American Science and Engineering, Inc. Reports Results for First Quarter Fiscal Year 2014 and Declares a Quarterly Dividend


  • Earnings per Share Reported at $0.62, a 32% Increase Year-Over-Year
  • Strong Operating Income Margin at 17%
  • Completed Fourth $35 Million Share Repurchase Plan

BILLERICA, Mass., Aug. 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASEI) ("AS&E"), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, today reports its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 ended June 30, 2013. The Company is reporting revenues of $43,084,000 as compared with revenues of $47,344,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, net income of $4,865,000 as compared with net income of $4,202,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, and earnings per share of $0.62 as compared with earnings per share of $0.47 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

The Company is reporting $29,914,000 in bookings for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 as compared with $41,634,000 in bookings for the first quarter of the prior fiscal year. Backlog at June 30, 2013 decreased 7% to $173,031,000 as compared to the backlog of $186,861,000 at June 30, 2012.

"I am pleased with the operational performance of the business reflected in the year-over-year improvement in EPS and operating income on reduced revenues," said Chuck Dougherty, AS&E's President and Chief Executive Officer. "While we continue to see some short-term order volatility, we are encouraged by the positive trends we see in the current activity levels of our core markets. The results of the Company's restructuring and cost-containment efforts are clearly indicated in our operating results."

"We made structural realignments to better serve our customer base with the recently announced Customer Development and Support Organization which includes Global Sales, Field Service, and Customer Program Management functions," continued Mr. Dougherty. "We believe this will be a critical driver in heightening our customer focus and is just the first step in terms of strengthening our presence in key application and geographic markets where we're not significant players today."

Continuing with its dividend program started in August 2007, the Company is declaring a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share, payable on September 3, 2013 to the holders of record at the close of business on August 19, 2013.

The Company has also completed its fourth $35 million share repurchase program during the quarter. In May 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the fifth $35 million share repurchase program, which would commence following the completion of the fourth program. Under the fifth program, the Company is authorized to repurchase the Company's common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased will be determined based on an evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The Company has implemented a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan to make such purchases, which permits shares to be repurchased when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Any repurchased shares will be funded with cash on hand.

Chuck Dougherty, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ken Galaznik, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will host a conference call and simultaneous audio webcast on Monday, August 5, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the results and respond to questions. To participate in the conference call, please dial 1-877-303-9143 at least 10 minutes prior to its starting time. For international participants, please dial 1-760-536-5194. The conference identification number is 21309416. You will be placed on hold until the conference call is ready to begin. The live audio webcast can be accessed through the investor relations section of the Company's website at http://ir.as-e.com/events.cfm.

An audio replay of the teleconference will be available, in its entirety, starting Monday, August 5, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. ET for a 48-hour period by dialing 1-855-859-2056. Internationally, please dial 1-404-537-3406. The conference identification number is 21309416. The replay will also be available through the Company's web site at http://ir.as-e.com/events.cfm.

About AS&E

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the trusted global provider of threat and contraband detection solutions for ports, borders, military, critical infrastructure, law enforcement, and aviation. With over 50 years of experience, AS&E offers proven, advanced, X-ray inspection systems to combat terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and trade fraud. AS&E systems are designed in a variety of configurations for cargo and vehicle inspection, parcel inspection, and personnel screening. Using a combination of technologies, these systems provide superior detection capabilities, with high-energy, dual-energy, and Z Backscatter X-rays — pioneered by AS&E. Learn more about AS&E products and technologies at www.as-e.com.

Safe Harbor Statement: The foregoing press release contains statements concerning AS&E's financial performance, markets and business operations that may be considered "forward-looking" under applicable securities laws. AS&E wishes to caution readers of this press release that actual results might differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements contained herein include the following: significant reductions, delays or cancellations (in full or in part) in procurements of the Company's systems by the United States and other governments; disruption in the supply of any source component incorporated into AS&E's products; litigation seeking to restrict the use of intellectual property used by the Company; limitations under certain laws on the Company's ability to protect its own intellectual property; potential product liability claims against the Company; global political trends and events which affect public perception of the threat presented by drugs, explosives and other contraband; global economic developments and the ability of governments and private organizations to fund purchases of the Company's products to address such threats; the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human resources, capital, plant and equipment and management systems, to accommodate any future growth; technical problems and other delays that could impact new product development and the Company's ability to adapt to changes in technology and customer requirements; competitive pressures; lengthy sales cycles both in United States government procurement and procurement abroad; future delays in federal funding, the market price of the company's stock prevailing from time to time, the nature of other investment opportunities presented to the company from time to time, the company's cash flows from operations and market and general economic conditions. These and certain other factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are detailed from time to time in AS&E's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. AS&E undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time. Readers are further advised to review the "Risk Factors" set forth in the Company's most recent Form 10-Q and Form 10-K, which further detail and supplement the factors described in this Safe Harbor Statement. Among other disclosures, the Risk Factors disclose risks pertaining to that portion of the Company's business that is dependent on United States government contracting as well as international customers.

AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
     
  For the Three Months Ended
  June 30, 2013 June 30, 2012
Total net sales and contract revenues  $ 43,084  $ 47,344
     
Total cost of sales and contracts 23,937 25,871
Gross profit 19,147 21,473
     
Expenses:    
Selling, general and administrative expenses 7,409 7,998
Research and development costs 4,414 7,115
Total operating expenses 11,823 15,113
     
Operating income 7,324 6,360
Interest and other income (expense), net (8) 7
Income before provision for income taxes 7,316 6,367
Provision for income taxes 2,451 2,165
     
Net income  $ 4,865  $ 4,202
     
Income per share - Basic  $ 0.62  $ 0.47
Income per share - Diluted  $ 0.62  $ 0.47
     
Weighted average shares - Basic 7,842 8,853
Weighted average shares - Diluted 7,882 8,905
     
The results of operations reported herein may not be indicative of future financial conditions or results of future operations.
 
AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
     
  June 30, 2013 March 31, 2013
Assets    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents  $ 82,062  $ 40,418
Restricted cash and investments 14,455 12,618
Short-term investments, at fair value 60,412 108,546
Accounts receivable, net 25,269 28,477
Unbilled costs and fees 5,230 4,875
Inventories, net 50,375 48,051
Other current assets 9,826 11,984
Total current assets 247,629 254,969
     
Non-current assets:    
Building, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 15,867 16,451
Restricted cash and investments 859 899
Other assets 9,329 9,130
Total assets  $ 273,684  $ 281,449
     
Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity    
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable  $ 9,004  $ 8,371
Customer deposits 20,965 16,199
Deferred revenue 15,107 15,770
Other current liabilities 26,395 28,148
Total current liabilities 71,471 68,488
     
Non-current liabilities:    
Lease financing liability 2,539 2,914
Other non-current liabilities 5,029 5,802
Total liabilities 79,039 77,204
     
Stockholders' equity 194,645 204,245
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $ 273,684  $ 281,449
 
AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
     
  For the Three Months Ended
  June 30, 2013 June 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income  $ 4,865  $ 4,202
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 1,291 1,246
Provisions for contracts, inventory and accounts receivable reserves 32 949
Amortization of bond premium 470 769
Stock compensation expense 308 258
     
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable 3,139 (1,153)
Unbilled costs and fees (355) (5,313)
Inventories (2,287) 387
Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,959 2,333
Accounts payable 633 (302)
Accrued income taxes  844  --
Customer deposits 4,766 2,469
Deferred revenue (1,373) (1,733)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (2,666) (1,028)
Net cash provided by operating activities 11,626 3,084
     
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Purchases of short-term investments  -- (31,513)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments 47,638 37,341
Purchases of property and equipment, net (707) (1,114)
Net cash provided by investing activities 46,931 4,714
     
Cash flows from financing activities:    
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash and investments (1,797)  1,477
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 1,452 112
Repurchase of shares of common stock  (12,306)  (19,591)
Repayment of leasehold financing liability (369) (333)
Payment of common stock dividend (3,893) (4,474)
Net cash used for financing activities (16,913) (22,809)
     
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 41,644 (15,011)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 40,418 24,369
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $ 82,062  $ 9,358


            

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