PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Aastra Reports Second Quarter Financial Results TORONTO, ONTARIO (July 27, 2006) -- Aastra Technologies Limited - (TSX: AAH ) today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2006. Net earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2006 were $17.1 million or $0.94 diluted earnings per share compared to $7.0 million or $0.39 diluted earnings per share in the same period last year. Included in the results for this quarter is a gain, net of an estimated income tax effect of $11.6 million, of $17.3 million or $0.96 diluted earnings per share resulting from the sale of the Digital Video group. In addition, with the cash received from the Digital Video sale, one of our U.S. subsidiaries repurchased certain shares issued to its Canadian parent and as a result the Company recorded a foreign exchange loss of $12.9 million. Excluding the impact of the above items, as well the income tax benefit of $5.1 million realized on the foreign exchange loss, pro-forma earnings before income taxes for the second quarter would have been $9.6 million while net earnings after tax for the three months ended June 30, 2006 would have been $7.5 million or $0.41 diluted earnings per share, an increase of 7% over the second quarter of 2005. Sales for the three months ended June 30, 2006 were $151.3 million compared to net sales of $120.6 million for the same period last year, an increase of approximately 25.5%. The results for the second quarter this year include three months of operations from the DeTeWe Telecommunications Systems business acquired on July 31, 2005. The results of operations for the second quarter of 2006 and 2005 have been adjusted to exclude sales and expenses of the Digital Video group, which are presented separately as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. Gross margin was 42.4% of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2006, a decrease from a gross margin of 43.6% in the second quarter last year. This mild decrease in gross margins is primarily a result of lower margins realized on the DeTeWe products. Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2006 were $14.5 million or 9.6% of sales, compared to $11.4 million or 9.5% of sales in the same quarter of 2005. Selling, general and administrative ( SG&A ) expenses were $37.5 million or 24.8% of sales in the quarter compared to $28.7 million or 23.8% of sales in the second quarter of 2005. The increase in SG&A expenses in the second quarter of 2006 over the second quarter of 2005 resulted from several factors including increased trade show and marketing expenses related to two new product launches in Europe, professional fees and certain employee terminations.
Amortization of capital and intangible assets, excluding tooling, was $3.8 million for the second quarter compared to $4.8 million in the same period last year. Amortization expense decreased in the second quarter of this year as certain capital and intangible assets acquired from Nortel in 2000 and 2001 were fully amortized in the fourth quarter of 2005 and the first quarter of 2006. The Company recorded investment income of $0.8 million in the second quarter compared to $0.1 million for the second quarter last year as a result of higher average interest rates on larger excess cash and short-term investment cash balances this quarter. The Company recorded a foreign exchange gain from continuing operations of $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2006 compared to a foreign exchange gain of $0.4 million in the same period last year. While the Canadian dollar strengthened against the U.S. dollar during the second quarter, this was more than offset by a decrease in the Canadian dollar against the Euro during the same period. In addition, as indicated earlier, the Company recorded a foreign exchange loss of $12.9 million as a result of one of the Company s U.S. subsidiaries repurchasing certain shares that it had issued to the Company, using cash received from the sale of the Digital Video group. Income taxes recovered were $3.0 million in the second quarter. However, excluding the income tax benefit of $5.1 million realized on the foreign exchange loss, income tax expense was $2.1 million or 22% of pre-tax earnings in the second quarter of 2006 compared to an income tax expense of $1.5 million or 18% of pre-tax earnings in the second quarter last year. During the quarter the Company sold its Digital Video group to Harris Corporation for gross proceeds of $38.3 million (US$34.8 million), subject to certain purchase price adjustment provisions. As previously announced, the sale of the Digital Video group was driven by the Company s desire to focus its efforts on the Enterprise Communication market. As a result of the sale, management considers the on-going results of its remaining Network Access segment to be immaterial and such operations from this segment will now be included in the respective regional Enterprise Communications segments. At the end of the second quarter, Aastra had cash, cash equivalent and short-term investment balances of $152 million compared to $102 million at the end of December last year. In addition to the cash inflow from the Digital Video sale, cash flow from operations continued to be solid at $27.7 million in the second quarter of 2006. About Aastra Technologies Limited Aastra Technologies Limited (TSX: AAH ), headquartered in Concord, Ontario, Canada, develops and markets products and systems for accessing communication networks. Aastra s products include a full range of residential and business telephone terminals, Enterprise Private Branch Exchanges (PBX) and network access servers. Aastra serves the majority of telephone companies and certain broadcasters in North America and Europe. For more information on Aastra, visit our Web site at http://www.aastra.com.
This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation ( forward-looking statements ). Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, potentials, future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as believes, expects or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, or intends or stating that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken or achieved) are not statements of historical fact, but are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Aastra, or developments in Aastra s business or in its industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to: expectations regarding Aastra s restructuring and integration plans for the DeTeWe Telecommunications Systems business acquired on July 31, 2005. As described in detail under the heading Risk Factors in Aastra s annual information form filed on www.sedar.com, the material factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release include: integration of Aastra s recent acquisition of DeTeWe s telephony business; continued demand for Aastra s recently-acquired products; Aastra s reliance on third party manufacturers and component suppliers (in general and related to the recently-acquired business); dependence on key personnel; risks related to expansion of Aastra s business operations-domestically and internationally; exchange rate fluctuations; risks related to future acquisitions; requirements for additional financing of Aastra s business; longer credit terms extended to Aastra s customers; continued implementation of an enterprise resource planning system; potential fluctuations in quarterly financial results; possible volatility to Aastra s share price; limited range of products that Aastra sells; risks associated with product returns and product defects; Aastra s ability to protect its intellectual property; Aastra s potential vulnerability to computer and information systems security breaches; competition from third parties; consolidation and reorganization in the telecommunications industry; rapid technological change; risk of third party claims for infringement of intellectual property rights by others; and risks related to technical standards and the certification our products. The material factors and assumptions that were applied in making the forward-looking statements in this press include: that Aastra will be able to continue with its restructuring and integration plans for the DeTeWe Telecommunications Systems business; and that, after the implementation of the restructuring and integration plans, no further changes will be required in order to return the DeTeWe Telecommunications, to profitability based upon expected revenues. It is important to note that: unless otherwise indicated, forward-looking statements in this press release describe Aastra s expectations as of the date of this press release; Aastra cautions readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this press release as actual results may differ materially from expectations if known and unknown risks or uncertainties affect Aastra s business, or if estimates or assumptions prove inaccurate. Therefore, Aastra cannot provide any assurance that forward-looking statements will materialize and Aastra assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other reason. For further information contact: Allan Brett, CFO, (905) 905-760-4160 abrett@aastra.com
AASTRA TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED Aastra Technologies Limited CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars except per share data YEAR-TO-DATE First Quarter ended March 31, 2005 Six months ended June 30 th 2 nd QUARTER Three months ended June 30 th 2006 2005 2006 2005 Sales $ 296,973 $ 199,212 $ 151,300 $ 120,552 Cost of goods sold 171,502 108,997 87,211 68,010 $ 125,471 $ 90,215 $ 64,089 $ 52,542 Selling, general and administrative 70,929 48,489 37,521 28,742 Research and development 29,371 18,085 14,453 11,424 Amortization 8,268 7,549 3,833 4,556 Foreign exchange gain (807) (424) (576) (344) Investment income (1,345) (605) (791) (114) Other charges (note 5) 12,860-12,860 - Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 6,195 17,121 (3,211) 8,278 Income taxes (recovery) (1,145) 3,242 (3,008) 1,510 Net earnings (loss) from continuing operations 7,340 13,879 (203) 6,768 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (note 2) 853 (316) 769 254 Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of income taxes and transaction costs (note 2) 16,574-16,574 - Net earnings for the period $ 24,767 $ 13,563 $ 17,140 $ 7,022 Basic earnings per share for the period (note 8) $ 1.41 $ 0.79 $ 0.97 $ 0.41 Diluted earnings per share for the period (note 8) $ 1.37 $ 0.76 $ 0.94 $ 0.39 * Actual common shares outstanding as at June 30, 2006 17,623,709 (2005 17,309,459) ** Weighted average common shares outstanding for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2006 17,568,202 and 17,604,753 (2005 17,253,140 and 17,278,308) The interim consolidated financial statements for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 have not been reviewed by an auditor.
AASTRA TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED Aastra Technologies Limited CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars YEAR-TO-DATE First Quarter ended March 31, 2005 Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) operations: Six months ended June 30 th 2 nd QUARTER Three months ended June 30 th 2006 2005 2006 2005 Net earnings for the period $ 24,767 $ 13,563 $ 17,140 $ 7,022 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (17,427) 316 (17,343) (254) Amortization of capital assets 7,197 5,815 3,258 3,609 Amortization of intangible assets 3,918 3,691 1,814 1,980 Future income taxes 3,304 318 1,043 1,161 Stock-based compensation expense 580 282 303 175 Other charges (note 5) 12,860-12,860 - Other 388 51 195 26 Change in non-cash operating working capital (430) 3,180 8,412 8,958 35,157 27,216 27,682 22,677 Cash and cash equivalents provided by discontinued operations (note 2): 20,445 72 20,202 558 Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) financing activities: Bank indebtedness (2,490) 48 244 211 Issuance of common shares on exercise of options 1,529 984 377 593 Cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) investing activities: (961) 1,032 621 804 Purchase (maturity) of short-term investments 22,911 64,736 (6,720) 7,155 Net purchase of capital assets (5,135) (3,398) (1,727) (2,522) Business acquisitions (note 3) - (86,809) - 726 17,776 (25,471) (8,447) 5,359 Foreign exchange on cash held in foreign currency 430 (2,606) 812 (1,541) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 72,847 243 40,870 27,857 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 54,140 64,181 86,117 36,567 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 126,987 $ 64,424 $ 126,987 $ 64,424 The interim consolidated financial statements for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 have not been reviewed by an auditor.
AASTRA TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars JUNE 30 th 2006 DECEMBER 31 st 2005 JUNE 30 th 2005 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 126,987 $ 54,140 $ 64,424 Short-term investments 24,974 47,885 117 Accounts receivable 137,235 144,480 131,749 Income taxes receivable 404 404 - Inventories 61,212 59,941 56,533 Net investment in leases 1,145 2,071 753 Acquired lease receivables (note 3) 12,782 18,789 - Prepaid expenses and other assets 5,496 9,457 4,246 Future income tax assets 2,889 9,651 3,143 $ 373,124 $ 346,818 $ 260,965 Future income tax assets 5,925 5,932 8,842 Net investment in leases 2,952 2,793 1,786 Acquired lease receivables (note 3) 18,873 24,031 - Capital assets 36,272 39,378 32,865 Goodwill 18,790 18,147 6,353 Intangible assets 28,466 32,131 40,723 Other assets 948 787 983 $ 485,350 $ 470,017 $ 352,517 Liabilities and Shareholders Equity Current liabilities: Indebtedness 1,880 5,640 1,258 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 112,888 121,068 83,085 Restructuring accruals (note 4) 12,339 16,973 5,842 Income taxes payable 13,870 11,426 9,919 Deferred revenue 15,150 13,960 7,658 Loan payable (note 3) 11,617 18,789 - Future income tax liabilities 533 262 - $ 168,277 $ 188,118 $ 107,762 Contingent consideration payable 5,463 5,313 5,770 Pensions 16,391 16,506 4,204 Loan payable (note 3) 18,873 24,031 - Future income tax liabilities 7,646 8,623 1,076 Other long-term accruals 1,860 622 3,446 Restructuring accruals (note 4) 2,166 2,527 6,936 220,676 245,740 129,194 Shareholders equity: Share capital 106,899 105,370 103,391 Contributed surplus 1,690 1,110 615 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment (11,991) (25,512) (11,240) Retained earnings 168,076 143,309 130,557 264,674 224,277 223,323 $ 485,350 $ 470,017 $ 352,517 The interim consolidated financial statements for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 have not been reviewed by an auditor.
AASTRA TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY (UNAUDITED) Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars Common Shares Share Capital Contributed Surplus Cumulative Translation Adjustment Retained Earnings Balance, December 31, 2005 17,473,784 $ 105,370 $ 1,110 $ (25,512) $ 143,309 $ 224,277 Shares issued on exercise of options 112,425 1,152 - - - 1,152 Stock option compensation - - 277 - - 277 Translation of self sustaining operations - - - 2,161-2,161 Net earnings - - - - 7,627 7,627 Total Balance, March 31, 2006 17,586,209 106,522 1,387 (23,351) 150,936 235,494 Shares issued on exercise of options 37,500 377 - - - 377 Stock option compensation - - 303 - - 303 Translation of self sustaining operations - - - 11,360-11,360 Net earnings - - - - 17,140 17,140 Balance, June 30, 2006 17,623,709 106,899 1,690 (11,991) 168,076 264,674 Common Shares Share Capital Contributed Surplus Cumulative Translation Adjustment Retained Earnings Total Balance, December 31, 2004 17,206,634 $ 102,407 $ 333 $ 211 $ 116,994 $ 219,945 Shares issued on exercise of options 41,200 391 - - - 391 Stock option compensation - - 107 - - 107 Translation of self sustaining operations - - - (5,101) - (5,101) Net earnings - - - - 6,541 6,541 Balance, March 31, 2005 17,247,834 102,798 440 (4,890) 123,535 221,883 Shares issued on exercise of options 61,625 593 593 Stock option compensation 175 175 Translation of self sustaining operations (6,350) (6,350) Net earnings 7,022 7,022 Balance, June 30, 2005 17,309,459 $ 103,391 $ 615 $ (11,240) $ 130,557 $ 223,323 The interim consolidated financial statements for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 have not been reviewed by an auditor.