AVAV AeroVironment Inc

AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) today reported financial results for its third quarter ended January 28, 2017.

“Strong third quarter order flow produced our third highest funded backlog of $128 million, significantly increasing our full year visibility,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment chief executive officer. “Our third quarter financial results exceeded our expectations, with $53.2 million in revenue, favorable revenue mix and lower spending. Continued strength in the international small unmanned aircraft systems market, combined with progress in our Tactical Missile Systems business, position AeroVironment to achieve our near-term business objectives while creating long-term shareholder value.”

FISCAL 2017 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

Revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $53.2 million, a decrease from third quarter fiscal 2016 revenue of $67.6 million. The decrease in revenue resulted from a decrease in sales in our Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) segment of $19.2 million, partially offset by an increase in sales in our Efficient Energy Systems (EES) segment of $4.8 million.

Gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $19.4 million, a decrease from third quarter fiscal 2016 gross margin of $26.6 million. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to a decrease in product margin of $8.3 million, partially offset by an increase in service margin of $1.0 million. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin decreased from 39% to 36%. The decrease in gross margin percentage was primarily due to an increase in sustaining engineering activities in support of our existing products.

Loss from operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $1.4 million compared to third quarter fiscal 2016 income from operations of $5.1 million. The decrease in the year over year income from operations was a result of a decrease in gross margin of $7.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in selling, general and administrative (SGA) expense of $0.5 million and a decrease in research and development (R&D) expense of $0.3 million.

Other income, net, for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $0.3 million compared to other expense, net of $34,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

Provision for income taxes for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $1.1 million compared to a benefit for income taxes of $1.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The increase in provision for income taxes was primarily due to a decrease in our estimated fiscal 2017 effective income tax rate and a decrease in tax credits as a result of federal legislation permanently reinstating the federal research and development tax credit retroactive to January 2015 during the three months ended January 30, 2016.

Net loss for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $2.2 million compared to net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 of $6.2 million.

Loss per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 was $0.09 compared to earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 of $0.27.

FISCAL 2017 YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS

Revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was $139.5 million, a decrease from the first nine months’ fiscal 2016 revenue of $179.3 million. The decrease in revenue resulted from a decrease in sales in our UAS segment of $44.6 million, partially offset by an increase in sales in our EES segment of $4.8 million.

Gross margin for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was $43.5 million, a decrease of 41% from the first nine months’ fiscal 2016 gross margin of $74.2 million. The decrease in gross margin was due to a decrease in product margin of $32.2 million, partially offset by an increase in service margin of $1.5 million. As a percentage of revenue, gross margin decreased to 31% from 41%. The decrease in gross margin percentage was primarily due to the reserve reversal of $3.5 million for the settlement of prior year government incurred cost audits recorded in the first nine months of fiscal 2016, an increase in sustaining engineering activities in support of our existing products and an increase in warranty related costs of $2.0 million related to certain small UAS delivered in prior periods.

Loss from operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was $21.5 million compared to income from operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 of $2.9 million. The increase in loss from operations was a result of a decrease in gross margin of $30.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expense of $3.5 million and a decrease in R&D expense of $2.9 million.

Other income, net, for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was $0.7 million compared to other expense, net, for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 of $2.1 million. The decrease in expense was primarily due to the recording of an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $2.2 million on our CybAero equity securities during the first nine months of fiscal 2016. The CybAero equity securities were sold during the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Benefit for income taxes for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was $2.8 million compared to $2.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2016. The benefit for income taxes was a result of an increase in loss before income taxes and the reversal of a reserve for uncertain tax positions due to the settlement of prior fiscal year audits recorded in the first nine months of fiscal 2017, partially offset by a decrease in tax credits as a result of federal legislation permanently reinstating the federal research and development tax credit retroactive to January 2015 during the three months ended January 30, 2016.

Net loss for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was $18.0 million compared to net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 of $3.6 million.

Loss per share for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was $0.78 compared to earnings per share for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 of $0.16. Earnings per share for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 decreased by $0.06 due to both the impairment loss and loss on sale of our CybAero equity securities.

BACKLOG

As of January 28, 2017, funded backlog (unfilled firm orders for which funding is currently appropriated to us under a customer contract) was $128.2 million compared to $65.8 million as of April 30, 2016.

FISCAL 2017 — OUTLOOK FOR THE FULL YEAR

For fiscal 2017, the company now expects to generate revenue and diluted earnings per share at the low end of their respective ranges of between $260 million and $280 million in revenue and fully diluted earnings per share of $0.20 to $0.35.

The foregoing estimates are forward looking and reflect management's view of current and future market conditions, including certain assumptions with respect to our ability to obtain and retain government contracts, changes in the timing and/or amount of government spending, changes in the demand for our products and services, activities of competitors, changes in the regulatory environment, and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Investors are reminded that actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

CONFERENCE CALL

In conjunction with this release, AeroVironment, Inc. will host a conference call today, Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at 1:30 pm Pacific Time that will be broadcast live over the Internet. Wahid Nawabi, president and chief executive officer, Teresa P. Covington, chief financial officer and Steven A. Gitlin, vice president of investor relations, will host the call.

4:30 PM ET3:30 PM CT2:30 PM MT1:30 PM PT

Investors may dial into the call at (877) 561-2749 (U.S.) or (678) 809-1029 (international) five to ten minutes prior to the start time to allow for registration.

Investors with Internet access may listen to the live audio webcast via the Investor Relations page of the AeroVironment, Inc. website, http://investor.avinc.com. Please allow 15 minutes prior to the call to download and install any necessary audio software.

Audio Replay Options

An audio replay of the event will be archived on the Investor Relations page of the company's website, at http://investor.avinc.com. The audio replay will also be available via telephone from Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time through Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Dial (855) 859-2056 and enter the passcode 73194979. International callers should dial (404) 537-3406 and enter the same passcode number to access the audio replay.

ABOUT AEROVIRONMENT, INC.

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) provides customers with more actionable intelligence so they can proceed with certainty. Based in California, AeroVironment is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems, tactical missile systems and electric vehicle charging and test systems, and serves militaries, government agencies, businesses and consumers. For more information visit www.avinc.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” or words or phrases with similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of our control, that may cause our business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, reliance on sales to the U.S. government; availability of U.S. government funding for defense procurement and R&D programs; changes in the timing and/or amount of government spending; risks related to our international business, including compliance with export control laws; potential need for changes in our long-term strategy in response to future developments; unexpected technical and marketing difficulties inherent in major research and product development efforts; changes in the supply and/or demand and/or prices for our products and services; the activities of competitors and increased competition; failure of the markets in which we operate to grow; failure to remain a market innovator and create new market opportunities; changes in significant operating expenses, including components and raw materials; failure to develop new products; the extensive regulatory requirements governing our contracts with the U.S. government; product liability, infringement and other claims; changes in the regulatory environment; and general economic and business conditions in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

AeroVironment, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In thousands except share and per share data)     Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended January 28,   January 30, January 28,   January 30,   2017     2016     2017     2016   Revenue: Product sales $ 36,746 $ 53,305 $ 81,833 $ 129,436 Contract services   16,417     14,255     57,664     49,905   53,163 67,560 139,497 179,341 Cost of sales: Product sales 23,641 31,910 58,060 73,477 Contract services   10,171     9,025     37,986     31,683   33,812 40,935 96,046 105,160 Gross margin: Product sales 13,105 21,395 23,773 55,959 Contract services   6,246     5,230     19,678     18,222   19,351 26,625 43,451 74,181 Selling, general and administrative 12,788 13,313 39,838 43,302 Research and development   7,988     8,247     25,105     27,975   (Loss) income from operations (1,425 ) 5,065 (21,492 ) 2,904 Other income (expense): Interest income, net 390 181 1,162 673 Other expense, net   (46 )   (215 )   (476 )   (2,796 ) (Loss) income before income taxes (1,081 ) 5,031 (20,806 ) 781 Provision (benefit) for income taxes   1,102     (1,133 )   (2,809 )   (2,821 ) Net (loss) income $ (2,183 ) $ 6,164   $ (17,997 ) $ 3,602   (Loss) earnings per share data: Basic $ (0.09 ) $ 0.27 $ (0.78 ) $ 0.16 Diluted $ (0.09 ) $ 0.27 $ (0.78 ) $ 0.16 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 23,082,974 22,890,484 23,029,546 22,941,354 Diluted 23,082,974 23,083,816 23,029,546 23,139,981   AeroVironment, Inc. Reconciliation of (Loss) Earnings per Share (Unaudited)     Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended January 28,   January 30, January 28,   January 30,   2017   2016   2017     2016   (Loss) earnings per diluted share as adjusted $ (0.09 ) $ 0.27 $ (0.78 ) $ 0.22 Other-than-temporary impairment loss and loss on sale of stock   —     —   —     (0.06 ) (Loss) earnings per diluted share as reported $ (0.09 ) $ 0.27 $ (0.78 ) $ 0.16     AeroVironment, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands except share data)     January 28,   April 30,   2017     2016   (Unaudited) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 73,278 $ 124,287 Short-term investments 121,095 103,404 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $375 at January 28, 2017 and $262 at April 30, 2016 23,121 56,045 Unbilled receivables and retentions 14,820 18,899 Inventories, net 68,806 37,486 Income tax receivable 2,487 — Prepaid expenses and other current assets   5,341     4,150   Total current assets 308,948 344,271 Long-term investments 43,749 33,859 Property and equipment, net 18,410 16,762 Deferred income taxes 15,779 15,016 Other assets   570     750   Total assets $ 387,456   $ 410,658   Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 13,792 $ 17,712 Wages and related accruals 10,967 13,973 Income taxes payable — 943 Customer advances 5,456 2,544 Other current liabilities   7,753     11,173   Total current liabilities 37,968 46,345 Deferred rent 1,769 1,714 Capital lease obligations - net of current portion 218 449 Other non-current liabilities 193 184 Liability for uncertain tax positions 62 441 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value: Authorized shares—10,000,000; none issued or outstanding at January 28, 2017 and April 30, 2016 — — Common stock, $0.0001 par value: Authorized shares—100,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares—23,456,561 shares at January 28, 2017 and 23,359,925 at April 30, 2016 2 2 Additional paid-in capital 157,960 154,274 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (169 ) (201 ) Retained earnings   189,453     207,450   Total stockholders’ equity   347,246     361,525   Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 387,456   $ 410,658     AeroVironment, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In thousands)     Nine Months Ended January 28,   January 30,   2017     2016   Operating activities Net (loss) income $ (17,997 ) $ 3,602 Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 5,188 4,547 Loss from equity method investments 119 248 Impairment of available-for-sale securities — 2,186 Provision for doubtful accounts 115 (252 ) Losses on foreign currency transactions 272 63 Loss on sale of equity securities — 219 Deferred income taxes (698 ) 18 Stock-based compensation 2,736 3,170 Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 22 302 Loss (gain) on disposition of property and equipment 37 (32 ) Amortization of held-to-maturity investments 1,827 3,086 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 32,553 (5,052 ) Unbilled receivables and retentions 4,079 6,916 Inventories (31,320 ) (7,020 ) Income tax receivable (2,487 ) (3,952 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets (1,190 ) 455 Accounts payable (3,170 ) (9,457 ) Other liabilities   (4,510 )   (4,746 ) Net cash used in operating activities (14,424 ) (5,699 ) Investing activities Acquisition of property and equipment (7,586 ) (4,259 ) Equity method investment — (295 ) Redemptions of held-to-maturity investments 93,208 67,402 Purchases of held-to-maturity investments (122,978 ) (75,740 ) Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment 7 — Sales and redemptions of available-for-sale investments   400     987   Net cash used in investing activities (36,949 ) (11,905 ) Financing activities Purchase and retirement of common stock — (3,756 ) Principal payments of capital lease obligations (291 ) (341 ) Tax withholding payment related to net settlement of equity awards — (29 ) Exercise of stock options   655     1,026   Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   364     (3,100 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (51,009 ) (20,704 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   124,287     143,410   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 73,278   $ 122,706   Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes $ 1,786 $ 1,539 Non-cash activities Unrealized change in fair value of long-term investments recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred tax expense of $6 and $23, respectively $ 32 $ 34 Reclassification from share-based liability compensation to equity $ 307 $ 228 Acquisitions of property and equipment financed with capital lease obligations $ — $ 694 Acquisitions of property and equipment included in accounts payable $ 408 $ —   AeroVironment, Inc. Reportable Segment Results are as Follows (Unaudited) (In thousands)     Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended January 28,   January 30, January 28,   January 30,   2017     2016     2017     2016   Revenue: UAS $ 41,894 $ 61,086 $ 113,220 $ 157,842 EES   11,269     6,474     26,277     21,499   Total 53,163 67,560 139,497 179,341 Cost of sales: UAS 25,530 36,488 76,549 91,268 EES   8,282     4,447     19,497     13,892   Total   33,812     40,935     96,046     105,160   Gross margin: UAS 16,364 24,598 36,671 66,574 EES   2,987     2,027     6,780     7,607   Total   19,351     26,625     43,451     74,181   Selling, general and administrative 12,788 13,313 39,838 43,302 Research and development   7,988     8,247     25,105     27,975   (Loss) income from operations (1,425 ) 5,065 (21,492 ) 2,904 Other income (expense): Interest income, net 390 181 1,162 673 Other expense, net   (46 )   (215 )   (476 )   (2,796 ) (Loss) income before income taxes $ (1,081 ) $ 5,031   $ (20,806 ) $ 781  

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AeroVironment, Inc.Steven Gitlin+1 (626) 357-9983ir@avinc.com