Mercury Systems(MRCY)2025-05-06 21:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bookings for Q3 were $200 million with a trailing twelve-month book-to-bill ratio of 1.1, while revenue was $211 million, reflecting a year-to-date revenue growth of 8.9% [7][20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $25 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.7%, both significantly up year-over-year [7][20] - Free cash flow for Q3 was $24 million, an increase of $50 million year-over-year, resulting in $146 million of free cash flow over the last four quarters [7][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recognized approximately $3.7 million of net EAC change impacts in Q3, the lowest level in several quarters, indicating improved program management capabilities [8][9] - Q3 bookings included significant contract awards, such as $40 million in production contracts for the common processing architecture and a $20 million follow-on production order for the F-35 program [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog increased by 4% year-over-year to $1.34 billion, driven by strong bookings primarily in production contracts [10][20] - The company reported that over 80% of trailing twelve-month bookings were production in nature, indicating a shift towards production-focused contracts [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four priorities: delivering predictable performance, driving organic growth, expanding margins, and improving free cash flow [6][8] - The acquisition of Starlab, a cybersecurity software provider, is expected to enhance the company's competitive position and differentiation in the market [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's strategic positioning and the ability to deliver predictable organic growth with expanding margins and robust free cash flow [5][16] - For FY 2025, the company expects annual revenue growth approaching mid-single digits, with adjusted EBITDA margins in the low double digits [16][17] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with $270 million in cash, driven by improved cash flow from operations [23] - Net working capital decreased by approximately $148 million year-over-year, demonstrating progress in reversing a multi-year trend of growth in working capital [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on LTAMDS program - Management noted that LTAMDS has achieved significant milestones and is moving into initial production, indicating strong growth prospects [29] Question: Increase in deferred revenues - Management explained that the increase in deferred revenues is linked to achieving milestones with customers, which allows for solid payment terms [30][31] Question: Optimal net working capital level - Management indicated a target of 30% to 40% for net working capital as a percentage of revenues, with current levels at around 51% [36][38] Question: Impact of low margin backlog - Management stated that the low margin backlog will gradually improve as new bookings are added, but it will take several quarters to fully transition [39][92] Question: Revenue split between development and production - Management did not provide specific revenue splits but indicated that revenue trends will follow the bookings mix, which is increasingly production-focused [52] Question: Competitive landscape and growth opportunities - Management expressed confidence in the company's position to outgrow the industry, supported by a strong book-to-bill ratio and recent contract wins [66][68] Question: Tariffs impact on supply chain - Management reported no material impact from tariffs in FY 2025 and indicated that sourcing remains stable [110][111]