UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
   
þ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended December 30, 200728, 2008
or
   
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 000-08193
ARGON ST, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Delaware 38-1873250
(State or other jurisdiction of(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
12701 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 800, Fairfax, Virginia 22033
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s telephone number(703) 322-0881
     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.
Yesþ       Noo
      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
       
Large accelerated filero  Accelerated filerþ  Non-accelerated filer  o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting companyo 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yeso       Noþ
     As of January 31, 2008,2009, there were 21,773,09321,722,739 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.
 
 

 


 

ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT
FOR THE QUARTERTHREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 30, 200728, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    
     
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)    
     
  3 
     
  4 
     
  5 
     
Notes to   6 
     
7-13
  13
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk22
Item 4. Controls and Procedures2314-24 
     
24
24
    
     
  2325 
     
  2325 
     
  2325 
     
  2325 
     
  2425 
     
  2425 
     
  24 
     
  2627 
     
Exhibits  2728-29 

2


 

ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                
 December 30, 2007 September 30, 2007  December 28, 2008 September 30, 2008 
 (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
ASSETS
  
CURRENT ASSETS  
Cash and cash equivalents $7,265 $22,965  $3,647 $15,380 
Accounts receivable, net 111,031 95,639  127,296 104,859 
Inventory, net 2,957 2,927  3,849 3,757 
Deferred income tax asset 3,944 3,218  4,160 4,534 
Prepaids and other 1,179 3,154  4,080 5,416 
          
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 126,376 127,903  143,032 133,946 
Property, equipment and software, net 24,636 22,822  27,940 27,558 
Goodwill 172,372 170,192  173,948 173,948 
Intangibles, net 5,334 5,760  3,715 4,055 
Restricted cash 1,816 1,800 
Other assets 905 1,168  791 831 
          
TOTAL ASSETS $331,439 $329,645  $349,426 $340,338 
     
      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  
CURRENT LIABILITIES  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $19,996 $23,796  $24,844 $29,133 
Accrued salaries and related expenses 12,239 12,899  13,050 10,283 
Deferred revenue 14,137 12,651  7,491 4,361 
Other current liabilities 2,933 681 
Income taxes payable 1,953  
Other liabilities 140 132 
          
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 49,305 50,027  47,478 43,909 
Deferred income tax liability, long-term 2,255 1,794 
Deferred income tax liability, long term 1,449 1,900 
Deferred rent and other liabilities 2,807 2,988  1,841 2,085 
Commitments and contingencies      
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Common stock:  
$.01 Par Value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 22,598,439 and 22,561,639 shares issued at December 30, 2007 and September 30, 2007 226 226 
$.01 Par Value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 22,832,653 and 22,775,423 shares issued at December 28, 2008 and September 30, 2008 228 228 
Additional paid in capital 217,843 217,038  223,374 222,349 
Treasury stock at cost, 824,145 and 674,145 shares at December 30, and September 30, 2007, respectively  (13,299)  (10,527)
Treasury stock at cost, 1,126,245 shares at December 28, 2008 and September 30, 2008  (18,425)  (18,425)
Retained earnings 72,302 68,099  93,481 88,292 
          
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 277,072 274,836  298,658 292,444 
          
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $331,439 $329,645  $349,426 $340,338 
          
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


 

ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                
 For the Fiscal Quarter Ended  For the Three Months Ended 
 December 30, 2007 December 31, 2006  December 28, 2008 December 30, 2007 
CONTRACT REVENUES $74,266 $60,405  $84,026 $74,266 
  
COST OF REVENUES 60,337 45,754  68,846 60,337 
  
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 5,457 4,727  5,788 5,457 
  
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES 1,700 2,216  1,772 1,700 
      
     
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 6,772 7,708  7,620 6,772 
  
INTEREST INCOME, NET 120 330 
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE)  (14) 120 
          
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 6,892 8,038  7,606 6,892 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 2,609 2,855  2,417 2,609 
          
NET INCOME $4,283 $5,183  $5,189 $4,283 
          
  
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Basic) $0.20 $0.23  $0.24 $0.20 
          
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Diluted) $0.19 $0.23  $0.24 $0.19 
          
 
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING  
Basic 21,871,285 22,228,157  21,667,861 21,871,285 
          
Diluted 22,252,225 22,724,450  21,997,425 22,252,225 
          
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


 

ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
(In thousands)
                
 Fiscal Quarter Ended  Three Months Ended 
 December 30, 2007 December 31, 2006  December 28, 2008 December 30, 2007 
Cash flows from operating activities
  
Net income $4,283 $5,183  $5,189 $4,283 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
Depreciation and amortization 1,935 1,893  2,003 1,935 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)  (242) 276 
Amortization of deferred costs 42  
Deferred income tax benefit  (75)  (242)
Stock-based compensation 723 390  809 723 
Bad debt expense  30 
Loss on sale of equipment  2 
Change in:  
Accounts receivable  (15,489) 1,528   (22,437)  (15,489)
Inventory  (30)  (340)  (92)  (30)
Prepaids and other 1,278 5,745  976 1,278 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (5,460)  (8,786)  (3,889)  (5,460)
Accrued salaries and related expenses  (660)  (939) 2,767  (660)
Other current liabilities  (113)  
Deferred revenue 966  (8,962) 3,130 966 
Income taxes payable 2,824 1,649 
Income taxes 2,311 2,824 
Deferred rent and other current liabilities  (158)  (113)
          
  
Net cash used in operating activities  (9,985)  (2,331)  (9,424)  (9,985)
  
Cash flows from investing activities
  
Acquisitions of property, equipment and software  (3,323)  (1,242)  (2,445)  (3,323)
Proceeds from note receivable and other 344  (55) 4 344 
        �� 
  
Net cash used in investing activities  (2,979)  (1,297)  (2,441)  (2,979)
  
Cash flows from financing activities
  
Purchase of treasury stock  (2,772)  
Stock repurchases   (2,772)
Payments on capital leases  (46)  (18)  (15)  (46)
Tax benefit of stock option exercises 18 231  67 18 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 64 425  80 64 
          
  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  (2,736) 638  132  (2,736)
  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (15,700)  (2,990)  (11,733)  (15,700)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 22,965 33,498  15,380 22,965 
          
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $7,265 $30,508  $3,647 $7,265 
          
Supplemental disclosure 
Income taxes paid $7 $699 
Supplemental disclosure Income taxes paid $92 $7 
          
Interest expense paid $7 $2 
     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


 

ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share data)
                         
                      Total 
  Common Stock  Common Stock  Additional Paid in          Stockholders’ 
  Number of Shares  Par Value  Capital  Treasury Stock  Retained Earnings  Equity 
Balance, September 30, 2008  22,775,423  $228  $222,349  $(18,425) $88,292  $292,444 
Net income              5,189   5,189 
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options  16,980      80         80 
Restricted stock units vested  40,250                
Stock-based compensation        878         878 
Tax benefit on stock option exercises and restricted stock        67         67 
                   
                         
Balance, December 28, 2008  22,832,653  $228  $223,374  $(18,425) $93,481  $298,658 
                   
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
  1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the period ended December 30, 200728, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008.2009. Inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Argon ST, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.2008. Reclassifications are made to the prior year financial statements when appropriate, to conform to the current year presentation.
     Argon ST, Inc. (“Argon ST” or the “Company”) maintains a September 30 fiscal year-end for annual financial reporting purposes. Argon ST presents its interim periods ending on the Sunday closest to the end of the month for each quarter consistent with labor and billing cycles. As a result, each quarter of each year may contain more or less days than other quarters of the year. Management does not believe that this practice has a material effect on quarterly results or on the comparison of such results.
     Argon ST records contract revenues and costs of operations for interim reporting purposes based on annual targeted indirect rates. At year-end, the revenues and costs are adjusted for actual indirect rates. During the Company’s interim reporting periods, variances may accumulate between the actual indirect rates and the annual targeted rates. Timing-related indirect spending variances are not applied to contract costs, research and development, and general and administrative expenses, but are included in unbilled receivables during these interim reporting periods. These rates are reviewed regularly, and the Company records adjustments for any material, permanent variances in the period they become determinable.
     Argon ST’s accounting policy for recording indirect rate variances is based on management’s belief that variances accumulated during interim reporting periods will be absorbed by management actions to control costs during the remainder of the year. The Company considers the rate variance to be unfavorable when the actual indirect rates are greater than the Company’s annual targeted rates. During interim reporting periods, unfavorable rate variances are recorded as reductions to operating expenses and increases to unbilled receivables. Favorable rate variances are recorded as increases to operating expenses and decreases to unbilled receivables. At December 30, 2007,28, 2008, the unfavorable rate variance totaled $2,877 of$1,421, which $1,654 was approximately $750 less than the $2,171 unfavorable rate variance planned for the period. If the Company anticipates that actual contract activities will be different than planned levels, there are alternatives the Company can utilize to absorb the variance: the Company can adjust planned indirect spending during the year, modify its billing rates to its customers, or record adjustments to expense based on estimates of future contract activities. Management expects the variance to be eliminated over the course of the fiscal year and therefore, no portion of the variance is considered permanent.
     If the Company’s rate variance is expected to be unfavorable for the entire fiscal year, any modification of the Company’s indirect rates will likely increase revenue and operating expenses. Profit percentages on fixed-price contracts will generally decline as a result of an increase to indirect costs unless compensating savings can be achieved in the direct costs to complete the projects. Profit percentages on cost reimbursement contracts will generally decline as a percentage of total costs as a result of an increase in indirect costs even if the cost increase is funded by the customer. If the Company’s rate variance is favorable, theany modification of the Company’s indirect rates will decrease revenue and operating expenses. In this event, profit percentages on fixed-price contracts will generally increase. Profit percentages on cost-reimbursable contracts will generally be unaffected as a result of any reduction to indirect costs, due to the fact that programs will typically expend all of the funds available. Any impact on operating income, however, will depend on a number of other factors, including mix of contract types, contract terms and anticipated performance on specific contracts.

67


 

2. ACQUISITION OF CSIC HOLDINGS LLCARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
  Effective August 12, 2007, the Company acquired 100% of the equity of CSIC Holdings, LLC (“Coherent”), a single member limited liability corporation that was owned 100% by Coherent Systems International Corp. in a transaction accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141,Business Combinations(“SFAS No. 141”). Under applicable tax rules, this transaction is accounted for as an asset purchase. Coherent was based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and is primarily engaged in the deployment of advanced command and control solutions, precision targeting systems, mobile communication gateways, high-performance electronic warfare systems, and aircraft sensor solutions. The Company believes synergies with Coherent will provide customers significant additional opportunities to leverage complementary technologies, programs and products to improve tactical operations. The results of Coherent’s operations are included in the consolidated financial statements beginning August 12, 2007.
          The aggregate consideration for the net assets acquired was $20,333 which consisted of $18,328 of cash paid at closing and approximately $205 of acquisition costs. In addition to cash paid and acquisition costs, the Company has recorded a $1,800 long-term liability which is expected to be paid by the end of fiscal year 2010 and maintains a restricted cash balance to settle this liability. The aggregate purchase price has been allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired based on their preliminary estimated fair values. These values are subject to change as more information becomes available as the Company has not had an appropriate amount of time to assess the value of certain joint ventures and to identify certain accrued expenses.
          Argon has agreed to pay up to an additional $17,500 of cash, contingent upon Coherent’s ability to achieve certain minimum revenue and bookings targets for periods ending December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008. As of December 30, 2007, the Company has determined that an additional $1,500 was earned and payable with respect to Coherent’s achievement of minimum revenue targets for the 12 months ended December 31, 2007. In the event that Coherent achieves minimum revenue and bookings targets for the 12 months ending December 31, 2008, the contingent consideration will be included as additional purchase consideration, when and if earned.
3.2. EARNINGS PER SHARE
     Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during each period. The following summary is presented for the fiscal quarters ended December 30, 200728, 2008 and December 31, 2006:30, 2007:
        
         For the three months ended 
 Fiscal quarter ended December 28, December 30, 
 December 30, 2007 December 31, 2006 2008 2007 
Net income $4,283 $5,183  $5,189 $4,283 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic 21,871,285 22,228,157  21,667,861 21,871,285 
  
Basic earnings per share $0.20 $0.23  $0.24 $0.20 
Effect of dilutive securities:  
Net shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and awards 380,940 436,293  329,564 380,940 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted 22,252,225 22,724,450  21,997,425 22,252,225 
Diluted earnings per share $0.19 $0.23  $0.24 $0.19 
     Stock options that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS, because to do so would have been antidilutive, were 1,047,445983,785 and 474,4501,047,445 for the fiscal quartersthree months ended December 28, 2008 and December 30, 2007, and December 31, 2006, respectively.

7


  4.3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Adoption of SFAS No. 123R
     Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” (“SFAS No. 123R”) which requires that compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. The Company applied the modified prospective method which requires that compensation costs for all awards granted after the date of adoption and the unvested portion of previously granted awards outstanding at the date of adoption will be measured at estimated fair value and included in operating expenses over the vesting period during which an employee provides service in exchange for the award.
     Stock-based compensation, which includes compensation recognized on stock option grants and restricted stock awards, has been included in the following line items in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

8


         
  Quarter Ended 
  December 30, 2007  December 31, 2006 
  
Cost of revenues $528  $183 
General and administrative expense  195   207 
       
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation included in income from operations  723   390 
Income tax expense (benefit) recognized for stock-based compensation  (128)  (83)
       
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $595  $307 
       
ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
         
  For the three months ended 
  December 28,  December 30, 
  2008  2007 
Cost of revenues $578  $528 
General and administrative expense  231   195 
       
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation included in income from operations  809   723 
Income tax expense (benefit) recognized for stock-based compensation  (219)  (128)
       
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $590  $595 
       
          As of December 28, 2008, there was $12,616 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is to be fully amortized in 5 years, with approximately half of the total amortization to be recognized in the next 18 months.
Stock OptionsOption Activity
          The following table summarizes stock option activity for the quarterthree months ended December 30, 2007:28, 2008. At December 26, 2008, the closing price of our common stock was $17.55.
                 
          Weighted-  
          Average  
      Weighted- Remaining Aggregate
  Number Average Contractual Intrinsic
  of Shares Exercise Price Term Value
Shares under option, September 30, 2007  1,869,243  $18.94         
Options granted  7,000  $20.69         
Options exercised  (15,800) $4.10      $246 
Options cancelled and expired  (32,050) $24.97         
                 
                 
Shares under option, December 30, 2007  1,828,393  $17.33   6.5  $1,408 
                 
Options vested at December 30, 2007  1,133,859  $14.52   5.6  $4,059 
                 
As of December 30, 2007, options that are vested and expected to vest prior to expiration  1,413,143  $15.55   6.0  $3,604 
                 
          Weighted-  
          Average  
      Weighted- Remaining Aggregate
  Number Average Contractual Intrinsic
  of Shares Exercise Price Term Value
Shares under option, September 30, 2008  1,623,967  $18.18         
Options granted  167,000  $18.62         
Options exercised  (16,980) $4.71      $249 
Options cancelled and expired  (12,255) $25.17         
                 
                 
Shares under option, December 28, 2008  1,761,732  $18.31   6.11  $6,992 
                 
Options vested at December 28, 2008  1,159,414  $16.35   5.12  $6,332 
                 
As of December 28, 2008, options that are vested and expected to vest prior to expiration  1,398,448  $17.26   5.51  $6,824 

89


 

          The Company awarded 7,000 incentive stock options to employees during the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2007. The incentive stock options vest ratably over 5 yearsARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and the weighted average fair value of the options is $7.03 per share based onamounts)
Restricted Share Activity
          Restricted shares are those shares issued to the assumptions below using a binomial model.
For the fiscal
quarter ended
December 30,
2007
Volatility33.8% – 35.9%
Risk free rate4.6% – 4.8%
Exercise factor1.2
Stock Awards
Company’s independent directors, senior management and other employees. The following table summarizes stock awardrestricted shares activity for the quarterthree months ended December 30, 2007:28, 2008:
                
 Weighted- Weighted-
 Number Average Grant Number Average Grant
 of Shares Date Fair Value of Shares Date Fair Value
Unvested shares, September 30, 2007 21,000 $21.39 
Unvested shares, September 30, 2008 291,975 $22.01 
Awards granted 32,000 $18.00  141,600 $18.47 
Awards vested  (21,000) $21.39   (40,250) $18.00 
Awards forfeited  (3,400) $19.07 
      
Unvested shares, December 30, 2007 32,000 $18.00 
Unvested shares, December 28, 2008 389,925 $21.17 
      
          The Company awarded a total of 32,00036,000 shares to its eight non-employee board members on December 5, 2007.9, 2008. The stock will vest one year after the award date. The fair value of these awards is $18.00 per share$18.42 and $39amortization of stock-based compensation expense attributable to these awards was recorded in the three months ended December 30, 2007, all of whichsuch fair value is included in General and Administrative expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Restricted Shares
          The Company awarded a total of 117,000105,600 restricted shares to its executive and senior management and director level employees in November and December 2007.2008. All shares are on a graded vesting schedule over 4 or 5 years. The weighted average fair value of these awards is $18.09$18.48 per share and $23the amortization of stock-based compensation expense attributable to these awards was recorded in the three months ended December 30, 2007, all of whichsuch fair value is included in Costs of Revenues and General and Administrative expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Stock Appreciation Rights
          The Company awarded a total of 147,000 stock appreciation rights (“SAR”) to its executive and director level employees in December 2007. All awards are on a graded vesting schedule over 5 years and the awards will be settled in cash based on the intrinsic value of such awards on the date of vest. In accordance with SFAS No. 123R, the Company has recorded the fair value of such awards as a long-term liability and will adjust such liability to its fair value at the end of each reporting period. The corresponding increase or decrease of the intrinsic value during each reporting period will be included in the Consolidating Statement of Earnings. As of December 30, 2007, the liability and corresponding stock-based compensation expense attributable to these SARs was not material.

9


5.4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
          Accounts receivable consists of the following as of:
                
 December 30, 2007 September 30, 2007  December 28, 2008 September 30, 2008 
Billed and billable $39,936 $37,235  $66,482 $42,794 
Unbilled costs and fees 56,406 47,088  52,468 54,838 
Unfavorable indirect rate variance 2,877   1,421  
Retainages 12,023 11,527  7,136 7,438 
Reserve  (211)  (211)  (211)  (211)
          
Accounts receivable, net $111,031 $95,639  $127,296 $104,859 
          
          The unbilled costs, fees, and retainages result from recognition of contract revenue in advance of contractual or progress billing terms and includes $2,877$1,421 of unfavorable indirect rate variance at December 30, 200728, 2008 (Refer to Note 1 for further discussion of the basis of presentation of indirect rate variances). Retainages include costs and fees on cost-reimbursable and time and material contracts withheld until audits are completed by DCAA and costs and fees withheld on progress payments on fixed price contracts. Reserves are determined based on management’s best estimate of potentially uncollectible accounts receivable. Argon ST writes off accounts receivable when such amounts are determined to be uncollectible.

10


ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
     6. INVENTORIES5. INVENTORY
          Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, determined on the first-in, first-out basis. Inventories consist of the following at the dates shown below:
                
 December 30, 2007 September 30, 2007  December 28, 2008 September 30, 2008 
Raw Materials $1,450 $1,451  $3,208 $2,920 
Component parts, work in process 1,231 1,223  39 812 
Finished component parts 417 394  650 410 
          
 3,098 3,068  3,897 4,142 
Reserve  (141)  (141)  (48)  (385)
          
Inventory, net $2,957 $2,927  $3,849 $3,757 
          
     7.6. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE
          Property, equipment and software consistedconsists of the following as of:
                
 December September  December September 
 30, 2007 30, 2007  28, 2008 30, 2008 
Computer, machinery and test equipment $26,113 $23,838  $29,014 $27,549 
Leasehold improvements 10,260 9,651  11,283 10,947 
Computer software 4,274 3,687  4,989 4,926 
Furniture and fixtures 1,742 1,643  1,473 1,726 
Equipment under capital lease 337 344  337 337 
Construction in process 6,233 6,000  10,893 10,478 
          
 48,959 45,163  57,989 55,963 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (24,323)  (22,342)  (30,049)  (28,405)
          
  
 $24,636 $22,822  $27,940 $27,558 
          
          As of December 30, 2007,28, 2008, the Company has capitalized $6,233$10,893 of construction in progress primarily consisting of $5,574$9,714 of costs incurred directly associated with the construction of two types of assetsone asset to be used internally for test equipment, demonstration equipment and other purposes. The Company expects to place these assetsthis asset into service during fiscal years 2008 andyear 2009.

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8. GOODWILL
          The table below reconciles the change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2007.
     
Balance at September 30, 2007 $170,192 
Acquisition earn-out  1,500 
Adjustments to and identification of the fair value of liabilities  680 
    
Balance at December 30, 2007 $172,372 
    
          During the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2007, Coherent achieved a minimum revenue earn-out target for the period ended December 31, 2007. As such, a $1,500 liability has been accrued and included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 30, 2007. The $1,500 is expected to be paid in the fiscal quarter ending March 30, 2008. Additionally, during the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2007, the Company adjusted the Coherent purchase price allocation to revise the fair value its obligation to perform work under certain contracts included in deferred revenue and to include additional liabilities identified which existed prior to the purchase of Coherent on August 12, 2007.
     9.7. REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT
          The Company maintains a $40,000 line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Lender”). The credit facility will terminate no later than February 28, 20082010 at which time the facility will be subject to renewal. The Company currently expects to renew such facility with similar terms and conditions for an additional 2 year period. The credit facility also contains a sublimit of $15,000 to cover letters of credit. In addition, borrowings on the line of credit bear interest at LIBOR plus 150 basis points. An unused commitment fee of 0.25% per annum, payable in arrears, is also required.
          All borrowings under the line of credit are collateralized by all tangible assets of the Company. The line of credit agreement includes customary restrictions regarding additional indebtedness, business operations, permitted acquisitions, liens, guarantees, transfers and sales of assets, and maintaining the Company’s primary accounts with the Lender. Borrowing availability under the line of credit is equal to the product of 1.5 and the Company’s earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the trailing 12 months, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter. For the fiscal quarter ending December 30, 2007,28, 2008, EBITDA, on a trailing 12 month basis, was $35,068.$41,715, and as such, the borrowing availability was $40,000. The agreement requires the Company to comply with a specific EBITDA to Funded Debt ratio, and contains customary events of default, including the failure to make timely payments and the failure to satisfy covenants, which would permit the Lender to accelerate repayment of borrowings under the agreement if not cured within the applicable grace period. As of December 30, 2007,28, 2008, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and the financial ratio.

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ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
          At December 30, 2007,28, 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding against the line of credit. Letters of credit outstandingand debt consisting of capital lease obligations at December 30, 200728, 2008 amounted to $1,480,$2,163, and $33,588$37,837 was available on the line of credit. In January 2008, the Company borrowed $7.0 million from our line of credit to fund its current operations.
     10. TREASURY STOCK
          As of September 30, 2007, the Company had repurchased 674,145 shares of treasury stock at an accumulated cost of $10,527, of which, 547,900 shares were purchased under a plan announced by the Board of Directors on August 31, 2007 authorizing the purchase of up to an additional 2,000,000 shares through August 31, 2008. The balance of 126,245 shares was repurchased at various times from May 2000 to September 30, 2001 pursuant to a stock repurchase program announced in May 2000.

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          During the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2007, the Company purchased an additional 150,000 shares under the plan at an average price of $18.48. As of December 30, 2007, 697,900 shares have been purchased under the plan announced on August 31, 2007 at an aggregate price of $12,765.
11.8. INCOME TAXES
          Effective October 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109(“FIN 48”). FIN 48 creates a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes, by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. As a result of the implementation, the Company recognized a $79 net increase to reserves for uncertain tax positions. This increase was accounted for as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings on the balance sheet.
          The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. state income tax matters for years through 2003,2004, except for California and Michigan state returns which have a four year statute of limitations. The Company’s consolidated federal income tax return was examined through September 30, 2004 and all matters have been settled. However, the final federal return for Argon Engineering Associates, Inc. for the year ended September 30, 2004 will remain subject to examination through June 2008.
          If the examination periods were to expire or, in the event of an examination, the Company’s positions are sustained in favor of the Company, the Company would recognize approximately $339 of tax benefits reducing its effective rate. The Company does not believe there is a reasonable possibility of material changes to the estimated amount of reserves for uncertain tax positions within the next 12 months.
          The Company’s accounting policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had $58$84 accrued for interest and penalties as of December 30, 2007.28, 2008.
     12.9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
          We are subject to litigation from time to time, in the ordinary course of business including, but not limited to, allegations of wrongful termination or discrimination. The Company believes the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
10. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
          In September 2006,December 2007, the FASB issued SFASStatement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157,141R,Fair Value MeasurementsBusiness Combinations(“SFAS No. 157”141R”), which replaces SFAS No. 141Business Combinations. SFAS 157 definesNo. 141R establishes principles and requirements for determining how an enterprise recognizes and measures the fair value establishesof certain assets and liabilities acquired in a frameworkbusiness combination, including noncontrolling interest, contingent consideration, and certain acquired contingencies. SFAS No. 141R also requires acquisition-related transaction expenses and restructuring cost be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized a component of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R will be applicable prospectively to business combinations for measuring fair value under generally acceptedwhich the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 141R would have an impact on accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and states that a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. SFAS 157 will become effective for any business combinations occurring after our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008. Early adoption is permitted.ending September 30, 2009. The Company does not believeis currently assessing the adoptionimpact, if any, of this pronouncement will have any material effectstatement on ourits consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
          In February 2007,April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards BoardFASB issued SFAS 159,FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, “The Fair Value OptionDetermination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”(“FSP No. FAS 142-3”). FSP No. FAS 142-3 requires companies estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset to consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, to consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension as adjusted for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—including an amendment of FASB Statemententity-specific factors. FSP No. 115(“SFAS No. 159”), which allows measurement at fair value of eligible financial assets and liabilities that are not otherwise measured at fair value. If the fair value option for an eligible item is elected, unrealized gains and losses for that item will be reported in current earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to draw comparison between the different measurement attributes the company elects for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159FAS 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after NovemberDecember 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted.2008. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this pronouncementEITF 07-3 will have any material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

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ARGON ST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
     During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157,Fair Value Measurements,which defines fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosures required for fair value measurements. The adoption of this Standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually) and will be adopted by the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Although the Company will continue to evaluate the application of FSP 157-2, management does not currently believe adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
          The following discussion provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and an understanding of the Company’s operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as well as our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.2008.
Forward-looking Statements
          Statements in this filing which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements under the provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1955. Such forward-looking1995. These statements include, without limitation, statements with respect to total estimated remaining contract values and the Company’s expectations regarding the U.S. government’s procurement activities.may contain words such as “expects”, “could”, “believes”, “estimates”, “intends”, “may”, “envisions”, “targets” or other similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based upon numerous assumptions about future conditions that could prove not to be accurate. Forward lookingForward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, and our actual results could differ materially as a result of such risks and other factors. In addition to those risks specifically mentioned in this report and in the other reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007)2008), such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the availability of U.S. and international government funding for our products and services;services, including, without limitation, statements with respect to total estimated remaining contract values and the Company’s expectations regarding the U.S. government’s procurement activities related thereto; changes in the U.S. federal government procurement laws, regulations, policies and budgets (including changes to respond to budgetary constraints and cost-cutting initiatives); changes in appropriations types and amounts due to the priorities of the new Administration in Washington; the number and type of contracts and task orders awarded to us; the exercise by the U.S. government of options to extend our contracts; our ability to retain contracts during any rebidding process; the timing of Congressional funding on our contracts; any government delay or termination of our contracts and programs; difficulties in developing and producing operationally advanced technology systems; the timing and customer acceptance of contract deliverables; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including technical personnel and personnel with required security clearances; charges from any future impairment reviews; the future impact of any acquisitions or divestitures we may make; the competitive environment for defense and intelligence information technology products and services; the ability, because of the global economy and issues in the banking industry, to secure financing when and if needed; the financial health and business plans of our commercial customers; general economic, business and political conditions domestically and internationally; and other factors affecting our business that are beyond our control. All of the forward-looking statements should be considered in light of these factors. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise, except as provided by law.otherwise.
Overview
General
          We are a leading systems engineering and development company providing full-service C5ISR (command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) systems to a wide range ofin several markets, including without limitation maritime defense, airborne reconnaissance, ground systems, tactical communications and intelligence customers.network systems. These systems and services are provided to a wide range of defense and intelligence customers, including commercial enterprises. Our systems provide communications intelligence, electromagnetic intelligence, electronic warfare and information operations capabilities that enable our defense and intelligence customers to detect, evaluate and respond to potential threats. These systems are deployed on a range of military and strategic platforms including surface ships, submarines, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), land mobile vehicles, fixed site installations and re-locatable land sites.

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          Given the dramatic dislocations in the financial community, a worldwide recession, a very large federal deficit, and a new Executive Branch with an agenda that may or may not differ than the previous administration’s, we may see significant impacts on our results of operations as a result of pressure on the defense and intelligence budgets. However, we began fiscal year 2009 with a solid backlog. While we understand that there will be significant pressure on the defense and intelligence budgets, we believe that given the current status of global security, the production of our systems, which include critical collection of intelligence and the maintenance of persistent surveillance, are important to our success and will require continued demand of our products and services from our customers.
Revenues
          Our revenues are primarily generated from the design, development, installation and supportentire life cycle of complex sensor systems under contracts primarily with the U.S. Government and major domestic prime contractors, as well as with foreign governments, agencies and defense contractors. This life cycle spans across the design, development, production, installation and support of the system.

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          Our government contracts can be divided into three major types: cost reimbursable contracts, fixed-price, and time and materials. Cost reimbursable contracts are primarily used for system design and development activities involving considerable risks to the contractor, including risks related to cost estimates on complex systems, performance risks associated with real time signal processing, embedded software, high performance hardware, and requirements that are not fully understood by the customer or us, the development of technology that has never been used, and interfaces with other systems that are in development or are obsolete without adequate documentation. Fees under these contracts are usually fixed at the time of negotiation; however, in some cases the fee is an incentive or award fee based on cost, schedule, and performance or a combination of those factors. Although the U.S. government customer assumes the cost risk on these contracts, the contractor is not allowed to exceed the cost ceiling on the contract without the approval of the customer.
          Fixed-price contracts are typically used for the production of systems. Development activities similar to activities performed under previous contacts are also usually covered by fixed-price contracts, due to the lower risk involved. In these contracts, cost risks are borne entirely by the contractor. Some fixed-price contracts include an award fee or an incentive fee as well as the negotiated profit. Most foreign customers, and some U.S. customers, use fixed-price contracts for design and development work even when the work is considered high risk.
          Time and material contracts are based on hours worked, multiplied by approved labor rates, plus other costs incurred and allocated.
          The following table represents our revenue concentration by contract type for the fiscal quartersthree months ended December 30, 200728, 2008 and December 31, 2006:30, 2007:
                
 Fiscal Quarter Ended Fiscal Quarter Ended Three Months Ended
Contract Type December 30, 2007 December 31, 2006 December 28, 2008 December 30, 2007
Fixed-price contracts  52%  65%  57%  52%
 
Cost reimbursable contracts  44%  27%  39%  44%
 
Time and material contracts  4%  8%  4%  4%

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     Generally, we experience revenue growth when systems move from the development stage to the production stage due to increases in sales volumes from production of multiple systems, and when we add new customers or are successful in selling new systems to existing customers. Much of our current production work has been derived from programs for which we have performed the initial development work. These programs are next generation systems replacing existing, obsolete systems that were developed by other companies. We were able to displace these companies primarily on the basis of technological capability. We believe that the current state of world affairs and the U.S. government’s emphasis on protecting U.S. citizens will cause funding of these programs to continue.
The changeincrease in fixed-price contracts as a total percentage of our contract mixrevenue in the first quarter ended December 30, 2007of fiscal 2009, as compared to the first quarter ended December 31, 2006 resultedof fiscal 2008, is primarily from the addition of Coherent which hasdue to a significant amount of work performed on a fixed price subcontract to Sierra Nevada for the build of the ORBCOMM Generation Two payload, which was awarded in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and a decreased amount of work performed on our cost-reimbursable type maritime development programs, as these programs entered the integration and the effectstest stages of the contributed revenue from our SSEE Increment F program, a cost-reimbursable contract.their life cycle.
Backlog
     We define backlog as the funded and unfunded amount provided in contracts that we are tasked to complete less previously recognized revenuerevenue. Contract options are estimated separately and exclude all unexercised options on contracts. Some contracts where work has been authorized carry a funding ceiling that does not allow us to continue work on the contract once the customer obligations have reached the funding ceiling. In such cases, weincluded in backlog until they are required to stop work until additional funding is added to the contract. Our experience in this case is rareexercised and therefore we generally carry the entire amount that the customer intends to execute as backlog when we are confident that the customer has access to the required funding for the contract.

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          In general, most of our backlog results in revenue in subsequent fiscal years, as we maintain minimal inventory and therefore the lead time on ordering and receiving material and increasing staff to execute programs has a lag time of several months from the receipt of order.funded.
     Our funded backlog does not include the full value of our contracts because Congress often appropriates funds for a particular program or contract on a yearly or quarterly basis, even though the contract may call for performance that is expected to take a number of years.
     From time to time, we will exclude from backlog portions of contract values of very long or complex contracts where we judge revenue could be jeopardized by a change in U.S. government policy. Because of possible future changes in delivery schedules and cancellations of orders, backlog at any particular date is not necessarily representative of actual revenue to be expected for any succeeding period, and actual revenue for the year may not meet or exceed the backlog represented. We may experience significant contract cancellations or reductions that were previously booked and included in backlog.
     Our backlog at the dates shown was as follows (in thousands):
                
 December 30, September 30,  December 28, 2008 September 30, 2008 
 2007 2007    
Funded $229,279 $246,571  $258,077 $272,620 
Unfunded 54,982 58,279  49,740 54,672 
          
Total
 $284,261 $304,850  $307,817 $327,292 
          
Cost of Revenues
     Cost of revenues consist of direct costs incurred on contracts such as labor, materials, travel, subcontracts and other direct costs and indirect costs associated with overhead expenses such as facilities, fringe benefits and other costs that are not directly related to the execution of a specific contract. We plan our spending of indirect costs on an annual basis and on cost reimbursable contracts receive government approval to bill those costs as a percentage of our direct labor, other direct costs and direct materials as we execute our contracts. The U.S. government approves the planned indirect rates as provisional billing rates near the beginning of each fiscal year.
General and Administrative Expenses
     Our general and administrative expenses include administrative salaries, costs related to proposal activities internally funded research and development, and other administrative costs.
Research and Development
     We conduct internally funded research and development into complex signal processing, system and software architectures, and other technologies that are important to continued advancement of our systems and are of interest to our current and prospective customers. The variance from year to year in internal research and development is caused by the status of our product cycles and the level of complementary U.S. government funded research and development. InFor the fiscal quarters endingthree months ended December 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006,28, 2008 internally funded research and development expenditures were $0.2$1.8 million, in each of the fiscal quarters representing 2% and 4% respectively,2.1% of revenues in eachthe period. For the three months ended December 30, 2007 internally funded research and development expenditures were $1.7 million, respectively, representing 2.3% of revenues, respectively.

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     Internally funded research and development is a small portion of our overall research and development, as government funded research and development constitutes the majority of our activities in this area.
Interest Income and Expense
     Interest income is derived solely from interest earned on cash reserves maintained in short term investment accounts and are therefore subject to short-term interest rates that have minimal risk.

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     Interest expense relates to interest charged on borrowings against our line and credit and capital leases.
Deferred Revenue
     Many of our fixed-price contracts contain provisions under which our customers are required to make payments when we achieve certain milestones. In many instances, these milestone payments occur before we have incurred the associated costs to which the payments will be applied. For example, under certain of our production contracts, our order of materials constitutes a milestone for which we receive a significant payment, but we do not pay the materials vendors until the materials are received and placed into production. We recognize deferred revenue when we receive milestone payments for which we have not yet incurred the applicable costs. As costs are incurred and revenue recognition criteria are met, we recognize revenue.
     As the time lag between our receipt of a milestone payment and our incurrence of associated costs under the contract can be several months, milestone payments under fixed-price contracts can significantly affect our cash position at any given time. The receipt of milestone payments will temporarily increase our cash on hand and our deferred revenue. As costs are incurred under the contract and contract revenue is recognized, cash and deferred revenue associated with the payment will decrease.
     We expect that fluctuations in deferred revenue will occur based on the particular timing of milestone payments under our fixed-price contracts and our subsequent incurrence of costs under the contracts. Due to these fluctuations, our cash position at the end of any fiscal quarter or year may not be indicative of our cash position at the end of subsequent fiscal quarters or years.
Critical Accounting Practices and Estimates
General
     Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements. These financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. We believe that the estimates, assumptions, and judgments involved in the accounting practices described below have the greatest potential impact on our financial statements and, therefore, consider these to be critical accounting practices.
Revenue and Cost Recognition
     General
     The majority of our contracts, which are with the U.S. government, are accounted for in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 81-1,Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.These contracts are transacted using written contractual arrangements, most of which require us to design, develop, manufacture and/or modify complex products and systems, and perform related services according to specifications provided by the customer. We account for fixed-price contracts by using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting.accounting and for substantially all contracts, the cost-to-cost method is used to measure progress towards completion. Under this method, contract costs are charged to operations as incurred. A portion of the contract revenue, based on estimated profits and the degree of completion of the contract as measured by a comparison of the actual and estimated costs, is recognized as revenue each period.

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In the case of contracts with materials requirements, revenue is recognized as those materials are applied to the production process in satisfaction of the contracts’ end objectives. We account for cost reimbursable contracts by charging contract costs to operations as incurred and recognizing contract revenues and profits by applying the negotiated fee rate to actual costs on an individual contract basis. Management reviews
     Contract revenue recognition inherently involves estimation. Examples of estimates include the contemplated level of effort to accomplish the tasks under the contract, performance,the cost of the effort, and an ongoing assessment of our progress toward completing the contract. From time to time, as part of our management processes, facts develop that require us to revise our estimated total costs incurred, and estimated completion costs regularly and adjusts revenues and profits on contractsor revenue. To the extent that a revised estimate affects contract profit or revenue previously recognized, we record the cumulative effect of the revision in the period in which changesthe facts requiring the revision become determinable.known.

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     Anticipated losses on contracts are also recorded in the period in which they become determinable. Unexpected increases in the cost to develop or manufacture a product, whether due to inaccurate estimates in the bidding process, unanticipated increases in material costs, inefficiencies, or other factors are borne by us on fixed-price contracts, and could have a material adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition. Unexpected cost increases in cost reimbursable contracts may be borne by us for purposes of maintaining customer relationships. If the customer agrees to fund cost increases on cost type contracts, the additional work does not have any profit and therefore dilutes margin.
     Indirect rate variance
     We record contract revenues and costs of operations for interim reporting purposes based on annual targeted indirect rates. At year-end, the revenues and costs are adjusted for actual indirect rates. During our interim reporting periods, variances may accumulate between the actual indirect rates and the annual targeted rates. Timing-related indirect spending variances are not applied to contract costs, research and development, and general and administrative expenses, but are included in unbilled receivables during these interim reporting periods. These rates are reviewed regularly, and we record adjustments for any material, permanent variances in the period they become determinable.
     Our accounting policy for recording indirect rate variances is based on management’s belief that variances accumulated during interim reporting periods will be absorbed by management actions to control costs during the remainder of the year. We consider the rate variance to be unfavorable when the actual indirect rates are greater than our annual targeted rates. During interim reporting periods, unfavorable rate variances are recorded as reductions to operating expenses and increases to unbilled receivables. Favorable rate variances are recorded as increases to operating expenses and decreases to unbilled receivables.
     If we anticipate that actual contract activities will be different than planned levels, there are alternatives we can utilize to absorb the variance: we can adjust planned indirect spending during the year, modify our billing rates to our customers, or record adjustments to expense based on estimates of future contract activities.
     If our rate variance is expected to be unfavorable for the entire fiscal year, any modification of our indirect rates will likely increase revenue and operating expenses. Profit percentages on fixed-price contracts will generally decline as a result of an increase to indirect costs unless compensating savings can be achieved in the direct costs to complete the projects. Profit percentages on cost reimbursement contracts will generally decline as a percentage of total costs as a result of an increase in indirect costs even if the cost increase is funded by the customer. If our rate variance is favorable, theany modification of our indirect rates will decrease revenue and operating expenses. In this event, profit percentages on fixed-price contracts will generally increase. Profit percentages on cost-reimbursable contracts will generally be unaffected as a result of any reduction to indirect costs, due to the fact that programs will typically expend all of the funds available. Any impact on operating income, however, will depend on a number of other factors, including mix of contract types, contract terms and anticipated performance on specific contracts.
     At December 30, 2007,28, 2008, the unfavorable rate variance totaled $2.9$1.4 million, of which $1.7was approximately $0.8 million was planned. Management deems thisless than the $2.2 million unfavorable rate variance to be seasonal and expects this variance will be eliminated by fiscal year-end.planned for the period.

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     Award Fee Recognition
     Our practice for recognizing interim fee on our cost-plus-award-fee contracts is based on management’s assessment as to the likelihood that the award fee or an incremental portion of the award fee will be earned on a contract-by-contract basis. Management’s assessments are based on numerous factors includingincluding: contract terms, nature of the work performed, our relationship and history with the customer, our history with similar types of projects, and our current and anticipated performance on the specific contract. No award fee is recognized until management determines that it is probable that an award fee or portion thereof will be earned. Actual fees awarded are typically within management’s estimates. However, changes could arise within an award fee period causing management to either lower or raise the award fee estimate in the period in which it occurs.

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Goodwill
     Costs in excess of the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are recorded as goodwill. In accordance with SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, we test for impairment at least annually using a two-step approach. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values ofDuring the years prior to fiscal year 2008, the Company operated as four reporting units, areat which time, the fair value of each reporting unit was estimated using a combination of the income, or discounted cash flows approach and the market approach, which utilizes comparable companies’ data.approach. During fiscal year 2008, due to the change in the Company’s organizational structure and its operations, the Company operates as a single reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using a market capitalization approach. If the carrying amount of the unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. We performed the test during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 20072008 and found no impairment to the carrying value of goodwill.
Long-Lived Assets (Excluding Goodwill)
     We follow the provisions of SFAS No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets(“SFAS No. 144”) in accounting for long-lived assets such as property and equipment and intangible assets subject to amortization. SFAS No.144 requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the sum of the long-term undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset being evaluated. Impairment losses are treated as permanent reductions in the carrying amount of the assets.
Accounts Receivable
     We are required to estimate the collectibilitycollectability of our accounts receivables.receivable. Judgment is required in assessing the realization of such receivables, and the related reserve requirements are based on the best facts available to us. Since most of our revenue is generated under U.S. government contracts, our current accounts receivable reserve is not significant to our overall receivables balance.
Stock-Based Compensation
     In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004),Share-Based Payment, (“SFAS No. 123R”) which requires that compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. SFAS No. 123R requires all companies to measure compensation costs for all share-based payments at fair value, and eliminates the option of using the intrinsic method of accounting provided for in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, (“APB No. 25”) which generally resulted in no compensation expense recorded in the financial statements related to the grant of stock options to employees and directors if certain conditions were met.
     Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective method. Under this method, compensation costs for all awards granted after the date of adoption and the unvested portion of previously granted awards outstanding at the date of adoption will be measured at estimated fair value and included in cost of revenues and general and administrative expenses over the vesting period during which an employee provides service in exchange for the award.

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Historical Operating Results
Fiscal quarterThree months ended December 28, 2008 compared to three months ended December 30, 2007 compared to fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006
     The following table sets forth certain items, including consolidated revenues, cost of revenues, general and administrative expenses, income tax expense and net income, and the changes in these items for the fiscal quartersthree months ended December 28, 2008 and December 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 (in thousands):
                
   ��
                
 Fiscal quarter ended   Three months quarter ended Amount of  
 December 30, December 31, Increase December December in crease % increase
 2007 2006 (Decrease) 28, 2008 30, 2007 (decrease) (decrease)
Contract revenues $74,266  $60,405  $13,861  $84,026 $74,266 $9,760  13%
Cost of revenues $60,337  $45,764  $14,573  68,846 60,337 8,509  14%
General and administrative expenses $5,457  $4,727  $730  5,788 5,457 331  6%
Research and development expenses $1,700   2,216  $(516) 1,772 1,700 72  4%
Interest income, net $120  $330  $(210)  (14) 120  (134)  -112%
Provision for income taxes $2,609  $2,855  $(246) 2,417 2,609  (192)  -7%
Net income $4,283  $5,183  $(900) 5,189 4,283 906  21%
Revenues:
     Revenues increased approximately $13.9$9.8 million or 23%13% for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 30, 2007,28, 2008, as compared to the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 31, 2006.30, 2007. The revenue increase is primarily attributable to $8.9 million of revenue growth from the acquisition of CSIC Holdings, LLC (“Coherent”), continuedrecognized for work completed on development contracts in our surface ship business and an increase in work performed on a significant contract in ourrelated to tactical communications and networking business. Thesecapabilities for three customers. Increases in revenue attributable to other contracts awarded in fiscal year 2008 include $2.7 million from a 22 month modernization program, $2.2 million from a flight test program, and $2.3 million from two other programs including a contract with a customer to build wire harness assemblies and components for aircraft wings and a contract to perform work for maritime signals interception. Offsetting these increases, were partially offset by $4.4we experienced a $4.0 million decrease of revenue recognized in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 related to the multi-year contractcertain development contracts for the continued development and productionmaritime systems. Other decreases of the AN/SLQ-25A Torpedo Countermeasures System for the U.S. Navy which was deferred at September 30, 2006 and recognized at the time the contract was awarded.revenue of $2.3 million related to certain contracts nearing completion primarily attributable to certain contracts related to tactical ground mobile communications technologies.
Cost of Revenues:
     Cost of revenues increased approximately $14.6$8.5 million or 32%14% for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 30, 200728, 2008 as compared to the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 31, 2006.30, 2007. The increase was primarily due to increased contract activity fromand increased revenue as described above. As a result of the acquisition of Coherent, anincreased contract activity, direct materials costs, including subcontract costs, increased $6.8 million. Direct labor increased $0.9 million consistent with our increase in direct materials and subcontractor costs of $3.5 million, anproduction activity on fixed price contracts. Along with the increase in direct labor of $1.2and direct material costs, other direct costs and overhead costs allocable to such direct costs increased approximately $2.5 million. Other costs decreased $1.1 million and an increase in other costs of $2.4 millionprimarily due to increased development and production activities as compareda $0.9 million decrease of costs not allocable to the same quarter of fiscal 2007.specific contracts. Cost of revenues as a percentage of total revenue increased nominally to 81%82% for the first quarter of fiscal yearthree months ended December 28, 2008 as compared to 76%81% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007. This increase as a percentage of revenue was primarily driven by a change in contract mix to a larger percentage of cost-reimbursable contracts and a smaller percentage of fixed-price contracts as compared to the same quarter of fiscal 2007.year 2008.

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General and Administrative Expenses:
     General and administrative expenses increased approximately $0.7$0.3 million or 15%6% for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 30, 2007,28, 2008, as compared to the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 31, 2006. The30, 2007. This increase was primarily due primarily to an increase fromincreased professional fees, including those related to our defense of claims against us. As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative costs have remained at 7% of revenue for both the inclusion of Coherent for the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 2008. Coherent was acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal yearthree months ended December 30, 2008 and December 30, 2007.
Research and Development Expenses:
     Research and development expenses decreased $0.5increased approximately $0.1 million or 23%4% for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 28, 2008, as compared to the three months ended December 30, 2007 as compared to the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006 due to the timing of specific planned research and development projects. Research and development expenditures represented 2.3%2.1% and 3.7%2.3% of our consolidated revenues for the fiscal quartersthree months ended December 30, 200728, 2008 and December 31, 2006,30, 2007, respectively. We expect that research and development expenditures will continue to represent approximately 2% to 3% of our consolidated revenue in future periods.

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Interest Income, net:
     Interest income, net of interest expense, decreased approximately $0.2$0.1 million or 64% for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 30, 2007,2008, as compared to the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 31, 2006.30, 2007. This decrease was primarily due to lower average cash balances for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 as compared to those during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we borrowed approximately $7.0 million on our line of credit as a result of lower average cash balances. Cashthe timing of certain milestone billings and cash equivalentsreceipts on hand was approximately $7.3 million and $30.5 million atsuch billings. As of December 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.28, 2008, these borrowings were repaid. Due to the timing of these milestone billings, we expect that from time to time, we will continue to utilize our line of credit to fund operations.
Provision for Income Taxes:
     The provision for income taxes decreased approximately $0.2 million or 9%7% for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 30, 2007,28, 2008, as compared to the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 31, 2006.30, 2007. Our effective income tax rate increaseddecreased to 37.9%31.8% for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 30, 2007,28, 2008, compared to an effective rate of 35.5 %37.9% for the fiscalthree months ended December 30, 2007. The lower effective tax rate in the quarter ended December 31, 2006. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, we reduced the effective rate by 1.2%28, 2008 was primarily due to a 5.6% reduction related to the reinstatementrenewal of athe federal research and development tax credit retroactivelywhich was realized retroactive to January 1, 2006. During the2008 as a result of legislation signed into law during our first fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2008, this research and development tax credit expired effective December 31, 2007. As such, we are not estimating that a full year of this credit will be used in fiscal year 2008 which has increased the2009. We expect our annual effective rate by 0.7% as compared to approximate levels closer to a 35% to 37% range for the quarter ended Decemberannual period ending September 30, 2007. The remaining 0.5% decrease in effective rate is the result of a decreased effect of other permanent differences.2009.
Net Income:
     As a result of the above, net income decreasedincreased approximately $0.9 million, or 17%21%, for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 28, 2008 compared to the three months ended December 30, 2007 compared to the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006.2007.
Analysis of Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Our liquidity requirements relate primarily to the funding of working capital requirements supporting operations, capital expenditures and strategic initiatives including potential future acquisitions and research and development activities.

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Cash
     At December 30, 2007,28, 2008, we had cash of $7.3$3.6 million compared to cash of $23.0$15.4 million at September 30, 2007.2008. The $15.7$11.7 million decrease in cash was primarily the result of $10.0$9.4 million of cash used in operating activities, $3.3 million of capital expendituresoperations and $2.8$2.4 million of cash usedpaid for stock purchases under our stock repurchase plan.acquisitions of property, equipment and software.
     Line of Credit
     We maintainThe Company maintains a $40.0 million line of credit with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Lender”). The credit facility will terminate no later than February 28, 20082010 at which time the facility will be subject to renewal. We currently expect to renew such facility with similar terms and conditions for an additional 2 year period. The credit facility also contains a sublimit of $15.0 million to cover letters of credit. In addition, borrowings on the line of credit bear interest at LIBOR plus 150 basis points. An unused commitment fee of 0.25% per annum, payable in arrears, is also required.
     All borrowings under the line of credit are collateralized by all tangible assets.assets of the Company. The line of credit agreement includes customary restrictions regarding additional indebtedness, business operations, permitted acquisitions, liens, guarantees, transfers and sales of assets, and maintaining ourthe Company’s primary accounts with the Lender. Borrowing availability under the line of credit is equal to ourthe product of 1.5 and the Company’s earnings before interest expense, taxes depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the trailing 12 months, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter. For the fiscal quarter ending December 30, 2007,28, 2008, EBITDA, on a trailing 12 month basis, was $35.1$41.7 million. The agreement requires usthe Company to comply with a specific EBITDA to Funded Debt ratio, and contains customary events of default, including the failure to make timely payments and the failure to satisfy covenants, which would permit the Lender to accelerate repayment of borrowings under the agreement if not cured within the applicable grace period. As of December 30, 2007, we were28, 2008, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and the financial ratio.

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     At December 30, 2007,28, 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding against the line of credit. Letters of credit outstandingand debt consisting of capital lease obligations at December 30, 200728, 2008 amounted to $1.5$2.2 million, and $33.6$37.8 million was available on the line of credit. In January 2008, we borrowed $7.0 million from our line of credit to fund our current operations. We expect to borrow and repay amounts from our line of credit as needed based on available cash resources and the timing of our cash payments and receipts.
     Cash Flows
     Net cash used in operating activities was $10.0$9.4 million infor the fiscal quarter endingthree months ended December 30, 2007,28, 2008, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $2.3$10.0 million infor the fiscal quarter endingthree months ended December 31, 2006.30, 2007. Cash provided by operating activities during the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 30, 200728, 2008 was comprised of $6.7$8.0 million of net income as adjusted for non-cash reconciling items including depreciation and amortization, changes in deferred income taxes and stock-based compensation. Net income, as adjusted for non-cash reconciling items, was reduced by $16.7$17.4 million as a result of changes in operating assets and liabilities. This change was driven by a $15.5$19.3 million increase in accounts receivable net of increases in deferred revenue, and a $5.5$3.9 million decrease in accounts payable, which were partially offset by a $4.3$5.8 million of changes in other operating assets and liabilities.
     The increase in accounts receivable is due primarily to the timing of our contractual ability to bill our customers and subsequently receive payments on such billings. Many of our fixed-price contracts contain provisions under which our customers are required to make payments when we achieve certain milestones. In many instances, these milestone payments occur after we have incurred the associated costs to which the payments will be applied. For example, under some of our contracts providing certain deliverables constitutes a milestone for which we receive a significant payment near the end of the contract, but we incur costs to complete the deliverables ratably over the life of the contract. We recognize revenue as costs are incurred and revenue recognition criteria are met, with a corresponding increase in unbilled receivables.
     The time lag between our receipt of a milestone payment and our incurrence of associated costs under the contract can be several months. Therefore, milestone payments under fixed-price contracts can significantly affect our cash position at any given time. The receipt of milestone payments will temporarily increase our cash on hand and decrease our unbilled receivables. As milestone payments under the contract are billed and received, cash will increase and unbilled receivables associated with the payment will decrease. Over the years, these milestone payments have had a significant effect on our comparative cash balances.

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     We expect that fluctuations in unbilled receivables and deferred revenue will occur based on the particular timing of milestone payments under our fixed-price contracts and our incurrence of costs under the contracts. Due to these fluctuations, our cash position at the end of any fiscal quarter or year may not be indicative of our cash position at the end of subsequent fiscal quarters or years.
     Of the $56.4 million of unbilled accounts receivable outstanding at December 30, 2007, we billed approximately $19.0 million subsequent to December 30, 2007.
Net cash used inprovided by investing activities was $3.0$2.4 million for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 30, 2007,28, 2008, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $1.3$3.0 million for the fiscal quarternine months ended December 31, 2006. The increase in use of30, 2007. Significant capital expenditures have occurred related to internally constructed assets.
     Net cash in investingprovided by financing activities was primarily due$0.1 million for the three months ended December 28, 2008 compared to $3.3 million of capital expenditures.
          Netnet cash used in financing activities wasof $2.7 million for the fiscal quarterthree months ended December 30, 2007 compared to2007. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, cash provided by financing activities of $0.6 million for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2006. Cash used in financing activities was primarily comprised of $2.8 million of cash used to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase program. The shares purchased in fiscal year 2008 occurred under a stock repurchase plan which expired in August 2008. In December 2008, our Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase up to 1.0 million additional shares of our common stock. Through January 2008, we have not repurchased any shares under the approved plan.

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Contractual Obligations and Commitments
     As of December 30, 2007,28, 2008, our contractual cash obligations were as follows (in thousands):
                                                        
 Due in Due in Due in Due in Due in    Due in 1 Due in 2 Due in 3 Due in 4 Due in 5   
 Total 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Thereafter  Total year years years years years Thereafter 
Capital leases $201 $90 $65 $37 $9    $96 $60 $27 $9    
Operating leases 20,756 8,261 4,747 2,574 1,932 1,550 1,692  38,250 8,179 7,319 6,833 6,518 6,412 2,989 
Acquisition related (a) 1,800    1,800   
Earn-out obligation (a) 3,200 3,200      
               
                
Total $22,757 $8,351 $4,812 $2,611 $3,741 $1,550 $1,692  $41,546 $11,439 $7,346 $6,842 $6,518 $6,412 $2,989 
                              
 
(a) In accordance withUnder the CSIC Holdings, LLCCoherent purchase agreement, as amended, we have agreed to pay shareholders of Coherent an additional $3.2 million in cash in the Company has retained $1.8 millionevent that certain bookings targets are met as of the purchase price which is expected to be paid in August 2010. The Company maintains a $1.8 million restricted cash balance to settle this liability.July 2009. 
     As of December 28, 2008, our other commercial commitments were as follows:
             
(in thousands) Total Less Than 1 Year 1-3 Years
             
Letters of credit $2,079  $2,079    
Contingent income tax obligations.As of December 28, 2008, we have recorded a net liability of $339,000 for uncertain tax positions. For further discussion of these contingencies, see Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
     We have no long-term debt obligations, capital lease obligations, other operating lease obligations, contractual purchase obligations, or other long-term liabilities other than those shown above. We also have no off-balance sheet arrangements of any kind.
Market Risks
     In addition to the risks inherent in our operations, we are exposed to financial, market, political and economic risks. The following discussion provides additional detail regarding our exposure to credit, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
     All unrestricted, highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. We maintain cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We believe that any credit risk related to these cash and cash equivalents is minimal.

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Access to Bank Credit:
     Our liquidity position is influenced by our ability to obtain sufficient levels of working capital. Continuing access to bank credit for the purposes of funding operations during periods in which cash fluctuates is an important factor in our overall liquidity position. We have a line of credit with Bank of America effective through February 2010 and we believe we have a good working relationship with Bank of America (see “—Analysis of Liquidity and Capital Resources—Line of Credit” above). However, as recent events in the financial markets have demonstrated, dramatic shifts in market conditions could materially impact our ability to continue to secure bank credit, and a continued steep deterioration in market conditions could materially impact our liquidity position. Absent these dramatic shifts and steep deteriorations in market conditions, we believe we have access to sufficient bank credit.
Interest Rates:
     Our line of credit financing provides available borrowing to us at a variable interest rate tied to the LIBOR rate. There were no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit at December 30, 2007.28, 2008. Accordingly, we do not believe that any movement in interest rates would have a material impact on future earnings or cash flows. In the event that we borrow on our line of credit in future periods, we will be subject to the risks associated with fluctuating interest rates.
Foreign Currency:
     We have contracts to provide services to certain foreign countries approved by the U.S. government. Our foreign sales contracts require payment in U.S. dollars, and therefore are not affected by foreign currency fluctuations. We occasionally issue orders or subcontracts to foreign companies in local currency. The current obligations to foreign companies are of an immaterial amount and we believe the associated currency risk is also immaterial.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
     The information called for by this item is provided under Item 2 — “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 (a) Our management has evaluated, with the participation of the our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
 (b) During the last quarter, there were no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that have materially affected these controls, or are reasonably likely to materially affect these controls subsequent to the evaluation of these controls.

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     We are subject to litigationThere were no material changes from time to time,the legal proceeding disclosed in our Form 10-K for the ordinary course of business including, but not limited to, allegations of wrongful termination or discrimination.fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, filed on December 5, 2008.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
     There were no other material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 20072008, filed on November 30, 2007.December 5, 2008.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
     The following table provides information about purchases that we made during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 of our equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act. We purchased our common stock pursuant to the stock repurchase plan announced on August 30, 2007 authorizing the purchase of up to 2.0 million shares of our common stock. The repurchase plan is scheduled to terminate on August 31, 2008.None.
                 
              Approximate 
          Total Number of  Number of Shares 
  Total Number  Average  Shares Purchased as  that May Yet Be 
  of Shares  Price Paid  Part of Publicly  Purchased Under 
Period Purchased  per Share  Announced Plan  the Plan 
October 1, 2007 to October 31, 2007    $   547,900   1,452,100 
November 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007        547,900   1,452,100 
December 1, 2007 to December 30, 2007  150,000   18.48   697,900   1,302,100 
                 
             
First quarter fiscal 2008 totals  150,000  $18.48   697,900   1,302,100 
                 
             
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
     None.

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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
     None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
     None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
   
Exhibit  
Number Description of Exhibit
2.12 .1 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of June 7, 2004, by and between Sensytech, Inc. and Argon Engineering Associates, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on July 16, 2004, Registration Statement No. 333-117430)
   
2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, Dated as of June 9, 2006, by and among Argon ST, Inc., Argon ST Merger Sub, Inc., San Diego Research Center, Incorporated, Lindsay McClure, Thomas Seay and Harry B. Lee, Trustee of the HBL and BVL Trust (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 14, 2006)
   
2.3 Equity Purchase Agreement by and among Argon ST, Inc., CSIC Holdings LLC, Coherent Systems International, Corp., the Stockholders of Coherent Systems International, Corp. and Richard S. Ianieri, as Seller Representative (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 16, 2007)
   
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Statement No. 333-98757) filed on August 26, 2002)
   
3.1.1 Amendment, dated September 28, 2004, to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 5, 2004 covering Items 2.01, 5.01, 5.02, 8.01 and 9.01 of Form 8-K).
   
3.1.2 Amendment, dated March 15, 2005 to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 5, 2005, filed May 11, 2005)
   
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 13(a)(i)3.2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001)
3.2.1Amendment, dated as of February 28, 2007, to the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 6, 2007)May 12, 2008)
   
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration Statement No. 333-128211) filed on September 9, 2005)
   
10.1 Second Amended and Restated Line of Credit Agreement with Bank of America (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Statement No. 333-98757) filed on August 27, 2002)
   
10.1.1 Fifth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Financing and Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 6, 2006)
   
10.1.2Sixth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Financing and Security Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 4, 2008)
10.2+ Argon ST, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for its 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, filed January 27, 2006)
   
10.2.1 Form of Stock Option Agreement under Argon ST 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, filed December 14, 2005)
   
10.3+ Argon Engineering Associates, Inc. Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the

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Exhibit
NumberDescription of Exhibit
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, filed December 14, 2004)
10.4+2008 Argon Equity Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed January 5, 2008)
10.5.1+Change in Control Agreement — between the Company and Terry Collins (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 22, 2009)
10.5.2+Change in Control Agreement — between the Company and Kerry Rowe (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 22, 2009)
10.5.3+Change in Control Agreement — between the Company and Aaron Daniels (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 22, 2009)
   
31.1* Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act
   
31.2* Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act
   
32.1** Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)/15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 8 of the United States Code
 
* Filed herewith
 
** Furnished herewith
 
+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

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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.
ARGON ST, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Terry L. Collins          
Terry L. Collins, Ph.D.
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
By: /s/ Aaron N. Daniels           
Aaron N. Daniels
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Terry L. Collins
Terry L. Collins, Ph.D.
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
By: /s/ Aaron N. Daniels
Aaron N. Daniels
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
Date: February 8, 20086, 2009

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