CAE Reports First Quarter Results

CAE has reported earnings from continuing operations for the first quarter ending June 30, 2003, of C$15.1 million or 7 cents per share compared to C$37.4 million (or 17 cents per share) in the first quarter of the prior fiscal year. Consolidated revenue for the first quarter decreased 12 percent to C$242.9 million from the C$275.8 million generated in the prior year, while the C$2.2 billion backlog was constant at June 30 compared to March 31. CAE's net debt, defined as long-term debt less cash and short-term investments, decreased by C$9.8 million during the first quarter. The reduction in net debt is attributable to foreign currency fluctuations and the receipt of C$28.5 million from the sale and leaseback of two simulators and C$23.1 million from discontinued operations, offset by increases in non-cash working capital of C$73.9 million and capital expenditures of C$25.2 million. Additional costs arising from the disposition of the discontinued Beyss operation caused a loss from discontinued operations of C$1.9 million during the quarter that lowered net earnings to C$13.2 million, compared to C$37.4 million in the prior year. Marine Controls ("Marine”) generated first-quarter operating earnings of C$4.9 million compared to C$6.4 million in the prior year, while revenues were stable at C$34.2 million. The reduction in operating earnings and margins and the absence of revenue growth are attributable to foreign exchange impacts. Recently, Marine was awarded three contracts to provide its integrated platform management system for the U.S. Navy’s next-generation DD(X) destroyers.