Exhibit 99.2
     
(ASTRONINCS LOGO)   NEWS RELEASE
Astronics Corporation ×130 Commerce Way × East Aurora, NY × 14052-2164
         
For more information contact:
       
David C. Burney, Chief Financial Officer
  Deborah K. Pawlowski    
Phone: (716) 805-1599, ext. 159
  Kei Advisors LLC    
Fax: (716) 805-1286
  Phone: (716) 843-3908    
Email: david.burney@astronics.com
  Email: dpawlowski@keiadvisors.com    
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Correcting and Replacing Astronics Corporation Reports First Quarter 2009 Results
    Revenue increased 21.7% with recently-acquired DME
    Backlog at $111.7 million
    2009 sales outlook reduced to range of $210 to $225 million
EAST AURORA, NY, May 4, 2009 — Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leader in advanced, high performance lighting, electrical power and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries, today reported sales of $50.0 million in the first quarter of 2009, which ended
April 4, 2009, a 21.7% increase compared with revenue of $41.1 million in the first quarter of 2008. Results for the 2009 quarter include two months of financial results from the operations of DME Corporation, which was acquired by Astronics on January 30, 2009.
Sales for the Company’s aerospace segment increased 1.8% to $41.8 million while sales for the test systems segment, which represents a portion of the acquired DME business, were $8.2 million. Astronics organic business, excluding the recent acquisition, had sales of $38.4 million for the first quarter of 2009.
Net income in the first quarter of 2009 was $1.4 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared with $2.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the same period the prior year.
Peter J. Gundermann, President and Chief Executive Officer of Astronics commented, “While we achieved a record sales level in the first quarter, we faced a very difficult environment at the same time. Some of our most significant customers reduced their production plans during the quarter, resulting in decreased demand for our products. This lower demand put pressure on our earnings, and we have responded accordingly by cutting costs and aligning ourselves more appropriately to customer expectations. We believe that conditions will strengthen as the year progresses and as cost-saving adjustments made in the first quarter play out.”
Operating Results
Gross profit in the first quarter of 2009 was $8.5 million, or 17.1% of sales, compared with $8.5 million, or 20.7% of sales, in the first quarter of 2008. The lower gross margins reflect the lost margin on the lower sales volume for the organic business as well as the acquired DME business.
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense was $6.1 million, or 12.1% of sales, in the first quarter of 2009, compared with $4.2 million, or 10.2% of sales, in last year’s first quarter. The increase reflects the addition of DME and the amortization of intangible assets, related to the acquisition, of approximately $0.5 million during the quarter.

 

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Segment Review
Aerospace
During the first quarter of 2009, aerospace segment sales were $41.8 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 1.8%, from $41.1 million in the 2008 quarter. Sales to the military market increased $2.7 million, or 35.1%, and sales to the FAA/airport market, which is part of the acquired DME business, were $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2009. Sales to the commercial transport market declined $0.9 million, or 3.7%, and business jet market sales were off $2.9 million, or 30.9%, compared with the 2008 quarter, as business jet manufacturers cut back on production levels.
By product line, aircraft lighting products were up 10%, or $1.6 million to $18.1 million. The lighting products acquired with the DME business added sales of $1.6 million to aircraft lighting. Cabin electronics sales declined 15% to $16.5 million. Sales of airframe power products were up 5%. Airfield lighting products sales, acquired with DME, were $1.8 million. These products are sold to the federal Aviation Administration and commercial and military airfields.
Aerospace operating profit for the first quarter of 2009 was $3.4 million, or 8.1% of sales, compared with $5.0 million, or 12% of sales, in the same period last year. Margin contraction was primarily due to lower sales volume.
Test Systems
Sales in Astronics’ test systems segment, acquired in the DME purchase, were $8.2 million in the first quarter of 2009. Operating profit was $0.2 million, or 2.4% of sales. The relatively low operating margin compared with the Aerospace segment was due to the low level of sales for the period.
Outlook
New orders in the first quarter of 2009 were $30.8 million, a 32.8% decrease compared with orders of $45.8 million in the 2008 quarter and below orders of $41.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. Aerospace segment orders were $28.0 million compared with $45.8 million in the 2008 first quarter. Orders in the new Test Systems segment were $2.8 million. Test Systems orders tend to be large contract orders and timing of receipt is dependent upon when a contract is awarded. Because of the variability associated with the timing and size of the orders, Astronics does not believe fluctuations from quarter to quarter are indicative of a trend.
Capital expenditures for the quarter were $1.0 million and are expected to be in the range of $4 million to $6 million for the year.
Backlog at April 4, 2009 was $111.7 million, 15.0% above the backlog of $97.1 million at the end of the first quarter of 2008, and up from a backlog of $89.0 million at December 31, 2008. Aerospace backlog was $85.4 million in the 2009 first quarter compared with $97.1 million in the same period last year. Approximately 75% of Aerospace backlog is expected to ship in 2009. Test Systems backlog was $26.3 million of which 84% is expected to ship in 2009.
Mr. Gundermann concluded, “Weaker than anticipated demand necessitates a reduction in our 2009 revenue outlook, which we now believe will be in the range of $210 to $225 million. We intend to do our best during this difficult time adjusting proactively to the economic realities that we face. At the same time, we know it is important to take the steps necessary to strengthen our competitive positions so that when our markets rebound we will come out the other side with increased momentum. We believe the course we have set will accomplish both of these goals.”

 

 


 

First Quarter 2009 Webcast and Conference Call
The Company will host a teleconference at 2 p.m. ET today. During the teleconference,
Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO, and David C. Burney, Vice President and CFO, will review the financial and operating results for the period and discuss Astronics’ corporate strategy and outlook. A question-and-answer session will follow.
The Astronics conference call can be accessed the following ways:
    The live webcast can be found at http://www.astronics.com. Participants should go to the website 10 — 15 minutes prior to the scheduled conference in order to register and download any necessary audio software.
    The teleconference can be accessed by dialing (201) 689-8562 and requesting conference ID number 320209 approximately 5 — 10 minutes prior to the call.
To listen to the archived call:
    The archived webcast will be at http://www.astronics.com. A transcript will also be posted, once available.
    A replay can also be heard by calling (201) 612-7415 and referencing account number 3055 and conference ID number 320209. The telephonic replay will be available from 5 p.m. ET the day of the call through 11:59 p.m. ET on May 11, 2009.
ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION
Astronics Corporation is a trusted leader in innovative, high performance lighting, power management systems for the global aerospace industry; automated diagnostic test systems, training and simulation devices for the defense industry; and safety and survival equipment for airlines. Astronics’ strategy is to develop and maintain positions of technical leadership in its chosen aerospace and defense markets, to leverage those positions to grow the amount of content and volume of product it sells to those markets and to selectively acquire businesses with similar technical capabilities that could benefit from our leadership position and strategic direction. Astronics Corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, DME Corporation, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. and Luminescent Systems Inc., have a reputation for high quality designs, exceptional responsiveness, strong brand recognition and best-in-class manufacturing practices. The Company routinely posts news and other important information on its website at www.Astronics.com.
For more information on Astronics and its products, visit its website at www.Astronics.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. One can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “estimate” or other similar expression. Because such statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the state of the aerospace industry, the market acceptance of newly developed products, internal production capabilities, the timing of orders received, the status of customer certification processes, the demand for and market acceptance of new or existing aircraft which contain the Company’s products, customer preferences, and other factors which are described in filings by Astronics with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information in this press release whether to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial conditions or prospects, or otherwise.
FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW.

 

 


 

ASTRONICS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT DATA
(unaudited)
                 
    Three months ended  
(in thousands except per share data)   4/4/2009     3/29/2008  
Sales
  $ 50,015     $ 41,089  
Cost of products sold
    41,485       32,590  
 
           
 
    8,530       8,499  
Gross margin
    17.1 %     20.7 %
Selling, general and administrative
    6,065       4,209  
 
           
 
               
Income from operations
    2,465       4,290  
Operating margin
    4.9 %     10.4 %
Interest expense, net
    424       205  
Other (income) expense
    (13 )     15  
 
           
Income before tax
    2,054       4,070  
Income taxes
    653       1,423  
 
           
Net Income(loss)
  $ 1,401     $ 2,647  
 
           
 
               
*Basic earnings per share:
  $ 0.13     $ 0.26  
*Diluted earnings per share:
  $ 0.13     $ 0.25  
 
*Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
    10,768       10,741  
 
 
           
Capital Expenditures
  $ 968     $ 1,011  
Depreciation and Amortization
  $ 1,740     $ 1,000  
 
           
     
*   All share quantities and per share data reported for 2008 has been adjusted to reflect the impact of the one-for-four Class B stock distribution for shareholders of record on October 6, 2008.

 

 


 

ASTRONICS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
(unaudited)
                 
(in thousands)   4/4/2009     12/31/2008  
 
ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,189     $ 3,038  
Accounts receivable
    45,410       22,053  
Inventories
    35,918       35,586  
Other current assets
    5,219       6,078  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    32,827       29,075  
Other long-term assets
    5,770       4,409  
Intangible assets
    12,790       1,853  
Goodwill
    22,205       2,582  
 
           
Total Assets
  $ 161,328     $ 104,674  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Current maturities of long term debt
  $ 8,939     $ 920  
Note payable
    200        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    27,741       22,475  
Long-term debt
    50,577       13,526  
Other liabilities
    10,466       9,498  
Shareholders’ equity
    63,405       58,255  
 
           
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 161,328     $ 104,674  
 
           
SEGMENT DATA
                 
    Three Months Ended  
(in thousands)   4/4/09     3/29/08  
 
               
Net Sales
               
Aerospace
  $ 41,818     $ 41,089  
Test Systems
    8,197        
 
           
Net Sales
  $ 50,015     $ 41,089  
 
               
Operating Profit and Margins
               
Aerospace
  $ 3,395     $ 4,984  
Margin
    8.1 %     12.1 %
Test Systems
    198        
Margin
    2.4 %      
Corporate Expenses and Other
    (1,128 )     (694 )
 
           
 
Total Operating Profit
  $ 2,465       4,290  
 
               
Operating Margin
    4.9 %     10.4 %
 
           

 

 


 

ASTRONICS CORPORATION
SALES BY MARKET

($, in thousands)
                                 
    Three Months Ended        
    4/4/2009     3/29/2008     % change     2009 YTD %  
Aerospace Segment
                               
Commercial Transport
  $ 23,006     $ 23,896       -4 %     46 %
Military
    10,486       7,759       35 %     17 %
Business Jet
    6,522       9,434       -31 %     17 %
FAA/Airport
    1,804                     4 %
 
                       
 
                               
Aerospace Total
  $ 41,818     $ 41,089       2 %     84 %
 
Test Systems Segment
  $ 8,197     $               16 %
 
                         
 
                               
Total
  $ 50,015     $ 41,089       22 %     100 %
 
                       
ASTRONICS CORPORATION
SALES BY PRODUCT

($, in thousands)
                                 
    Three Months Ended        
    4/4/2009     3/29/2008     % change     2009 YTD %  
 
Aerospace Segment
                               
Aircraft Lighting
  $ 18,051     $ 16,433       10 %     36 %
Cabin Electronics
    16,502       19,475       -15 %     33 %
Airframe Power
    5,461       5,181       5 %     11 %
Airfield Lighting
    1,804                     4 %
 
                       
 
                               
Aerospace Total
  $ 41,818     $ 41,089               84 %
 
                               
Test Systems Segment
  $ 8,197     $               16 %
 
                         
 
                               
Total
  $ 50,015     $ 41,089       22 %     100 %
 
                       

 

 


 

ASTRONICS CORPORATION
ORDER AND BACKLOG TREND
                                         
            Q2 2008     Q3 2008     Q4 2008     Q1 2009  
($, in thousands)     6/28/08     9/27/08     12/31/08     4/4/09  
 
                                       
Sales
  Aerospace   $ 47,889     $ 40,363     $ 44,381     $ 41,818  
 
  Test Sys.                     $ 8,197  
 
                               
 
Total Sales
          $ 47,889     $ 40,363     $ 44,381     $ 50,015  
 
                               
 
                                       
Bookings
  Aerospace   $ 52,386     $ 30,798     $ 41,348     $ 28,016  
 
  Test Sys.                     $ 2,798  
 
                               
 
Total Bookings
          $ 52,386     $ 30,798     $ 41,348     $ 30,814  
 
                               
 
                                       
Backlog
  Aerospace   $ 101,646     $ 92,081     $ 89,048     $ 85,418  
 
  Test Sys.                     $ 26,311  
 
                               
 
Total Backlog
          $ 101,646     $ 92,081     $ 89,048     $ 111,729 *
 
                               
 
                                       
Book: Bill
  Aerospace     1.09       0.76       0.93       0.67  
 
  Test Sys.                       0.34  
 
                               
 
Combined Book: Bill     1.09       0.76       0.93       0.62  
 
                               
     
*   On January 30, 2009, Astronics acquired DME Corporation, including backlog of $10,172 for aerospace and $31,710 for test systems.