Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a quarterly revenue growth of 18% year-over-year, totaling $960 million [20] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 17% to $117 million, with a quarterly adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.2%, reflecting a slight contraction of 10 basis points from the prior year [21] - Net earnings for the third quarter were $72 million, with diluted EPS rising by 24% to $0.26 [22] - Free cash flow was reported at $77 million for the quarter, significantly up from the prior year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) segment saw a revenue increase of 34%, driven by strong contributions from Counter-UAS and electric power and propulsion programs [20][21] - The Advanced Sensing and Computing (ASC) segment demonstrated a healthy growth of 9%, attributed to naval network computing, advanced infrared sensing, and tactical radar programs [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company secured $1.3 billion in bookings during the quarter, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.4, with a year-to-date book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 [5] - The total backlog reached a record $8.9 billion, up 8% year-over-year and 20% year-over-year for funded backlog [6][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on areas of customer priority, including Counter-UAS, shipbuilding throughput, missile production, and electronics modernization [9] - The company is actively working on strengthening its germanium supply chain through recycling initiatives and strategic agreements with partners [10] - The transition in leadership is expected to maintain the company's strategic focus on innovation and growth [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly with ongoing global defense investments [8] - The company remains optimistic about future growth, particularly in the Counter-UAS domain, and expects to see funding flow from the $150 billion defense budget [9] - The company is monitoring the impact of the U.S. government shutdown but has not yet seen significant effects on program execution [8][9] Other Important Information - The company announced a leadership transition, with John Baylouny succeeding Bill Lynn as CEO [11][12] - The company is maintaining a balanced capital allocation strategy, focusing on M&A opportunities while also instituting a dividend [97] Q&A Session Summary Question: How do you expect IRAD spending to trend? - Management expects internal research and development investment to remain at current levels to maintain growth [29] Question: Any updates on foreign military sales activity? - Management anticipates a ramp-up in foreign military sales opportunities, particularly in Counter-UAS and sensor demand [31] Question: Have germanium prices stabilized? - Management indicated progress in solidifying supply for germanium and diversifying the supply base [34][35] Question: Were there any unusually large orders this quarter? - There was increased demand for Counter-UAS and short-range air defense programs, contributing to strong bookings [40] Question: What risks does the extended U.S. government shutdown pose? - The impact is moderate currently, but prolonged shutdowns could lead to delays in awards and payments [42] Question: How do you measure the payback on R&D investments? - R&D investments are expected to open up adjacent markets and growth opportunities, particularly in Counter-UAS and unmanned systems [48] Question: What is the current exposure to Counter-UAS programs? - Approximately 20% of revenues are tied to force protection, primarily from short-range air defense and Counter-UAS programs [50] Question: What is the strategy regarding Hoverfly investment? - The investment aligns with the strategy to bring best-in-breed technologies for elevated sensing and targeting [60] Question: How is the company addressing germanium supply constraints? - The company is utilizing buffer stock and recycling initiatives while developing partnerships for long-term supply [58][59] Question: Any changes to capital allocation thoughts? - The company aims for a balanced capital allocation strategy, focusing on M&A opportunities while maintaining dividends [97]