Core Insights - Mercury Systems (NASDAQ: MRCY) stock has increased nearly 12% since a buy rating was issued in August, outperforming the S&P 500's 4.4% gain [2] - The company is experiencing revenue growth, a higher margin backlog, and benefits from automation [2] Company Overview - Mercury Systems specializes in defense electronics and is positioned to capitalize on significant growth prospects within the aerospace and defense industry [2] - The analysis is provided by an expert with a background in aerospace engineering, focusing on investment opportunities and the impact of industry developments [2] Investment Analysis - The investing group, The Aerospace Forum, aims to identify investment opportunities in the aerospace, defense, and airline sectors, utilizing data-informed analysis [2]

Financial Performance - Sales reached $869 million, a 9% increase overall, with organic growth at 6%[6] - Operating income increased by 14% to $170 million, resulting in a year-over-year margin expansion of 90 bps to 196%[6] - Diluted EPS increased by 14% to $340[6] - Free Cash Flow (FCF) increased by 8% to $176 million, with an FCF conversion rate of 137%[6] Orders and Backlog - New orders totaled $927 million, an 8% increase, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 11x[6] - Backlog increased by 14% year-to-date[6] Guidance - Total sales growth guidance increased to 10-11%, with organic growth now up 7-8% year-over-year[6] - Operating income growth guidance increased to 16-19%, maintaining an operating margin of 185-187%, up 100-120 bps year-over-year[6] - The company is on track to deliver 19-21% EPS growth and strong FCF generation at approximately 108% conversion[6] Segment Performance - Aerospace & Industrial sales increased by 8% to $248 million, driven by strong demand in Commercial Aerospace and higher sales in Aerospace Defense and Ground Defense[7] - Defense Electronics sales increased by 4% to $253 million, driven by higher revenues in Aerospace Defense and Naval Defense[7] - Naval & Power sales increased by 12% to $368 million, driven by higher Naval Defense revenues and solid organic growth in Commercial Nuclear[7]

Core Insights - Diamond Hill Capital's "Large Cap Fund" underperformed the Russell 1000 Value Index in Q3 2025 despite the Russell 3000 Index gaining 8% year-to-date, with calendar-year returns exceeding 14% [1] Company Summary: L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) - L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is a global provider of mission-critical solutions for government and commercial customers, with a market capitalization of $53.716 billion and a share price of $287.11 as of November 5, 2025 [2] - The company experienced a one-month return of -3.86% but a 12.52% increase in share value over the last 52 weeks [2] - L3Harris is benefiting from strong demand from the US government and allies in areas such as small satellites, secure communications, and rocket motors, contributing to higher earnings growth [3] - Cost-cutting measures and improved execution at Aerojet Rocketdyne, acquired two years ago, are positively impacting the company's performance [3] - In Q3 2025, L3Harris reported revenue of $5.7 billion, reflecting a strong organic growth of 10% [4] - The number of hedge funds holding L3Harris increased from 42 to 53 in the second quarter of 2025, indicating growing interest [4]

Group 1 - Teledyne Technologies Inc is a key player in the technology sector, operating in segments such as digital imaging, instrumentation, aerospace, and defense electronics [1][6] - The company has recently acquired TransponderTech from Saab AB to enhance its maritime technology solutions, integrating it with existing brands like Raymarine and FLIR Marine [3][6] - Teledyne's stock is currently priced at $514.32, reflecting a slight increase of $3.12 or 0.61% [2][6] Group 2 - Analysts have given Teledyne a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy," with six out of eight brokerages recommending buying the stock and an average twelve-month target price of approximately $606 [4][6] - UBS Group has raised their price target for Teledyne to $630, while Barclays has lowered theirs to $584, indicating varied analyst perspectives [4] - The partnership with MTU Maintenance enhances Teledyne's position in the aerospace sector by leveraging data for improved engine health monitoring and predictive maintenance services [5][6]

Core Insights - Mercury Systems (MRCY) reported revenue of $225.21 million for the quarter ended September 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 10.2% and an EPS of $0.26 compared to $0.04 a year ago [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $207.02 million, resulting in a surprise of +8.78%, while the EPS surprise was +225% against a consensus estimate of $0.08 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Net Revenue from Sensor & Effector - Radar was $30.19 million, which is -10.6% year-over-year and below the estimated $36.94 million [4] - Net Revenue from Sensor & Effector - Electronic Warfare was $21 million, representing a -20.3% change compared to the year-ago quarter and below the estimated $25.52 million [4] - Net Revenue from Other was $32.79 million, slightly below the average estimate of $33.95 million, with a year-over-year change of +0.3% [4] - Total Net Revenue from Sensor & Effector was $80.95 million, down -6.4% year-over-year and below the estimated $85.52 million [4] - Net Revenue from C4I was $111.47 million, significantly above the average estimate of $86.12 million, reflecting a +30.7% year-over-year change [4] - Net Revenue from Sensor & Effector - Other Sensor & Effector was $29.77 million, exceeding the estimated $23.07 million, with a +12.9% change compared to the year-ago quarter [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Mercury Systems have returned -7.4% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.1% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bookings for Q1 FY26 were $250 million, resulting in a record backlog of $1.4 billion and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.11 [5][16] - Revenue for Q1 was $225 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.2% [5][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $35.6 million, up 66% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.8%, an increase of 530 basis points [5][10][18] - Free cash outflow was $4.4 million, showing a significant improvement of $16.5 million year-over-year [5][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recognized $4 million of net adverse EAC changes, down 51% year-over-year, indicating improved program management capabilities [6] - Accelerated customer deliveries contributed approximately $20 million in revenue and $10 million in adjusted EBITDA, previously planned for Q2 [6][10] - Gross margin for Q1 increased to nearly 28%, up approximately 260 basis points year-over-year, driven by a favorable program mix [10][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a healthy mix of competitive wins and follow-on production awards, including $26 million in competitive takeaways [8] - The European defense market is experiencing significant growth, with defense budgets expected to triple over the next few years [36] - The company has seen a 15% growth rate in its European defense business over the last 12 months [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four priorities: performance excellence, driving organic growth, expanding margins, and improving free cash flow [4][5] - Plans to increase capacity and automation in manufacturing, particularly in Phoenix, Arizona, to support anticipated demand [7][10] - The company aims for adjusted EBITDA margins in the low to mid-20% range and free cash flow conversion of 50% over time [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the potential for increased global defense budgets and domestic priorities to positively impact demand [14][36] - The company maintains its full-year outlook for FY26, expecting low single-digit annual revenue growth with a flat first half and sequential increases in the second half [13][14] - Management noted minimal impact from the US government shutdown on funding or program starts [45] Other Important Information - A new $200 million buyback authorization was announced, reflecting confidence in the business and long-term shareholder value [15] - The company ended Q1 with $305 million in cash on hand and has made significant progress in reducing net working capital [5][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the ongoing ability to pull revenues forward? - Management indicated that while they have successfully accelerated deliveries, they do not have clear visibility on future constraints until mid or late quarter [24][25] Question: What is the timing and potential revenue impact of the new capacity in Phoenix? - Management stated that the new capacity is intended to meet anticipated demand increases but did not quantify potential revenue impacts [28][30] Question: How is the production ramp-up for CPA products progressing? - Management confirmed that production is ramping up and they expect future demand to follow as production increases [32][33] Question: What is the outlook for the European defense environment? - Management noted strong growth in the European defense market, with a 15% growth rate over the last year and ongoing discussions with European primes [36] Question: How should margins be expected to progress through the year? - Management indicated that gross margins are expected to improve as low-margin backlog is converted and new bookings align with targeted margins [38][49] Question: What is the expected free cash flow conversion for the year? - Management expects to be free cash flow positive for the year, with stronger performance in the second half [40][22]

Bill Ballhaus FIRST QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS Chairman and CEO David Farnsworth Executive Vice President and CFO November 4, 2025, 5:00 pm ET WEBCAST LOGIN AT WWW.MRCY.COM/INVESTOR WEBCAST REPLAY AVAILABLE BY 7:00 P.M. ET NOVEMBER 4, 2025 © Mercury Systems, Inc. 1 Forward-looking safe harbor statement This presentation contains certain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to the Company's focus ...

Core Insights - Teledyne Technologies has raised its profit forecast for 2025, indicating confidence in ongoing demand for its defense electronics and military drones [1] Company Summary - The company is focusing on the defense sector, particularly in electronics and drone technology, which are expected to drive revenue growth [1] Industry Summary - The defense electronics and military drone markets are projected to experience sustained demand, contributing to the positive outlook for companies like Teledyne Technologies [1]

Summary of AUSA Convention Insights Industry Overview - The report focuses on the Aerospace & Defense Electronics sector, particularly highlighting advancements in drone technology and counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS) as key themes from the AUSA Convention in Washington DC [1][2][3]. Key Themes and Insights 1. Emphasis on Drones and c-UAS - Drones and counter-UAS technologies were prevalent at the convention, with a strong focus on interoperability across multi-domain communications, sensors, and effectors to enhance warfighter capabilities [3][4]. - The Army is consolidating budget lines to address technology obsolescence and expedite the acquisition process for UAS and c-UAS systems [4]. 2. Modernization and Acquisition Strategies - Army Secretary Dan Driscoll emphasized the need for rapid fielding of capabilities, aiming to reduce acquisition timelines from years to months and costs from billions to thousands of dollars [2]. - The Army is committed to integrating commercial technologies and AI into its operations, indicating a shift towards more agile and innovative procurement strategies [2][5]. 3. Notable Product Developments - **AeroVironment (AVAV)** launched new variants of its Switchblade loitering munitions, enhancing capabilities with advanced avionics and AI-enabled processing [12][13]. - **Anduril** introduced the EagleEye system, a computerized suite for augmented reality, aimed at providing decision advantages to soldiers [5]. - **General Dynamics (GD)** is expanding its 155mm artillery production from 18,000 rounds per month to 100,000 rounds per month to meet increasing demand [7]. 4. Counter-UAS Innovations - Various companies showcased their counter-UAS solutions, including Honeywell's SAMURAI drone swarm system and CACI's Merlin system, which integrates multiple sensor types for effective threat detection and neutralization [4][26]. - The Army's focus on layered defense systems highlights the importance of cost-effective solutions in countering drone threats [4][18]. 5. Future Production and Demand - Lockheed Martin (LMT) reported a 30-year backlog for PAC-3 missile production, indicating strong demand for missile systems [7]. - GD anticipates a significant increase in artillery demand, projecting production needs to exceed 1 million rounds per year by 2026-2028 [7][32]. Additional Insights 1. Investment in Technology and Infrastructure - Companies are investing heavily in R&D and manufacturing capabilities to support the growing demand for advanced defense technologies [19][32]. - The Army's Next Gen Command & Control (NGC2) initiative is set to modernize operations over the next 2.5 years, with significant implications for mobility and survivability [6]. 2. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations - Companies like Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) are leveraging partnerships with tech firms to enhance their defense technology offerings, focusing on AI and cyber capabilities [19][20]. - The integration of modular systems and open architectures is becoming a standard approach, allowing for greater flexibility and interoperability among defense systems [36]. 3. Regulatory and Market Challenges - New entrants like Epirus are navigating regulatory landscapes to enable international sales, highlighting the complexities of defense procurement and market entry [28]. - The report notes the challenges faced by companies in adapting to rapidly changing defense needs and technological advancements [28][32]. Conclusion - The AUSA Convention underscored the critical role of drones and counter-UAS technologies in modern warfare, with a clear shift towards rapid acquisition and integration of advanced technologies. The insights gathered reflect a dynamic industry poised for growth, driven by innovation and strategic partnerships.

Core Insights - Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS) has achieved a record high following its strategic acquisition of 500 Wasp drones to enhance its presence in the US defense market [1][3]. Group 1: Company Developments - The initial order of 500 drones is part of a scalable program aimed at providing cost-effective and operationally efficient drone systems to US defense customers [2]. - American Robotics, a subsidiary of Ondas Holdings, is the exclusive US distributor for the Wasp drone platform, which is designed to meet the urgent needs of the Department of War for affordable attritable systems [3]. - Production of the initial order will be managed by Kitron, a prominent defense electronics manufacturer with facilities in the US, enabling rapid scaling of production [3][4]. Group 2: Market Demand and Production Capacity - There is an increasing demand from the US Department of War and allied defense forces for mass-affordable attritable platforms, which the Wasp drone is engineered to fulfill [5]. - Ondas Holdings expects to scale production to over 20,000 units per month globally within six months of the order, with initial deliveries anticipated in the fourth quarter of the year [4][5].