Defense Stocks; Force Protection (NASDAQ:FRPT) Reaches Settlement of Federal Shareholder Class and Derivative Actions
LADSON, S.C.--(http://www.investorideas.com/ defense stocks blog )--Force Protection Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) announced today that it has reached an agreement to settle the consolidated shareholder securities class action entitled In re Force Protection, Inc. Securities Litigation, Consolidated Civil Action No. 2:08-cv-845-CWH, pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina against the Company and a number of the Company’s former directors and/or officers. The settlement amount is $24 million, a majority of which will be covered by insurance. The settlement is subject to court approval and certain other conditions.
In addition, an agreement has been reached to settle a related shareholder derivative action entitled In re Force Protection, Inc. Derivative Litigation, Civil Action No. 2:08-1907-CWH, which is pending in the same federal court. This settlement provides that the Company will adopt certain corporate governance practices, receive a payment of $2.25 million from insurance, and pay plaintiffs’ attorney’s fees and expenses in an amount not to exceed $2.3 million. The settlement is subject to court approval and certain other conditions.
Neither the Company nor any of its present and former directors and/or officers has admitted any wrongdoing or liability in connection with these settlements. Additionally, the settlements provide that the parties have reached mutually agreeable resolution of these cases to avoid protracted and expensive litigation, including the outcome and risks associated with proceeding.
The Company is a party to related shareholder derivative actions pending in state courts in Nevada and South Carolina. The Company believes that if the federal derivative settlement is approved, that settlement will extinguish these related state court derivative actions.
To reflect the net impact of the settlements, the Company currently expects to record in its 2010 third quarter earnings results a cash related charge of approximately $8.5 million.
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. The Company’s specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar and related variants, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing new vehicle platforms (including the Ocelot and JAMMA) that provide increased modularity, speed, mobility and concealment with enhanced levels of blast- and ballistic-protection. The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats. In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of highly-skilled field service representatives, and advanced on and off-road driver and maintenance training programs. For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit http://www.forceprotection.net/.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Force Protection’s management, and on information currently available to management, and include, among other things, statements regarding the extinguishment of the related state court derivative action and the Company’s expected financial and operating results. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to: the ability to reach a final conclusion to the aforementioned litigation; risks relating to the currently pending state court derivative lawsuits which are not being settled at this time; the ability to effectively manage the risks in the Company’s business; and the other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and as updated in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.
Contacts
Force Protection, Inc.
Media Contact:
Tommy Pruitt, 843-574-3866
Senior Communications Director
tommy.pruitt@forceprotection.net
or
Investor Relations Contact:
Wes Harris, 843-574-3892
Investor Relations Director
wes.harris@forceprotection.net
Published at (www.investorideas.com defense stocks blog )
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Sunday, October 3, 2010
Security News; - The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe.
Security News; - Travel Alert- U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Europe
October 3, 2010
(http://www.investorideas.com/ defense stocks blog )
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe. Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks. European governments have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack and some have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions.
Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services. U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.
We continue to work closely with our European allies on the threat from international terrorism, including al-Qa’ida. Information is routinely shared between the U.S. and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.
We recommend U.S. citizens register their travel plans with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from elsewhere in the world.
For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country-Specific Information as well as the Worldwide Caution, which can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. For further information on safety tips while traveling abroad, U.S. citizens should also consult the following website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html
This Travel Alert expires on January 31, 2011.
Published at (http://www.investorideas.com/ defense stocks blog )
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Bureau of Consular Affairs
Europe
October 3, 2010
(http://www.investorideas.com/ defense stocks blog )
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe. Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks. European governments have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack and some have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions.
Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services. U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.
We continue to work closely with our European allies on the threat from international terrorism, including al-Qa’ida. Information is routinely shared between the U.S. and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.
We recommend U.S. citizens register their travel plans with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from elsewhere in the world.
For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country-Specific Information as well as the Worldwide Caution, which can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. For further information on safety tips while traveling abroad, U.S. citizens should also consult the following website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html
This Travel Alert expires on January 31, 2011.
Published at (http://www.investorideas.com/ defense stocks blog )
Research defense and Homeland Security stocks with the largest global defense stocks directory online for investors at Investorideas.com and www.Homelanddefensestocks.com click here: http://www.investorideas.com/Companies/HomelandDefense/Stock_List.asp
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Monday, September 13, 2010
Investorideas.com - Nanotechnolgy Stocks; mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTC.BB:XDSL) to Showcase Smart NanoBattery at DoD Technology Transition Conference
Investorideas.com - Nanotechnology Stocks; mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTC.BB:XDSL) to Showcase Smart NanoBattery at DoD Technology Transition Conference
LITTLE FALLS, NJ - September 13, 2010 (Investorideas.com Newswire) - mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTC.BB:XDSL) today announced that it will be showcasing its Smart NanoBattery technology at the 2010 National SBIR Beyond Phase II Conference & Technology Showcase, September 13 - 17, 2010, San Antonio, Texas. The 2010 National SBIR Beyond Phase II Conference & Technology Showcase, hosted by the Department of Defense, Office of Small Business Programs, is the only National SBIR event focusing exclusively on transitioning current Phase II technologies into government, military and public markets.
The purpose of this conference is to provide a forum to bring together scientists, engineers, and technology decision makers from a wide range of disciplines and interest areas to discuss all aspects of transitioning SBIR and STTR supported research and development into government and private sector commercial markets.
"This national conference is an excellent opportunity for exposing the advantages and unique capabilities of the Smart NanoBattery for defense and commercial applications that we have developed under the United States Army Phase II award, for incorporation into forward-looking designs requiring improved power functionality for critical systems," said Ron Durando, president and CEO of mPhase Technologies. "We are looking forward to meeting with participants at this event and are looking to establishing business and collaboration relationships for transiting the Smart NanoBattery prototype into potential DoD, commercial applications and other research and development efforts."
The development of the Smart NanoBattery has been undertaken with funding support from a Phase II STTR Army award.
About mPhase Technologies, Inc.
mPhase Technologies is introducing a revolutionary Smart Surface technology enabled by breakthroughs in nanotechnology, MEMS processing and microfludics. Our Smart Surface technology has potential applications within drug delivery systems, lab-on-a-chip analytic systems, self-cleaning systems, liquid and chemical sensor systems, and filtration systems. mPhase has pioneered its first Smart Surface enabled product, the mPhase Smart NanoBattery.
In addition to the Smart Surface technology, mPhase recently introduced its first product the mPower Emergency Illuminator, an award winning product designed by Porsche Design Studio and sold via the mPower website: http://www.mpowertech.com/.
More information about the company can be found at http://www.mphasetech.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
As a cautionary note to investors, certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in technology and product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's SEC filings, including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's SEC Filing. mPhase assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.
Contact:
Michael Meek CPhTmPhase Technologies, Inc.Investor Relations301-718-1635The Investor Relations Group212-825-3210Erika Moran
Visit the XDSL showcase profile at Investorideas.com Request News and Info on XDSL Disclosure, Disclaimer/ XDSL is a paid advertising client on Investorideas.com and our technology portals.
Published at http://www.investorideas.com/ - Global research by sectors
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Investorideas.com Disclaimer: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.aspInvestorideas.com Disclosure: http://www.investorideas.com/About/News/Clientspecifics.asp
LITTLE FALLS, NJ - September 13, 2010 (Investorideas.com Newswire) - mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTC.BB:XDSL) today announced that it will be showcasing its Smart NanoBattery technology at the 2010 National SBIR Beyond Phase II Conference & Technology Showcase, September 13 - 17, 2010, San Antonio, Texas. The 2010 National SBIR Beyond Phase II Conference & Technology Showcase, hosted by the Department of Defense, Office of Small Business Programs, is the only National SBIR event focusing exclusively on transitioning current Phase II technologies into government, military and public markets.
The purpose of this conference is to provide a forum to bring together scientists, engineers, and technology decision makers from a wide range of disciplines and interest areas to discuss all aspects of transitioning SBIR and STTR supported research and development into government and private sector commercial markets.
"This national conference is an excellent opportunity for exposing the advantages and unique capabilities of the Smart NanoBattery for defense and commercial applications that we have developed under the United States Army Phase II award, for incorporation into forward-looking designs requiring improved power functionality for critical systems," said Ron Durando, president and CEO of mPhase Technologies. "We are looking forward to meeting with participants at this event and are looking to establishing business and collaboration relationships for transiting the Smart NanoBattery prototype into potential DoD, commercial applications and other research and development efforts."
The development of the Smart NanoBattery has been undertaken with funding support from a Phase II STTR Army award.
About mPhase Technologies, Inc.
mPhase Technologies is introducing a revolutionary Smart Surface technology enabled by breakthroughs in nanotechnology, MEMS processing and microfludics. Our Smart Surface technology has potential applications within drug delivery systems, lab-on-a-chip analytic systems, self-cleaning systems, liquid and chemical sensor systems, and filtration systems. mPhase has pioneered its first Smart Surface enabled product, the mPhase Smart NanoBattery.
In addition to the Smart Surface technology, mPhase recently introduced its first product the mPower Emergency Illuminator, an award winning product designed by Porsche Design Studio and sold via the mPower website: http://www.mpowertech.com/.
More information about the company can be found at http://www.mphasetech.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
As a cautionary note to investors, certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in technology and product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's SEC filings, including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's SEC Filing. mPhase assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.
Contact:
Michael Meek CPhTmPhase Technologies, Inc.Investor Relations301-718-1635The Investor Relations Group212-825-3210Erika Moran
Visit the XDSL showcase profile at Investorideas.com Request News and Info on XDSL Disclosure, Disclaimer/ XDSL is a paid advertising client on Investorideas.com and our technology portals.
Published at http://www.investorideas.com/ - Global research by sectors
If you have any questions regarding information in this press release please contact the company listed in the press release.
Connect with Investorideas.com
Publish Your News - Send a release
Disclaimer: The following news is paid for and /or published as information only for our readers. Investorideas.com is a third party publisher of news and research .Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising.
Investorideas.com Disclaimer: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.aspInvestorideas.com Disclosure: http://www.investorideas.com/About/News/Clientspecifics.asp
Investorideas.com News - Homeland Defense and Security Stocks Directory Update for September 2010
Investorideas.com News - Homeland Defense and Security Stocks Directory Update for September 2010
Visit this company: www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com
September 13, 2010 – www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com, a leading global investor and industry portal for the defense and security sector, within www.Investorideas.com, updates investors with the defense stocks directory to research global defense stocks, Homeland Security Stocks, Aerospace and Defense Stocks, Biodefense Stocks, Security Stocks, Energy Security Stocks and Infrastructure Stocks for September 2010.
The Homeland Security and defense directory includes stocks on NYSE, NASDAQ, OTCBB, TSX and global exchanges. The directory is available in PDF format or is included as part of the Investor Ideas Membership premium content with 10 other stock directories.
Partial Stock Directory - Preview
Homeland Security and Defense Stocks September 2010
Learn more about the directory: Visit directory
2-Track Global Inc. (OTCBB:TOTG) is a technology development and marketing company which owns, operates and licences proprietary telematics solutions combining hardware and software applications run over wireless or satellite networks to deliver remote security management of marine and cargo fleets (including consumer solutions aimed at the leisure, marine and domestic security markets) and commercial vehicle plant and machinery management and security. The company has communications architecture technology, which provides global logistics solutions for the remote monitoring of freight containers over multiple transport mores.
4C Controls (OTCBB: FOUR) is an early stage company offering high technology integrated security solutions providing real-time early warning and reduction of time scales from threat-detection to termination in the field. The Company's primary focus is on cutting-edge technologies and large distribution networks including high resolution synthetic aperture radar satellites (SAR) and satellite images; ground high performance radars for intrusion detection and electronic surveillance / access control markets such as biometric, radio frequency identification (RFID), real time locating systems (RTLS) and closed-circuit television (CCTV).
AAR Corp. (NYSE:AIR) AAR is a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With facilities and sales locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business model to serve aviation and defense customers through four operating segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; Structures and Systems; and Aircraft Sales and Leasing.
Abaxis Inc. (NasdaqGS:ABAX) Abaxis develops, manufactures and markets portable blood analysis systems for use in any veterinary or human patient-care setting to provide clinicians with rapid blood constituent measurements. The system consists of a compact, 5.1 kilogram (11.2 pounds), portable analyzer and a series of single-use plastic discs, called reagent discs that contain all the chemicals required to perform a panel of up to 13 tests on veterinary patients and 14 tests on human patients. The system can be operated with minimal training and performs multiple routine tests on whole blood, serum or plasma samples. The system provides test results in less than 12 minutes with the precision and accuracy equivalent to a clinical laboratory analyzer.
ABM Industries Inc. (NYSE:ABM) ABM Industries Incorporated, which operates through its subsidiaries (collectively "ABM"), is among the leading providers of facility services in the United States. With fiscal 2008 revenues in excess of $3.6 billion and more than 100,000 employees, ABM provides janitorial, facility, engineering, parking and security services for thousands of commercial, industrial, institutional and retail facilities across the United States, Puerto Rico and British Columbia, Canada. ABM’s business services include ABM Janitorial Services; ABM Facility Services; ABM Engineering Services; Ampco System Parking; and ABM Security Services.
Acambis (AIM:ACM.L; ACAMY.PK) Acambis is a leading vaccine company developing novel vaccines that address significant unmet medical needs or substantially improve standards of care. Acambis is recognised internationally as the leading producer of smallpox vaccines for emergency-use stockpiles held by the US Government and several other governments around the world. Acambis developed its ACAM2000™ smallpox vaccine under contracts with the US Government.
Accenture Ltd (NYSE: ACN) With proven delivery excellence, innovative organizational, process and technology solutions, defense and commercial experience, broad capabilities and global resources, Accenture helps support the warfighter and achieve high performance at speed in a complex and changing environment. Accenture delivers world-class capabilities to defense clients worldwide. As conditions and requirements change, we stand ready with proven technology, resources and systems to help achieve battlefield dominance, superior warfighting capability and victory.
ACI Worldwide (NasdaqGS:ACIW) ACI Worldwide is a leading provider of electronic payments software and services to major banks, retailers and processors around the world. The company's solutions enable online payment processing, online banking, fraud prevention and detection, and back office services such as settlement, account management, card management and dispute processing. ACI solutions provide market-leading levels of reliability, manageability and scale to over 800 customers in 88 countries.
Full Defense stocks directory http://www.investorideas.com/Companies/HomelandDefense/Stock_List.asp
About Homelanddefensestocks.com
HomelandDefenseStocks.com Portal is a global meeting place for investors and industry following defense and security, within Investorideas.com. Global visitors use the site daily to research the latest news, articles, audio, research reports and stock directories.
About InvestorIdeas.com:
InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, the Middle East and Australia.
Investors - sign up for free investor newsletters and stock alerts in your favorite sector!
InvestorIdeas.com Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.aspOur sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to investors to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of any information presented. All information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising.
For more information contact:
Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411Email: dvanzant@HomelandDefenseStocks.com
Source: HomelandDefenseStocks.com, Investor Ideas
Visit this company: www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com
September 13, 2010 – www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com, a leading global investor and industry portal for the defense and security sector, within www.Investorideas.com, updates investors with the defense stocks directory to research global defense stocks, Homeland Security Stocks, Aerospace and Defense Stocks, Biodefense Stocks, Security Stocks, Energy Security Stocks and Infrastructure Stocks for September 2010.
The Homeland Security and defense directory includes stocks on NYSE, NASDAQ, OTCBB, TSX and global exchanges. The directory is available in PDF format or is included as part of the Investor Ideas Membership premium content with 10 other stock directories.
Partial Stock Directory - Preview
Homeland Security and Defense Stocks September 2010
Learn more about the directory: Visit directory
2-Track Global Inc. (OTCBB:TOTG) is a technology development and marketing company which owns, operates and licences proprietary telematics solutions combining hardware and software applications run over wireless or satellite networks to deliver remote security management of marine and cargo fleets (including consumer solutions aimed at the leisure, marine and domestic security markets) and commercial vehicle plant and machinery management and security. The company has communications architecture technology, which provides global logistics solutions for the remote monitoring of freight containers over multiple transport mores.
4C Controls (OTCBB: FOUR) is an early stage company offering high technology integrated security solutions providing real-time early warning and reduction of time scales from threat-detection to termination in the field. The Company's primary focus is on cutting-edge technologies and large distribution networks including high resolution synthetic aperture radar satellites (SAR) and satellite images; ground high performance radars for intrusion detection and electronic surveillance / access control markets such as biometric, radio frequency identification (RFID), real time locating systems (RTLS) and closed-circuit television (CCTV).
AAR Corp. (NYSE:AIR) AAR is a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With facilities and sales locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business model to serve aviation and defense customers through four operating segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; Structures and Systems; and Aircraft Sales and Leasing.
Abaxis Inc. (NasdaqGS:ABAX) Abaxis develops, manufactures and markets portable blood analysis systems for use in any veterinary or human patient-care setting to provide clinicians with rapid blood constituent measurements. The system consists of a compact, 5.1 kilogram (11.2 pounds), portable analyzer and a series of single-use plastic discs, called reagent discs that contain all the chemicals required to perform a panel of up to 13 tests on veterinary patients and 14 tests on human patients. The system can be operated with minimal training and performs multiple routine tests on whole blood, serum or plasma samples. The system provides test results in less than 12 minutes with the precision and accuracy equivalent to a clinical laboratory analyzer.
ABM Industries Inc. (NYSE:ABM) ABM Industries Incorporated, which operates through its subsidiaries (collectively "ABM"), is among the leading providers of facility services in the United States. With fiscal 2008 revenues in excess of $3.6 billion and more than 100,000 employees, ABM provides janitorial, facility, engineering, parking and security services for thousands of commercial, industrial, institutional and retail facilities across the United States, Puerto Rico and British Columbia, Canada. ABM’s business services include ABM Janitorial Services; ABM Facility Services; ABM Engineering Services; Ampco System Parking; and ABM Security Services.
Acambis (AIM:ACM.L; ACAMY.PK) Acambis is a leading vaccine company developing novel vaccines that address significant unmet medical needs or substantially improve standards of care. Acambis is recognised internationally as the leading producer of smallpox vaccines for emergency-use stockpiles held by the US Government and several other governments around the world. Acambis developed its ACAM2000™ smallpox vaccine under contracts with the US Government.
Accenture Ltd (NYSE: ACN) With proven delivery excellence, innovative organizational, process and technology solutions, defense and commercial experience, broad capabilities and global resources, Accenture helps support the warfighter and achieve high performance at speed in a complex and changing environment. Accenture delivers world-class capabilities to defense clients worldwide. As conditions and requirements change, we stand ready with proven technology, resources and systems to help achieve battlefield dominance, superior warfighting capability and victory.
ACI Worldwide (NasdaqGS:ACIW) ACI Worldwide is a leading provider of electronic payments software and services to major banks, retailers and processors around the world. The company's solutions enable online payment processing, online banking, fraud prevention and detection, and back office services such as settlement, account management, card management and dispute processing. ACI solutions provide market-leading levels of reliability, manageability and scale to over 800 customers in 88 countries.
Full Defense stocks directory http://www.investorideas.com/Companies/HomelandDefense/Stock_List.asp
About Homelanddefensestocks.com
HomelandDefenseStocks.com Portal is a global meeting place for investors and industry following defense and security, within Investorideas.com. Global visitors use the site daily to research the latest news, articles, audio, research reports and stock directories.
About InvestorIdeas.com:
InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, the Middle East and Australia.
Investors - sign up for free investor newsletters and stock alerts in your favorite sector!
InvestorIdeas.com Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.aspOur sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to investors to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of any information presented. All information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising.
For more information contact:
Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411Email: dvanzant@HomelandDefenseStocks.com
Source: HomelandDefenseStocks.com, Investor Ideas
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Investorideas.com - Defense Stocks; United Protection Security Group Inc. (TSX-V: UZZ) - Q2 RESULTS
Investorideas.com - Defense Stocks; United Protection Security Group Inc. (TSX-V: UZZ) - Q2 RESULTS
Defense Stocks; United Protection Security Group Inc. (TSX-V: UZZ) - Q2 RESULTS
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Visit this company: unitedprotection.com
EDMONTON - August 31, 2010 (www.Investorideas.com newswire) - S.Jorstad, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Protection Security Group Inc. (UPSG or the Company), (TSX-V:UZZ) announces that the Company has released its interim financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010.
S.Jorstad stated, "As we expected, we continue to regain profitability during Q2 following the unusual weakness of the 2009 results. Revitalizing the British Columbia business unit is our most important priority and we made solid progress executing a business improvement plan that includes improving pricing, capturing significant cost improvements and developing a marketing strategy to increase market share. Meanwhile, we are reaping the rewards from having a diversified customer portfolio as our electronic security division in Q2 delivered the same profit level as Q1-2010. Results this year are from organic growth only as no revenue stream have been realized from the acquisition of NoGo NoTow franchising relationship as it is still in the pilot project marketing phase. Several key relationships have been established and I expect promising results in the future from this acquisition."
S.Jorstad further stated, "Negotiations that occurred in Q2 resulted in the news release of July 12, 2010 with respect to the $5,000,000 equity line facility arranged through Dutchess Capital Management. As announced, this facility will give the Company access to capital for strategic expansion initiatives as well as expansion of existing business segments. Management believes that this is a significant event towards the overall objective of strengthening the Company's long term financial position and aggressive growth strategies."
F.Ramsoondar, Chief Financial Officer reports on Q2- 2010 Financial Summary:
Revenue for the quarter amounted to $8,537,267, compared to $7,099,273 for the same quarter last year, an increase of $1,437,994 or 20.26%. Revenue for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 amounted to $17,350,443 compared to $14,860,396 for the same period last year, an increase of $2,490,047 or 16.76%.
Gross profit for the quarter amounted to $1,945,960 (22.79% of revenue), compared with $1,201,732 (16.93% of revenue) for the same period last year, an increase of $744,228. Gross profit for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 amounted to $4,006,853 compared to $2,887,175 for the same period last year, an increase of $1,119,678 or 38.78%.
Operating expenses totalled $1,715,709 for the period, compared with $1,613,889 for the same period last year, an increase of $101,820 or 6.31%. Operating expenses for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 amounted to $3,450,565 compared with $3,531,667 for the same period last year, a decrease of $81,102 or 2.35%.
EBIITDAS totalled $400,591 (4.69% of revenue) for the period, compared to negative EBIITDAS of $(246,358) for the same period last year, an increase of $646,949. EBIITDAS for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 amounted to $888,618 compared to $67,468 for the same period last year, an increase of $821,150 or 1,217.10%.
Net income for the period totalled $198,251, ($0.003 basic and diluted earnings per share); compared with net loss of $(376,980) ($(0.006) basic and diluted loss per share) for the same period last year, an increase of $575,231. Net income for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 totalled $524,288 ($0.01 basic and diluted earnings per share) compared to net loss of $(650,612) ($(0.01) basic and diluted loss per share) for the same period last year, an increase of $1,174,900.
In addition to using financial measures prescribed by CGAAP, certain non-CGAAP measures are also used by the Company. These non-GAAP measures are EBIITDA and EBIITDAS. References in this press release to EBIITDA are to net income before interest, impairment, taxes, depreciation and amortization. References in this press release to EBIITDAS are to net income before interest, impairment, taxes, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation.
Stock Awareness Activities
To find out more about United Protection Security Group Inc. (TSX-V:UZZ), visit our website at www.unitedprotection.com. To join the 'request for information', go to the web page www.unitedprotection.com and click the tab 'request information' and follow the prompts. You may also email Investor Relations at: iruzz@unitedprotection.com.
Statements in this press release other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks related to business development and retention, and risks related to the current economic and credit conditions. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.
For further information
For additional investor and media relations inquiries contact: Fredy Ramsoondar, CFO, Executive Vice President, and Director, Email: fredy.ramsoondar@unitedprotection.com, Tel: 780-465-8101
Visit the UZZ showcase profile at Investorideas.com Request News and Info on UZZ Disclosure, Disclaimer/
UZZ is a paid advertising client on Investorideas.com and our defense portals(five hundered per month )
More Info:
Published at www.Investorideas.com - Global research by sectors
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Defense Stocks; United Protection Security Group Inc. (TSX-V: UZZ) - Q2 RESULTS
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Visit this company: unitedprotection.com
EDMONTON - August 31, 2010 (www.Investorideas.com newswire) - S.Jorstad, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Protection Security Group Inc. (UPSG or the Company), (TSX-V:UZZ) announces that the Company has released its interim financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010.
S.Jorstad stated, "As we expected, we continue to regain profitability during Q2 following the unusual weakness of the 2009 results. Revitalizing the British Columbia business unit is our most important priority and we made solid progress executing a business improvement plan that includes improving pricing, capturing significant cost improvements and developing a marketing strategy to increase market share. Meanwhile, we are reaping the rewards from having a diversified customer portfolio as our electronic security division in Q2 delivered the same profit level as Q1-2010. Results this year are from organic growth only as no revenue stream have been realized from the acquisition of NoGo NoTow franchising relationship as it is still in the pilot project marketing phase. Several key relationships have been established and I expect promising results in the future from this acquisition."
S.Jorstad further stated, "Negotiations that occurred in Q2 resulted in the news release of July 12, 2010 with respect to the $5,000,000 equity line facility arranged through Dutchess Capital Management. As announced, this facility will give the Company access to capital for strategic expansion initiatives as well as expansion of existing business segments. Management believes that this is a significant event towards the overall objective of strengthening the Company's long term financial position and aggressive growth strategies."
F.Ramsoondar, Chief Financial Officer reports on Q2- 2010 Financial Summary:
Revenue for the quarter amounted to $8,537,267, compared to $7,099,273 for the same quarter last year, an increase of $1,437,994 or 20.26%. Revenue for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 amounted to $17,350,443 compared to $14,860,396 for the same period last year, an increase of $2,490,047 or 16.76%.
Gross profit for the quarter amounted to $1,945,960 (22.79% of revenue), compared with $1,201,732 (16.93% of revenue) for the same period last year, an increase of $744,228. Gross profit for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 amounted to $4,006,853 compared to $2,887,175 for the same period last year, an increase of $1,119,678 or 38.78%.
Operating expenses totalled $1,715,709 for the period, compared with $1,613,889 for the same period last year, an increase of $101,820 or 6.31%. Operating expenses for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 amounted to $3,450,565 compared with $3,531,667 for the same period last year, a decrease of $81,102 or 2.35%.
EBIITDAS totalled $400,591 (4.69% of revenue) for the period, compared to negative EBIITDAS of $(246,358) for the same period last year, an increase of $646,949. EBIITDAS for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 amounted to $888,618 compared to $67,468 for the same period last year, an increase of $821,150 or 1,217.10%.
Net income for the period totalled $198,251, ($0.003 basic and diluted earnings per share); compared with net loss of $(376,980) ($(0.006) basic and diluted loss per share) for the same period last year, an increase of $575,231. Net income for the six month period ended June 30, 2010 totalled $524,288 ($0.01 basic and diluted earnings per share) compared to net loss of $(650,612) ($(0.01) basic and diluted loss per share) for the same period last year, an increase of $1,174,900.
In addition to using financial measures prescribed by CGAAP, certain non-CGAAP measures are also used by the Company. These non-GAAP measures are EBIITDA and EBIITDAS. References in this press release to EBIITDA are to net income before interest, impairment, taxes, depreciation and amortization. References in this press release to EBIITDAS are to net income before interest, impairment, taxes, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation.
Stock Awareness Activities
To find out more about United Protection Security Group Inc. (TSX-V:UZZ), visit our website at www.unitedprotection.com. To join the 'request for information', go to the web page www.unitedprotection.com and click the tab 'request information' and follow the prompts. You may also email Investor Relations at: iruzz@unitedprotection.com.
Statements in this press release other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks related to business development and retention, and risks related to the current economic and credit conditions. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.
For further information
For additional investor and media relations inquiries contact: Fredy Ramsoondar, CFO, Executive Vice President, and Director, Email: fredy.ramsoondar@unitedprotection.com, Tel: 780-465-8101
Visit the UZZ showcase profile at Investorideas.com Request News and Info on UZZ Disclosure, Disclaimer/
UZZ is a paid advertising client on Investorideas.com and our defense portals(five hundered per month )
More Info:
Published at www.Investorideas.com - Global research by sectors
If you have any questions regarding information in this press release please contact the company listed in the press release.
Connect with Investorideas.com
Publish Your News - Send a release
Disclaimer: The following news is paid for and /or published as information only for our readers. Investorideas.com is a third party publisher of news and research .Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising.
Investorideas.com Disclaimer: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.aspInvestorideas.com
Disclosure: http://www.investorideas.com/About/News/Clientspecifics.asp
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Opportunity and Risk in the Aerospace & Defense Sector
Opportunity and Risk in the Aerospace & Defense Sector
August 11 2010 – (www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com), a leading global investor and industry portal for the defense and security sector, within www.Investorideas.com, provides defense investors with sector commentary from Scott Sacknoff, manager of the SPADE® Defense Index.
Opportunity and Risk in the Aerospace & Defense Sector
A short summary of the defense policy, the budget & investing.
by Scott Sacknoff, SPADE Defense Index
Read more from the Spade Defense Index:
http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/Content_Partners/SI/Default.asp
#1: The Defense Budget is Going Down
Really? The media seems to focus on this but its not a real surprise to anyone who works in the sector, analyzes the sector, works in the government, or in Congress. Defense stocks are off 28% from its all-time highs having declined with the market decline of 2008/2009 and rebounding to the current level. In spite of the fear of a forthcoming budget contraction, many of the largest defense firms in the most recent quarterly reporting period posted revenues, earnings, and margins that beat analyst expectation, the sector remains tethered to the path of the S&P 500. The irony is that the defense budget has not yet declined and company's operating in the sector have yet to be impacted from what everyone expects will happen at some point.
Still, it is highly likely that the defense budget will not increase over the next several years due to the economic and budget situation facing the United States and the need to get our national debt and deficit under control. And it is highly likely that the budget devoted to defense activities will be smaller than we see today especially if the country does pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan within the next year and a half. That said, there are still some that maintain that the impact on the defense sector will be much less than many foresee because of the unwillingness of Congress, historically, to challenge what is and what is not needed in the defense sector. An article which appears in the Volume 17 #3 issue of 'Quest: The History of Spaceflight' goes into great detail the problems and issues that President Eisenhower faced trying to balance the budget while maintaining a strong defense sector. He feared that when a retired General was not in the White House it would be easy for the President and Congress to succumb to the advice of military personnel on what was truly needed to maintain a defense to protect the U.S. and it was usually much more than they actually needed. Reading the article it was remarkable how similar the situation is today. Yet, although the budget is tremendously important to the sector, today it is not the only factor one must consider.
#2 What May or May Not Happen
To head off any possible outside action, Secretary Gates and the Department of Defense have begun efforts to identify systematic waste and institute cost reduction measures. The hope is to keep the budget at or about the currently planned levels and use savings from efficiency measures for procurement and R&D. This would be a net positive to companies operating in the sector. War funding included, U.S. military spending in FY10 will approach $661B. The Defense Business Board estimates at least $200B ($1T over the Future Years Defense Plan) is overhead which would rank the agency 49th globally in GDP just behind Singapore and Portugal. A number of measures are being proposed including shutting the U.S. Joint Forces Command, freezing hiring (at the Office of Secretary of Defense, all Joint Staff directorates, and Combatant commands), eliminating redundant functions, reducing the DoD civilian workforce, and changing the rotation policy (which currently costs about $4 billion annually to move personnel from site to site). In addition, some personnel policy changes such as changing the way pay raises are calculated, raising DoD’s Tricare health care premiums, shifting retirees to the Medicare health system at age 65 (health care costs DoD $50 billion annually and is growing), and reducing the active force to levels seen earlier in the decade in 2003 are estimated to save the agency billions. In the immediate term, Sec. Gates is seeking to free up $101 billion over five years with each service freeing up $2 billion in 2012 and each DoD agency $1 billion. In 2013, the services ramp up to $3 billion with a peak of $10 billion in 2016.
#3: It’s easy to knock defense stocks but is there hidden value.
If Congress allows DoD to get its house in order the impact on companies operating in the defense sector might not be impacted as badly as some foresee. The share price of many defense stocks are already well off their all-time highs and fundamentals indicate some very strong companies maintaining substantial cash reserves
and low P/E, low P/S, and other favorable metrics.
Exports
Defense sector export revenues in 2009 were $38.1 billion and have been rising for the past several years. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle-East were not hit as hard during the recent global economic downturn and remain committed to building up their defense capabilities. As an example Qatar has issued an RFP to acquire up to 40 fighter jets, Canada, announced plans to purchase 65 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to replace some of its F/A-18 at a cost estimated to be around $400 million. South Korea set its 3rd phase fighter acquisition competition for 2012 where they anticipate acquiring another 40-60 planes by 2020 to bolster the 120 Boeing F- 15K aircraft they have already bought. And the 19 July 2010 Defense
News cited that the Asian market for the F-35 aircraft ($60M - $90M each) could be for more than 500 fighters over the next two decades. And Sikorsky (United Technologies) said it plans to double its international helicopter sales to about $2 billion a year by 2014.
European Economic Issues
Meanwhile economic and budget problems in Europe could be a net positive for the U.S. defense sector as resources are committed to debt reduction and the acquisition of U.S.-built equipment becomes cheaper than maintaining an indigenous capability. For example, in the United Kingdom, spending on research and technology has declined by 25% to 439 million pounds ($676 M) since 2007 and defense spending
cuts of 10%-20% are considered likely. Capabilities will either suffer or they will be supplemented by buying hardware from their allies.
Increased Commercial and Related Activity
Analysts see the commercial aerospace sector as beginning an upswing that will take it through much of the next decade as airlines around the world upgrade their fleets. Boeing (NYSE: BA) has indicated that it is fully booked beyond the middle of the decade and is increasing manufacturing to meet demand—and this is before the order cycle uptick from U.S. carriers which have delayed purchases because they suffered financially in recent years. At the Farnborough Air Show in July, $47 billion worth of contracts was announced, most of it commercial. Next year at the Paris Air Show (the show rotates sites), this figure should be much higher as government's get a handle on their budget situations and government-focused contracts are announced alongside the commercial activity.
Restructuring Operations
Defense companies have known that a peak in defense spending was coming and have been preparing for some time. Many have substantial cash on their balance sheets which will allow them to continue to shift into markets that they deem as faster growing. A leaner defense landscape will lead to an uptick in Mergers and Acquisitions. Boeing on 4Aug10 completed their $775 million acquisition of Argon ST and the private equity acquisition of DynCorp closed on 7July10. Meanwhile Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) announced it was exiting its shipbuilding business which they see has "little synergy between this and their other businesses". And European aerospace and defense firm, EADS, announced that it plans to expand in the U.S. and has an estimated 8 billion euros ($10.3 Billion) to spend on an acquisition.
Our Destabilized World
The recent failed assassination attempt of the Iranian president and North Korea's capturing another South Korean vessel reveal that our view on safety can change quickly. At this time there are several dozen ongoing armed conflicts around the world that could remain at current activity or escalate at any time. What we are willing to spend in the aftermath of a terrorist or warlike act can quickly shift our spending priorities.
#4 So, what's the downside?
Although the actual impact on a company's revenue from changes in the government budget may not be felt for several quarters (due to the length of time between when the budget process begins and money becomes available to procure items or research), the announcement itself tends to move stocks in the sector. Negative news and rumors can drive stocks in the sector lower even when no action takes place. At this point it time it is not clearly known what role Congress will take in reducing defense spending and what it will allow the Pentagon to do. All signs point to the fact that the Pentagon's efforts to restructure its operations are being met positively by many members of Congress and the money it frees up will be used to rebuild its capabilities, supporting the sector as a whole. However, changes can and will impact specific programs as well as the companies working on them. As an example, companies receiving significant revenues from war-time operations are likely to see declines as the U.S. pulls out of Iraq and Afghanistan once additional acquisitions to replace spent materials and build-up capabilities is accomplished. Although most of the companies that trade on the stock exchanges are much less exposed to the war effort than the public would imagine, it is likely they would be negatively impacted in the short term before share prices rebound. Likewise larger companies are more diversified among programs, agencies, and customers, and hence more immune to individual wins and loses but are susceptible to greater impact when large shifts occur.
#5 So an ETF or Individual Company?
In this environment, picking an individual stock to play the sector can be more risky than investing in a fund or a fund as part of a larger strategy. The defense sector has always had its own nuances, such as companies not being able to provide details on classified sector contracts, a budget which has been estimated by the Washington Post to be $75 billion. With all the conversations about what and how DoD will restructure and how large its budget will be in coming years, the opportunities that the sector presents (which have included beating by better than 100% or tracking the market for more than a decade and with current valuations representing a business decline that has not yet appeared) is definitely offset by the risk of these new unknowns. Recent movements in some individual stocks can be dramatic and highlight the risks. After the resignation of the president and COO of Mantech (NASDAQ: MANT) for undisclosed reason, their stock decline by 18% in 2Q10 and was downgraded from buy to hold by BB&T analyst Mike Lewis. Comtech (NASDQ: CMTL) dropped 38% after losing an incumbent contract to Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT). Meanwhile as I type this, satellite imagery firm DigitalGlobe (NYSE: DGI) is up 14% today after receiving a multi-billion contract. The benchmark SPADE Defense Index (NYSE: DXS), provides a useful measure to see how the individual companies stand up to the performance of the sector as a whole. As the underlying index to the Powershares Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE: PPA), it covers the breadth of the sector's activities, not a concentrated portion of it and represents firms whose activities are vital to the sector and vital to their companies operations.
With A&D representing 5% of U.S. GDP and the sector underweighted by the S&P500, investors should include the sector as a core element of their portfolio. At this time, the ETF appear to be less volatile, more diversified means to get that exposure.
Disclosure: Scott Sacknoff it’s the manager of the SPADE Defense Index, the underlying index for the Powershares Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE: PPA)
About the SPADE Defense Index
More info and previous interviews:
http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/Content_Partners/SI/Default.asp
The SPADE Defense Index® (AMEX: DXS) is a modified capitalization-weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies that benchmarks the performance of companies involved with the defense, homeland security, and space marketplace.
The SPADE Defense Index has been developed to be used by investors, financial professionals, trade analysts, and media as a benchmark for publicly traded stocks involved in these business sectors. The Index can be used as the basis for a range of financial instruments including options and other derivatives, exchange traded funds, and conventional mutual funds.
For more information: http://www.spadeindex.com/
Disclaimers: The information presented in this interview is for informational purposes and should not represent a solicitation or an offer to purchase an investment product. SPADE and the SPADE Defense Index are registered trademarks of the ISBC.
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Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to investors to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of any information presented. All information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising.
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Email: dvanzant@HomelandDefenseStocks.com
August 11 2010 – (www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com), a leading global investor and industry portal for the defense and security sector, within www.Investorideas.com, provides defense investors with sector commentary from Scott Sacknoff, manager of the SPADE® Defense Index.
Opportunity and Risk in the Aerospace & Defense Sector
A short summary of the defense policy, the budget & investing.
by Scott Sacknoff, SPADE Defense Index
Read more from the Spade Defense Index:
http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/Content_Partners/SI/Default.asp
#1: The Defense Budget is Going Down
Really? The media seems to focus on this but its not a real surprise to anyone who works in the sector, analyzes the sector, works in the government, or in Congress. Defense stocks are off 28% from its all-time highs having declined with the market decline of 2008/2009 and rebounding to the current level. In spite of the fear of a forthcoming budget contraction, many of the largest defense firms in the most recent quarterly reporting period posted revenues, earnings, and margins that beat analyst expectation, the sector remains tethered to the path of the S&P 500. The irony is that the defense budget has not yet declined and company's operating in the sector have yet to be impacted from what everyone expects will happen at some point.
Still, it is highly likely that the defense budget will not increase over the next several years due to the economic and budget situation facing the United States and the need to get our national debt and deficit under control. And it is highly likely that the budget devoted to defense activities will be smaller than we see today especially if the country does pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan within the next year and a half. That said, there are still some that maintain that the impact on the defense sector will be much less than many foresee because of the unwillingness of Congress, historically, to challenge what is and what is not needed in the defense sector. An article which appears in the Volume 17 #3 issue of 'Quest: The History of Spaceflight' goes into great detail the problems and issues that President Eisenhower faced trying to balance the budget while maintaining a strong defense sector. He feared that when a retired General was not in the White House it would be easy for the President and Congress to succumb to the advice of military personnel on what was truly needed to maintain a defense to protect the U.S. and it was usually much more than they actually needed. Reading the article it was remarkable how similar the situation is today. Yet, although the budget is tremendously important to the sector, today it is not the only factor one must consider.
#2 What May or May Not Happen
To head off any possible outside action, Secretary Gates and the Department of Defense have begun efforts to identify systematic waste and institute cost reduction measures. The hope is to keep the budget at or about the currently planned levels and use savings from efficiency measures for procurement and R&D. This would be a net positive to companies operating in the sector. War funding included, U.S. military spending in FY10 will approach $661B. The Defense Business Board estimates at least $200B ($1T over the Future Years Defense Plan) is overhead which would rank the agency 49th globally in GDP just behind Singapore and Portugal. A number of measures are being proposed including shutting the U.S. Joint Forces Command, freezing hiring (at the Office of Secretary of Defense, all Joint Staff directorates, and Combatant commands), eliminating redundant functions, reducing the DoD civilian workforce, and changing the rotation policy (which currently costs about $4 billion annually to move personnel from site to site). In addition, some personnel policy changes such as changing the way pay raises are calculated, raising DoD’s Tricare health care premiums, shifting retirees to the Medicare health system at age 65 (health care costs DoD $50 billion annually and is growing), and reducing the active force to levels seen earlier in the decade in 2003 are estimated to save the agency billions. In the immediate term, Sec. Gates is seeking to free up $101 billion over five years with each service freeing up $2 billion in 2012 and each DoD agency $1 billion. In 2013, the services ramp up to $3 billion with a peak of $10 billion in 2016.
#3: It’s easy to knock defense stocks but is there hidden value.
If Congress allows DoD to get its house in order the impact on companies operating in the defense sector might not be impacted as badly as some foresee. The share price of many defense stocks are already well off their all-time highs and fundamentals indicate some very strong companies maintaining substantial cash reserves
and low P/E, low P/S, and other favorable metrics.
Exports
Defense sector export revenues in 2009 were $38.1 billion and have been rising for the past several years. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle-East were not hit as hard during the recent global economic downturn and remain committed to building up their defense capabilities. As an example Qatar has issued an RFP to acquire up to 40 fighter jets, Canada, announced plans to purchase 65 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to replace some of its F/A-18 at a cost estimated to be around $400 million. South Korea set its 3rd phase fighter acquisition competition for 2012 where they anticipate acquiring another 40-60 planes by 2020 to bolster the 120 Boeing F- 15K aircraft they have already bought. And the 19 July 2010 Defense
News cited that the Asian market for the F-35 aircraft ($60M - $90M each) could be for more than 500 fighters over the next two decades. And Sikorsky (United Technologies) said it plans to double its international helicopter sales to about $2 billion a year by 2014.
European Economic Issues
Meanwhile economic and budget problems in Europe could be a net positive for the U.S. defense sector as resources are committed to debt reduction and the acquisition of U.S.-built equipment becomes cheaper than maintaining an indigenous capability. For example, in the United Kingdom, spending on research and technology has declined by 25% to 439 million pounds ($676 M) since 2007 and defense spending
cuts of 10%-20% are considered likely. Capabilities will either suffer or they will be supplemented by buying hardware from their allies.
Increased Commercial and Related Activity
Analysts see the commercial aerospace sector as beginning an upswing that will take it through much of the next decade as airlines around the world upgrade their fleets. Boeing (NYSE: BA) has indicated that it is fully booked beyond the middle of the decade and is increasing manufacturing to meet demand—and this is before the order cycle uptick from U.S. carriers which have delayed purchases because they suffered financially in recent years. At the Farnborough Air Show in July, $47 billion worth of contracts was announced, most of it commercial. Next year at the Paris Air Show (the show rotates sites), this figure should be much higher as government's get a handle on their budget situations and government-focused contracts are announced alongside the commercial activity.
Restructuring Operations
Defense companies have known that a peak in defense spending was coming and have been preparing for some time. Many have substantial cash on their balance sheets which will allow them to continue to shift into markets that they deem as faster growing. A leaner defense landscape will lead to an uptick in Mergers and Acquisitions. Boeing on 4Aug10 completed their $775 million acquisition of Argon ST and the private equity acquisition of DynCorp closed on 7July10. Meanwhile Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) announced it was exiting its shipbuilding business which they see has "little synergy between this and their other businesses". And European aerospace and defense firm, EADS, announced that it plans to expand in the U.S. and has an estimated 8 billion euros ($10.3 Billion) to spend on an acquisition.
Our Destabilized World
The recent failed assassination attempt of the Iranian president and North Korea's capturing another South Korean vessel reveal that our view on safety can change quickly. At this time there are several dozen ongoing armed conflicts around the world that could remain at current activity or escalate at any time. What we are willing to spend in the aftermath of a terrorist or warlike act can quickly shift our spending priorities.
#4 So, what's the downside?
Although the actual impact on a company's revenue from changes in the government budget may not be felt for several quarters (due to the length of time between when the budget process begins and money becomes available to procure items or research), the announcement itself tends to move stocks in the sector. Negative news and rumors can drive stocks in the sector lower even when no action takes place. At this point it time it is not clearly known what role Congress will take in reducing defense spending and what it will allow the Pentagon to do. All signs point to the fact that the Pentagon's efforts to restructure its operations are being met positively by many members of Congress and the money it frees up will be used to rebuild its capabilities, supporting the sector as a whole. However, changes can and will impact specific programs as well as the companies working on them. As an example, companies receiving significant revenues from war-time operations are likely to see declines as the U.S. pulls out of Iraq and Afghanistan once additional acquisitions to replace spent materials and build-up capabilities is accomplished. Although most of the companies that trade on the stock exchanges are much less exposed to the war effort than the public would imagine, it is likely they would be negatively impacted in the short term before share prices rebound. Likewise larger companies are more diversified among programs, agencies, and customers, and hence more immune to individual wins and loses but are susceptible to greater impact when large shifts occur.
#5 So an ETF or Individual Company?
In this environment, picking an individual stock to play the sector can be more risky than investing in a fund or a fund as part of a larger strategy. The defense sector has always had its own nuances, such as companies not being able to provide details on classified sector contracts, a budget which has been estimated by the Washington Post to be $75 billion. With all the conversations about what and how DoD will restructure and how large its budget will be in coming years, the opportunities that the sector presents (which have included beating by better than 100% or tracking the market for more than a decade and with current valuations representing a business decline that has not yet appeared) is definitely offset by the risk of these new unknowns. Recent movements in some individual stocks can be dramatic and highlight the risks. After the resignation of the president and COO of Mantech (NASDAQ: MANT) for undisclosed reason, their stock decline by 18% in 2Q10 and was downgraded from buy to hold by BB&T analyst Mike Lewis. Comtech (NASDQ: CMTL) dropped 38% after losing an incumbent contract to Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT). Meanwhile as I type this, satellite imagery firm DigitalGlobe (NYSE: DGI) is up 14% today after receiving a multi-billion contract. The benchmark SPADE Defense Index (NYSE: DXS), provides a useful measure to see how the individual companies stand up to the performance of the sector as a whole. As the underlying index to the Powershares Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE: PPA), it covers the breadth of the sector's activities, not a concentrated portion of it and represents firms whose activities are vital to the sector and vital to their companies operations.
With A&D representing 5% of U.S. GDP and the sector underweighted by the S&P500, investors should include the sector as a core element of their portfolio. At this time, the ETF appear to be less volatile, more diversified means to get that exposure.
Disclosure: Scott Sacknoff it’s the manager of the SPADE Defense Index, the underlying index for the Powershares Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE: PPA)
About the SPADE Defense Index
More info and previous interviews:
http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/Content_Partners/SI/Default.asp
The SPADE Defense Index® (AMEX: DXS) is a modified capitalization-weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies that benchmarks the performance of companies involved with the defense, homeland security, and space marketplace.
The SPADE Defense Index has been developed to be used by investors, financial professionals, trade analysts, and media as a benchmark for publicly traded stocks involved in these business sectors. The Index can be used as the basis for a range of financial instruments including options and other derivatives, exchange traded funds, and conventional mutual funds.
For more information: http://www.spadeindex.com/
Disclaimers: The information presented in this interview is for informational purposes and should not represent a solicitation or an offer to purchase an investment product. SPADE and the SPADE Defense Index are registered trademarks of the ISBC.
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Investorideas.com - Nanotechnolgy Stocks; mPower Technologies (OTC.BB:XDSL) to Speak at DoD Anti-Tampering Workshop at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Investorideas.com - Nanotechnolgy Stocks; mPower Technologies (OTC.BB:XDSL) to Speak at DoD Anti-Tampering Workshop at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Nanotechnolgy Stocks; mPower Technologies (OTC.BB:XDSL) to Speak at DoD Anti-Tampering Workshop at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Subscribe to Investor Ideas Green News
Visit this company: www.mPhaseTech.com
LITTLE FALLS, NJ - July 20, 2010 (Investorideas.com Newswire) - mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTC.BB:XDSL), today announced that it has been invited to speak at an anti-tampering technical workshop sponsored by the US Department of Defense and scheduled to be held July 20-22, 2010 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. At the workshop, mPhase will describe the advantages of Smart NanoBattery technology for defense-based applications.
The purpose of the anti-tampering workshop is to bring together the technical community of DoD organizations, small business and defense contractors, to discuss potential technologies that may be suited for improving the reliability of hardware and software systems and preventing them from being compromised by unintended external events, security threats or technical breaches. A goal of the workshop is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and potential collaboration efforts for companies that have been awarded Phase II government funding, to help transition the technology past the Phase II prototyping stage.
"This workshop is a very good opportunity for exposing the advantages and unique capabilities of the Smart NanoBattery for forward-looking applications involving securing mission-critical systems," said Ron Durando, president and CEO of mPhase Technologies. "We are looking forward to working with the DoD organizations and defense contractors to potentially drive our technology into leading-edge military applications."
The development of the Smart NanoBattery has been undertaken with funding support from a Phase II STTR Army award.
About mPhase Technologies, Inc.
mPhase Technologies is introducing a revolutionary Smart Surface technology enabled by breakthroughs in nanotechnology, MEMS processing and microfludics. Our Smart Surface technology has potential applications within drug delivery systems, lab-on-a-chip analytic systems, self-cleaning systems, liquid and chemical sensor systems, and filtration systems. mPhase has pioneered its first Smart Surface enabled product, the mPhase Smart NanoBattery.
In addition to the Smart Surface technology, mPhase recently introduced its first product the mPower Emergency Illuminator, an award winning product designed by Porsche Design Studio and sold via the mPower website: http://www.mpowertech.com.
More information about the company can be found at http://www.mPhaseTech.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
As a cautionary note to investors, certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in technology and product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's SEC filings, including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's SEC Filing. mPhase assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.
Contact:
Michael Meek CPhTmPhase Technologies, Inc.Investor Relations301-718-1635The Investor Relations Group212-825-3210Erika Moran
Visit the XDSL showcase profile at Investorideas.com Request News and Info on XDSL Disclosure, Disclaimer/ XDSL is a paid advertising client on Investorideas.com and our technology portals.
Published at www.Investorideas.com - Global research by sectors
Nanotechnolgy Stocks; mPower Technologies (OTC.BB:XDSL) to Speak at DoD Anti-Tampering Workshop at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Subscribe to Investor Ideas Green News
Visit this company: www.mPhaseTech.com
LITTLE FALLS, NJ - July 20, 2010 (Investorideas.com Newswire) - mPhase Technologies, Inc. (OTC.BB:XDSL), today announced that it has been invited to speak at an anti-tampering technical workshop sponsored by the US Department of Defense and scheduled to be held July 20-22, 2010 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. At the workshop, mPhase will describe the advantages of Smart NanoBattery technology for defense-based applications.
The purpose of the anti-tampering workshop is to bring together the technical community of DoD organizations, small business and defense contractors, to discuss potential technologies that may be suited for improving the reliability of hardware and software systems and preventing them from being compromised by unintended external events, security threats or technical breaches. A goal of the workshop is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and potential collaboration efforts for companies that have been awarded Phase II government funding, to help transition the technology past the Phase II prototyping stage.
"This workshop is a very good opportunity for exposing the advantages and unique capabilities of the Smart NanoBattery for forward-looking applications involving securing mission-critical systems," said Ron Durando, president and CEO of mPhase Technologies. "We are looking forward to working with the DoD organizations and defense contractors to potentially drive our technology into leading-edge military applications."
The development of the Smart NanoBattery has been undertaken with funding support from a Phase II STTR Army award.
About mPhase Technologies, Inc.
mPhase Technologies is introducing a revolutionary Smart Surface technology enabled by breakthroughs in nanotechnology, MEMS processing and microfludics. Our Smart Surface technology has potential applications within drug delivery systems, lab-on-a-chip analytic systems, self-cleaning systems, liquid and chemical sensor systems, and filtration systems. mPhase has pioneered its first Smart Surface enabled product, the mPhase Smart NanoBattery.
In addition to the Smart Surface technology, mPhase recently introduced its first product the mPower Emergency Illuminator, an award winning product designed by Porsche Design Studio and sold via the mPower website: http://www.mpowertech.com.
More information about the company can be found at http://www.mPhaseTech.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
As a cautionary note to investors, certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Company's success in technology and product development; the Company's ability to execute its business model and strategic plans; and all the risks and related information described from time to time in the Company's SEC filings, including the financial statements and related information contained in the Company's SEC Filing. mPhase assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.
Contact:
Michael Meek CPhTmPhase Technologies, Inc.Investor Relations301-718-1635The Investor Relations Group212-825-3210Erika Moran
Visit the XDSL showcase profile at Investorideas.com Request News and Info on XDSL Disclosure, Disclaimer/ XDSL is a paid advertising client on Investorideas.com and our technology portals.
Published at www.Investorideas.com - Global research by sectors
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