and success will depend upon our ability to attract, train and retain such personnel. Competition for personnel in the military industry is intense, and there is a limited number of persons with knowledge of and experience in this industry. Although we currently experience relatively low rates of turnover for our technical personnel, the rate of turnover may increase in the future. An inability to attract or maintain a sufficient number of technical and other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our contract performance or on our ability to capitalize on market opportunities.

As a U.S. government contractor, we are subject to a number of procurement rules, regulations, and procedures, including routine audits.

Government contractors must comply with specific procurement regulations and other requirements and are subject to routine audits and investigations by U.S. government agencies, such as the DCAA. These agencies review a contractor’s performance under its contracts, cost structure and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards. Any costs found to be allocated improperly to a specific contract will not be reimbursed or must be refunded if already reimbursed. If we fail to comply with procurement regulations or other requirements, or if an audit otherwise uncovers improper or illegal activities, we may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties and/or administrative sanctions, which may include termination or modification of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or prohibition from doing business with the U.S. government. In addition, we could suffer serious reputational harm if allegations of impropriety are made against us.

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Our operations involve rapidly evolving products and technological change.

The rapid change of technology is a key feature of the market for the majority of our defense applications. To succeed, we will need to design, develop, manufacture, assemble, test, market and support new products and enhancements on a timely and cost-effective basis. Historically, our technology has been developed through customer-sponsored research and development, as well as from internally funded research and development. We cannot guarantee that we will continue to maintain comparable levels of research and development. In the past, we have allocated substantial funds to capital expenditures, and we intend to continue to do so in the future. Even so, we cannot assure you that we successfully will identify new opportunities and continue to have the needed financial resources to develop new products in a timely or cost-effective manner. At the same time, products and technologies developed by others may render our products and systems obsolete or non-competitive.

Our level of indebtedness could limit cash flow available for our operations and could adversely affect our ability to service our debt or obtain additional financing, if necessary. We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future.

Our total debt outstanding as of March 31, 2007 was approximately $1.8 billion. Our level of indebtedness could restrict our operations and make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations. For example, our levels of indebtedness could, among other things:

·       limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate purposes or make such financing more costly;

·       require us to dedicate all or a substantial portion of our cash flow to service our debt, which would reduce funds available for other business purposes, such as capital expenditures, research and development, dividends or acquisitions;

·       limit our flexibility in planning for or reacting to changes in the markets in which we compete;

·       place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors with less indebtedness;

·       render us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and

·       make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations.

In addition, the indentures governing the Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes, our amended and restated senior secured credit facility and the terms of the agreements governing our other outstanding indebtedness contain financial and other restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debts.

Despite current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries still may be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial leverage.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indentures governing our notes do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so, and any restrictions potentially may be waived by our lenders to permit additional borrowing beyond that which is permitted under our current arrangements. Our amended and restated senior secured credit facility permits additional borrowing under such facility.

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Our ability to service our debt and meet our cash requirements depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control.

Although there can be no assurances, we believe that the level of borrowings available to us, combined with cash provided by our operations, will be sufficient to provide for our cash requirements for the foreseeable future. However, our ability to satisfy our obligations will depend on our future operating performance and financial results, which will be subject, in part, to factors beyond our control, including interest rates and general economic, financial and business conditions. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt, we may be required to:

·       refinance all or a portion of our debt;

·       obtain additional debt or equity-based financing;

·       sell some of our assets or operations;

·       reduce or delay capital expenditures and/or acquisitions; or

·       revise or delay our strategic plans.

If we are required to take any of these actions, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. In addition, we cannot assure you that we would be able to take any of these actions, that these actions would enable us to continue to satisfy our capital requirements or that these actions would be permitted under the terms of our various debt instruments, including our amended and restated senior secured credit facility and the indentures governing our notes.

The covenants in our amended and restated senior secured credit facility and the indentures governing our notes impose restrictions that may limit our ability and the ability of most of our subsidiaries to take certain actions.

The covenants in our amended and restated senior secured credit facility and the indentures governing our notes restrict our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:

·       incur additional debt;

·       pay dividends and make other restricted payments;

·       make certain investments, loans and advances;

·       create or permit certain liens;

·       issue or sell capital stock of restricted subsidiaries;

·       use the proceeds from sales of assets and subsidiary stock;

·       create or permit restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us;

·       enter into transactions with affiliates;

·       enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

·       engage in certain business activities; and

·       consolidate or merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets.

Our amended and restated senior secured credit facility contains other covenants customary for credit facilities of this nature, including requiring us to meet specified financial ratios and financial tests. Our ability to borrow under our amended and restated senior secured credit facility will depend upon satisfaction of these covenants. Events beyond our control could affect our ability to meet those covenants.

20




If we are unable to meet the terms of our financial covenants, or if we breach any of these covenants, a default could occur under one or more of these agreements. A default, if not waived by our lenders, could result in the acceleration of our outstanding indebtedness and cause our debt to become immediately due and payable. If acceleration occurs, we would not be able to repay our debt, and it is unlikely that we would be able to borrow sufficient funds to refinance our debt. Even if new financing were made available to us, it may not be on terms acceptable to us.

Some of our debt, including borrowings under our amended and restated senior secured credit facility, is based on variable rates of interest, which could result in higher interest expenses in the event of an increase in interest rates.

As of March 31, 2007, 16% of our total debt is exposed to fluctuations in variable interest rates. This increases our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates. If we borrow additional amounts under the revolving portion of our amended and restated senior secured credit facility, the interest rates on those borrowings may vary depending on the prime rate, federal funds rate or LIBOR. If these interest rates rise, the interest rate on our variable rate debt also may increase. Therefore, an increase in these interest rates may increase our interest payment obligations and have a negative effect on our cash flow, results of operations and financial position.

Item 1B.            Unresolved Staff Comments

None

Item 2.                    Properties

The table below provides information about our significant leased and owned facilities and properties.

We lease the following significant properties:

Location

 

Activities

 

Operating
Segment

 

Approximate
Square Footage

 

Lease
Expiration

Parsippany, New Jersey

 

Corporate Headquarters

 

CORPORATE

 

50,812

 

Fiscal 2014

Arlington, Virginia

 

Administrative

 

CORPORATE

 

19,912

 

Fiscal 2013

Bethesda, Maryland

 

Administrative and Marketing

 

C4I

 

19,172

 

Fiscal 2014

Buffalo, New York

 

Engineering, Manufacturing and Research

 

C4I

 

224,000

 

Fiscal 2008

Colorado Springs, Colorado

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

21,600

 

Fiscal 2012

Columbia, Maryland

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

11,614

 

Fiscal 2008

Danbury, Connecticut

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

21,212

 

Fiscal 2008

Dayton, Ohio

 

Administrative, Manufacturing and Field Service

 

C4I

 

20,076

 

Fiscal 2009

 

Administrative, Manufacturing and Field Service

 

C4I

 

16,054

 

Fiscal 2010

Farnham, Surrey, United Kingdom

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

26,000

 

Fiscal 2015

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

72,649

 

Fiscal 2012

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

22,000

 

Fiscal 2021

Ft. Walton Beach, Florida

 

Warehouse

 

C4I

 

11,374

 

Fiscal 2008

21




 

Gaithersburg, Maryland

 

Administrative, Engineering and Product Development

 

C4I

 

49,606

 

Fiscal 2012

Huntsville, Alabama

 

Administrative, Manufacturing and Warehouse

 

C4I

 

215,485

 

Fiscal 2014

Johnstown,

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

129,716

 

Fiscal 2011

Pennsylvania

 

Warehouse

 

C4I

 

40,000

 

Month To Month

Kanata, Ontario,

 

Administrative and Engineering

 

C4I

 

63,052

 

Fiscal 2012

Canada

 

Engineering and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

11,000

 

Fiscal 2008

Madison, Alabama

 

Warehouse

 

C4I

 

11,250

 

Fiscal 2019

Melbourne, Florida

 

Administrative and Marketing

 

C4I

 

105,358

 

Fiscal 2016

Merrimack, New

 

Engineering and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

34,000

 

Fiscal 2011

Hampshire

 

Administrative and Marketing

 

C4I

 

20,800

 

Fiscal 2010

Mineral Wells, Texas

 

Administrative, Engineering, Manufacturing and Product Development

 

C4I

 

42,000

 

Fiscal 2013

Oakland, New Jersey

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

35,406

 

Fiscal 2008

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

25,919

 

Fiscal 2008

Sunnyvale, California

 

Engineering, Manufacturing and Research

 

C4I

 

17,240

 

Fiscal 2012

Tucson, Arizona

 

Administrative, Assembly and Warehouse

 

C4I

 

12,664

 

Fiscal 2008

Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

C4I

 

92,000

 

Fiscal 2009

Cypress, California

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

RSTA

 

91,506

 

Fiscal 2016

Dallas, Texas

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

RSTA

 

71,190

 

Fiscal 2013

 

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

RSTA

 

48,374

 

Fiscal 2013

 

 

Administrative and Engineering

 

RSTA

 

15,815

 

Fiscal 2013

Irvine, California

 

Administrative and Engineering

 

RSTA

 

40,125

 

Fiscal 2010

Melbourne, Florida

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

RSTA

 

141,376

 

Fiscal 2011

Palm Bay, Florida

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

RSTA

 

93,433

 

Fiscal 2011

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

RSTA

 

12,279

 

Fiscal 2011

Prescott Valley, Arizona

 

Research, Development, Manufacturing and Administrative

 

RSTA

 

11,900

 

Fiscal 2010

 

22




 

Location

 

Activities

 

Operating
Segment

 

Approximate
Square Footage

 

Lease
Expiration

Bridgeport, Connecticut

 

Manufacturing / Warehouse

 

SS

 

26,413

 

Fiscal 2008

 

Manufacturing and Warehouse

 

SS

 

16,824

 

Fiscal 2008

 

Manufacturing

 

SS

 

11,400

 

Fiscal 2009

Bridgeton, Missouri

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

SS

 

11,450

 

Fiscal 2009

Chantilly, Virginia

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

SS

 

15,923

 

Fiscal 2010

Cincinnati, Ohio

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

SS

 

95,200

 

Fiscal 2018

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

SS

 

18,921

 

Fiscal 2009

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

SS

 

11,700

 

Fiscal 2014

Creve Coeur, Missouri

 

Warehouse

 

SS

 

13,514

 

Fiscal 2008

Melbourne, Florida

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

SS

 

15,390

 

Fiscal 2009

Alexandria, Virginia

 

Administrative

 

TS

 

29,913

 

Fiscal 2008

Calverton, Maryland

 

Administrative

 

TS

 

14,401

 

Fiscal 2010

Chesapeake, Virginia

 

Field Service and Engineering Support

 

TS

 

19,631

 

Fiscal 2010

Fairborn, Ohio

 

Administrative

 

TS

 

11,650

 

Fiscal 2010

Herndon, Virginia

 

Administrative, Engineering, Engineering Support and Research

 

TS

 

55,038

 

Fiscal 2013

Sterling, Virginia

 

Administrative

 

TS

 

25,696

 

Fiscal 2010

Tinton Falls, New Jersey

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

TS

 

14,850

 

Fiscal 2008

Troy, Michigan

 

Administrative

 

TS

 

19,575

 

Fiscal 2010

Willoughby, Ohio

 

Administrative

 

TS

 

11,500

 

Fiscal 2009

 

We own the following significant properties:

Location

 

Activities

 

Operating
Segment

 

Approximate
Square
Footage

 

Danbury, Connectictut

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

 

C4I

 

 

 

74,712

 

 

Ft. Walton Beach, Florida

 

Engineering, Manufacturing and Research

 

 

C4I

 

 

 

260,278

 

 

Gaithersburg, Maryland

 

Engineering, Manufacturing and Research

 

 

C4I

 

 

 

150,395

 

 

Hudson, Massachusetts

 

Administrative, Engineering, Product Development and Manufacturing

 

 

C4I

 

 

 

54,000

 

 

Largo, Florida

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

 

C4I

 

 

 

120,000

 

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

Administrative, Engineering, Field Service, Product Development and Manufacturing

 

 

C4I

 

 

 

615,000

 

 

Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada

 

Administrative and Manufacturing

 

 

C4I

 

 

 

128,540

 

 

Palm Bay, Florida

 

Administrative, Engineering and Manufacturing

 

 

RSTA

 

 

 

57,240

 

 

Bridgeport, Connecticut

 

Manufacturing and Administrative

 

 

SS

 

 

 

134,686

 

 

Cincinnati, Ohio

 

Manufacturing and Administrative

 

 

SS

 

 

 

27,000

 

 

Florence, Kentucky

 

Manufacturing and Administrative

 

 

SS

 

 

 

264,910

 

 

Halifax, Novia Scotia, Canada

 

Manufacturing and Administrative

 

 

SS

 

 

 

40,000

 

 

High Ridge, Missouri

 

Manufacturing and Administrative

 

 

SS

 

 

 

214,000

 

 

St. Louis-Valley Park, Missouri

 

Subassembly / Administrative

 

 

SS

 

 

 

263,600

 

 

West Plains, Missouri

 

Manufacturing and Administrative

 

 

SS

 

 

 

391,000

 

 

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

 

Hangar

 

 

TS

 

 

 

80,000

 

 

Polson, Montana

 

Manufacturing

 

 

TS

 

 

 

19,979

 

 

Warner Robins, Georgia

 

Administrative

 

 

TS

 

 

 

11,000

 

 

 

23




We believe that all of our facilities are in good condition, adequate for our intended use and sufficient for our immediate needs. It is not certain whether we will negotiate new leases as existing leases expire. Such determinations will be made as existing leases approach expiration and will be based on an assessment of our requirements at that time. Further, we believe that we can obtain additional space, if necessary, based on prior experience and current real estate market conditions.

The Company has a mortgage note payable that is secured by a lien on its facility in Palm Bay, Florida.

Item 3.                    Legal Proceedings

Various legal actions, claims, assessments and other contingencies including certain matters described below, are pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. These matters are subject to many uncertainties, and it is possible that some of these matters ultimately could be decided, resolved or settled adversely. We have recorded accruals totaling $3.0 million and $4.5 million at March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006, respectively, for losses related to those matters that we consider to be probable and that can be reasonably estimated (certain legal and environmental matters are discussed in detail below). Based on our ongoing analysis of various factual, legal and equitable considerations we also have recorded as of March 31, 2007 an accrual of $12.5 million, $11.8 million was originally charged against goodwill, reflecting the probable income tax impact of information uncovered in our ongoing internal investigation of historical ESSI stock option practices. Although, at March 31, 2007, the precise amount of liability that may result from those matters for which we have recorded accruals is not ascertainable, we believe that any amounts exceeding our recorded accruals should not materially affect our financial condition or liquidity. It is possible, however, that the ultimate resolution of those matters could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and/or cash flows from operating activities for a particular reporting period.

Some environmental laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (also known as CERCLA or the Superfund law) and similar state statutes, can impose liability for the entire cost of the clean up of contaminated sites upon any of the current or former site owners or operators (or upon parties who send waste to these sites), regardless of the lawfulness of the original activities that led to the contamination. In July 2000, prior to its acquisition by Integrated Defense Technologies Inc. (IDT), and prior to our acquisition of IDT, Tech-Sym Corporation received a Section 104(e) Request for Information from the National Park Service (NPS), pursuant to CERCLA, regarding a site known as the Orphan Mine site in the Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, which is the subject of an NPS investigation regarding the presence of residual radioactive materials and contamination. A corporation of which Tech-Sym is an alleged successor operated this uranium mine from 1956 to 1967. In 1962, the land was sold to the U.S. government and the alleged predecessor of Tech Sym was given a 25-year mining lease. In 1967, the mining rights were transferred to a third party by a trustee in bankruptcy, and we believe that the mine was operated by such third party until approximately 1969. We understand that there are other companies in the chain of title to the mining rights subsequent to Tech-Sym’s alleged predecessor, and, accordingly, that there are other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) for the environmental conditions at the site, including the U.S. government as owner, operator and arranger at the site. During its period of ownership, IDT retained a technical consultant in connection with this matter, who conducted a limited, preliminary review of site conditions and communicated with the NPS regarding actions that may be required at the site by all of the PRPs. On February 6, 2005, the NPS sent us an Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis Work Plan (the NPS EE/CA) under CERCLA (the CERCLA Letter) with regards to Operable Unit 1 of the Orphan Mine site. In our view, the NPS EE/CA included additional clean up not covered by CERCLA. The CERCLA Letter also requested (a) payment of $0.5 million for costs incurred by the NPS related to the Orphan Mine, and (b) a ‘‘good faith offer’’ to conduct the response activity outlined by the NPS and to reimburse the NPS for future

24




costs. The NPS advised that a similar letter had been sent to another PRP. We initiated discussions with the other PRP and with NPS, and engaged a technical consultant to evaluate the existing documentation and the site in depth. As a result, on September 29, 2005 the technical consultant submitted to the NPS, on behalf of us and the other PRP, an alternative Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis Work Plan (the “alternative EE/CA”) with regard to Operable Units 1 and 2 of the Orphan Mine site.

In December 2005 and August 2006, the PRPs and NPS met to discuss the technical merits of the alternative EE/CA and ways to resolve certain differences between the alternative EE/CA and the NPS EE/CA provided with the CERCLA Letter. Since late 2005, the parties have also discussed certain legal issues relating to the process for implementing an alternative EE/CA and entering into a settlement agreement that would memorialize the parties’ intent. The potential liability associated with implementation of an EE/CA can change substantially due to such factors as additional information on the nature or extent of contamination, methods of remediation that might be recommended or required, changes in the apportionment of costs among the responsible parties and other actions by governmental agencies or private parties.

In connection with our acquisition of ESSI in January 2006, we have been made aware of certain legal actions, claims, assessments and other contingencies, including those described below.

In December 2004, ESSI was notified by the Enforcement Division of the SEC of the issuance of a formal order directing a private investigation and was notified that the SEC had issued subpoenas to various individuals associated with ESSI to produce certain documents. The SEC staff also requested that ESSI produce certain documents in connection with the investigation. The subpoenas related to trading in ESSI stock around ESSI’s earnings releases in 2003 and to the adequacy of certain disclosures made by ESSI regarding related-party transactions in 2002 and 2003 involving insurance policies placed by ESSI through an insurance brokerage firm in which an ESSI director was a principal at the time of the transactions. In February 2007, the SEC filed a civil injunctive action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, against a former director, officer and consultant of ESSI, alleging that he had violated the federal securities laws by “tipping” his financial advisor and close friend by sharing material, nonpublic information regarding ESSI’s financial condition shortly before certain 2003 earnings announcements.

On or about September 23, 2005, the SEC staff advised ESSI’s counsel that it had issued a subpoena directed to ESSI and expanded its investigation to include ESSI’s disclosure of a November 2004 stop work order relating to ESSI’s Deployable Power Generation and Distribution Systems (“DPGDS”) program for the U.S. Air Force, and relating to trading in ESSI stock by certain individuals associated with ESSI. In connection with the foregoing SEC investigation, ESSI and certain of its directors and officers have provided information and/or testimony to the SEC.

In January 2006, ESSI was informed that the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri was initiating an investigation into ESSI’s disclosure of the DPGDS stop-work order and into trading in ESSI stock by ESSI insiders, which preceded such disclosure. The U.S. Attorney’s office advised ESSI that although it considered ESSI to be a subject of its investigation, ESSI was not a target. In connection with this investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s office issued ESSI a subpoena requesting specified information, which ESSI has furnished.

In May 2006, we were advised that the Enforcement Division of the SEC and the U.S. Attorney’s office each had expanded its investigation to include possible “backdating” of the timing of option grants at ESSI prior to the time ESSI was acquired by us. As a part of its investigation, the SEC issued subpoenas to certain officers and employees of ESSI to provide testimony and produce certain documents.

In February 2007, the SEC filed civil injunctive actions in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division, alleging that ESSI’s former Chief Financial

25




Officer and former controller, in which each was alleged to have participated in a backdating scheme. In March 2007, ESSI’s former Chief Financial Officer was indicted by the grand jury of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on ten counts of fraud relating to the “backdating” of the timing of stock options at ESSI prior to the time ESSI was acquired by DRS.  The indictment alleges that this former ESSI executive and others “backdated” stock options on at least eight occasions between 1996 and 2002. In February 2007, the SEC reported ESSI’s former controller had settled its action against him by consenting to disgorgement, financial penalties, an officer and director bar and a permanent suspension from practicing before the SEC as an accountant. In March 2007, the former controller pled guilty to a one-count information brought by the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, charging him with making false statements to the government. In connection with his plea, this former ESSI executive admitted that a number of documents filed by ESSI with the SEC contained the materially false statement that the option price of shares subject to the ESSI stock option plan was the closing price of the stock on the date the options were awarded.

Although ESSI continues to be a subject of the U.S. Attorney’s office’s investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s office has advised us that ESSI is not a target. Because the events being investigated occurred prior to the time of our acquisition of ESSI, the U.S. Attorney’s office has further advised us that it considers DRS to be a witness, not a subject or target of its investigation.

We are committed to full cooperation with regard to the foregoing investigations. We are unable to determine at this time either the timing of the SEC or U.S. Attorney’s office investigations or the impact, if any, the investigations could have on us.

The Internal Revenue Service is in the process of auditing ESSI’s federal tax returns for the tax periods ended October 31, 2004, October 31, 2005 and January 31, 2006. In connection with these audits, ESSI expects that it will be required to amend previously filed Federal and state tax returns to reflect the disallowance of certain compensation deductions taken during the periods under review. We have recorded an accrual against goodwill to reflect the anticipated disallowance.

In July 2006, we and one of our subsidiaries, DRS Training & Control Systems, Inc. (TCS), each were issued a subpoena by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Florida District Court). The subpoenas were issued in connection with an inquiry being conducted by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and require TCS to produce certain documents related to an investigation we believe involves allegations of anticompetitive activity in certain international markets. In addition, certain employees and officers of TCS were served with subpoenas to testify before the grand jury of the Florida District Court with regard to this matter. The DOJ is continuing its investigation, but we have no information as to when the DOJ will conclude this process. We have cooperated with the DOJ in producing documents in response to the subpoenas. We have commenced an internal investigation regarding this matter, which we expect to continue through the conclusion of the DOJ’s investigatory process.

Item 4.                    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

26




PART II

Item 5.                    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On May 10, 2007, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share on our common stock. The dividend is payable on June 29, 2007 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 15, 2007. Our credit facility allows the payment of dividends or  other distributions on our common stock, subject to certain restrictions. Any future declaration of dividends will be subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. The timing, amount and form of any future dividends will depend, among other things, on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, plans for expansion, limitations imposed by our amended and restated credit agreement and indentures governing our notes and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

The following table shows the high and low sale prices per share of our common stock and dividends paid during fiscal 2007 and 2006, as reported on the NYSE.

 

 

Fiscal 2007

 

Dividends

 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007

 

 

 

High

 

Low

 

Paid

 

First Quarter

 

$

59.50

 

$

45.27

 

 

$

0.03

 

 

Second Quarter

 

$

48.72

 

$

35.83

 

 

$

0.03

 

 

Third Quarter

 

$

53.18

 

$

43.14

 

 

$

0.03

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

56.50

 

$

51.02

 

 

$

0.03

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2006

 

Dividends

 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2006

 

 

 

High

 

Low

 

Paid

 

First Quarter

 

$

51.80

 

$

42.65

 

 

$

0.03

 

 

Second Quarter

 

$

53.90

 

$

45.55

 

 

$

0.03

 

 

Third Quarter

 

$

53.10

 

$

46.68

 

 

$

0.03

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

57.76

 

$

47.41

 

 

$

0.03

 

 

 

The closing sale price of our common stock, as reported by the NYSE Euronext on May 22, 2007, was $48.96 per share. As of that date there were approximately 1,371 holders of record of our common stock.

On January 31, 2006, in connection with our acquisition of Engineered Support Systems, Inc., we sold $300 million aggregate principal amount of 2% Senior Convertible Notes (Convertible Notes) in a private placement pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. On February 8, 2006, we sold an additional $45 million in Convertible Notes, pursuant to an over-allotment option exercised by the initial purchasers of the Convertible Notes. The net proceeds of the offering of the Convertible Notes, including the over-allotment option, were $337.2 million after deducting $7.8 million in commissions and fees related to the offering. The Convertible Notes are contingently convertible into shares of DRS common stock at an initial conversion price of $59.70, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

We did not repurchase any equity securities during the period covered by this report.

27




Stock Performance Graph

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on DRS common stock against the total return of the NYSE Market Index, and the S&P 1500 Aerospace & Defense Index (the Peer Group). A listing of the companies included in the Peer Group is available through publications from Standard & Poor’s and other licensed providers.

COMPARE 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG DRS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
NYSE MARKET INDEX AND S&P 1500 AEROSPACE & DEFENSE INDEX

GRAPHIC

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31,

 

Company/Index/Market

 

2002

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

DRS Technologies, Inc.

 

$

100

 

$

60.34

 

$

67.50

 

$

102.53

 

$

132.68

 

$

126.47

 

S&P 1500 Aerospace & Defense
Index

 

100

 

67.03

 

95.39

 

120.39

 

149.40

 

174.70

 

NYSE Market Index

 

100

 

76.68

 

107.07

 

116.11

 

133.66

 

150.85

 

 

28




Item 6.                    Selected Financial Data

In the following table, we provide our selected historical consolidated financial and operating data as of and for the fiscal years indicated. The selected summary of earnings data, earnings per share data from continuing operations and certain of the other data for the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and the selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 presented below are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The selected summary of earnings data, earnings per share data from continuing operations and certain of the other data for the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 and selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 presented below are derived from our consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this Form 10-K.

When you read this selected historical financial data, it is important that you also read along with it our historical consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Form 10-K, as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

 

 

Years Ended March 31,(1)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

Summary of Earnings Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

2,821,113

 

$

1,735,532

 

$

1,308,600

 

$

986,931

 

$

675,762

 

Operating income(2)

 

$

307,583

 

$

192,710

 

$

143,132

 

$

103,332

 

$

67,684

 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes(2)

 

$

187,164

 

$

133,488

 

$

102,968

 

$

77,331

 

$

55,872

 

Earnings from continuing operations(2)

 

$

127,060

 

$

81,494

 

$

58,126

 

$

43,542

 

$

30,171

 

Net earnings(2)

 

$

127,060

 

$

81,494

 

$

60,677

 

$

44,720

 

$

30,171

 

Earnings Per Share Data from Continuing Operations(2),(3),(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

3.19

 

$

2.75

 

$

2.15

 

$

1.80

 

$

1.64

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

3.12

 

$

2.67

 

$

2.09

 

$

1.76

 

$

1.58

 

Balance Sheet Data (at period end)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital

 

$

355,130

 

$

200,427

 

$

373,964

 

$

145,315

 

$

107,485

 

Net property, plant and equipment

 

$

231,206

 

$

220,506

 

$

143,264

 

$

142,378

 

$

87,610

 

Total assets

 

$

4,214,710

 

$

4,019,119

 

$

1,891,861

 

$

1,625,390

 

$

993,391

 

Long-term debt, excluding current installments

 

$

1,783,046

 

$

1,828,771

 

$

727,611

 

$

565,530

 

$

216,837

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

$

1,502,450

 

$

1,351,580

 

$

671,428

 

$

595,625

 

$

438,180

 

Supplemental Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities of continuing operations

 

$

195,235

 

$

157,062

 

$

136,183

 

$

104,717

 

$

52,008

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations

 

$

(69,918

)

$

(1,467,396

)

$

(53,573

)

$

(273,859

)

$

(278,631

)

Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities of continuing operations

 

$

(31,001

)

$

1,004,222

 

$

164,901

 

$

131,613

 

$

204,308

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

55,907

 

$

43,194

 

$

34,521

 

$

24,444

 

$

21,526

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

76,663

 

$

48,985

 

$

40,968

 

$

28,436

 

$

16,614

 

Internal research and development

 

$

50,881

 

$

47,600

 

$

38,852

 

$

27,387

 

$

14,355

 

Interest and related expenses

 

$

119,912

 

$

64,186

 

$

39,750

 

$

24,259

 

$

10,589

 

EBITDA(5)

 

$

382,466

 

$

239,406

 

$

181,226

 

$

129,272

 

$

81,896

 

Free cash flow(6)

 

$

139,328

 

$

113,868

 

$

101,662

 

$

80,273

 

$

30,482

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.12

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

29





(1)            DRS’s selected financial data includes the effect of the following purchase business combinations and divestitures from their date of acquisition or divestiture, by fiscal year:

a)               Fiscal Year 2006: Engineered Support Systems, Inc.—Acquired January 31, 2006, WalkAbout Computer Systems, Inc.—Acquired June 27, 2005, Codem Systems, Inc.—Acquired April 15, 2005.

b)              Fiscal Year 2005: Night Vision Equipment Co., Inc. and Affiliate—Acquired December 14, 2004. DRS Weather Systems, Inc.—Sold March 10, 2005; DRS Broadcast Technology, Inc.—Sold March 10, 2005.

c)                Fiscal Year 2004: Integrated Defense Technologies, Inc.—Acquired November 4, 2003.

d)              Fiscal Year 2003: The U.S.-based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle business of Meggitt Defense Systems-Texas, Inc.—Acquired April 11, 2002; The Navy Controls Division of Eaton Corporation—Acquired July 1, 2002; DKD, Inc.—Acquired October 15, 2002; Paravant Inc.—Acquired November 27, 2002; the Electromagnetics Development Center of Kaman Corporation—Acquired January 15, 2003; and Power Technology Incorporated—Acquired February 14, 2003; DRS Advanced Programs, Inc.—Sold November 22, 2002; DRS Ahead Technology, Inc.—Sold May 27, 2002.

(2)            Includes the effect of SFAS 123(R), “Share-based Compensation,” which was adopted by the Company on April 1, 2006. As a result of applying SFAS 123R to our stock options, operating income, earnings from continuing operations before income taxes, earnings from continuing operations and net earnings for fiscal 2007 were $6.3 million, $6.3 million, $3.9 million and $3.9 million lower, respectively, than if we had continued to apply our previous method of accounting for stock options. See Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

(3)            Per share data includes the weighted average impact of the January 31, 2006 issuance of 11,727,566 shares of common stock in connection with the ESSI acquisition, the November 4, 2003 issuance of 4,323,172 shares of common stock in connection with the IDT acquisition, and the December 20, 2002 issuance of 5,462,500 shares of common stock in a public offering.

(4)            DRS declared cash dividends of $0.03 per common share on a quarterly basis beginning June 30, 2005. There were no cash dividends paid in fiscal 2005 or prior.

(5)            Earnings from continuing operations before extraordinary items, net interest and related expenses (primarily amortization of debt issuance costs), income taxes and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

(6)            Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations less capital expenditures. See Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

30




Item 7.                    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

We begin the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) of DRS Technologies, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and controlling interests (hereinafter, we, us, our, the Company or DRS) with a company overview, followed by defense industry considerations, a summary of our overall business strategy to provide context for understanding our business and a summary of our acquisitions and divestitures. This is followed by a discussion of the critical accounting estimates that we believe are important to understanding the assumptions and judgments incorporated in our reported financial results, which we discuss under “Results of Continuing Operations.” We then provide an analysis of cash flow, and discuss our financial commitments under “Liquidity and Financial Resources” and “Contractual Obligations.”

This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections. Such statements, including statements relating to the Company’s expectations for future financial performance, are not considered historical facts and are considered forward-looking statements under the federal securities laws. These statements may contain words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “estimates” or similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and include, without limitation: the effect of our acquisition strategy on future operating results, including our ability to effectively integrate acquired companies into our existing operations; the uncertainty of acceptance of new products and successful bidding for new contracts; the effect of technological changes or obsolescence relating to our products and services; and the effects of government regulation or shifts in government policy, as they may relate to our products and services, and other risks or uncertainties detailed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of this Annual Report. Given these uncertainties, you should not rely on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligations to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Company Overview

DRS is a supplier of defense electronic products, systems and military support services. We provide high-technology products, services and support to all branches of the U.S. military, major aerospace and defense prime contractors, government intelligence agencies, certain international military forces and industrial markets.

On October 2, 2006, we implemented a new organizational operating structure that realigned our three operating segments: the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Group, the Surveillance & Reconnaissance Group and the Sustainment Systems & Services Group, into four operating segments. The four operating segments are the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Segment, the Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Acquisition (RSTA) Segment, the Sustainment Systems Segment and the Technical Services Segment. All other operations, primarily our Corporate Headquarters, are grouped in Other. All prior-year amounts presented by segment have been reclassified to reflect the new operating segment structure.

31




On March 10, 2005, we completed the sale of two of our operating units, DRS Weather Systems, Inc. (DRS Weather) and DRS Broadcast Technology, Inc. (DRS Broadcast). The operating units were acquired in connection with our fiscal 2004 acquisition of Integrated Defense Technologies, Inc. (IDT). The results of operations of DRS Weather and DRS Broadcast for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 are included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as “Earnings from discontinued operations, net of income taxes.” The cash flows of the discontinued operations also are presented separately in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended March 31, 2005. A summary of the operating results of the discontinued operations for the year ended March 31, 2005 is presented under “Acquisitions and Divestitures” below.

The C4I Segment is comprised of the following business areas: Command, Control and Communications (C3), which includes naval display systems, ship communications systems, radar systems, technical support, electronic manufacturing and system integration services, secure voice and data communications, air combat training, and electronic warfare and ship network systems; Power Systems, which includes naval and industrial power generation, conversion, propulsion, distribution and control systems; Intelligence Technologies, which includes signals intelligence, communications intelligence, data collection, processing and dissemination equipment, high-speed digital data and imaging systems, unmanned vehicles, and mission and flight recorders; and Tactical Systems, which includes battle management tactical computer systems, peripherals, electronic test, and diagnostics and vehicle electronics.

The RSTA Segment develops and produces electro-optical sighting, targeting and weapon sensor systems, aircraft weapons alignment systems and image intensification (I2 ) night vision, combat identification and laser aimer/illuminator products, and provides electronic manufacturing services.

The Sustainment Systems Segment designs, engineers and manufactures integrated military electronics and other military support equipment, primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), as well as related heat transfer and air handling equipment, and power generation and distribution equipment for domestic commercial and industrial users.

The Technical Services Segment provides engineering services, logistics and training services, advanced technology services, asset protection systems and services, telecommunication systems integration and information technology services, power generation and vehicle armor kits for military, intelligence, humanitarian, disaster recovery and emergency responder applications.

The substantial majority of the our revenue is generated pursuant to written contractual arrangements to design, develop, manufacture and/or modify complex products and to provide related engineering, technical and other services according to the specifications of the buyers (customers). Our primary “end-use” customer is the DoD. For the year ended March 31, 2007, sales directly to the DoD and indirect sales to the DoD through its prime contractors and subcontractors generated $2.5 billion, or 90%, of our consolidated revenues. Our other customers include certain U.S. government intelligence agencies, foreign governments, commercial and industrial customers and other U.S. federal, state and local government agencies.

Defense Industry Considerations and Business Strategy

The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom have altered the global defense and security environment and have had, and for the foreseeable future are likely to continue to have, a significant impact on the markets for defense and advanced technology systems and products. The DoD continues to focus on both supporting ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and transforming the U.S. military to confront future threats. In addition, the Office of Homeland Security and other U.S. government agencies continue to focus on enhancing the security of the United States. While the future direction of current operations remains unsettled, we believe that the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review, a comprehensive report issued by the DoD every four years on defense strategy, force structure, force modernization plans, infrastructure, budget plans, and other elements of

32




U.S. defense programs and policies (the QDR), will continue to drive strategic thinking and budget priorities in the near term. The QDR recommended certain changes to force structure,  particularly with respect to special operations forces, relating to the GWOT and the insurgency in Iraq. However, at the same time, the QDR also largely maintained the DoD’s transformation initiatives. The President’s fiscal year 2008 budget and Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP), which projects defense costs for the next five years, are consistent with the 2006 QDR’s recommendations.

The 2008 budget submitted by the President requests $481.4 billion in discretionary authority for the DoD “baseline budget.” The baseline budget excludes any funding for ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. These costs, discussed below, are requested as emergency supplemental funding. The fiscal year 2008 DoD baseline budget reflects an increase of 10.5% over the fiscal year 2007 baseline budget. The 2008 baseline budget includes $101.7 billion for procurement of systems and $75.1 billion for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E). Projected 2008 spending in the procurement and RDT&E accounts, collectively known as the investment accounts, represents nearly a 13.1% increase over fiscal year 2007 levels. The Operations and Maintenance accounts (O&M), which contain the bulk of funding for training, logistics, services and other sustainment activities, total approximately $164.7 billion for 2008, an increase of nearly 11% over fiscal year 2007 levels. The investment accounts are a key source of funding for our programs. These investment accounts show continued growth throughout the FYDP, with some flattening in the latter years. Given the breadth of our programs, we also receive substantial revenue from the O&M accounts. We expect these accounts to be fully funded in the near-term, but their funding may decrease as the pace of current operations declines. We also anticipate that with the control of Congress shifting political parties, federal government contractors will become subject to increased scrutiny and oversight. Overall, however, we expect continued strong levels of DoD funding for ongoing operations.

During this wartime era, defense budgets have evolved to include not only the President’s initial budget submission, but also supplemental funds requested over the course of the fiscal year. In addition to the baseline budget, the 2008 budget proposal includes $141.7 billion in funding to continue the GWOT in 2008. The 2008 GWOT request funds urgent needs associated with operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and other costs of the GWOT, including the costs of repairing, replacing or replenishing equipment lost in combat by both active and reserve components. Accompanying the 2008 defense baseline budget and the President’s GWOT request is approximately $95.0 billion in approved emergency supplemental funding to cover equipment reconstitution and the costs of operations in the GWOT for remainder of the U.S. government’s fiscal year 2007.

Business Strategy

Over the past several years, DoD budgets have experienced increased focus on command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), precision-guided weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), network-centric communications, Special Operations Forces (SOF) and missile defense. In addition, we believe the DoD philosophy has focused on a transformation strategy that balances modernization and recapitalization (or upgrading existing platforms), while enhancing readiness and joint operations. As a result, we believe defense budget program allocations continue to favor advanced information technologies related to C4ISR. Furthermore, the DoD’s emphasis on system interoperability, force multipliers and the provision to battlefield commanders of real-time data is increasing the electronic content of nearly all major military procurement and research programs.

Our strategy is designed to capitalize on the breadth of our technology and extensive expertise in order to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We intend to expand our share of existing programs and participate in new programs by leveraging the strong relationships that we have developed with the DoD, several other U.S. government agencies and all of the major U.S. defense prime contractors. We plan to continue to align our research and development,

33




manufacturing and new business efforts to complement our customers’ requirements and to provide state-of-the-art products and services. We plan to maintain a diversified and broad business mix with limited reliance on any single program, significant follow-on business and an attractive customer profile. We also intend to expand our technical services and support offerings to the DoD, thus diversifying our business beyond the historical investment accounts and into O&M funded activities.

A significant component of our strategy has been to enhance our existing product base through selective acquisitions that add new products, services and technologies in areas that complement our present business base. We intend to continue acquiring select publicly and privately held companies, as well as defense businesses of larger companies that (i) exhibit significant market position(s) in their business areas, (ii) offer products that complement and/or expand our product offerings and (iii) display growing revenues and positive operating income and cash flow prospects.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

The following summarizes certain acquisitions and divestitures we completed, which significantly affect the comparability of the period-to-period results presented in this discussion and analysis. The acquisitions discussed below have been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in our reported operating results from their respective effective dates of acquisition. We selectively target acquisition candidates that complement or expand our product lines, services or technical capabilities. We continue to seek acquisition opportunities consistent with our overall business strategy.

Fiscal 2006 Acquisitions—On January 31, 2006, we completed our acquisition of Engineered Support Systems, Inc. (ESSI). The purchase price was $43.00 per share of ESSI common stock, which was comprised of $30.10 in cash and a fraction of a share of DRS common stock valued at $12.90. Total consideration for the acquisition was $1.93 billion. In addition to the purchase price, we assumed $78.5 million of ESSI’s debt at closing and recorded $27.1 million of acquisition-related costs, including professional fees. Upon closing of the acquisition, we repaid ESSI’s credit facility in the amount of $76.3 million. We financed the cash portion of the acquisition by utilizing cash and cash equivalents on hand, revolving credit borrowings, $275.0 million in term debt and $900 million of new debt securities, including $350 million aggregate principal amount of 65¤8% senior notes due 2016, $250 million aggregate principal amount of 75¤8% senior subordinated notes due 2018 and $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.0% convertible senior notes due 2026.

ESSI, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a supplier of integrated military electronics, support equipment and technical services focused on advanced sustainment and logistics support solutions for all branches of the U.S. armed services, major prime defense contractors, certain international militaries, homeland security forces and selected government and intelligence agencies. ESSI also produces specialized equipment and systems for commercial and industrial applications. We believe the addition of ESSI has contributed a significant base of systems, products and services focused on military force sustainment, technical and logistics support, integrated military electronics and field support equipment. The entities acquired in the ESSI acquisition are being managed in our Sustainment Systems and Technical Services Segments.

On June 27, 2005, we acquired WalkAbout Computer Systems, Inc. (WalkAbout) in a stock purchase transaction for approximately $13.8 million in cash, with additional consideration payable of up to $5.0 million upon achievement of certain revenue targets for a period of two and a half years. We accrued $0.2 million and $0.4 million of additional consideration during fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2007, respectively, as a result of achieving certain revenue targets. In addition to the purchase price, we recorded approximately $0.2 million for acquisition-related costs, including professional fees.

34




WalkAbout, formerly located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a manufacturer of several lines of rugged, mobile tablet PCs, serving industrial, municipal, military and government markets. We believe that the acquisition of WalkAbout has enhanced our position in the tactical computer systems business by broadening our product offerings. WalkAbout is being managed as part of our C4I Segment.

On April 15, 2005, we acquired Codem Systems, Inc. (Codem) in a stock purchase transaction for approximately $31.6 million in cash, with additional consideration payable of up to $5.0 million upon achievement of certain annual bookings targets for a period of three years. We accrued $0.3 million of additional consideration in fiscal 2006, and $1.0 million during fiscal 2007 as a result of achieving certain bookings targets. In addition to the purchase price, we recorded approximately $0.3 million for acquisition-related costs, including professional fees.

Codem, located in Merrimack, New Hampshire, is a provider of signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems, network interface modules and high-performance antenna control systems. Management believes that the addition of Codem has enhanced our existing intelligence product base. Codem is being managed as part of our C4I Segment.

Fiscal 2005 Acquisitions   On December 14, 2004, we acquired certain assets and liabilities of Night Vision Equipment Co., Inc. and Excalibur Electro Optics, Inc. (collectively, NVEC), a privately held business headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The purchase price was $47.2 million in cash, including a $4.7 million working capital adjustment paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, with additional consideration of up to a maximum of $37.5 million payable upon achieving certain annual revenue targets for a period of three years. Approximately, $4.6 million and $6.6 million of additional consideration were recorded and paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 and 2007, respectively, as a result of achieving certain revenue targets. In addition to the purchase price, we recorded approximately $0.1 million for acquisition-related costs.

NVEC, renamed Night Vision Systems (NVS), is a manufacturer and marketer of innovative night vision products and combat identification systems. It focuses on the rapid development and delivery of lightweight, affordable image intensification (I2) night vision, uncooled thermal imaging, reflective combat identification and laser-based products for U.S. and international militaries and paramilitary organizations. NVS maintains research, development and production facilities in Prescott Valley, Arizona, and has production and sales agreements with infrared and thermal imaging divisions of several major U.S. prime contractors. The acquisition of NVS has enhanced DRS’s position in the uncooled infrared sensor and thermal imaging systems market, as well as provided increased access to and participation in homeland defense efforts at the federal, state and local levels. NVS is being managed as part of our RSTA Segment.

Fiscal 2005 Divestiture   On March 10, 2005, we sold our DRS Weather Systems Inc. and DRS Broadcast Technology Inc. operating units for $29.0 million, net of transaction costs, and recorded a $0.7 million after-tax gain on the sale. DRS Weather designed, developed and produced meteorological surveillance and analysis products, including Doppler weather radar systems. DRS Broadcast manufactured radio frequency broadcast transmission equipment. DRS Weather and DRS Broadcast operated as a part of our C4I Segment. A summary of the results of discontinued operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 follows:

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 

 

$

33,325

 

 

Earnings before taxes

 

 

$

3,601

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

1,050

 

 

Earnings from discontinued operations (including after-tax
gain on sale of $0.7 million in 2005)

 

 

$

2,551

 

 

 

35




Critical Accounting Policies

The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is dictated by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, with no need for management’s judgment in their application. Other areas require management’s judgment to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and costs and expenses during the reporting period. Ultimately, actual amounts may differ from these estimates. We believe that critical accounting estimates have the following attributes: (1) they require management to make assumptions about matters that are uncertain at the time of the estimate; and (2) different estimates we reasonably could have used, or changes in the estimates that are reasonably likely to occur, would have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. We believe the following critical accounting policies contain the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management Estimates   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Some of the more significant estimates made by management involve the percentage of completion and total estimated costs at completion on long-term contracts, recoverability of goodwill and long-lived and intangible assets, the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in purchase business combinations, the valuation of pensions and other postretirement benefits, and the recognition of share-based compensation costs, as discussed below. We also make estimates regarding the recoverability of assets, including accounts receivable and inventories, and liabilities for litigation and contingencies. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition on Contracts and Contract Estimates   The substantial majority of our revenue is generated pursuant to written contractual arrangements to design, develop, manufacture and/or modify complex products, and to provide related engineering, technical and other services according to the specifications of the buyers (customers). These contracts may be fixed price, cost-reimbursable, or time and material. These contract types are accounted for in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 81-1, “Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts” (SOP 81-1). Cost-reimbursable type contracts also are specifically covered by Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, Chapter 11, Section A, “Government Contracts, Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee Contracts” (ARB 43), in addition to SOP 81-1.

Revenues and profits on fixed-price contracts are recognized using percentage-of-completion methods of accounting. Revenues and profits on fixed-price production contracts, whose units are produced and delivered in a continuous or sequential process, are recorded as units are delivered based on their selling prices (the “units-of-delivery method’’). Revenues and profits on other fixed-price contracts with significant engineering as well as production requirements are recorded based on the ratio of total actual incurred costs to date to the total estimated costs for each contract (“the cost-to-cost method’’). Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, a single estimated total profit margin is used to recognize profit for each contract or profit center over its entire period of performance, which can exceed one year.

Accounting for revenues and profits on a fixed-price contract requires the preparation of estimates of (1) the total contract revenue, (2) the total costs at completion, which is equal to the sum of the actual incurred costs to date on the contract and the estimated costs to complete the

36




contract’s statement of work, and (3) the measurement of progress towards completion. The estimated profit or loss at completion on a contract is equal to the difference between the total estimated contract revenue and the total estimated cost at completion. Under the units-of-delivery method, sales on a fixed-price type contract are recorded as the units are delivered during the period based on their contractual selling prices. Under the cost-to-cost method, revenue on a fixed-price type contract are recorded at amounts equal to the ratio of actual cumulative costs incurred, divided by total estimated costs at completion, multiplied by (i) the total estimated contract revenue, less (ii) the cumulative revenue recognized in prior periods. The profit recorded on a contract in any period using either the units-of-delivery method or cost-to-cost method is equal to (i) the current estimated total profit margin multiplied by the cumulative revenue recognized, less (ii) the amount of cumulative profit previously recorded for the contract. In the case of a contract for which the total estimated contract costs (including overhead and general and administrative expenses) exceed the total estimated revenues, a loss arises, and a provision for the entire loss is recorded in the period that it becomes evident. The unrecoverable costs on a loss contract that are expected to be incurred in future periods are recorded as a component of other current liabilities entitled ‘‘Loss accrual for future costs on uncompleted contracts.’’

Revenue and profits on cost-reimbursable type contracts are recognized as allowable costs are incurred on the contract, at an amount equal to the allowable costs plus the estimated profit on those costs. The estimated profit on a cost-reimbursable contract is fixed or variable, based on the contractual fee arrangement. Incentive and award fees on these contracts are recorded as revenue when the conditions under which they are earned are reasonably assured of being met and reasonably can be estimated. Revenue and profits on time-and-material type contracts are recognized on the basis of direct labor hours expended multiplied by the contractual fixed rate per hour, plus the actual costs of material and other direct non-labor costs. On a time-and-material-type contract, the fixed hourly rates include amounts for the cost of direct labor, indirect contract costs and profit.

We review cost performance and estimates to complete at least quarterly and in many cases more frequently. Adjustments to original estimates for a contract’s revenue, estimated costs at completion and estimated profit or loss often are required as work progresses under a contract, as experience is gained and as more information is obtained, even though the scope of work required under the contract may not change, or if contract modifications occur. The impact of revisions in profit estimates for all types of contracts is recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions are made. Amounts representing contract change orders or claims are included in revenue only when they can be estimated reliably and their realization is probable, and are determined on a percentage-of-completion basis measured by the cost-to-cost method. Incentives or penalties and awards applicable to performance on contracts are considered in estimating revenues and profit rates, and are recorded when there is sufficient information to assess anticipated contract performance. Incentive provisions, which increase or decrease earnings based solely on a single significant event, are not recognized until the event occurs.

We record contract-related assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations at their fair value by considering the remaining contract amounts to be billed and collected, our estimate to complete (including general and administrative expenses for government contracts) and a profit allowance on the remaining contract amount to be billed and collected. Facts and circumstances specific to an acquired contract dictate the profit allowance, if any, established at acquisition (certain contracts, including those in a loss position at the date of acquisition, may be adjusted to break-even by recording a reserve for anticipated costs at acquisition). Certain factors influencing the profit allowance, if any, on an acquired contract include: contract type, margins earned on similar contracts, the original bid of the acquired entity and the life-cycle and related risk profile of the contract. Revisions to cost estimates subsequent to the date of acquisition may

37




be recorded as an adjustment to goodwill or earnings, depending on the nature and timing of the revision.

Revenues on arrangements that are not within the scope of SOP 81-1 or ARB 43 typically are recognized in accordance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.” Revenues are recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred or services have been performed, the selling price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets   We allocate the cost of our acquired businesses (commonly referred to as the purchase-price allocation) to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. As part of the purchase-price allocations for our acquired businesses, identifiable intangible assets are recognized as assets apart from goodwill if they arise from contractual or other legal rights or if they are capable of being separated or divided from the acquired business and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, unless the intangible asset is comprised of the assembled workforce of the acquired business.

Generally, the substantial majority of the intangible assets from the businesses that we acquire are derived from the intellectual capital of the management, administrative, scientific, engineering and technical employees of the acquired businesses. The success of our businesses is primarily dependent on the management, contracting, engineering and technical skills and knowledge of our employees, rather than productive capital (machinery and equipment). Generally, patents, trademarks and licenses are not material to our acquired businesses. Therefore, the substantial majority of the intangible assets for our acquired businesses is recognized as goodwill.

The values assigned to acquired identifiable intangible assets for customer and contract-related and technology-based identifiable assets are determined as of the date of acquisition, based on estimates and judgments regarding expectations of the estimated future after-tax cash flows from those assets over their lives, including the probability of expected future contract renewals and sales, all of which are discounted to present value. The value assigned to goodwill equals the amount of the purchase price of the business acquired in excess of the sum of the amounts assigned to identifiable acquired assets, both tangible and intangible, less liabilities assumed.

We assess the recoverability of our long-lived assets and acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include:

·       Significant under-performance relative to expected historical performance or projected future operating results;

·       Significant changes in the manner or use of the assets or the strategy that affects that asset group;

·       Significant adverse changes in the business climate in which we operate; and

·       Loss of a significant contract or failure to be awarded add-on contracts.

If we identify the existence of one or more of the above indicators, we would determine if the asset (or asset group) is impaired by comparing its expected future net undiscounted cash flows with its carrying value. If the expected future net undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we would record an impairment loss based on the difference between the asset’s estimated fair value and its carrying value. The determination of the future net undiscounted cash flows and the fair value of an asset involves estimates and assumptions

38




regarding future operating results, all of which are impacted by economic conditions related to the industries in which those assets operate. Inaccurate estimates could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial position. At March 31, 2007, we had identifiable acquired intangible assets with finite useful lives of $197.0 million, net of accumulated amortization.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at a level of reporting referred to as a “reporting unit.” We have identified five reporting units for impairment testing purposes at March 31, 2007.

The annual goodwill impairment test is typically performed after completion of our annual financial operating plan, which occurs in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. In connection with the new organizational structure implemented October 2, 2006, we tested goodwill for impairment. The change in operating structure significantly changed the composition of certain reporting units, which, under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” required us to test for impairment. We completed our impairment tests in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and 2006 with no adjustment to the carrying value of our goodwill.

The annual goodwill impairment assessment involves estimating the fair values of each of our reporting units and comparing such fair values with the reporting unit’s respective carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, additional steps are followed to recognize a potential goodwill impairment loss. Fair value is estimated based upon two methodologies: a market approach and an income approach. The market approach includes applying valuation multiples to each reporting unit’s projected revenues, earnings before net interest and taxes (EBIT), and earnings before net interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). The income approach discounts future net cash flows to their present value at a rate that reflects both the current return requirements of the market and the risks inherent in the reporting unit. The results of the two approaches are averaged and compared with the carrying value of the reporting units. Estimating the fair value of the reporting units requires significant estimates and assumptions by management, as the calculation is dependent on estimates for our future revenues, EBIT, EBITDA and cash flows, and the appropriate discount rate to be applied, all of which are impacted by economic conditions related to the industries in which we operate, as well as conditions in the U.S. capital markets.

The most significant assumptions used in the income approach, regarding the estimated fair values of our reporting units in connection with goodwill valuation assessments, are: (1) multi-year cash flow projections for each of our reporting units, (2) a discount rate including the estimated risk-free rate of return, and (3) the expected long-term growth rate (beyond 5 years) of our businesses. The discount rate represents the estimated weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The WACC represents the estimated required rate of return on DRS’s total market capitalization. It is comprised of (1) an estimated required rate of return on equity, based on publicly traded companies with business characteristics comparable to DRS, including a risk-free rate of return and an equity-risk premium, and (2) the current after-tax market rate of return on DRS’s debt, each weighted by the relative market value percentages of DRS’s equity and debt. In valuing our reporting units in fiscal 2007, we used a weighted average discount rate of approximately 9.0%. Changes in our assumptions would affect the estimated fair values of our five reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period. Based upon the results of our most recent goodwill impairment test, a decrease of approximately 5% in the estimated fair value of each of the reporting units would result in a goodwill impairment charge for the two reporting units that are comprised primarily of operating units acquired in connection with the ESSI acquisition (the ESSI-related reporting units). The ESSI-related reporting units currently are sensitive to a decrease in their fair value, as the purchase price for ESSI was at fair value on January 31, 2006, with no significant change in industry valuations or discounted cash flows since the acquisition. For the fiscal 2007 impairment test, the fair value of each of our other reporting units exceeded their carrying value by a significant amount. An impairment

39




charge to goodwill could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. At March 31, 2007, we had goodwill of $2.6 billion.

Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefit Plan Obligations   The obligations for our pension plans and postretirement benefit plans and the related annual costs of employee benefits are calculated based on several long-term assumptions, including discount rates for employee benefit liabilities, rates of return on plan assets, expected annual rates of salary increases for employee participants in the case of pension plans, and expected annual increases in the costs of medical and other healthcare benefits in the case of postretirement benefit obligations. These long-term assumptions are subject to revision based on changes in interest rates, financial market conditions, expected versus actual returns on plan assets, participant mortality rates and other actuarial assumptions, including future rates of salary increases, benefit formulas and levels, and rates of increase in the costs of benefits. Changes in the assumptions, if significant, materially can affect the amount of annual net periodic benefit costs recognized in our results of operations from one year to the next, the liabilities for the pension plans and postretirement benefit plans, changes to stockholders’ equity through accumulated other comprehensive earnings, and our annual cash requirements to fund these plans.

The fiscal 2007 discount rate assumptions used to determine the pension and postretirement benefit obligations were based on a hypothetical double-A yield curve represented by a series of annualized individual discount rates. The current year’s discount rates were selected using a method that matches projected payouts from the plans with a zero-coupon double-A bond yield curve. This yield curve was constructed from the underlying bond price and yield data collected as of the plan’s measurement date and is represented by a series of annualized, individual discount rates with durations ranging from six months to thirty years. These individual discount rates are then converted into a single equivalent discount rate.

Our benefit obligation and annual net periodic expense significantly are affected by the discount rate assumption we use. For example, an additional reduction to the discount rate of 25 basis points would have increased our benefit obligation at March 31, 2007 by approximately $9.4 million and our net periodic expense for fiscal 2007 by approximately $0.5 million. Conversely, an increase to the discount rate of 25 basis points would have decreased our benefit obligation at March 31, 2007 by approximately $9.1 million and our net periodic expense for fiscal 2007 by approximately $0.5 million.

As described in Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we adopted SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans-an Amendment of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)” (SFAS No. 158) at the end of fiscal 2007, which resulted in a $4.0 million increase in accrued retiree benefits and other long-term liabilities, $5.1 million decrease to the intangible asset and a corresponding $5.7 million decrease, net of $3.4 million of deferred taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive earnings in stockholders’ equity.

Share-Based Compensation   As of April 1, 2006, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R), as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, which requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements at their fair values. We adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective application method under which the provisions of SFAS 123R apply to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased or cancelled after the adoption date. Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating our stock price volatility and employee stock option exercise behaviors. Our expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of our stock. The expected life of share-based awards is based on observed historical exercise patterns for different groups of employees and

40




directors. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, the amount of expense has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Income Taxes   At March 31, 2007, we had net deferred tax assets of $26.5 million, including $23.4 million of loss and tax credit carryforwards, which are subject to various limitations and will expire if unused within their respective carryforward periods. As of March 31, 2007, we provided a $15.8 million valuation allowance associated with the loss carryforwards and certain other temporary differences that are included in our net deferred tax assets. Deferred taxes are determined separately for each of our tax paying entities in each tax jurisdiction. Future realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character (for example, ordinary income or capital gain) within the carryback and carryforward periods available under the tax law. At March 31, 2007, we believe we will realize our recorded net deferred tax assets. A change in the ability of our operations to continue to generate future taxable income could affect our ability to realize the future tax deductions underlying our net deferred tax assets and require us to increase our valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. Such changes, if significant, could have a material impact on our effective tax rate, results of operations and financial position in any given period.

Our annual effective tax rate is based on expected pre-tax earnings, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions.

We establish accruals for tax contingencies when, notwithstanding the reasonable belief that our tax return positions are supported fully, we believe that certain filing positions are likely to be challenged and, moreover, that such filing positions are not probable of being sustained. We continually evaluate our tax contingency accruals and will adjust such amounts in light of changing facts and circumstances, including but not limited to emerging case law, tax legislation, rulings by relevant tax authorities and the progress of ongoing tax audits. Settlement of a given tax contingency could impact the income tax provision in the year of resolution. Our tax contingency accruals, including related interest and penalties, are presented in the consolidated balance sheet within income taxes payable.

41




Other Management Estimates   A substantial majority of our revenues and, consequently, our outstanding accounts receivables is directly or indirectly related to the U.S. government. Therefore, our risk of not collecting amounts due us is minimal. We generally require letters of credit or deposit payments prior to the commencement of work or obtain progress payments upon the achievement of certain milestones from our commercial customers. In addition, our revenues are supported by contractual arrangements specifying the timing and amounts of payments. Consequently, we historically have experienced and expect to continue to experience a minimal amount of uncollectible accounts receivable. Changes in the underlying financial condition of our customers or changes in the industry in which we operate necessitating revisions to our standard contractual terms and conditions could have an impact on our results of operations and cash flows in the future.

Our inventory consists of work in process, general and administrative costs, raw materials and finished goods, including subassemblies principally for use in our products. We continually evaluate the adequacy of our reserves on our raw materials and finished goods inventory by reviewing historical rates of scrap, on-hand quantities, as compared with historical and projected usage levels, and other anticipated contractual requirements.

We record a liability pertaining to pending litigation or contingencies based on our best estimate of potential loss, if any, or at the minimum end of the range of loss in circumstances where a range of loss reasonably can be estimated. Because of uncertainties surrounding the nature of litigation and other contingencies, and the cost to us, if any, we continually revise our estimated losses as additional facts become known.

Results of Continuing Operations

Our operating cycle is long-term and involves various types of production contracts and varying production delivery schedules. Accordingly, operating results of a particular year, or year-to-year comparisons of recorded revenues and earnings, may not be indicative of future operating results.

Members of our senior management team regularly review key performance metrics and the status of operating initiatives within our business. These key performance indicators are primarily revenues, operating income and bookings. We review this information on a monthly basis through operating segment reviews, which include, among other operating issues, discussions related to significant programs, proposed investments in new business opportunities or property, plant and equipment, and integration and cost reduction efforts. The following table presents a summary comparison of the key performance metrics, other significant financial metrics and significant liquidity metrics monitored by our senior management.

 

 

For the Year Ended March 31,

 

Percent Changes

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2007 vs.
2006

 

2006 vs.
2005

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Key performance metrics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

2,821,113

 

$

1,735,532

 

$

1,308,600

 

 

62.6

%

 

 

32.6

%

 

Operating income

 

$

307,583

 

$

192,710

 

$

143,132

 

 

59.6

%

 

 

34.6

%

 

Bookings

 

$

3,489,167

 

$

2,172,905

 

$

1,433,030

 

 

60.6

%

 

 

51.6

%

 

Other significant financial metrics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and related expenses

 

$

119,912

 

$

64,186

 

$

39,750

 

 

86.8

%

 

 

61.5

%

 

Income taxes

 

$

60,104

 

$

51,994

 

$

44,842

 

 

15.6

%

 

 

15.9

%

 

Significant liquidity metrics(A)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Cash Flow

 

$

139,328

 

$

113,868

 

$

101,662

 

 

22.4

%

 

 

12.0

%

 

EBITDA

 

$

382,466

 

$

239,406

 

$

181,226

 

 

59.8

%

 

 

32.1

%

 


(A)          See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional discussion and information.

42




Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007 Compared with Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2006

Revenues and Operating Income   Consolidated revenues and operating income for the year ended March 31, 2007 increased $1.1 billion and $114.9 million, respectively, to $2.8 billion and $307.6 million, respectively, as compared with the prior fiscal year. The primary driver of the overall increase in revenues was our fiscal 2006 acquisition of ESSI, which contributed incremental (fiscal 2007 over corresponding prior fiscal year) revenues of $914.0 million. Also contributing to the increase in revenues were increased shipments of target acquisition and missile control subsystems, uncooled thermal weapons sights, vision enhancement equipment for ground-based vehicles and chassis modernization kits, and increased engineering and development revenue from a naval infrared search and track program. Partially offsetting the overall increase in revenues were lower volume from airborne electro-optical sighting systems products and services, decreased shipments of combat display workstations and the cancellation of a test range support program. Also, we had lower shipments of secure voice systems compared with the prior year.

The growth in operating income for the year ended March 31, 2007, as compared with the corresponding prior fiscal year, was due primarily to the overall increase in revenues from our ESSI acquisition, which contributed incremental operating income of $93.4 million, higher revenues in our RSTA Segment and strong margins from our power systems business. Partially offsetting the overall increase in operating income were overall net lower margins from our intelligence businesses and certain rugged computer systems, which were under new contracts in fiscal 2007. During fiscal 2007, we also recorded $3.7 million of severance-related costs related to the new organizational operating structure announced October 2, 2006. See “Operating Segments” discussion below for additional information.

As described in Note 1.Q. to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we adopted SFAS 123R, effective April 1, 2006, using the modified prospective method. For the year ended March 31, 2007, we recorded total share-based costs related to stock options and non-vested stock of $11.1 million, and $11.1 million was charged to operating income. At March 31, 2007, there was $8.0 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 2.1 years. As of March 31, 2007, total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock awards was $11.7 million, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 2.0 years.

As a result of applying SFAS 123R, our earnings before income taxes for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 were $6.3 million lower and net earnings during the same fiscal year was $3.9 million lower than if we had continued to account for share-based compensation under Accounting Principles Bulletin (APB) Opinion No. 25.

Basic earnings per share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 would have been $3.29 per share and diluted earnings per share would have been $3.21 per share if we had not adopted SFAS 123R. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, we reported basic earnings per share of $3.19 and diluted earnings per share of $3.12.

Bookings   We define bookings as the value of contract awards received from the U.S. government for which the U.S. government has appropriated funds, plus the value of contract awards and orders received from customers other than the U.S. government. Bookings for the year ended March 31, 2007 increased $1.3 billion, versus the prior year, to $3.5 billion. The primary drivers of the increase were our ESSI acquisition, which contributed incremental bookings of $1.1 billion, as well as strong bookings associated with our uncooled thermal weapon sights and ground-based target acquisition and missile control subsystems, both in our RSTA Segment, and strong bookings for rugged computers in our C4I Segment.

Interest and Related Expenses   Interest and related expenses increased $55.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2007, as compared with the prior year, to $119.9 million. The increase in interest and related expenses was primarily the result of an increase in our average borrowings

43




outstanding, due to the full year impact of borrowings for the ESSI acquisition.  In connection with our acquisition of ESSI our average borrowings increased due to our January 31, 2006 issuance of $350 million of 65¤8% senior notes, $250 million of 75¤8% senior subordinated notes and $300 million of 2% senior convertible notes and the February 8, 2006 exercise of an overallotment option for an additional $45 million of 2% senior convertible notes. In addition, since the acquisition, we have utilized our revolving line of credit to meet certain working capital needs (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below). At March 31, 2007, we had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. At March 31, 2006, we had $40 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

Income taxes   The effective income tax rate for fiscal 2007 was approximately 32%, compared with approximately 39% for last fiscal year. The lower fiscal 2007 tax rate was due to the recording of $11.6 million in discrete cumulative tax benefits throughout the year, primarily related to a multiyear redetermination of our Extra-Territorial Income (ETI) exclusion. The lower tax rate also reflected the reinstatement of the Research and Development Credit as part of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, a reduction in certain state income tax expense resulting from our internal integration and operational realignment announced in October 2006, as well as other individually insignificant items. The U.S. enacted the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Jobs Act) in October 2004 which contains many provisions affecting our income taxes. The Jobs Act contains a provision that eliminated the benefits of the ETI exclusion for export sales subsequent to 2006 and phases in a new tax deduction for income from qualified domestic production activities over a transition period that began in 2005. We anticipate that our effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 will approximate 38%.

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2006, Compared with Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2005

Revenues and Operating Income   Consolidated revenues and operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006 increased $426.9 million and $49.6 million, respectively, to $1.7 billion and $192.7 million, respectively, as compared with the prior fiscal year. The increase in revenues was largely driven by our fiscal 2006 acquisitions of ESSI, Codem and WalkAbout and fiscal 2005 acquisition of NVEC, which, combined, contributed incremental (2006 fiscal over prior fiscal year) revenues of $256.8 million. Also contributing to the overall increase in revenues were increased shipments of certain rugged computer systems, airborne training pods, target acquisition and missile control subsystems, and vision enhancement equipment for ground-based vehicles. Partially offsetting the overall increase in revenues were decreased DDG-1000-related ship propulsion engineering services, lower shipments of certain turbine generator sets and lower volume from a light armored vehicle service life extension program, which substantially was completed in fiscal 2005.

The growth in operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006, as compared with the corresponding prior fiscal year, was due primarily to the overall increase in revenues and favorable margins on certain control cabinets for nuclear facilities, vision enhancement equipment for ground-based vehicles, and flight control computer contract manufacturing. Our acquisitions of ESSI, NVEC, Codem and WalkAbout contributed $30.2 million of incremental operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006. Partially offsetting the overall increase in operating income were losses from DDG-1000-related ship propulsion engineering. See “Operating Segments” discussion below for additional information.

Bookings   We define bookings as the value of contract awards received from the U.S. government for which the U.S. government has appropriated funds, plus the value of contract awards and orders received from customers other than the U.S. government. Bookings for the year ended March 31, 2006 increased $739.9 million, versus the same period in the prior year, to $2.2 billion. The primary drivers of the increase were significant bookings for target acquisition and missile control subsystems, long-range infrared search and tracking systems and

44




rugged computers. Our ESSI, NVEC, Codem and WalkAbout acquisitions contributed combined incremental bookings of $275.5 million.

Interest and Related Expenses   Interest and related expenses increased $24.4 million for the year ended March 31, 2006, as compared with the same period in the prior year, to $64.2 million. The increase in interest and related expenses was primarily the result of an increase in our average borrowings outstanding for the year ended March 31, 2006, as compared with the previous fiscal year. The increase in average borrowings was due to our December 23, 2004 issuance of $200 million of 67¤8% senior subordinated notes, incremental borrowings under our amended and restated credit agreement, $900 million of new debt securities issued on January 31, 2006 relating to our acquisition of ESSI and the exercise of a $45 million over-allotment option on our convertible debt (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below).

Income Taxes   The provision for income taxes for fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 reflects an annual effective income tax rate of approximately 39.0%, as compared with 43.5% in the prior year. Factors contributing to the decrease in our effective tax rate included a favorable resolution of an IRS examination, an increase in benefit from the research and development credit, a benefit from the domestic manufacturing deduction and a reduction in the state tax rate, offset, in part, by an increase in valuation allowances.

Operating Segments

The following tables set forth, by operating segment, revenues, operating income, and operating margin and the percentage increase or decrease of those items, as compared with the prior fiscal year:

 

 

Years Ended March 31,

 

Percent Changes

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2007 vs.
2006

 

2006 vs.
2005

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

C4I Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues*

 

$

1,139,462

 

$

1,123,101

 

$

975,097

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

15.2

%

 

Operating income

 

$

130,046

 

$

125,936

 

$

96,603

 

 

3.3

%

 

 

30.4

%

 

Operating margin

 

11.4

%

11.2

%

9.9

%

 

1.8

%

 

 

13.2

%

 

RSTA Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues*

 

$

599,581

 

$

444,404

 

$

333,503

 

 

34.9

%

 

 

33.3

%

 

Operating income

 

$

68,670

 

$

54,510

 

$

46,855

 

 

26.0

%

 

 

16.3

%

 

Operating margin

 

11.5

%

12.3

%

14.0

%

 

(6.6

)%

 

 

(12.7

)%

 

Sustainment Systems Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues*

 

$

400,785

 

$

69,404

 

$

 

 

n/m

 

 

 

n/m

 

 

Operating income

 

$

59,319

 

$

8,261

 

$

 

 

n/m

 

 

 

n/m

 

 

Operating margin

 

14.8

%

11.9

%

 

 

n/m

 

 

 

n/m

 

 

Technical Services Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues*

 

$

681,285

 

$

98,623

 

$

 

 

n/m

 

 

 

n/m

 

 

Operating income

 

$

49,169

 

$

6,833

 

$

 

 

n/m

 

 

 

n/m

 

 

Operating margin

 

7.2

%

6.9

%

 

 

n/m

 

 

 

n/m

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues*

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

n/m

 

 

 

n/m

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

379

 

$

(2,830

)

$

(326

)

 

113.4

%

 

 

(768.1

)%

 

Operating margin

 

n/m

 

n/m

 

n/m

 

 

n/m

 

 

 

n/m

 

 


*     Revenues are net of intersegment eliminations.

n/m - not meaningful

45




 Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007, Compared with Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2006

C4I Segment   Revenues increased $16.4 million, or 1.5%, to $1.1 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007, as compared with the prior fiscal year. Operating income increased $4.1 million, or 3.3%, to $130.0 million. The key drivers of the increase in revenues were increased shipments of chassis modernization kits, higher engineering and development revenue from a naval infrared search and track program, increased shipments of reactor monitoring equipment and power conversion equipment, as well as higher revenues from tactical intelligence and targeting equipment, and a cable assembly program. Partially offsetting overall higher revenues were decreased shipments of combat display workstations, the cancellation of a test range support program and the April 1, 2006 transfer of the Technical Services, Inc. operating unit to the Technical Services Segment, as described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

The increase in operating income for the year ended March 31, 2007, as compared with the prior fiscal year, was driven primarily by improved margins in the power systems business, offset, in part, by lower margins from C4I’s intelligence business and from certain rugged computer systems, which were performed under a new contract in fiscal 2007.

RSTA Segment   Revenues increased $155.2 million, or 34.9%, to $599.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2007, as compared with the prior fiscal year. Operating income increased $14.2 million, or 26.0%, to $68.7 million. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to increased shipments of ground-based target acquisition and missile control subsystems, uncooled thermal weapons sights, vision enhancement equipment for ground-based vehicles, thermal imaging systems and subsystems for a long-range surveillance system. Partially offsetting the overall increase in revenues were lower volumes from airborne electro-optical sighting systems products and services, and laser aimers and illuminators.

The increase in operating income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, as compared with the prior fiscal year, was largely due to higher overall revenues, offset in part by a $3.5 million unfavorable program adjustment recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 on an uncooled thermal weapon sights program, due to manufacturing issues causing temporary delays in shipments, and $2.0 million in severance-related costs related to the new organizational operating structure announced October 2, 2006. We anticipate resolution of the thermal weapon sights program issues in the first half of fiscal 2008, with shipments expected to resume in the second quarter.

Sustainment Systems Segment   For the year ended March 31, 2007, the Sustainment Systems Segment, which was acquired in connection with the ESSI acquisition on January 31, 2006, recorded revenues of $400.8 million, $331.4 million of which were incremental, compared with the prior year, which included only two months of operations. The primary revenue and operating income drivers were higher demand for a heavy equipment transport refurbishment program for the U.S. Army, tactical quiet generator sets and battlefield digital command, control and communication systems.

Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2007 was $59.3 million, $51.1 million greater than the prior year. Operating income was driven by the full-year effect of the programs highlighted above, offset, in part by $1.2 million in severance-related costs associated with the new organizational operating structure announced October 2, 2006.

Technical Services Segment   For the year ended March 31, 2007, the Technical Services Segment, which was acquired in connection with the ESSI acquisition on January 31, 2006, recorded revenues $681.3 million, $582.7 million of which were incremental, compared with the prior year, which included only two months of operations. The primary revenue and operating income drivers in the segment were higher demand for equipment and services provided under the Rapid Response (R2) contractual instrument, defense satellite transmission services, mobile power generation and distribution equipment for the U.S. Air Force and commercial vehicle armor kits.

46




Operating income for the year ended March 31, 2007 was $49.2 million, $42.3 million greater than the prior year. Operating income was driven by the full-year effect of the programs highlighted above, offset, in part by $0.5 million in severance-related costs associated with the new organizational operating structure announced October 2, 2006. Typical margins on contracts within this segment are from 5% to 8%.

Other   Other consists of certain non-allocable general and administrative expenses at DRS Corporate, offset by a $1.3 million gain on the collection of a note receivable that previously had been written off.

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2006, Compared with Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2005

C4I Segment   Revenues increased $148.0 million, or 15.2%, to $1.12 billion for the year ended March 31, 2006, as compared with the prior fiscal year. Operating income increased $29.3 million, or 30.4%, to $125.9 million. The increase in revenue was largely attributable to increased production of certain rugged computer systems, airborne training pods, advanced propulsion steam turbines, combat display workstations, power conversion, distribution and control systems, flight range test and evaluation equipment, chassis modernization kits, and communications intelligence and signals intelligence programs. Our acquisitions of Codem and WalkAbout contributed aggregate incremental (fiscal 2006 over prior fiscal year) revenues of $41.3 million to the year ended March 31, 2006. Partially offsetting the overall increase in revenues were decreased DDG-1000-related ship propulsion engineering services, decreased shipments of certain turbine generator sets, lower volume from a light armored vehicle service life extension program, which substantially was completed in fiscal 2005, and decreased shipments of certain satellite communication equipment and motor control subassemblies.

The increase in operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006, as compared with the prior fiscal year, was primarily driven by the overall increase in revenues, $7.5 million of aggregate incremental operating income contribution from our acquisitions of Codem and WalkAbout, and favorable margins on vision enhancement equipment and certain launch control electronics. Partially offsetting the overall increase in operating income were losses from DDG-1000-related ship propulsion engineering, cost growth on an advanced propulsion steam turbine program and a power conversion, distribution and control program. Operating income for fiscal 2005 was unfavorably impacted by a $6.5 million charge to increase the accrual for the settlement of litigation with Miltope Corporation and IV Phoenix Group, Inc., pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay $7.5 million to resolve all outstanding claims. Also impacting fiscal 2005 was $1.2 million in severance-related charges.

RSTA Segment   Revenues increased $110.9 million, or 33.3%, to $444.4 million for the year ended March 31, 2006, as compared with the prior fiscal year. Operating income increased $7.7 million, or 16.3%, to $54.5 million. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to our fiscal 2005 acquisition of NVEC, which contributed incremental revenues of $47.5 million. Revenues also were favorably impacted by increases from target acquisition and missile control subsystems, vision enhancement equipment for ground-based vehicles, electro-optical sensors and space electronics, and focal plane arrays. Partially offsetting the overall increase in revenues were lower revenues from certain maritime forward-looking infrared sighting systems and thermal imaging systems.

The increase in operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006, as compared with the prior fiscal year, was primarily driven by our fiscal 2005 acquisition of NVEC, which contributed $7.6 million to operating income.

Sustainment Systems Segment   The Sustainment Systems segment, which consists of certain operating units acquired from our acquisition of ESSI on January 31, 2006, recorded revenues and operating income of $69.4 million and $8.3 million, respectively. The primary revenue and operating income drivers in the segment were demand for heavy equipment transport refurbishment program for the U.S. Army, power generator spares and tactical quiet generators.

47




Technical Services Segment   The Technical Services Segment, which substantially consists of certain operating units acquired from our acquisition of ESSI on January 31, 2006, recorded revenues and operating income of $98.6 million and $6.8 million, respectively. The primary revenue and operating income drivers in the segment were the R2 contractual instrument, mobile power generation and distribution equipment for the U.S. Air Force, and defense satellite transmission services.

Other   The $2.8 million operating loss in Other for the year ended March 31, 2006 was driven primarily by a $2.0 million charge recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 in connection with a contingent liability.

Results of Discontinued Operations

A consolidated summary of the operating results of the discontinued operations for the year ended March 31, 2005 is as follows:

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenues

 

 

$

33,325

 

 

Earnings before taxes

 

 

$

3,601

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

1,050

 

 

Earnings from discontinued operations (including after-tax gain on sale of $0.7 million in 2005)

 

 

$

2,551

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents, internally generated cash flow from operations and other available financing resources are expected to be sufficient to meet anticipated operating, capital expenditure and debt service requirements, and expected dividend payments during the next 12 months. There can be no assurance, however, that our business will continue to generate cash flow at current levels or that anticipated operational improvements will be achieved. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service our debt, we may be required to sell assets, reduce capital expenditures, refinance all or a portion of our existing debt or obtain additional financing. Our ability to make scheduled principal payments or pay interest on or refinance our indebtedness depends on our future performance and financial results, which, to a certain extent, are subject to general conditions in or affecting the defense industry and are subject to general economic, political, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors that are beyond our control.

Cash Flows   The following table provides our cash flow data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

Years Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

 

$

195,235

 

$

157,062

 

$

136,183

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

195,235

 

$

157,062

 

$

138,410

 

Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations

 

$

(69,918

)

$

(1,467,396

)

$

(53,573

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(69,918

)

$

(1,467,396

)

$

(54,398

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities of continuing operations

 

$

(31,001

)

$

1,004,222

 

$

164,901

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

$

(31,001

)

$

1,004,222

 

$

164,871

 

 

Operating activities of Continuing Operations   During fiscal 2007, we generated $195.2 million of operating cash flow, $38.1 million more than the $157.1 million reported in the prior fiscal year. Earnings from continuing operations increased $45.6 million to $127.1 million. Non-cash adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities increased $32.3 million over the corresponding prior fiscal period. These non-cash adjustments primarily consist of depreciation and amortization of fixed assets and acquired intangible assets, share-based compensation, changes in deferred income taxes, non-cash adjustments to inventory

48




reserves and provisions for doubtful accounts, and amortization of deferred financing fees and amortization of bond premium, which are recognized as a component of interest and related expenses. The primary drivers of the increase in these non-cash adjustments were depreciation of acquired property, plant and equipment and amortization of identified acquired intangible assets and deferred financing fees related to the financing of the ESSI acquisition, offset by an increase in net deferred tax liabilities resulting primarily from the utilization of certain net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards, and the realization and adjustment of certain deferred tax assets.

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from business combinations, used $37.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. Accounts receivable increased $100.8 million, mainly due to higher sales volume in the fourth quarter. Inventory used $51.3 million of cash, due to the increase in certain of our electro-optical sighting and targeting surveillance and acquisition inventories. Accounts payable increased $68.1 million, as purchases required to build inventories exceeded related payments. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities used $10.1 million of cash during the year as a result of the liquidation of certain contract-related reserves and the payment of vendor-related accrued expenses offset, in part, by the increase in warranty-related accruals and in income taxes payable. Net customer advances provided $44.3 million in cash and are related directly to the inventory increases. Other current assets provided $17.4 million, as we received proceeds after the close of the acquisition from the exercise of ESSI stock options exercised prior to the acquisition, offset by expenditures for prepaid job costs.

Investing activities   The following table summarizes the cash flow impact of our business combinations for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

Fiscal 2007

 

 

 

Date of
Original
Transaction

 

Paid to
Sellers, Net
of Cash
Acquired

 

Earn-Out
Payments

 

Working
Capital
Adjustment

 

Acquisition-
Related
Payments

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

ESSI

 

 

1/31/2006

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

1,817

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,817

 

Codem

 

 

4/15/2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,153

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,153

 

DKD, Inc (Nytech)

 

 

10/15/2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,627

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,627

 

Night Vision Equipment Co. (NVEC)

 

 

12/14/2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,140

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,140

 

Total payments pursuant to business combinations

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

14,920

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

1,817

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

16,737

 

 

Fiscal 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESSI

 

 

1/31/2006

 

 

 

$

1,343,338

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

25,223

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,368,561

 

Codem

 

 

4/15/2005

 

 

 

29,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,363

 

 

 

374

 

 

 

 

 

31,937

 

WalkAbout

 

 

6/27/2005

 

 

 

10,663

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,065

 

 

 

164

 

 

 

 

 

13,892

 

DKD, Inc (Nytech)

 

 

10/15/2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,742

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,742

 

Night Vision Equipment Co. (NVEC)

 

 

12/14/2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,564

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,564

 

Total payments pursuant to business combinations

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,383,201

 

 

 

$

11,306

 

 

 

$

5,428

 

 

 

$

25,761

 

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,425,696

 

 

Fiscal 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electro Mechanical Systems unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation (DRS SSS)

 

 

9/28/2001

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(500

)

 

$

(500

)

DKD, Inc (Nytech)

 

 

10/15/2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,118

 

Night Vision Equipment Co. (NVEC)