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Merrimac Reports First Quarter 2009 Results Marking a Turnaround Performance
 

WEST CALDWELL, N.J., May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Merrimac Industries, Inc. (Amex: MRM), a leader in the design and manufacture of RF Microwave components, subsystem assemblies and micro-multifunction modules (MMFM(R)), today announced the results for the first quarter of 2009.

First Quarter 2009 Financial Highlights

  • Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 increased 32.1% or $1.8 million to $7.6 million compared to $5.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008
  • First quarter gross profit increased 86.5% or $1.6 million to $3.4 million in 2009 compared to $1.8 million in 2008 and gross profit margins increased to 44.5% in 2009 from 31.5% in the first quarter of 2008
  • Operating income for the first quarter was $965,000 compared to an operating loss of $804,000 in 2008
  • Net income for the first quarter of 2009 was $856,000 compared to a net loss of $865,000 in 2008
  • First quarter 2009 earnings per share, basic and diluted were $0.29, compared to a first quarter 2008 net loss per share, basic and diluted of $0.29

Chairman and CEO Mason N. Carter commented, "We are clearly executing our new strategy well as reflected in the Financial Highlights. Fiscal year 2009 has begun with a strong first quarter. New orders met our internal targets; operating performance, as measured by our gross profit margin of nearly 45%, exceeded our plan. We anticipate the second quarter to have both strong incoming orders and operating performance."

First Quarter 2009 Results

Net sales.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2009 increased $1,849,000 or 32.1% to $7,607,000, from the first quarter of 2008 net sales of $5,758,000. Net sales increased due to the higher level of orders received during 2008 resulting in a larger backlog of orders to fulfill in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 including increased sales of Multi-Mix(R) products to defense industry related customers.

Cost of sales and gross profit.

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2009 was $3,382,000, an increase of $1,569,000 or 86.5%, over last year's gross profit of $1,813,000. Gross margin increased to 44.5% compared to 31.5% in the first quarter of 2008. The increase in gross profit in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily due to the increase in sales. The improved gross profit percentage was due to a return to standard pricing levels compared to the aggressive low pricing tactic that was in place at the end of 2007 and in the first quarter of 2008. Additionally, the gross profit percentage improved in the first quarter of 2009 due to the impact of the higher level of sales allowing us to better absorb fixed manufacturing costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2,358,000 for the first quarter of 2009, an increase of $114,000 or 5.1%, compared to the first quarter of 2008. When expressed as a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 39.0% of sales in 2008 to 31.0% of sales in 2009. The increase in such expenses for the first quarter of 2009 was due to higher commissions related to the higher sales volume and higher professional fees, that were somewhat offset by a decrease in marketing expense.

Operating income (loss).

Operating income for the first quarter of 2009 was $965,000, compared to an operating loss of $804,000 for the first quarter of 2008. The improvement in operating income for the first quarter was primarily due to the improved gross profit resulting from increased sales and the decrease in research and development costs compared to the first quarter of 2008.

Net income (loss).

Net income for the first quarter of 2009 was $856,000 compared to a net loss of $865,000 for the first quarter of 2008. Net income for the first quarter of 2009 was $0.29 per share compared to a net loss of $0.29 per share for the first quarter of 2008.

Investors are invited to participate in the financial results conference call on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. (Eastern) by dialing 1-877-857-6151 (for International callers: 1-719-325-4818) five minutes prior to the scheduled start time, and reference the Merrimac Industries 1st Qtr 2009 Financial Results conference call or passcode number 6310541. For those unable to participate, a replay will be available for seven days by dialing 1-888-203-1112, or 1-719-457-0820 for international callers, passcode number 6310541.

This conference call will also be broadcast live over the internet by logging on to the web at this address: http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=58139

Should you be unable to participate during the live webcast, a link to the archived webcast will be posted on the Merrimac Industries, Inc. website.

    Contact:    Mason N. Carter, Chairman & CEO
                973-575-1300, ext. 1202
                mnc@merrimacind.com

About Merrimac

Merrimac Industries, Inc. is a leader in the design and manufacture of RF Microwave signal processing components, subsystem assemblies, and Multi-Mix(R) micro-multifunction modules (MMFM(R)), for the worldwide Defense, Satellite Communications (Satcom), Commercial Wireless and Homeland Security market segments. Merrimac is focused on providing Total Integrated Packaging Solutions(R) with Multi-Mix(R) Microtechnology, a leading edge competency providing value to our customers through miniaturization and integration. Multi-Mix(R) MMFM(R) provides a patented and novel packaging technology that employs a platform modular architecture strategy that incorporates embedded semiconductor devices, MMICs, resistors, passive circuit elements and plated-through via holes to form a three-dimensional integrated module used in High Power, High Frequency and High Performance mission-critical applications. Merrimac Industries facilities are registered under ISO 9001:2000, an internationally developed set of quality criteria for manufacturing operations.

Merrimac Industries, Inc. has facilities located in West Caldwell, NJ and San Jose, Costa Rica and has approximately 210 co-workers dedicated to the design and manufacture of signal processing components, gold plating of high-frequency microstrip and bonded stripline Teflon (PTFE) circuits and subsystems providing Total Integrated Packaging Solutions(R) for wireless applications. Merrimac (MRM) is listed on the American Stock Exchange. Multi-Mix(R), Multi-Mix PICO(R), MMFM(R), System In A Package(R), SIP(R) and Total Integrated Packaging Solutions(R) are registered trademarks of Merrimac Industries, Inc. For more information about Merrimac Industries, Inc. please visit our website http://www.merrimacind.com.

This press release contains statements relating to future results of the Company (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with demand for and market acceptance of existing and newly developed products as to which the Company has made significant investments, particularly its Multi-Mix(R) products; risks associated with adequate capacity to obtain raw materials and reduced control over delivery schedules and costs due to reliance on sole source or limited suppliers; slower than anticipated penetration into the satellite communications, defense and wireless markets; failure of our Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM customers to successfully incorporate our products into their systems; changes in product mix resulting in unexpected engineering and research and development costs; delays and increased costs in product development, engineering and production; reliance on a small number of significant customers; the emergence of new or stronger competitors as a result of consolidation movements in the market; the timing and market acceptance of our or our OEM customers' new or enhanced products; general economic and industry conditions; the ability to protect proprietary information and technology; competitive products and pricing pressures; our ability and the ability of our OEM customers to keep pace with the rapid technological changes and short product life cycles in our industry and gain market acceptance for new products and technologies; risks relating to governmental regulatory actions in communications and defense programs; and inventory risks due to technological innovation and product obsolescence, as well as other risks and uncertainties as are detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

                             MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


                                                       Quarters Ended
                                                     April 4,    March 29,
                                                      2009         2008
                                                   (Unaudited)  (Restated)

     Net sales                                      $7,606,532  $5,757,686
     Costs and expenses:
        Cost of sales                                4,224,084   3,944,681
        Selling, general and administrative          2,358,402   2,244,570
        Research and development                        59,395     372,818
                                                     6,641,881   6,562,069
     Operating income (loss)                           964,651    (804,383)
     Interest and other expense, net                   (65,345)    (60,573)
     Income (loss) before income taxes                 899,306    (864,956)
     Provision for income taxes                         42,826           -
     Net income (loss)                                $856,480   $(864,956)

     Net income (loss) per common share
      - basic and diluted                                $0.29      $(0.29)

     Weighted average number of shares
      outstanding - basic                            2,952,324   2,932,521

     Weighted average number of shares
      outstanding - diluted                          2,969,824   2,932,521

                             MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
                            CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


                                                   April 4,     January 3,
                                                     2009          2009
     ASSETS                                       (Unaudited)
     Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                    $2,425,806    $1,191,768
     Accounts receivable, net                      4,892,140     5,765,575
     Inventories, net                              5,746,637     4,899,706
     Other current assets                            492,020       542,320
     Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
      billings on uncompleted contracts            2,586,205     1,880,338
     Total current assets                         16,142,808    14,279,707

     Property, plant and equipment                37,858,765    37,765,928
     Less accumulated depreciation and
      amortization                                29,197,631    28,556,441
     Property, plant and equipment, net            8,661,134     9,209,487
     Other assets                                    495,475       543,217
     Total assets                                $25,299,417   $24,032,411

     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Current liabilities:
     Current portion of long-term debt              $291,667      $291,667
     Accounts payable                                700,037       794,351
     Accrued liabilities                           1,399,542     1,432,124
     Customer deposits                             1,113,030       654,133
     Income taxes payable                             60,274        17,448
     Total current liabilities                     3,564,550     3,189,723

     Long-term debt, net of current portion        2,538,195     2,611,111
     Deferred liabilities                             60,924        64,254
     Total liabilities                             6,163,669     5,865,088

     Commitments and contingencies

     Stockholders' equity:
     Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share:
     Authorized:  1,000,000 shares
     No shares issued                                      -             -
     Common stock, par value $.01 per share:
     20,000,000 shares authorized; 3,315,229
      shares issued; and 2,952,324 shares
      outstanding at April 4, 2009 and
      January 3, 2009                                 33,153        33,153
     Additional paid-in capital                   20,491,869    20,379,924
     Retained earnings                             1,732,890       876,410
                                                  22,257,912    21,289,487
     Less treasury stock, at cost - 362,905
      shares at April 4, 2009 and January 3,
      2009                                        (3,122,164)   (3,122,164)
     Total stockholders' equity                   19,135,748    18,167,323
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $25,299,417   $24,032,411



                             MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

                                                 Quarters Ended
                                           April 3,           March 29,
                                             2009                2008
                                          (Unaudited)         (Restated)
     Cash flows from operating
      activities:
     Net income (loss)                     $856,480           $(864,956)
     Adjustments to reconcile net
      income (loss) to net cash
      provided by (used in) operating
      activities:
     Depreciation and amortization          651,137             618,341
     Amortization of deferred
      financing costs                        27,686               8,040
     Share-based compensation               111,945             120,346

     Changes in operating assets and
      liabilities:
     Accounts receivable                    873,435            (496,982)
     Inventories                           (846,931)           (541,656)
     Costs and estimated earnings in
      excess of billings on
      uncompleted contracts                (705,867)                  -
     Other current assets                    50,300              32,203
     Other assets                            20,056             (15,524)
     Accounts payable                       (94,314)             32,890
     Accrued liabilities                    (32,582)           (503,656)
     Customer deposits                      458,897             (17,024)
     Income taxes payable                    42,826                   -
     Deferred liabilities                    (3,330)                738
     Net cash provided by (used in)
      operating activities                1,409,738          (1,627,240)
     Cash flows from investing
      activities:
     Purchases of capital assets           (102,784)           (351,845)
     Cash proceeds from sale of
      discontinued operations                     -             664,282
     Net cash (used in) provided by
      investing activities                 (102,784)            312,437

     Cash flows from financing
      activities:
     Repayment of borrowings                (72,916)           (387,500)
     Restricted cash returned                     -             250,000
     Proceeds from the exercise of
      stock options                               -              28,331
     Proceeds from stock purchase plan
      sales                                       -              46,383
     Net cash used in financing
      activities                            (72,916)            (62,786)

     Net increase (decrease) in cash
      and cash equivalents                1,234,038          (1,377,589)
     Cash and cash equivalents at the
      beginning of period                 1,191,768           2,004,471
     Cash and cash equivalents at the
      end of period                      $2,425,806            $626,882

     Supplemental disclosures of cash
      flow information:
     Cash paid during the year for:
     Interest                               $73,901             $62,044


SOURCE Merrimac Industries, Inc.