"Our second quarter performance was strong on virtually all key metrics, as we continue to successfully execute on our growth, diversification and operational efficiency strategies. From a top-line perspective, we delivered over 21% revenue growth, supported by record revenues in both our Test & Simulation and Sensors businesses.

From a profitability perspective, we continue to focus intensely on our cost structure and operational efficiency initiatives, which contributed to a 68% increase in net income, with margins rising to 6.1% for the quarter, and a 36% increase in Adjusted EBITDA, equating to a margin of 16.1% for the quarter. This strong performance supported our continuing investments in the business, further deleveraging of our balance sheet and a continued return of cash to our shareholders through our dividend.

Given the volume and quality of the orders we experienced in the first half of our fiscal year and our significant backlog position, we remain confident in our ability to deliver on our strategy of growth and expanded profitability in fiscal year 2019 and beyond."

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE 2019 SECOND FISCAL QUARTER

Revenue

Revenue was $233.0 million, up 21.8% compared to the same prior year period, driven by record revenue in Test & Simulation, which included equipment volume growth in all sectors, a full quarter contribution from the acquisition of E2M, which closed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, and continued growth in our Test services activities. Sensors experienced broad demand across all market sectors, as well as the initial ramp-up in volume associated with the U.S. Department of Defense contract, which combined to deliver a record revenue quarter for this business as well.

Orders

Test & Simulation orders for the quarter were $132.1 million, up 25.6% compared to the same prior year period, driven primarily by a large order in the ground vehicles sector of our Test & Simulation business, increased demand across the structures and simulation sectors, and strong growth in the Americas region.

Sensors orders for the quarter were $79.4 million, a 5.7% decrease over the same prior year period. This decline was primarily driven by weakness in the European and Asian regions specific to our Sensors position and systems sectors, partially offset by solid demand in the Americas region of our Sensors position sector and orders growth in our Sensors industrial sector from a slight rebound in the energy market.

Backlog

Backlog remained very strong at $493.5 million, up 40.1% from the same prior year period. Sequentially from the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, backlog was down 4.1% from our all-time high of $514.7 million as we saw a high-level of conversion to revenue on outstanding projects within the quarter.

Earnings Before Taxes

Earnings before taxes of $17.1 million was up $6.9 million compared to the same prior year period. This earnings increase was driven by growth in Test & Simulation gross profit, partially offset by higher operating expenses in both businesses and $0.5 million acquisition inventory fair value adjustment related to the acquisition of E2M.

Net Income and Diluted Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share was $0.73 compared to $0.44 in the same prior year period on net income of $14.2 million and $8.4 million, respectively. The $0.29 increase was primarily driven by growth in Test & Simulation gross profit. Second quarter of fiscal year 2019 results were impacted by $0.03 of non-recurring costs associated with the acquisition inventory fair value adjustment and acquisition-related expenses. Similarly, results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2018 include a $0.01 impact for non-recurring restructuring expense. Adjusting for these items, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.76 for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, and $0.45 for the same period in the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA grew to $37.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, up 36.4% compared to the same prior year period and 24.8% sequentially from the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. This growth was primarily due to significantly higher Test & Simulation gross profit and a full quarter contribution from the acquisition of E2M, partially offset by higher operating expenses in both Test & Simulation and Sensors. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, is provided in Exhibit D of this earnings release.

Capital Structure

During the quarter, our total debt balance decreased by $2.6 million. With a strong backlog and positive cash flow forecast, we expect to continue to pay down our debt, thus continuing to reduce our leverage ratio, between now and the end of fiscal year 2019.

Dividend

The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share. The dividend was payable on April 1, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 18, 2019. This was our 149^th consecutive quarterly dividend.

OUTLOOK

Test & Simulation Business

Looking forward, our strong performance during the first half of fiscal year 2019 supports our positive outlook for our Test & Simulation business. From a revenue perspective, our near-record backlog at mid-year reflects strong sales momentum driven by the rapidly expanding use of advanced materials, such as carbon-fiber composites, the adoption of additive manufacturing methods for net-shape component fabrications, and the rapidly increasing complexity of ground and air vehicles which requires new simulation methods for determining product performance and life. Our energy and infrastructure markets remain robust, driven by continued growth in wind power and advanced building designs which are more resistant to damage from earthquakes, sea and storm events. In addition, the acquisition of E2M diversifies us further into flight simulation, entertainment and other advanced simulation markets that further expand our growth opportunities.

In addition to our exciting growth opportunities, we continue to invest in operational efficiency initiatives to improve profitability, and in new products and technologies to drive margin expansion and to generate continued strong demand for Test & Simulation products and services.

Sensors Business

Strong demand in our Sensors business is anticipated to continue during fiscal year 2019 across all sectors, driven by accelerating new product introductions across all major markets and geographies, and expanded opportunities associated with the U.S. Department of Defense. This combination of positive factors, including full production ramp-up of sensors for the U.S. military, is expected to provide double digit top-line growth for the second half of the fiscal year, along with Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion for the Sensors business for the remainder of fiscal year 2019.

Consolidated

Based on these factors, we are confident in our outlook for fiscal year 2019 and are maintaining our full year guidance as: