SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549


                                  FORM 10-Q


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


For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004            Commission File Number:  0-3676


                               VSE CORPORATION
            (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)



            DELAWARE                                           54-0649263
 (State or Other Jurisdiction of                            (I.R.S. Employer
  Incorporation or Organization)                            Identification No.)

       2550 Huntington Avenue
        Alexandria, Virginia                                      22303-1499
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                          (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code:  (703) 960-4600

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

                    Common Stock, par value $.05 per share
                               (Title of Class)


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes [ ]    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 [ ]

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of October 28, 2003: 2,188,635.April 27, 2004: 2,218,886.








VSE Corporation and Subsidiaries


Forward Looking Statements

This filing contains statements which, to the extent they are not recitations of
historical fact, constitute "forward looking statements" under federal
securities laws. All such statements are intended to be subject to the safe
harbor protection provided by applicable securities laws. For discussions
identifying some important factors that could cause actual VSE Corporation
("VSE" or the "company""Company") results to differ materially from those anticipated in
the forward looking statements contained in this filing, see VSE's "Narrative
Description of Business", "Management's Discussion and Analysis"Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and "Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements" contained in VSE's Annual Report and Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 20022003 (Form 10-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward
looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as of the date
hereof.  The companyCompany undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward
looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date
hereof.  Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in other
documents the companyCompany files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including this and other Quarterly ReportReports on Form 10-Q to be filed
by the companyCompany subsequent to theits Annual Report on Form 10-K and any Current
Reports on Form 8-K filed by the company.Company.



















                                     -2-

                        PART I.  Financial Information


Item 1.    Financial Statements

VSE Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands except share and per share amounts)
September 30,March 31, December 31, 2004 2003 2002 ---- ---- (Unaudited) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,06210,233 $ 4,2109,843 Accounts receivable, principally U.S. Government, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,055 17,52424,232 21,835 Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,288 1,313943 819 Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,537 1,2411,396 1,379 -------- -------- Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30,942 24,28836,804 33,876 Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,142 3,4833,566 3,038 Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 449254 297 Intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,054 1,054 Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,451 2,4032,602 2,511 -------- -------- Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 37,87944,280 $ 31,67740,776 ======== ======== Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment Current liabilities: Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 13,48217,704 $ 8,78514,634 Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,965 4,6545,479 5,760 Dividends payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 8789 88 -------- -------- Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . 18,447 13,52623,272 20,482 Deferred compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,141 1,1081,276 1,236 -------- -------- Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,588 14,63424,548 21,718 -------- -------- Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' investment: Common stock, par value $.05 per share, authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued 2,188,6352,218,886 in 20032004 and 2,185,7602,214,136 shares in 20022003 . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 109111 110 Paid-in surplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,590 3,5583,980 3,928 Deferred stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . (15) (17) Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,592 13,37615,656 15,037 -------- -------- Total stockholders' investment . . . . . . . . . 18,291 17,04319,732 19,058 -------- -------- Total liabilities and stockholders' investment . $ 37,87944,280 $ 31,67740,776 ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. -3- VSE Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Income For the three and nine months ended September 30,(Unaudited) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands except share and per share amounts)
Three Months Nine MonthsFor the three months ended March 31, 2004 2003 2002 2003 2002 ---- ---- ---- ---- Revenues, principally from contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $ 36,39142,610 $ 37,836 $ 92,221 $ 103,26926,462 Costs and expenses of contracts . . . . . . . . . . . 35,482 37,352 89,855 102,003 --------- ---------41,463 25,765 --------- --------- Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . 909 484 2,366 1,266. . . . . . . . . . 1,147 697 Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . 68 59 158 122. 12 42 Interest (income) expense,income, net . (18) (3) (49) 43 --------- ---------. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (19) (16) --------- --------- Income before income taxes . . . 859 428 2,257 1,101. . . . . . . . . . 1,154 671 Provision for income taxes . . . 336 171 866 451 --------- ---------. . . . . . . . . . 446 239 --------- --------- Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 523708 $ 257 $ 1,391 $ 650 ========= =========432 ========= ========= Basic earnings per share: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.240.32 $ 0.12 $ 0.64 $ 0.30 ========= =========0.20 ========= ========= Basic weighted average shares outstanding 2,188,635 2,181,540 2,188,108 2,169,140 ========= =========2,216,216 2,187,038 ========= ========= Diluted earnings per share: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.230.31 $ 0.12 $ 0.62 $ 0.30 ========= =========0.19 ========= ========= Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 2,235,779 2,204,803 2,227,026 2,192,599 ========= =========2,286,613 2,224,845 ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. -4- VSE Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Investment (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands except per share data)
Deferred Total Common Stock Paid-In Stock-based Retained Stockholders' Shares Amount Surplus Compensation Earnings Investment ------ ------ ------- ------------ -------- ---------- Balance at December 31, 2001 . . . . 2,150 $ 107 $ 3,294 $ 13,074 $ 16,475- $13,074 $16,475 Net income for the year . . . . . . -- -- --- - - - 652 652 Exercised stock options . . 33 2 213 --- - 215 Tax benefit of options exercised . . . . -- --- - 22 --- - 22 Issuance of stock . . . . . 3 --- 29 --- - 29 Dividends declared ($.16) . . . . . . . . . -- -- --- - - - (350) (350) ----- ----------- ------- -------- ------------- ------- ------- Balance at December 31, 2002 . . . . 2,186 109 3,558 - 13,376 17,043 Net income for the period . . . . . -- -- -- 1,391 1,391year - - - - 2,011 2,011 Exercised stock options . . 3 -- 30 -- 3025 1 270 - - 271 Tax benefit of options exercised . . . . -- -- 2 -- 2- - 14 - - 14 Deferred stock-based compensation - - 42 (42) - - Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation - - - 25 - 25 Issuance of stock 3 - 44 - - 44 Dividends declared ($.08) . . . . . . . . . -- -- -- (175) (175).16) - - - - (350) (350) ----- ----------- ------- -------- ------------- ------- ------- Balance at September 30,December 31, 2003 . . . 2,1892,214 110 3,928 (17) 15,037 19,058 Net income for the period - - - - 708 708 Exercised stock options 5 1 36 - - 37 Tax benefit of options exercised - - 14 - - 14 Deferred stock-based compensation - - 2 (2) - - Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation - - - 4 - 4 Dividends declared ($.04) - - - - (89) (89) ----- ----- ------- ----- ------- ------- Balance at March 31, 2004 2,219 $ 109111 $ 3,5903,980 $ 14,592 $ 18,291(15) $15,656 $19,732 ===== =========== ======= ======== ============= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. -5- VSE Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the nine months ended September 30, - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands)
For the three months ended March 31, 2004 2003 2002 ---- ---- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,391708 $ 650432 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . 866 998262 278 Loss on sale of property and equipment . . . . . . . 5 8- 4 Deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 (6)(81) (68) Tax benefit of options exercised . . . . . . . . . . 14 2 21Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation . . 4 - Change in operating assets and liabilities: Increase(Increase) decrease in: Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,531) (54)(2,397) (885) Other current assets and noncurrent assets . . . . . (389) (34)(108) (406) Increase (decrease) in: Accounts payable and deferred compensation . . . . . 4,775 2,5753,110 (961) Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 446(281) (391) ------- ------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 4,614 4,6041,231 (1,995) ------- ------- Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . (530) (347)(790) (138) ------- ------- Net cash used in investing activities (530) (347)(790) (138) ------- ------- Cash flows from financing activities: Net payments of long-term bank loan . . . . . . . . . . - (351) Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (262) (261)(88) (87) Proceeds from issuance of common stock . . . . . . . . . 37 30 201 ------- ------- Net cash used in financing activities (232) (411)(51) (57) ------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . 3,852 3,846390 (2,190) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period . . . . 9,843 4,210 209 ------- ------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period . . . . . . . $10,233 $ 8,062 $ 4,0552,020 ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. -6- VSE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2003.2004. For further information refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the VSE Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.2003. The companyCompany operates within one reportable segment. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted accounting principlesin the United States 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates affecting the financial statements include the allowance for doubtful accounts and accruals for loss contracts, contract disallowance and self insured health claims. Debt VSE has a revolving loan agreement with a bank under which the companyCompany can borrow up to $15 million, subject to certain conditions, including a borrowing formula based on billed receivables. Under the loan agreement, the companyCompany pays a fixed amount annual commitment fee and interest on any borrowings at a prime-based rate or an optional LIBOR-based rate. The current expiration date of the revolving loan is May 31, 2005. The loan agreement contains collateral requirements by which companyCompany assets secure amounts outstanding, restrictive covenants that include minimum tangible net worth and profitability requirements, a limit on annual dividends, and other affirmative and negative covenants. There were no amounts borrowed under this loan agreement as of September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 or December 31, 2002.2003. There was no interest expense incurred on this loan in 2004 and 2003. -7- VSE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) Accounting for Stock-based Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. If compensation costs for the Company's stock options had been determined based on SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 2003 ---- ---- Net income, as reported $ 708 $ 432 Add: Total stock-based employee compensation expense as reported under intrinsic value method (APB No. 25) for all awards, net of related tax effects 3 -- Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method (SFAS No. 123) for all awards, net of related tax effects (19) (24) ----- ----- Pro forma net income $ 692 $ 408 ===== ===== Earnings per share: Basic - as reported $0.32 $0.20 Diluted - as reported $0.31 $0.19 Basic - pro forma $0.31 $0.19 Diluted - pro forma $0.30 $0.18 Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share hashave been computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Shares issued during the period and shares reacquired during the period are weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding. Diluted earnings per share have been computed in a manner consistent with that of basic earnings per share while giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during each period. Stock-Based Compensation In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation--Transition and Disclosure--an amendmentPotentially dilutive common shares include incremental common shares issuable upon exercise of SFAS No. 123." This statement amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. Accordingly, compensation expense for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the company's stock at the date of the grant over the exercise price of the related option. The company adopted the annual disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 in its financial reports for the year ended December 31, 2002 and the interim disclosure provisions for its financial reports beginning the quarter ended March 31, 2003.options. -8- VSE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) Had compensation costs for the company's stock options been determined based on SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the company's net income and earnings per share would have been as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Nine Months Ended September 30, Ended September 30, 2003 2002 2003 2002 ---- ---- ---- ---- Net income, as reported $ 523 $ 257 $1,391 $ 650 Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method (SFAS No. 123) for all awards, net of related tax effects (21) (22) (62) (54) ------ ------ ------ ------ Pro forma net income $ 502 $ 235 $1,329 $ 596 ====== ====== ====== ====== Earnings per share: Basic as reported $ 0.24 $ 0.12 $ 0.64 $ 0.30 Diluted as reported $ 0.23 $ 0.12 $ 0.62 $ 0.30 Basic pro forma $ 0.23 $ 0.11 $ 0.61 $ 0.27 Diluted pro forma $ 0.22 $ 0.11 $ 0.60 $ 0.27
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 2003 ---- ---- Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 2,216,216 2,187,038 Diluted effect of options 70,397 37,807 --------- --------- Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 2,286,613 2,224,845 ========= ========= Litigation The companyCompany and its subsidiaries have, in the normal course of business, certain claims against them and against other parties.them. In the opinion of management, the resolution of theseany such claims will not have a material adverse effect on the company=sCompany's results of operations or financial position. -9- ItemITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Company Organization andExecutive Overview CompanyVSE Organization The term "VSE" or "company""Company" refers to VSE and its subsidiaries and divisions unless the context indicates operations of the parent company only. VSE's business operations consist primarily of services performed by the company'sCompany's wholly owned subsidiaries and unincorporated divisions. Active subsidiaries in 2003 include Energetics Incorporated ("Energetics") andis currently VSE's only active subsidiary. VSE's Human Resource Systems, Inc. ("HRSI"). Active divisions include BAV Division ("BAV"), Coast Guard Division ("VCG") beginning subsidiary was active in February 2002, Communications and Engineering Division ("CED") beginning2003, but not in February 2003, Fleet Maintenance Division ("Fleet Maintenance"), Management Sciences Division ("MSD"), Systems Engineering Division ("Systems Engineering", formerly Land Systems Division), Telecommunications Technologies Division ("TTD"), and Value Systems Services Division ("VSS"). In February 2003, VSE began phasing out the operations of TTD and transferred some of its technical capabilities to other VSE divisions.2004. The sole HRSI contract expired on May 31, 2003, and this work was continued on a new contract in anothera VSE division. Active divisions include BAV Division ("BAV"), Coast Guard Division ("VCG"), Communications and Engineering Division ("CED") beginning in February 2003, Fleet Maintenance Division ("FMD"), Management Sciences Division ("MSD"), Systems Engineering Division ("SED," formerly Land Systems Division), and Value Systems Services Division ("VSS"). In February 2003, VSE began phasing out the operations of its Telecommunications Technologies Division ("TTD") and expects all TTD contractual obligations will be satisfied and operations will cease in 2004. Some of TTD's technical capabilities have been transferred to other VSE divisions. The companyCompany uses multiple operating divisions to bid on and perform contract work. The use of these divisions enables the companyCompany to use an operating structure that is flexible and well suitedwell-suited to perform certain types of contract work. The companyCompany anticipates that it will continue using its operating divisions to bid and perform new contract work to serve the needs of customers. Management believes that this strategy will positionbest positions the consolidated entity for future revenue growth. Overview ofVSE Services The companyCompany is engaged principally in providing engineering, design, logistics, management and technical services to the U.S. Government (the "government"), other government prime contractors, and commercial entities. The largest customer for the services rendered by the companyCompany is the U.S. Department of Defense ("Defense"), including agencies of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. BAV is a major provider of logistics, training, and technical assistance in support of the Navy's ship transfer program. VCG provides similar services to the U.S. Coast Guard. Fleet Maintenance and VSS also supportFMD supports the Navy by providing a variety of services including ship installation efforts, combat systems inspections, ship repair and overhaul availability planning, harpoon weapons management, ordnance alteration, and air combat logistics, andlogistics. VSS provides the Navy with outsourcing decision assistance. Systems EngineeringSED provides the Army with engineering and technical support for ground weapons, logistics and training services, material procurement support, and prototype development support for combat vehicles. MSD provides the Army, and other government agencies, and commercial organizations with quality training services for product, process, and management optimiza- tion.optimization. CED provides -10- management oversight and coordinates support efforts for a variety of Department of Defense agency work orders. -10- The companyCompany has also provided support services to the U.S. Postal Service for over twenty years and is continuing to support this customer through its VSS Division. Energetics is focused on providing the Department of Energy and other government and industry customers with expert consulting services in environmental management and energy supply, resource management, and conservation. TTD has offered products, services, and support in network, multimedia, and audio-visual technology. This includes design, installation, management and support for voice, data, multimedia and related projects. VSE has transferred many of the technical capabilities of TTD to Systems Engineering and other divisions, which continue to perform some of this type of work. Critical Accounting Policies VSE's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates and assumptions. We believe the following critical accounting polices affect our more significant judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition Substantially all of the company's services are performed for its customers on a contract basis and revenue is recorded as services are performed. The three primary types of contracts used are cost-type contracts, time and materials contracts, and fixed-price contracts. Revenues result from work performed on these contracts by the company's employees and from pass-through of costs for material and work performed by subcontractors. Revenues on cost-type contracts are recorded as contract allowable costs are incurred and fees earned. Profits on cost-type contracts are equal to the fees that are earned. Revenues for time and materials contracts are recorded on the basis of contract allowable labor hours worked times the contract defined billing rates, plus the cost of materials used in performance on the contract. Profits on time and material contracts result from the difference between the cost of services performed and the contract defined billing rates for these services. Revenues on certain fixed-price services contracts are recorded as services are provided. Revenues on other fixed-price contracts are recorded as costs are incurred, using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Profits on fixed-price contracts result from the difference between the incurred costs and the revenue earned. The company has a contract in its BAV Division for which contract terms specify award fee payments to BAV that are determined by performance and level of contract activity. Award fees are made three times during the year and a contract modification authorizing the award fee payment is issued subsequent to the period in which the work is performed. The company does not recognize award fee income until the contract modification authorizing the award fee is issued. Due to such timing, and to fluctuations in the level of revenues, profits as a percentage of revenues on this contract will fluctuate from period to period. Award fee income for this contract has typically been recognized in the first, second and fourth quarters of each year. -11- The company will occasionally perform work at risk, which is work that is performed prior to formalizing terms for such work. Potential revenue related to work performed at risk is not recognized until it can be reliably estimated and its realization is probable. VSE recognizes this "risk funding" as revenue when the associated costs are incurred and the work is performed. As of September 30, 2003, VSE has recognized approximately $445 thousand in risk funding. The company provides for anticipated losses on contracts by a charge to income during the period in which losses are first identified. Long-Lived Assets In assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill and other intangibles, we make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. If the estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges to write-down the carrying value of these assets. Contingencies From time to time we are subject to proceedings, lawsuits, and other claims related to environmental, labor, and other matters. We are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these contingencies as well as potential ranges of probable losses and establish reserves accordingly. The amount of reserves required may change in future periods due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach to a matter such as a change in settlement strategy. Income Taxes The carrying value of our net deferred tax assets is based on assumptions regarding our ability to generate sufficient future taxable income to utilize these deferred tax assets. If the estimates and related assumptions regarding our future taxable income change in the future, we may be required to record valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense. -12- Results of Operations The following table sets forth certain items, including consolidated revenues, pretax income and net income, and the changes in these items for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands):
2003 Compared to 2002 Three Months Nine Months ----------------- Ended September 30, Ended September 30, Three Nine 2003 2002 2003 2002 Months Months ---- ---- ---- ---- ------ ------ Revenues . . . . . . $36,391 $37,836 $ 92,221 $103,269 $(1,445) $(11,048) ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ======== Income before income taxes . . . . . . $ 859 $ 428 $ 2,257 $ 1,101 $ 431 $ 1,156 Provision for income taxes . . . . . . 336 171 866 451 165 415 ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- -------- Net income . . . . $ 523 $ 257 $ 1,391 $ 650 $ 266 $ 741 ======= ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
Revenues declined by approximately 4% and 11% for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2003, as compared to the same periods of 2002. The primary reasons for the decrease in revenues for the three-month period were a reduction in BAV revenue due to work ordered by certain client countries in 2002 that was not repeated in 2003 and reduced revenue associated with the decision to phase out the operations of TTD. Revenues also declined for HRSI and VSS. The declines in revenues of the previously mentioned divisions were partially offset by the revenues generated by the start up of CED and an increase in the revenues of Energetics, Systems Engineering, MSD, and VCG compared to the prior year three-month period. While the increased revenues in these divisions were not significant in proportion to total company revenues, the increases in Systems Engineering, MSD, and VCG were significant in proportion to the prior year revenues of these divisions. The primary reasons for the decrease in revenues for the nine-month period were 1) a reduction in BAV revenue due to work ordered by certain client countries in 2002 that was not repeated in 2003, 2) a reduction in Fleet Maintenance revenue due to a decrease in the amount of subcontract work in 2003 as compared to 2002, and 3) reduced revenue associated with the decision to phase out the operations of TTD. Revenues also declined for Energetics, HRSI, and VSS. The declines in revenues of the previously mentioned divisions were partially offset by the revenues generated by the start up of CED and an increase in the revenues of Systems Engineering, MSD, and VCG compared to the prior year nine-month period. While the increased revenues in Systems Engineering, MSD, and VCG were not significant in proportion to total company revenues, the increases were significant in proportion to the prior year revenues of each of these divisions. Pretax income increased by approximately 101% and 105% for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2003, as compared to the same periods of 2002. The increase in pre-tax income for the three month period was primarily due to revenue and profit increases in Systems Engineering, MSD and VCG, -13- increased profitability on Fleet Maintenance work, and a reduction in the losses associated with TTD work. These same factors, along with a reduction in losses on certain Fleet Maintenance work during the first two quarters of 2003, were the primary reasons for the increase in profits during the nine month period. The company-wide pretax income increases were partially offset by operational and start up losses associated with CED, including pre-tax losses of approximately $167 thousand recognized in this third quarter due to accounting rules requiring the accrual of certain contract losses anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2003. BAV Contract. VSE's BAV Division has a contract with the U.S. Navy to provide engineering, technical and logistical support services associated with the sale, lease, or other transfer of Navy ships to foreign governments. This contract is a ten-year contract awarded in 1995, and it has the potential to generate total revenues of over one billion dollars from 1995 through 2005. BAV has recognized revenues on this contract of approximately $505 million through September 30, 2003, resulting in a backlog of potential future revenues of approximately $555 million. The amount of this backlog that was funded at September 30, 2003 was approximately $39 million. The contract accounted for approximately 48% and 54% of consolidated revenues from operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The level of revenues and associated profits resulting from fee income generated by this contract varies depending on a number of factors, including the timing of ship transfers and associated support services ordered by foreign governments and economic conditions of potential customers worldwide. The company has experienced significant quarterly and annual revenue fluctuations and anticipates that future quarterly and annual revenues will be subject to significant variations primarily due to changes in the level of activity on this contract. See "Global Economic Conditions and Political Factors" below for further discussion of potential impacts on future revenues associated with this contract. Contract terms specify award fee payments to BAV that are determined by performance and level of contract activity. Award fees are made three times during the year and a contract modification authorizing the award fee payment is issued subsequent to the period in which the work is performed. The company does not recognize award fee income until the contract modification authorizing the award fee is issued. As of September 30, 2003, award fee has been recognized for work performed through the award fee period ending April 30, 2003. Due to such timing, and to fluctuations in the level of revenues, profits as a percentage of revenues will fluctuate from period to period. Award fee income for this contract has typically been recognized in the first, second and fourth quarters of each year. Business Terminations and New Business Start-ups.Start-ups In February 2003, VSE decided to terminate operations of TTD due to declining revenues and significant losses sustained by this division. In 2002, TTD experienced a revenue decline of approximately 26% and a pretax loss of approximately $2.1 million, including a loss associated with the impairment of intangible assets of $576 thousand. TTD will complete allcontinued work orders andon uncompleted contracts during 2003 to satisfy allits contractual obligations prior toand will finish work in 2004 before ceasing operations as a VSE division, which is expected to occur in early 2004.operations. Some of TTD's technical capabilities have beenwere transferred to other VSE divisions. Revenues from TTD represented approximately 1% and 5% of total company revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The loss of future revenue associated with the termination of TTD operations is not expected to be significant compared to total future VSE revenue, while the elimination of TTD -14- losses is expected to improve overall company profitability in the current and future years as compared to 2002.VSE profits. In January 2003, VSE formed its Communications and Engineering Division (CED) upon the award of a multi-year Rapid Response support contract by the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM). This is a multiple award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantityIf all options are exercised, this contract withhas a potential total ceiling of $2.9 billion over an eight-year period if all optionsperiod. The contract is a multiple award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, and VSE revenues from it are exercised.expected to be considerably less than the contract ceiling amount. While actual revenue estimates for VSE from this contract cannot be predicted, it is expected that this contract will contribute to future VSE revenue growth. Management Outlook VSE believes that its short term outlook, based on expected revenue growth under existing contracts, is more positive than in recent years. The Taiwan ship transfer work on the BAV contract (see "BAV Contract" below) is expected to contribute significantly to near term revenue growth. Revenues are also growing in several of VSE's other divisions. VSE's company wide funded backlog at March 31, 2004, was approximately $147 million, as compared to approximately $83 million at December 31, 2003. Profit margins in most of VSE's divisions have increased in recent quarters and are expected to improve further as the Company's revenue base grows. The Company has a positive cash flow and cash of approximately $10.2 million as of March 31, 2004. This positive short-term trend is tempered by two areas of concern to management. The CED Rapid Response support contract incurred pretax losses of approximately $963 thousand in 2003, its first year of operation, and an additional $325 thousand during the first three months of 2004 as additional task orders were funded. While management has addressed this issue by adopting a less aggressive pricing strategy, this contract may continue to incur losses in 2004. VSE has accrued liabilities of approximately $275 thousand for probable future losses associated with this contract's operations as of March 31, 2004. The second concern involves the utilization of the Company's primary office facility. VSE does not always occupy all of the space in its primary leased office facility and has from time to time subleased parts of this facility to other tenants. During 2003, some of the Company's larger subtenants did not renew their subleases with VSE, and the facility remains underutilized as of March 31, 2004. The Company has had -11- some partial success in finding new tenants to sublease space and believes that the majority of the available space will be subleased by the end of 2004, but the potential exists for continued underutilization of the facility that could negatively impact earnings in 2004. The longer term outlook for VSE centers on the uncertainty associated with the renewal of the BAV contract. The U.S. Navy intends to solicit bids for a new contract in 2004 and BAV will aggressively pursue the award of the new contract. BAV is confident in its ability to win this award and continue work on the ship transfer program; however, the size of this effort will entice other companies to offer strong competition. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that BAV will win the new contract. If BAV fails to win the new contract, VSE will suffer a significant loss of future revenue growth, actual revenues are likelyand profits. To mitigate this risk, VSE is exploring potential acquisition opportunities. The Company intends to occurcontinue these efforts in large unpredictable increments, and total revenues from the contract are unlikely to approach the ceiling amount. The contract requires VSE to seek out prospective work orders that can be performed for the customer. This requires VSE to incur some front end marketing costs and to incur ongoing administrative costs to manage the division. These costs have caused losses at the division level for CED, particularly upon the start up of the contract. Revenues generated to date and expected future revenues from this contract will absorb fixed corporate costs, which in turn is expected to result in revenue and profit increases for VSE on a company wide basis. Revenue from this contract accounted for approximately 17% and 7% of total revenues during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2003, respectively. In February 2002, VCG began work for the U.S. Coast Guard under a contract that has potential to generate total revenues of approximately $25.4 million over five years. During the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, revenues from VCG accounted for approximately 4% and 1%, respectively, of total company revenues. While this contract is not expected to significantly increase total company revenues, the potential for higher profit margins on this fixed price work is expected to contribute to an increase in the company's overall profit margins.2004. Government Procurement Policies and Practices VSE's business is subject to the risks arising from domestic economic conditions and political factors that may impact the budgets and program funding of customers served through VSE's contracts. VSE's revenues have historically been subject to annual fluctuations resulting from changes in the level of Defense spending. Future budgetary and funding decisions by government lawmakers or Defense restructuring efforts could affect the types and level of services provided by VSE to its government customers and could potentially have a material adverse impact on the company'sCompany's results of operations or financial condition. The revenues of the Company revenues depend on theits ability of the company to win new contracts and on the amount of work ordered by the government under the company'sCompany's existing contracts. The company'sCompany's ability to win new contracts is affected by government acquisition policies and procedures, including government procurement practices that in some years have tended toward bundling work efforts under large comprehensive ("omnibus/multiple award"omnibus") management contracts. This emphasis on large contracts presents challenges to winning new contract work, including making it more difficult for the companyCompany to qualify as a bidder, increases inincreasing the level of competition due to the award of fewer contracts, and forcing the companyCompany into competition with larger organizations that have greater financial resources and larger technical staffs. Competing for these contracts requires the companyCompany to use teams of subcontractors to be -15- able to offer the range of technical competencies needed to do the work. Generally, fees earned and profit margins on revenues that are derived from non-labor items such as materials, travel costs, and subcontracted services used to satisfy contract requirements, if any, are significantly lower than fees and profits on labor generated revenues. While the use of subcontractor teamssubcontractors on a large scale basis allows the companyCompany to compete for larger contracts,this work, profit margins on thissubcontract work tends to beare lower than on work performed by companyCompany personnel, thereby reducing the company'sCompany's overall profit margins. Additionally, relianceThe use of subcontractors on subcontractors can introduce risk ofgovernment contracts also raises certain performance issues different fromand financial risks to VSE in that government prime contractors are usually obligated to ensure compliance with U.S. Government regulations relative to the performance risk on the company's labor generated revenues.by subcontractors. Other government procurement practices that can affect the company'sCompany's revenues are the use of past performance criteria that may preclude entrance into new government markets and government social programs that limit contract work to small, woman, or minority-ownedminority owned businesses. Additional risk factors that could potentially affect the company'sCompany's results of operations are the government's right to terminate contracts for convenience, the government's right to not -12- exercise all of the option periods on a contract, and funding delays caused by government political or administrative actions. Risk funding revenue accrued at September 30,Beginning in 2004, Section 843 of the Defense Authorization Act will limit the length of contracts awarded by the Defense Department to five years total. The Company is unable to predict what impact this will have on future contract awards and revenues. BAV Contract VSE's BAV Division has a contract with the U.S. Navy to provide engineering, technical and logistical support services associated with the sale, lease, or transfer of Navy ships to foreign governments. This cost-plus contract is a ten-year contract awarded in 1995 and has a total ceiling value of over one billion dollars over the life of the contract. Revenues generated by this contract accounted for approximately 50% and 51% of consolidated revenues during the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and funded backlog was approximately $104 million as of March 31, 2004, as compared to approximately $48 million as of December 31, 2003. Contract terms specify award fee payments to BAV that are determined by performance and level of contract activity. Award fees are made three times during the year and a contract modification authorizing the award fee payment is $445 thousand. Risk funding revenue represents certain costsissued subsequent to the period in which the work is performed. The Company does not recognize award fee income until the contract modification authorizing the award fee is certain. Due to such timing, and to fluctuations in the level of revenues, profits as a percentage of revenues will fluctuate from period to period. As of March 31, 2004, award fee has been recognized for work performed at riskthrough the award fee period ended December 31, 2003. The level of revenues and associated profits resulting from fee income generated by this contract varies depending on a number of factors, including the timing of ship transfers and associated support services ordered by foreign governments and economic conditions of potential customers worldwide. The Company has experienced significant quarterly and annual revenue fluctuations and anticipates that future quarterly and annual revenues will be subject to significant variations primarily due to changes in the level of activity on this contract. The U.S. Navy has approved the transfer of four U.S. Navy ships to Taiwan, with work related to this transfer to be performed under the BAV contract. This transfer is expected to result in an increase in the revenues of BAV during the time this work is performed beginning in 2004. BAV has received a contract delivery order related to this work in early 2004 of approximately $100 million, of which are not reimbursable under current contracts. VSE believes$49 million is funded as of March 31, 2004. The original BAV contract ending date was in 2005. The Navy recently modified the original contract for the purpose of ensuring continuity of work with respect to the transfer of ships to Taiwan. The modification provided contractual coverage for this specific work effort into 2007. The U.S. Navy has announced that it intends to issue a new contract for the overall ship transfer program through a competitive bidding process that will receive formal contractual coverage through executionbegin in 2004. BAV does not expect that the Navy will award the new contract until after 2004. There can be no assurance that BAV will win the award for the follow-on contract. If BAV fails to win this new contract award, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company's future results of contract documentation or amendments increasing funding for all of this risk funding revenue. If formal contractual coverage is not received, VSE is at risk of loss for any risk funding coverage not received.operations and financial condition. -13- Global Economic Conditions and Political Factors VSE's business is subject to the risks arising from global economic conditions and political factors associated with current and potential customers served through VSE's contracts with the U.S. Government. An economic slowdown in countries served under the BAV contract could adversely affect sales. The current international situation posed by potential terrorist activity and the continuing conflict in the Middle East could increase the political risks associated with BAV contract revenues. Failure by the government of a potential foreign customer to approve and fund acquisition of U.S. Navy ships serviced under the BAV contract could adversely affect sales. In any one year, a significant amount of the company'sCompany's revenues may result from sales on the BAV contract to a single foreign government. During the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003, and 2002, revenues associated with BAV contract sales to Egypt accounted for approximately 35%26% and 27%37% of the company'sCompany's revenues, respectively. Revenues in 2004 are expected to include large amounts of BAV contract sales to both Egypt and Taiwan. In addition to the effect on BAV contract work, international tensions can also affect work by Fleet MaintenanceFMD on U.S. Navy ships when they are deployed outside of U.S. Navy facilities and are unavailable for maintenance work during this time period. Severe adverseAdverse results arising from these global economic and political risks could potentially have a material adverse impact on the company'sCompany's results of operations. Concentration of Revenues (in thousands) For the three months ended March 31, 2004 2003 Source of Revenue Revenues % Revenues % - ----------------- -------- - -------- - BAV Egypt $ 11,242 26% $ 9,841 37% BAV Taiwan 8,038 19% 1,601 6% BAV Other 1,974 5% 2,083 8% -------- ---- -------- ---- Total BAV 21,254 50% 13,525 51% VSE Other 21,356 50% 12,937 49% -------- ---- -------- ---- Total Revenues $ 42,610 100% $ 26,462 100% ======== ==== ======== ==== Critical Accounting Policies VSE's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require VSE to make estimates and assumptions. The Company believes the following critical accounting polices affect our more significant judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition Substantially all of the Company's services are performed for its customers on a contract basis. The three primary types of contracts used are cost-type contracts, time and materials contracts, and fixed-price contracts (70%, 18% and 12%, respectively, of the Company's revenues in 2003). Revenues result from work performed on these contracts by the Company's employees and from pass-through of costs for material and work performed by subcontractors. -14- Revenues on cost-type contracts are recorded as contract allowable costs are incurred and fees earned. Profits on cost-type contracts are equal to the fees that are earned. The BAV contract terms specify award fee payments that are determined by performance and level of contract activity. Award fees are made three times during the year and a contract modification authorizing the award fee payment is issued subsequent to the period in which the work is performed. The Company does not recognize award fee income until the contract modification authorizing the award fee is certain. Due to such timing, and to fluctuations in the level of revenues, profits as a percentage of revenues on this contract will fluctuate from period to period. Revenues for time and materials contracts are recorded on the basis of contract allowable labor hours worked times the contract defined billing rates, plus the cost of materials used in performance on the contract. Profits on time and material contracts result from the difference between the cost of services performed and the contract defined billing rates for these services. Revenues on fixed-price service contracts are recorded as services are provided. Revenues on other fixed-price contracts are recorded as costs are incurred, using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Profits on fixed-price contracts result from the difference between the incurred costs and the revenue earned. The Company will occasionally perform work at risk, which is work that is performed prior to the government formalizing funding for such work. Revenue related to work performed at risk is not recognized until it can be reliably estimated and its realization is probable. VSE recognizes this "risk funding" as revenue when the associated costs are incurred or the work is performed. As of March 31, 2004, VSE has recognized approximately $498 thousand in risk funding. VSE believes that it will receive funding for all of this risk funding revenue. VSE is at risk of loss for any risk funding not received. The Company provides for anticipated losses on contracts by a charge to income during the period in which losses are first identified. Long-Lived Assets In assessing the recoverability of long-lived assets, including goodwill and other intangibles, VSE must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, VSE may be required to record impairment charges for these assets not previously recorded. Goodwill Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are instead subject to a review for impairment at least annually. As of March 31, 2004, the Company had approximately $1.1 million of unamortized goodwill associated with its acquisition of Energetics in 1995. If at some time in the future it is determined that impairment has occurred, such impairment could potentially have a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition. -15- Contingencies From time to time VSE is subject to proceedings, lawsuits and other claims related to environmental, labor and other matters. VSE is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these contingencies as well as potential ranges of probable losses and establish reserves accordingly. The amount of reserves required may change in future periods due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach to a matter such as a change in settlement strategy. Income Taxes The carrying value of VSE net deferred tax assets is based on assumptions regarding VSE's ability to generate sufficient future taxable income to utilize these deferred tax assets. If the estimates and related assumptions regarding VSE's future taxable income change in the future, VSE may be required to record valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense. Results of Operations The following table sets forth certain items, including consolidated revenues, pretax income and net income, and the changes in these items for the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands): 2004 Compared to 2004 2003 2003 ---- ---- ---- Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42,610 $26,462 $16,148 ======= ======= ======= Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . $ 1,154 $ 671 $ 483 Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . 446 239 207 ------- ------- ------- Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 708 $ 432 $ 276 ======= ======= ======= Revenues increased by approximately 61% for the three month period ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same period of 2003. The primary reasons for the increase in revenues were 1) an increase in work performed under the BAV contract, including increased revenues associated with the Taiwan ship transfer; 2) the CED Rapid Response contract received work orders that generated revenues in 2004, as compared to the prior year when the contract was awarded in February of 2003 and did not generate revenues in that year's first three months; and 3) increased levels of work performed by FMD due primarily to the Navy's elevated readiness requirements. Work requirements and revenues also increased significantly in other VSE divisions, including SED, VCG, and MSD. Revenues of Energetics and VSS were relatively unchanged. The loss of revenues associated with the phase out of TTD was not significant in relation to total company revenues. Pretax income increased by approximately 72% for the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same period of 2003. The increase in pre-tax income was primarily due to 1) the increase in revenues and the profits -16- associated with these additional revenues; 2) higher profit margins in SED, FMD, MSD, and Energetics attributable in part to the revenue growth and the Company's ability to spread corporate fixed costs over a larger revenue base; and 3) the elimination of any significant losses in TTD in 2004 as compared to TTD pre-tax losses of approximately $161 thousand in the same period of 2003. The increase in pre-tax income in this period was partially offset by losses incurred on the CED Rapid Response support contract. Financial Condition VSE's financial condition did not change materially during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003.March 31, 2004. The company'sCompany's largest assets are its cash and accounts receivablecash equivalents and its accounts receivable. The largest liabilities are its accounts payable and accrued expenses. Cash, accountsAccounts receivable increased approximately $2.4 million, and accounts payable increased at September 30, 2003, as compared to December 31, 2002,approximately $3.1 million during the first three months of 2004 due to normal fluctuationsan increase in the level of work in March 2004 and the associated billings to customers and subcontractor payments required to perform this work. Cash and cash equivalents increased approximately $390 thousand in the first three months of 2004 as a result of a combination of 1) net income; 2) the timing of receivables collectionscustomer billings and vendorsubcontractor activity and associated payments activity. Earnings also contributed to increases in cash balances. Other assets and liabilities remained substantially unchanged.expenditures associated with facilities expansion, improvement, and repairs. The increase in total stockholders' investment duringin this period resulted primarily from earnings and dividend activity and from the exercise of stock options, offset by dividends declared.options. Liquidity and Capital Resources Cash Flows Cash and cash equivalents increased by approximately $3.9 million$390 thousand during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003.March 31, 2004. The increase in cash and cash equivalents during this period resulted from cash provided by operating activities of approximately $4.6$1.2 million, cash used in investing activities of approximately $530$790 thousand, and cash used in financing activities of approximately $232$51 thousand. Investing activities consisted of expansion and improvement of facilities of approximately $499 thousand and purchases of property and equipment.equipment, net of dispositions, of approximately $291 thousand. Financing activities consisted of dividend payments and proceeds received from the issuance of common stock. Cash and cash equivalents increaseddecreased by approximately $3.8$2.2 million during the nine-month periodthree months ended September 30, 2002.March 31, 2003. The increasedecrease in cash and cash equivalents during this period resulted from cash provided byused in operating activities of approximately $4.6$2 million, cash used in investing activities of approximately $138 thousand, and cash used in financing activities of approximately $410 thousand, and cash used in investing activities of approximately $347 thousand. Financing activities consisted of a decrease of approximately $351 thousand in bank loan borrowings, dividends paid of approximately $261 thousand, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock of approximately $201$57 thousand. Investing activities consisted of purchases of property and equipment, net of dispositions. CashFinancing activities consisted of dividend payments and proceeds received from the issuance of common stock. The difference between cash provided by operating activities of approximately $4.6$1.2 million in both2004 as compared to cash used in operating activities approximately $2 million in 2003 and 2002 resulted from earnings andis primarily due to changes in the levels of accounts receivable and accounts payable due to fluctuationsresulting from increases in contractrevenue -17- and associated subcontractor activity and receivables collections.collections, and from an increase in net income. Quarterly cash dividends at the rate of $.04 per share were paid in February, May and August of 2003. In October 2003, a dividend was declared of $.04 per share, payable in November 2003. The dividend paid in November 2002 was declared prior to September 30, 2002.during the three months ended March 31, 2004. Under its bank loan agreement, VSE's payment of cash dividends is subject to a maximum annual rate. VSE has paid cash dividends each year since 1973. Sources of Liquidity The company'sCompany's internal sources of liquidity result primarily from operating activities, specifically from changes in the level of revenues and associated accounts receivable and accounts payable from period to period, and from -17- profitability. Significant increases or decreases in revenue and accounts receivable and accounts payable can cause significant increases or decreases in internal liquidity. Accounts receivable arise primarily from billings made by the companyCompany to the government or other government prime contractors for services rendered and generally do not present collection problems.payments received on accounts receivable represent the principal source of cash for the Company. Accounts receivable levels can also be affected by contract retainages, differences between the provisional billing rates authorized by the government compared to the costs actually incurred by the company,Company, government delays in processing administrative paperwork for contract funding, and the timing of large materials purchases and subcontractor efforts used in performance on company'sthe Company's contracts. Accounts payable arise primarily from purchases of subcontractor services and materials used by the companyCompany in the performance of its contract work. Payments made on accounts payable, along with payments made to satisfy employee payroll and payroll associated expenses, make up the principal cash requirements of the Company. Accounts payable levels can be affected by changes in the level of contract work performed by the companyCompany and by the timing of large materials purchases and subcontractor efforts used in performance on the company'sCompany's contracts. Changes in accounts payable and accounts receivable contributed to an increase in internally generatedOther cash flows during this period. Internal liquidity is also affected byrequirements include the acquisition of capital assets for office and computer support, facilities improvements, and by the payment of cash dividends. PurchasesThe Company invested approximately $499 thousand related to expansion and improvement of capital assets for office and computer support and facilities improvementsat two locations during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003 did not substantially affect internal liquidity.March 31, 2004, and plans additional spending of approximately $250 thousand in 2004. These expenditures are for the expansion of its facility in Ladysmith, Virginia in support of the expected growth in its System Engineering Division and improvements at its primary office facility in Alexandria, Virginia. VSE's external sources of liquidity consist of a revolving bank loan agreement that provides loan financing based on the company'sCompany's accounts receivable. (Seereceivable (see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."Statements"). The bank financing complements the internal sources of liquidity by providing increasing levels of borrowing capacity as accounts receivable levels increase. The bank loan agreement provided loan financing up to a maximum commitment of $15 million as of September 30,March 31, 2004. The Company has determined that the $15 million commitment is adequate to cover current and future liquidity requirements. The Company has not borrowed against this loan in 2004 or 2003. While performancePerformance of work under the BAV and CED contracts havecontract has the potential to cause substantial requirements for working capital, the company has determinedcapital; however, management believes that current cash surpluses, cash flows from future operations, and the $15 million bank loan commitment are adequate to covermeet current and future liquidityoperating cash requirements. -18- Inflation and Pricing Most of the contracts performed by VSE provide for estimates of future labor costs to be escalated for any option periods provided by the contracts, while the non-labor costs included in such contracts are normally considered reimbursable at cost. VSE property and equipment consists principally of computer systems equipment and furniture and fixtures. The overall impact of inflation on replacement costs of such property and equipment is expected to be insignificant. Goodwill In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS No. 142"). SFAS No. 142 modifies the accounting rules governing goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill is no longer subject to amortization over its estimated useful life and intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized over an -18- arbitrary number of years. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are instead subject to a review for impairment at least annually. The effective date for VSE's implementation of SFAS No. 142 was January 1, 2002. As of September 30, 2003, the company had approximately $1.1 million of unamortized goodwill associated with its acquisition of Energetics in 1995. The goodwill was being amortized prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142. In 2002, the company stopped amortizing the goodwill. As of September 30, 2003, the company has not recognized any reduction to the goodwill due to the impairment rules associated with SFAS No. 142. If at some time in the future it is determined that impairment has occurred, such impairment could potentially have a material adverse impact on the company's results of operations or financial condition. Disclosures About Market Risk Interest Rates VSE's bank loan financing provides available borrowing to the companyCompany at variable interest rates. The companyCompany has not borrowed significant amounts on the loan in recent years. Accordingly, the companyCompany does not believe that changesany movement in interest rates would have a material impact on future earnings or cash flows. If VSE were to significantly increase borrowings on the current loan arrangement, future interest rate changes could potentially have such a material impact. Foreign Currency While a significant amount of the company'sCompany's business results from the services provided by BAV related to the transfer of ships to foreign governments, the BAV contract payments are made to BAV by the U.S. Government in U.S. dollars. Additionally, most funding requirements to support work performed or services purchased in foreign countries are made in U.S. dollars, and the infrequent disbursements that are made in foreign currencies are reimbursable to BAV in post conversion dollars. Foreign currency transactions of other VSE divisions or subsidiaries are virtually non-existent. Accordingly, the companyCompany does not believe that it is exposed to any material foreign currency risk. Stock-Based Compensation In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation--Transition and Disclosure--an amendment of SFAS No. 123." This statement amends SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The company has chosen to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. -19- Accordingly, compensation expense for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the company's stock at the date of the grant over the exercise price of the related option. The company adopted the annual disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148 in its financial reports for the year ended December 31, 2002 and the interim disclosure provisions for its financial reports beginning the quarter ended March 31, 2003. -20- VSE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks See "Disclosures About Market Risk" in Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Item 4. Controls and Procedures Based on their most recent evaluation, which was completed within 90 days of the filing of this Form 10-Q, the company'sCompany's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer believe the company'sCompany's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company'sCompany's management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There were no significant changes in the company'sCompany's internal control over financial reporting or other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation and there were no corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. PART II. Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings The companyCompany and its subsidiaries have, in the normal course of business, certain claims against them and against other parties.them. In the opinion of management, the resolution of theseany such claims will not have a material adverse effect on the company'sCompany's results of operations or financial position. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits. None.Exhibit No. ----------- 10.1 Employment Agreement dated as of March 10, 2004, by and between VSE Corporation and Thomas G. Dacus 10.2 VSE Corporation Deferred Supplemental Compensation Plan effective January 1, 1994, and as amended through March 9, 2004 31.1 Section 302 CEO Certification 31.2 Section 302 CFO and PAO Certification 32.1 Section 906 CEO Certification 32.2 Section 906 CFO and PAO Certification -20- (b) Reports on Form 8-K. On September 18, 2003 theThe Registrant filed a Current Report on Form 8-K to report the text of notice to directors and executive officers dated September 15, 2003, regarding temporary suspension of tradingon February 26, 2004, in the Registrant's common stock during the Blackout Period from October 28, 2003, through November 21, 2003, related to conversion of recordkeeping trust and investment services of the Registrant's employee retirement benefit plan. On July 31, 2003,which the Registrant filed a Current Report on Form 8-K to announce thefurnished its financial results offor the second quarterfiscal year 2003. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has omitted all other items contained in "Part II. Other Information" because such other items are not applicable or are not required if the answer is negative or because the information required to be reported therein has been previously reported. -21- VSE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. VSE CORPORATION Date: April 28, 2004 /s/ D. M. Ervine Date: October 28, 2003 ___________________________________________________________________________ D. M. Ervine Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and CEO, President and COOChief Operating Officer -22-