MRV Announces Second-Quarter Results and the Acquisition of AstroTerra Corp.
Unification of Optical Wireless Activities to Take Place Under Newly Formed Optical Access Inc.
CHATSWORTH, Calif.--July 27, 2000--MRV Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:MRVC) today announced closing the acquisition of AstroTerra Corp., a pioneer in the development of free-space optical wireless technology. This acquisition, together with the acquisition of JOLT, announced earlier this year, propels Optical Access Inc. into a premier position as the leading supplier of optical wireless solutions. Newly formed Optical Access Inc. develops, manufactures and markets optical wireless systems that enable a fundamental shift in the design of the access network. The company's products create an unconstrained optically meshed networks with intelligent switching, provisioning and aggregation Features. Together with its WDM fiber solutions, Optical Access eliminates the bottleneck between the user's premises and the backbone network. This allows a provider to bypass the incumbent carrier's copper access network, to quickly and cost-effectively establish enhanced high-speed broadband services. The Optical Access solutions enable faster deployment and increased bandwidth over competing solutions. The company's switched meshed architecture and redundant features provide service availability in all weather conditions. AstroTerra was founded in 1992 and quickly established itself as the recognized leader in the high-speed optical wireless communications field. The company's strong intellectual property includes patented technology that uses multiple transmit apertures to avoid atmospheric scintillation fade. This allows wireless optical transmission up to 5 kilometers. In partnership with Lucent Technologies, AstroTerra was the first to demonstrate a working laser communication system capable of transferring data at rates of 2.5 Gbps over a range of 2.4 kilometers. AstroTerra's new TerraLink Fusion systems combine an optical communication link with an automatic radio frequency back-up to provide 100 percent wireless availability, even in the worst weather conditions. AstroTerra has shown great success in developing high-speed satellite laser communications technology, most notably with the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization and U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. The Space Technology Research Vehicle -2 (STRV-2) is the first satellite-to-ground experiment capable of transmitting information at Gigabit speeds over a distance of two thousand kilometers. Dr. Eric Korevaar, president of AstroTerra, commented: "We are very excited to join forces with an innovative, forward-thinking company like MRV Communications. Combining our expertise in optical wireless technology with the comprehensive solution that Optical Access offers represents a strong step forward in bringing ultra high-speed wireless solutions to the last-mile telecommunications arena." Noam Lotan, president and chief executive officer of MRV, commented: "Acquiring AstroTerra Corp. establishes Optical Access as the leader in optical wireless technology. This technology is poised to make a strong impact on the last mile broadband access. Wireless access is cheaper and faster to install than fiber and can deliver the high bandwidth that users require. "With our robust product line, the experience of thousands of optical wireless installations, and substantial ownership of intellectual property, MRV stands to capitalize on the emerging opportunities in this field. We intend to file for an Initial Public Offering of Optical Access within 90 days." Separately, MRV announced closing the acquisitions of Optronics International Corp. ("OIC") and Quantum Optech Inc. ("QOI"), now part of Luminent Inc.
Organizational Changes in Management
The following changes took place in the management of Luminent. Dr. William R. Spivey, former president of the Network Products group of Lucent Technologies, was appointed president, chief executive officer and director of Luminent. Eric Blachno, former managing director of Research and a financial analyst for PMG, was appointed vice president of Finance and chief financial officer of Luminent. Khalid (Ken) Ahmad resigned his position as general manager of Luminent and in so doing, is no longer an officer at MRV. Dr. Mark Heimbuch was appointed vice president and chief technology officer of Luminent. In addition, Dan Avida, former chairman and CEO of Electronics for Imaging, Richard S. Hill, chairman and CEO of Novellus Systems and Amos Wilnai, chairman of MMC Networks, joined the newly formed board of directors of Luminent. The following changes in management took place at MRV and its subsidiaries. At iTouch Communications, Philippe Szwarc was appointed CEO, Mary Jane Gruninger was appointed executive vice president of Research and Development and Engineering and Francois-Henri Worm, founder of CES, was appointed chief technology officer. Ofer Iny, vice president of Engineering at Zuma Networks, is no longer an officer of MRV. In addition, Guy Avidan will head Optical Access Inc.
Financials
Revenues for the quarter were $73,935,000, up from $73,251,000 in the second quarter of 1999. Including non-recurring charges, net loss for the second quarter of 2000, was $27,750,000 compared with net income of $525,000 in the quarter ended June 30, 1999. Including non-recurring charges, basic and diluted loss per share for the second quarter of 2000 were 44 cents compared with basic and diluted earnings per share of 1 cent in the second quarter of 1999. Excluding non-recurring charges, basic and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2000 were 2 cents, compared with basic earnings per share of 8 cents and diluted earnings per share of 7 cents in the second quarter of 1999. Revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2000, were $139,007,000, compared with $143,367,000 for the corresponding six-month period in 1999. Including non-recurring charges, net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2000, was $33,614,000 compared with a net loss of $384,000 for the corresponding period in 1999. Excluding non-recurring charges, net income for the six months ended June 30, 2000 was $1,502,000, compared with net income of $6,488,000 for the corresponding period in 1999. Including non-recurring charges, basic and diluted losses per share for the six months ended June 30, 2000, were 56 cents compared with basic and diluted losses per share of 1 cent, for the six months ended June 30, 1999. Excluding non-recurring charges, basic earnings per share were 3 cents and diluted earnings per share were 2 cents for the six months ended June 30, 2000, compared with basic and diluted earnings per share of 12 cents, for the six months ended June 30, 1999. All historical amounts reflected in these financial results have been adjusted for the two-for-one stock split that took place in May 2000.
About MRV Communications
MRV Communications is a world-class leader in optical network components and systems. The company has leveraged its early leadership in fiber optic transmission into a well-focused range of solutions, integrating switching, routing, access servers and optical transmission systems. As the Internet evolves into a single global communication network, MRV has launched the development of new technologies to drive the next-generation infrastructures. Such developments encompass optical access systems, subscribers' management systems and Linux-based solutions. MRV has initiated and funded cutting-edge start-up companies including Zaffire (formerly known as New Access Communications), Charlotte's Networks, Hyperchannel, Zuma Networks and most recently RedC Optical Networks. MRV's Web site is located at mrv.com.
This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents filed by MRV with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the most recent reports on Forms 10K and 10Q, which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including potential fluctuations in operating results, dependence on new product developments, rapid technological and market changes, manufacturing risks, volatility of the company's stock price, financial risk management and future growth subject to risks. The announcement of the anticipated filing of any registration statements contained herein does not constitute an offer of any securities for sale.
MRV COMMUNICATIONS INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands)
June 30, Dec. 31, 2000 1999 (unaudited) (audited)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS: Cash & cash equivalents $ 45,207 $ 34,330 Short-term investments 3,427 10,141 Accounts receivable 63,555 60,637 Inventories (Including Contract in Progress of $1,682 in 2000) 49,616 35,392 Refundable Income Taxes -- 3,216 Deferred income taxes 7,663 6,907 Other current assets 5,872 6,336
Total current assets 175,340 156,959
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - At cost, net of depreciation and amortization 48,497 19,600
OTHER ASSETS: Goodwill & Intangibles 321,764 27,214 Deferred compensation 40,795 -- U.S. Treasury notes 95,014 97,704 Investments in Partner Companies 29,969 4,232 Deferred income taxes 6,827 5,324 Loan financing costs and other 6,655 3,500
$724,861 $314,533
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES Current maturities of financing lease obligations $ 1,097 $ 198 Accounts payable 33,485 33,455 Accrued liabilities 21,744 15,403 Short-term debt 78,801 -- Deferred revenue 1,293 1,478 Income taxes payable 714 --
Total current liabilities 137,134 50,534
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Convertible debentures 90,000 90,000 Capital lease obligations, net of current portion 1,589 1,481 Deferred income taxes 1,213 281 Other long-term liabilities 10,152 2,647
Total long-term liabilities 102,954 94,409
MINORITY INTERESTS 2,599 2,775
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: 482,174 166,815
$724,861 $314,533
MRV COMMUNICATIONS INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data)
Six Months Three Months Ended, Ended June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2000 1999 2000 1999 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
REVENUES, net $139,007 $143,367 $ 73,935 $ 73,251
COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of goods sold 88,529 93,961 45,793 47,595 Research and development expenses 13,367 12,098 7,307 5,969 Research and development expenses of consolidated development stage enterprises 13,282 4,939 7,451 2,603 Selling, general and administrative expenses 41,481 29,804 26,467 14,750 Amortization of goodwill and intangibles from acquisitions 13,069 1,933 12,055 1,142
Operating (loss) income (30,721) 632 (25,138) 1,192 Interest expense related to convertible notes 2,803 2,250 1,678 1,125
Other income, net (a) 1,125 2,660 488 1,257
Provision for income taxes 883 1,409 1,377 782
Minority interests 332 17 45 17
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(33,614) $ (384) $(27,750) $ 525
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC $ (0.56) $ (0.01) $ (0.44) $ 0.01 NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - DILUTED $ (0.56) $ (0.01) $ (0.44) $ 0.01
SHARES USED IN PER - SHARE CALCULATION - BASIC 59,839 53,358 62,754 53,472 SHARES USED IN PER - SHARE CALCULATION - DILUTED 59,839 53,358 62,754 57,621
(a) Includes cost of unconsolidated development stage enterprises of $1,437 and $951 for the six- and three months ended June 30, 2000.
SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA INFORMATION (Unaudited)
AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLES FROM ACQUISITIONS, net of tax effects 13,069 1,933 12,055 1,142
DEFERRED COMPENSATION EXPENSE, net of tax effects 7,328 -- 7,328 --
DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISES, net of tax effects 14,719 4,939 9,565 2,603
NET INCOME BEFORE AMORTIZATION OF ACQUISITION INTANGIBLES AND RECOGNIZED DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE COSTS $ 1,502 $ 6,488 $ 1,198 $ 4,270
EARNINGS PER SHARE BEFORE AMORTIZATION OF ACQUISITION INTANGIBLES AND RECOGNIZED DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE COSTS - BASIC $ 0.03 $ 0.12 $ 0.02 $ 0.08
EARNINGS PER SHARE BEFORE AMORTIZATION OF ACQUISITION INTANGIBLES AND RECOGNIZED DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE COSTS - DILUTED $ 0.02 $ 0.12 $ 0.02 $ 0.07
SHARES USED IN PER - SHARE CALCULATION - BASIC 59,839 53,358 62,754 53,472 SHARES USED IN PER - SHARE CALCULATION - DILUTED 66,767 56,391 68,925 58,326
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CONTACT: MRV Communications Inc. Diana Hayden, 818/886-6782 (investor relations) diana@mrv.com |