10-Q 1 q2_10q.htm FORM 10-Q q2_10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________

FORM 10-Q

 (Mark One)

þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010

OR

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ______ to ______

Commission file number 1-14279
____________________________________
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

Delaware
06-1209561
(State of Incorporation of Registrant)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

21839 Atlantic Boulevard
Dulles, Virginia  20166
(Address of principal executive offices)

(703) 406-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ                                            Accelerated filer o      Non-accelerated filer o       Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).            Yes o  No þ

As of July 27, 2010, 57,777,826 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.
 



ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

     
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except share data)

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 243,444     $ 372,986  
Receivables, net
    321,756       199,482  
Inventories, net
    45,083       38,662  
Deferred income taxes, net
    40,776       37,902  
Other current assets
    21,600       14,258  
Total current assets
    672,659       663,290  
Investments
    12,600       13,100  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    197,635       133,275  
Goodwill
    69,009       55,551  
Deferred income taxes, net
    40,456       50,326  
Other non-current assets
    20,181       13,939  
Total assets
  $ 1,012,540     $ 929,481  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 246,920     $ 171,805  
Deferred revenues and customer advances
    102,408       127,056  
Total current liabilities
    349,328       298,861  
Long-term obligations
    122,858       120,274  
Other non-current liabilities
    7,279       7,886  
Total liabilities
    479,465       427,021  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred Stock, par value $.01; 10,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding
           
Common Stock, par value $.01; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 57,774,806 and
               
56,879,528 shares outstanding, respectively
    578       569  
Additional paid-in capital
    555,009       539,235  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (2,687 )     (1,906 )
Accumulated deficit
    (19,825 )     (35,438 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    533,075       502,460  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,012,540     $ 929,481  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

   
Quarters Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues
  $ 337,726     $ 270,129     $ 633,916     $ 565,870  
Cost of revenues
    271,297       208,815       499,199       455,163  
Research and development expenses
    30,268       30,734       60,431       49,705  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    23,933       17,759       44,693       37,017  
Income from operations
    12,228       12,821       29,593       23,985  
Investment impairment charge
          (600 )           (1,300 )
Interest income and other
    408       1,750       746       7,413  
Interest expense
    (2,341 )     (2,157 )     (4,702 )     (4,414 )
Income before income taxes
    10,295       11,814       25,637       25,684  
Income tax provision
    (3,950 )     (3,075 )     (10,024 )     (7,743 )
Net income
  $ 6,345     $ 8,739     $ 15,613     $ 17,941  
                                 
Basic income per share
  $ 0.11     $ 0.15     $ 0.27     $ 0.31  
                                 
Diluted income per share
  $ 0.11     $ 0.15     $ 0.27     $ 0.31  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in thousands)

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 15,613     $ 17,941  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization expense
    11,393       9,632  
Deferred income taxes
    7,170       6,668  
Stock-based compensation and other
    6,188       6,683  
Investment impairment charge
          1,300  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisition
    (93,584 )     2,093  
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (53,220 )     44,317  
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (33,591 )     (18,357 )
Payment for business acquisition
    (55,000 )      
Other
          1,322  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (88,591 )     (17,035 )
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Repurchase of common stock
          (16,681 )
Net proceeds from issuances of common stock
    10,311       1,262  
Tax benefit of stock-based compensation
    1,958       117  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    12,269       (15,302 )
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (129,542 )     11,980  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    372,986       328,307  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 243,444     $ 340,287  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2010 and 2009
(Unaudited)


(1)  Basis of Presentation

Orbital Sciences Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, “Orbital” or the “company”), a Delaware corporation, develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial information reflects all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation on a going concern basis.  Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to instructions, rules and regulations prescribed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  The company believes that the disclosures provided herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading when these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements contained in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions, including estimates of future contract costs and earnings.  Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and earnings during the current reporting period.  Management periodically assesses and evaluates the adequacy and/or deficiency of liabilities recorded for various reserves, contract risks and other uncertainties.  Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions.

All financial amounts are stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

The company has evaluated subsequent events in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Management has evaluated the events and transactions that have occurred through the date the financial statements were issued, and noted no items requiring adjustment of the financial statements. Operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.


(2) Business Combination

On April 2, 2010, the company acquired certain assets and liabilities of the spacecraft development and manufacturing business of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation, for $55 million in cash, subject to a potential working capital adjustment that will be determined at a later date.  The acquisition is expected to further strengthen the company’s competitive position in defense and intelligence, civil government and commercial satellite markets.

The company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the operations of the acquired net assets beginning April 2, 2010, the date of acquisition.  The company recorded $1.6 million of acquisition-related expenses in the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010.  The revenues and operating income of the acquired business were not material to the company’s results of operations for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010.

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, “Business Combinations.”  The preliminary allocation of the purchase price for the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition using established valuation techniques.  The estimated purchase price allocation is preliminary and is subject to revision.  A valuation of certain of the assets acquired is being conducted, and the final allocation will be made when completed.  The company may recognize material changes to the acquired assets or liabilities as a result of a working capital adjustment or if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date.

The table below reflects the purchase price allocation as of June 30, 2010 (in thousands):

Property plant and equipment
  $ 42,194  
Intangible assets
    7,100  
Goodwill
    13,458  
Net working capital
    (7,752 )
Total purchase price
  $ 55,000  

The purchased intangible assets consist of acquired technology and will be amortized over a 10-year period.  The company recorded $13.5 million of goodwill, all of which is deductible for tax purposes.  The primary items that generated the goodwill include the value of the synergies between the company and the acquired business and the acquired assembled workforce, neither of which qualifies as an amortizable intangible asset.


Changes in the company’s goodwill balances by reportable business segment are as follows (in thousands):

   
Launch Vehicles
   
Satellites and Space Systems
   
Advanced Space Programs
   
Total
 
                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 10,310     $ 45,241     $     $ 55,551  
Goodwill acquired
          5,118       8,340       13,458  
Balance at June 30, 2010
  $ 10,310     $ 50,359     $ 8,340     $ 69,009  

(3)  Industry Segment Information

Orbital’s products and services are grouped into three reportable business segments:  (i) launch vehicles; (ii) satellites and space systems; and (iii) advanced space programs.  Reportable segments are generally organized based upon product lines.  Corporate office transactions that have not been attributed to a particular segment, as well as consolidating eliminations and adjustments, are reported in corporate and other.  The primary products and services from which the company’s reportable segments derive revenues are:

 
Launch Vehicles.  Rockets that are used as interceptor and target vehicles for missile defense systems, small- and medium-class space launch vehicles that place satellites into Earth orbit and escape trajectories, and suborbital launch vehicles that place payloads into a variety of high-altitude trajectories.

 
Satellites and Space Systems.  Small- and medium-class spacecraft that are used to enable global and regional communications and broadcasting, to conduct space-related scientific research, to carry out interplanetary and other deep-space exploration missions, to enable national security applications, to collect imagery and other remotely-sensed data about the Earth and to demonstrate new space technologies.

 
Advanced Space Programs.  Human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit and lunar exploration, and small- and medium-class satellites and satellite subsystems primarily used for national security space programs and to demonstrate new space technologies.

Intersegment revenues are generally negotiated and accounted for under terms and conditions that are similar to other commercial and government contracts.  Substantially all of the company’s assets and operations are located within the United States.


The following table presents operating information and identifiable assets by reportable segment (in thousands):

   
Quarters Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Launch Vehicles:
                       
Revenues(1)
  $ 95,702     $ 117,072     $ 196,044     $ 236,312  
Operating income
    3,469       4,082       8,000       8,368  
Identifiable assets
    184,328       151,249 (2)     184,328       151,249 (2)
Capital expenditures
    12,209       1,267       22,425       2,727  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,808       1,470       3,614       3,081  
Satellites and Space Systems:
                               
Revenues(1)
  $ 139,423     $ 94,121     $ 239,944     $ 204,278  
Operating income
    7,512       7,734       15,219       15,534  
Identifiable assets
    243,368       178,233 (2)     243,368       178,233 (2)
Capital expenditures
    1,797       4,940       3,327       8,464  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,515       2,169       4,780       4,345  
Advanced Space Programs:
                               
Revenues(1)
  $ 120,926     $ 62,053     $ 228,469     $ 130,399  
Operating income
    2,867       1,005       7,994       83  
Identifiable assets
    187,974       91,981 (2)     187,974       91,981 (2)
Capital expenditures
    3,672       5,171       6,182       5,749  
Depreciation and amortization
    116       3       119       6  
Corporate and Other:
                               
Revenues(1)
  $ (18,325 )   $ (3,117 )   $ (30,541 )   $ (5,119 )
Operating loss
    (1,620 )(3)           (1,620 )(3)      
Identifiable assets
    396,870       508,018 (2)     396,870       508,018 (2)
Capital expenditures
    816       1,082       1,657       1,417  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,711       1,114       2,880       2,200  
Consolidated:
                               
Revenues
  $ 337,726     $ 270,129     $ 633,916     $ 565,870  
Operating income
    12,228       12,821       29,593       23,985  
Identifiable assets
    1,012,540       929,481 (2)     1,012,540       929,481 (2)
Capital expenditures
    18,494       12,460       33,591       18,357  
Depreciation and amortization
    6,150       4,756       11,393       9,632  

 
 (1)  Corporate and other revenues are comprised solely of the elimination of intersegment revenues.  Intersegment revenues are summarized as follows (in millions):

       
Quarters Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Launch Vehicles  
  $ 16.5     $ 2.5     $ 27.0     $ 3.3  
Satellites and Space Systems
    1.5       0.6       2.8       1.7  
Advanced Space Programs
    0.3             0.7       0.1  
Total intersegment revenues
  $ 18.3     $ 3.1     $ 30.5     $ 5.1  
 (2)  As of December 31, 2009.
 
(3)  The corporate and other operating loss in 2010 is comprised solely of transaction expenses incurred in connection with a business acquisition (see Note 2).


(4)  Earnings Per Share

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

       
Quarters Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Numerator
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Net income
  $ 6,345     $ 8,739     $ 15,613     $ 17,941  
   
Percentage allocated to shareholders (1)
    99.2 %     98.5 %     99.2 %     98.5 %
   
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share
  $ 6,294     $ 8,608     $ 15,488     $ 17,672  
                                     
Denominator
                               
   
Denominator for basic earnings per share -
                               
   
   weighted-average shares outstanding
    57,682       56,450       57,373       56,818  
   
Dilutive effect of stock options
    667       733       729       748  
   
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
    58,349       57,183       58,102       57,566  
                                     
Per share income
                               
   
Basic
  $ 0.11     $ 0.15     $ 0.27     $ 0.31  
   
Diluted
    0.11       0.15       0.27       0.31  
                                     
                                     
     (1)
 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
    57,682       56,450       57,373       56,818  
     
 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding and
                               
     
   unvested restricted share units expected to vest
    58,155       57,326       57,847       57,693  
     
 Percentage allocated to shareholders
    99.2 %     98.5 %     99.2 %     98.5 %

The calculation of EPS shown above excludes the income attributable to the company’s unvested restricted stock units from the numerator and excludes the impact of those units from the denominator.

For the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, diluted weighted-average shares outstanding excluded the effect of less than 0.1 million of stock options and the effect of the company’s convertible notes, both which were anti-dilutive.


(5)  Receivables

Receivables consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Billed
  $ 60,379     $ 53,157  
Unbilled
    261,377       146,325  
Total
  $ 321,756     $ 199,482  

As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, unbilled receivables included approximately $17 million of incentive fees on certain completed satellite contracts that become due incrementally over periods of up to 15 years, subject to the achievement of performance criteria.  In addition, certain satellite contracts require the company to refund cash to the customer if performance criteria, which cover periods of up to 15 years, are not satisfied.  As of June 30, 2010, the company could be required to refund up to approximately $20 million to customers if certain completed satellites were to fail to satisfy performance criteria.  Orbital generally procures insurance policies that the company believes would indemnify the company for satellite incentive fees that are not earned and for performance refund obligations.
 
 (6)  Inventories

Total inventories were $45.1 million at June 30, 2010 and $38.7 million at December 31, 2009.  Substantially all of the company’s inventory consisted of component parts, raw materials and milestone payments for future delivery of component parts.

(7)  Investments

As of June 30, 2010, the company held investments consisting of four auction-rate debt securities (three life insurance company capital reserve funds and one credit derivative products company reserve fund), an auction-rate equity security (financial guarantee company capital reserve fund) and two preferred stock investments.  These investments are classified as available for sale securities and as non-current assets on the company’s balance sheet.  Contractual maturities for the debt securities are 15 years or greater and the remaining securities have no fixed maturity.  The amortized cost and fair value of these investments were as follows (in thousands):

   
June 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Cost or Amortized Cost
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Fair Value
   
Cost or Amortized Cost
   
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Fair Value
 
Debt
  $ 11,400     $ (900 )   $ 10,500     $ 11,400     $ (500 )   $ 10,900  
Equity(1)
    2,000       100       2,100       2,000       200       2,200  
Total
  $ 13,400     $ (800 )   $ 12,600     $ 13,400     $ (300 )   $ 13,100  
                                                 
(1)  As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, cost and fair value of the two preferred stock investments was $0.


        The changes in fair value of the investments were recorded as follows (in thousands):

   
Quarters Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Debt Securities
                       
Fair value at beginning of period
  $ 10,500     $ 12,800     $ 10,900     $ 12,900  
Temporary impairment (charges) credits, net
          300       (400 )     200  
Fair value at end of period
  $ 10,500     $ 13,100     $ 10,500     $ 13,100  
                                 
                                 
Equity Securities
                               
Fair value at beginning of period
  $ 2,100     $ 1,900     $ 2,200     $ 3,800  
Temporary impairment (charges) credits, net
          300       (100 )     (900 )
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
          (600 )           (1,300 )
Net change in fair value
          (300 )     (100 )     (2,200 )
Fair value at end of period
  $ 2,100     $ 1,600     $ 2,100     $ 1,600  
                                 
                                 
Total
                               
Fair value at beginning of period
  $ 12,600     $ 14,700     $ 13,100     $ 16,700  
Temporary impairment (charges) credits, net
          600       (500 )     (700 )
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
          (600 )           (1,300 )
Net change in fair value
                (500 )     (2,000 )
Fair value at end of period
  $ 12,600     $ 14,700     $ 12,600     $ 14,700  

There was no sale, purchase, issuance, settlement or transfer activity related to these investments during the periods presented.

Auction-rate securities are intended to be structured to provide liquidity through an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined calendar intervals.  This mechanism allows existing investors either to roll over or liquidate their holdings by selling such securities at par.  Since the third quarter of 2007 and through June 30, 2010, the auctions, which occur approximately every 28 days for the auction-rate securities held by the company, have not had sufficient buyers to cover investors’ sell orders, resulting in unsuccessful auctions.  These unsuccessful auctions result in a resetting of the interest rate paid on the securities until the next auction date, at which time the process is repeated.

The company has estimated the fair value of these securities based on an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis which considered the following key inputs: (i) the underlying structure of each security; (ii) the present value of future principal and interest payments discounted at rates considered to reflect current market conditions and the relevant risk associated with each security; and (iii) the time horizon until each security will be sold.  The discount rates used in the present value calculations are based on yields on U.S. Treasury securities with similar time horizons plus interest rate risk premiums that are intended to compensate for general market risk and the risk specific to each security.  The risk premiums are based upon current credit default swap pricing market data for similar or related securities or credit spreads for corporate bonds with similar credit ratings and similar maturities.  The discounted cash flow analysis is a Level 3 valuation.


        The company records other-than-temporary impairment charges with respect to equity securities based on the company’s assessment that it is likely that the fair value of the investment will not fully recover in the foreseeable future given the duration, severity and continuing declining trend of the fair value of the security, as well as the uncertain financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer.  The company determines other-than-temporary impairment charges for its debt securities based on credit losses.

At this time it is uncertain if or when the liquidity issues relating to these investments will improve, and there can be no assurance that the market for auction-rate securities will stabilize.  The fair value of the auction-rate securities could change significantly in the future and the company may be required to record additional temporary or other-than-temporary impairment charges if there are further reductions in fair value in future periods.

On January 1, 2010, the company adopted new accounting guidance that is included in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  This guidance clarifies certain existing disclosure requirements.  This standard did not have a material impact on the company’s disclosures.

(8)  Debt

Convertible Notes

In December 2006, the company issued $143.8 million of 2.4375% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2027 with interest payable semi-annually each January 15 and July 15.  As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the net carrying amount of the convertible notes was $122.9 million and $120.3 million, respectively, and the related unamortized debt discount was $20.9 million and $23.5 million, respectively.

Under certain circumstances, the convertible notes are convertible into cash, or a combination of cash and common stock at the company’s election, based on an initial conversion rate of 40.8513 shares of the company’s common stock per $1,000 in principal amount of the convertible notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $24.48 per share).

At any time on or after January 21, 2014, the convertible notes are subject to redemption at the option of the company, in whole or in part, for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the convertible notes, plus unpaid interest, if any, accrued to the redemption date.

Holders of the convertible notes may require the company to repurchase the convertible notes, in whole or in part, on January 15, 2014, January 15, 2017 or January 15, 2022, or, if a “fundamental change” (as such term is defined in the indenture governing the convertible notes) occurs, for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the convertible notes, plus any unpaid interest, if any, accrued to the redemption date.

The fair value of the company’s convertible notes at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was estimated at $139.4 million and $136.5 million, respectively.  The fair value was determined based on market prices quoted by a broker-dealer.

 
11

 
Credit Facility

In August 2007, the company entered into a $100 million revolving secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), with the option to increase the amount of the Credit Facility up to $175 million to the extent that any one or more lenders commit to be a lender for such additional amount.  At the election of the company, loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at either (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.25%, with the applicable margin varying according to the company’s total leverage ratio, or (ii) at a prime rate.  The Credit Facility expires in 2012 and is secured by substantially all of the company’s assets.  Up to $75 million of the Credit Facility may be reserved for letters of credit.  As of June 30, 2010, there were no borrowings under the Credit Facility, although $6.5 million of letters of credit were issued under the Credit Facility.  Accordingly, as of June 30, 2010, $93.5 million of the Credit Facility was available for borrowings.

Debt Covenants

Orbital’s Credit Facility contains covenants limiting its ability to, among other things, pay cash dividends, incur debt or liens, redeem or repurchase company stock, enter into transactions with affiliates, make investments, merge or consolidate with others or dispose of assets.  In addition, the Credit Facility contains financial covenants with respect to leverage and interest coverage.

(9)  Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
Quarters Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net income
  $ 6,345     $ 8,739     $ 15,613     $ 17,941  
Unrealized loss on investments
   
 —
      600       (500 )     (700 )
Defined benefit plans, net of tax
    (447 )     743       (281 )     425  
Total comprehensive income
  $ 5,898     $ 10,082     $ 14,832     $ 17,666  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $2.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively.


(10)  Stock-Based Compensation

The following tables summarize information related to stock-based compensation transactions:

   
Restricted Stock Units
   
Stock Options
         
Weighted Average
       
Weighted Average
   
Number of
   
Measurement
   
Number of
 
Exercise
   
Units
   
Date Fair Value
   
Options
 
Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    473,615       $22.88       2,301,305       $  8.29  
Granted (1)
    42,970       17.27              
Exercised
                (824,255 )     11.73  
Vested
    (25,394 )     18.70              
Forfeited
    (2,147 )     25.33       (1,599 )     5.79  
Expired
                (33,500 )     16.24  
Outstanding at June 30, 2010
    489,044       $22.57       1,441,951 (2)     $  6.15  

(1)  
The fair value of restricted stock unit grants is determined based on the closing market price of Orbital’s common stock on the date of grant.  Such value is recognized as expense over the service period, net of estimated forfeitures.
(2)  
The weighted average remaining contractual term is 2.44 years.

   
Quarters Ended June 30,
(in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
Stock-based compensation expense
  $
1.7
    $
2.7
 
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense
   
 0.7
     
 0.9
 
Intrinsic value of options exercised computed as the market
               
     price on the exercise date less the price paid to exercise the options
   
 1.2
     
 0.1
 
Cash received from exercise of options
   
 2.2
     
 0.3
 
Tax benefit recorded as credits to additional paid-in capital related
               
     to stock-based compensation transactions
   
 0.4
     
 0.1
 
                 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)
 
2010
 
2009
Stock-based compensation expense
  $
3.5
    $
5.1
 
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense
   
 1.4
     
 1.7
 
Intrinsic value of options exercised computed as the market
               
     price on the exercise date less the price paid to exercise the options
   
 5.4
     
 0.3
 
Cash received from exercise of options
   
 9.7
     
 0.4
 
Tax benefit recorded as credits to additional paid-in capital related
               
     to stock-based compensation transactions
   
 2.0
     
 0.1
 

   
As of
 
(in millions)
 
June 30, 2010
 
Shares of common stock available for grant under stock-based incentive plans
    1.6  
Aggregate intrinsic value of restricted stock units that are expected to vest
  $ 7.7  
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units, expected to
       
be recognized over a weighted-average period of less than one year
    4.5  
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, all fully vested
    13.9  



(11)  Research and Development

In the first quarter of 2008, the company entered into an agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”) to design, build and demonstrate a new space transportation system under a program called Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (“COTS”), for delivering cargo and supplies to the International Space Station.  Under the agreement, NASA has agreed to pay the company $170 million in cash milestone payments, partially funding Orbital’s project costs which are currently estimated to be approximately $300 million.

The COTS agreement is being accounted for as a best-efforts research and development cost-sharing arrangement.  As such, the amounts funded by NASA are recognized proportionally as an offset to the company’s COTS project research and development expenses, including associated general and administrative expenses.  The following table summarizes the COTS project research and development expenses incurred and amounts funded by NASA (in millions):

   
Second Quarter
   
First Six Months
   
Inception
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
To Date
 
Research and development costs incurred (1)
  $ 38.9     $ 22.8     $ 67.2     $ 37.5     $ 189.7  
Less - amounts funded by NASA
    18.1       14.4       33.1       26.3       116.2  
Net research and development expenses
  $ 20.8     $ 8.4     $ 34.1     $ 11.2     $ 73.5  
 
(1) Includes associated general and administrative expenses.
 
As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, deferred revenues and customer advances on the accompanying balance sheet included $23.8 million and $46.8 million, respectively, of cash received from NASA that had not yet been recorded as an offset to research and development expenses.

(12)  Income Taxes

The company’s effective tax rates were 39.1% and 30.0% as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the expiration of the research and development tax credit at the end of 2009.

(13)  Commitments and Contingencies

U.S. Government Contracts

The accuracy and appropriateness of costs charged to U.S. Government contracts are subject to regulation, audit and possible disallowance by the Defense Contract Audit Agency or other government agencies.  Accordingly, costs billed or billable to U.S. Government customers are subject to potential adjustment upon audit by such agencies.
 
Most of the company’s U.S. Government contracts are funded incrementally on a year-to-year basis.  Changes in government policies, priorities or funding levels through agency or program budget reductions by the U.S. Congress or executive agencies could materially adversely affect the company’s financial condition or results of operations.  Furthermore, contracts with the U.S. Government may be terminated or suspended by the U.S. Government at any time, with or without cause.  Such contract suspensions or terminations could result in unreimbursable expenses or charges or otherwise adversely affect the company’s financial condition and/or results of operations.
 
The company is engaged in a major product development program of a medium-capacity rocket, Taurus II, that could substantially increase the payload capacity of the company’s space launch vehicle products.   Approximately $7.8 million and $20.3 million of the research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $23.1 million and $34.8 million in the first six months of 2010 and 2009, respectively, were attributable to the Taurus II program.  Since the inception of the program through June 30, 2010, the company has recorded $132.7 million of costs on the Taurus II research and development program.  The company believes that it will continue to incur significant research and development expenses during the remainder of 2010 and to a lesser extent in 2011 on the Taurus II development effort.

The majority of the company’s revenues are attributable to contracts with the U.S. Government and the company believes that a majority of the company’s research and development expenses are recoverable and billable under such contracts.  Charging practices relating to research and development and other costs that may be charged directly or indirectly to U.S. Government contracts are subject to audit by U.S. Government agencies to determine if such costs are reasonable and allowable under government contracting regulations and accounting practices.  The company is currently engaged in discussions with the Defense Contract Audit Agency regarding the allowability of research and development costs incurred in connection with the company’s Taurus II development program.  The company believes that such costs are allowable, although the U.S. Government has not yet made a determination.  If such costs were determined to be unallowable, the company could be required to record revenue and profit reductions in future periods.

Terminated Contracts

During the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, the Orion Launch Abort System contract and the Kinetic Energy Interceptor contract, respectively, were terminated for convenience by the customers.  The company has recognized its best estimate of the revenues and profit that will ultimately be realized in the final termination settlements.  However, because of the inherent judgments associated with termination costs and profit assessments, it is possible that the company could recognize a material adjustment to earnings upon resolution of these matters.

Satellite Anomaly

In April 2010, the Galaxy 15 satellite that was manufactured by Orbital and placed into orbit in 2005 for Intelsat, Ltd. experienced an anomaly.  A technical investigation into the anomaly is ongoing.  If it is ultimately determined that the satellite cannot perform its mission, then the remaining incentive fees payable to the company under the Galaxy 15 contract may become

 
uncollectible and a customer refund obligation could be triggered.  Such an outcome could result in a reduction in operating income of up to approximately $7 million in the quarter that such determination is made.  The company believes that it would be entitled to recover substantially all of this amount under an insurance policy and management believes that such proceeds would be recorded in “other income.”  Management believes that the incentive fees payable to the company will be realized and that no refund obligation will be triggered.

Litigation

From time to time the company is party to certain litigation or other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.  Because of the uncertainties inherent in litigation, the company cannot predict whether the outcome of such litigation or other legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations or financial condition.


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed within this Item 2 and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control.  Readers should be aware that a number of important factors, including those identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, may affect actual results and may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected in any forward-looking statement.  Historical results of operations may not be indicative of future operating results.  We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

We develop and manufacture small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers.  Our primary products and services include the following:

·  
Launch Vehicles.  Rockets that are used as interceptor and target vehicles for missile defense systems, small- and medium-class space launch vehicles that place satellites into Earth orbit, and suborbital launch vehicles that place payloads into a variety of high-altitude trajectories.

·  
Satellites and Space Systems.  Small- and medium-class spacecraft that are used to enable global and regional communications and broadcasting, to conduct space-related scientific research, to carry out interplanetary and other deep-space exploration missions, to enable national security applications, to collect imagery and other remotely-sensed data about the Earth and demonstrate new space technologies.

·  
Advanced Space Programs.  Human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit and lunar exploration, and small- and medium-class satellites and satellite subsystems primarily used for national security space programs and to demonstrate new space technologies.
 
As discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying financial statements, during the second quarter of 2010 we acquired certain assets and liabilities of the spacecraft development and manufacturing business of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation, for $55 million in cash, subject to a potential working capital adjustment that will be determined at a later date.
 
The following discussion should be read along with our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.


Consolidated Results of Operations for the Quarters and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009

Revenues - Our consolidated revenues were $337.7 million in the second quarter of 2010, an increase of $67.6 million, or 25%, compared to the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to higher revenues in the advanced space programs and satellites and space systems segments, partially offset by lower revenues in the launch vehicles segment.  Advanced space programs segment revenues increased $58.9 million, or 95%, due to increased activity on the International Space Station Commercial Resupply Services (“CRS”) contract and national security satellite programs, partly offset by decreased activity on the Orion human spacecraft Launch Abort System (“LAS”) contract, which was terminated for convenience in the second quarter of 2010.  Satellites and space systems segment revenues increased $45.3 million, or 48%, primarily due to increased activity on communications satellite contracts in addition to activity on science and technology contracts acquired in connection with the spacecraft business acquisition completed in the second quarter of 2010.  Launch vehicles segment revenues declined $21.4 million, or 18%, primarily due to decreased activity on the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (“GMD”) missile defense program and the termination of the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (“KEI”) contract by the Missile Defense Agency (“MDA”) in the second quarter of 2009, partially offset by increased production work on Taurus II launch vehicles for the CRS contract and the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (“COTS”) demonstration mission.   The elimination of intercompany revenues reduced consolidated revenues in the second quarter of 2010 by $18.3 million, compared to $3.1 million in the second quarter of 2009.  Intercompany revenues in the second quarter of 2010 included $16.5 million pertaining to Taurus II production work in the launch vehicles segment for the COTS program.

Our consolidated revenues were $633.9 million in the first half of 2010, an increase of $68.0 million, or 12%, compared to the first half of 2009 primarily due to the same factors that drove quarterly results, namely higher revenues in the advanced space programs and satellites and space systems segments, partially offset by lower revenues in the launch vehicles segment.  Advanced space programs segment revenues increased $98.1 million, or 75%, due to increased activity on the CRS contract and national security satellite programs, partly offset by decreased activity on the Orion LAS contract, which was terminated for convenience by the customer in the second quarter of 2010.  Satellites and space systems segment revenues increased $35.7 million, or 17%, primarily due to increased activity on communications satellite contracts in addition to activity on science and technology contracts acquired in connection with the recent spacecraft business acquisition completed in the second quarter of 2010.  Launch vehicles segment revenues declined $40.3 million, or 17%, primarily due to decreased activity on the GMD missile defense program and the termination of the KEI contract in the second quarter of 2009, partially offset by increased production work on Taurus II launch vehicles for the CRS and COTS programs.   The elimination of intercompany revenues reduced consolidated revenues in the first half of 2010 by $30.5 million, compared to $5.1 million in the first half of 2009.  Intercompany revenues in the first half of 2010 included $27.0 million pertaining to Taurus II production work in the launch vehicles segment for the COTS program.


        Cost of Revenues - Our cost of revenues was $271.3 million in the second quarter of 2010, an increase of $62.5 million, or 30%, compared to the second quarter of 2009.  Cost of revenues includes the costs of personnel, materials, subcontractors and overhead.  Second quarter 2010 cost of revenues increased compared to the second quarter of 2009 in the advanced space programs and satellites and space systems segments, partially offset by lower cost of revenues in the launch vehicles segment, consistent with the revenue trends in each business segment discussed above.  Cost of revenues in the advanced space programs segment increased $47.0 million, or 104%, and $43.6 million, or 55%, in the satellites and space systems segment, while cost of revenues in the launch vehicles segment decreased $13.0 million, or 14%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009.

Our cost of revenues was $499.2 million in the first half of 2010, an increase of $44.0 million, or 10%, compared to the first half of 2009.  Similar to our quarterly results, cost of revenues in the first half of 2010 increased compared to the first half of 2009 in the advanced space programs and satellites and space systems segments, partially offset by lower cost of revenues in the launch vehicles segment, consistent with the revenue trends in each business segment.  Cost of revenues in the advanced space programs segment increased $70.2 million, or 67%, and $34.4 million, or 20%, in the satellites and space systems segments, while cost of revenues in the launch vehicles segment decreased $35.1 million, or 19%, in the first half of 2010 compared to the first half of 2009.

Research and Development Expenses - Our research and development expenses totaled $30.3 million, or 9% of revenues, in the second quarter of 2010, a $0.4 million decrease compared to $30.7 million, or 11% of revenues, in the second quarter of 2009.  This marginal decrease in research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2010 was primarily due to a $12.5 million decrease in our Taurus II launch vehicle development program, substantially offset by a $12.3 million increase in the COTS program.  During the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, approximately $7.8 million and $20.3 million, respectively, of our research and development expenses were attributable to the Taurus II program.

For the first half of 2010, research and development expenses totaled $60.4 million, or 10% of revenues, a $10.7 million increase compared to $49.7 million, or 9% of revenues, in the first half of 2009.  This increase in research and development expenses in the first half of 2010 was primarily due to a $22.8 million increase in the COTS program partially offset by an $11.7 million decrease in our Taurus II launch vehicle development program.  In the first half of 2010 and 2009, approximately $23.1 million and $34.8 million, respectively, of our research and development expenses were attributable to the Taurus II program.


Under the COTS agreement, NASA has agreed to pay us $170 million in cash milestone payments, partially funding our COTS project costs which are currently estimated to be approximately $300 million.  The COTS agreement is being accounted for as a best-efforts research and development cost-sharing arrangement.  As such, the amounts funded by NASA are recognized proportionally as an offset to our COTS project research and development expenses, including associated general and administrative expenses.  The following table summarizes the COTS project research and development expenses incurred and amounts funded by NASA (in millions):
 
   
Second Quarter
   
First Six Months
   
Inception
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
To Date
 
Research and development costs incurred (1)
  $ 38.9     $ 22.8     $ 67.2     $ 37.5     $ 189.7  
Less - amounts funded by NASA
    18.1       14.4       33.1       26.3       116.2  
Net research and development expenses
  $ 20.8     $ 8.4     $ 34.1     $ 11.2     $ 73.5  

(1)  Includes associated general and administrative expenses.

As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, deferred revenues and customer advances on the accompanying balance sheet included $23.8 million and $46.8 million, respectively, of cash received from NASA that had not yet been recorded as an offset to research and development expenses.  We believe that we will continue to incur significant research and development expenses on the Taurus II and COTS development programs during the remainder of 2010 and to a lesser extent in 2011.

We believe that the majority of our research and development expenses are recoverable and billable under our contracts with the U.S. Government.  Charging practices relating to research and development and other costs that may be charged directly or indirectly to government contracts are subject to audit by U.S. Government agencies to determine if such costs are reasonable and allowable under government contracting regulations and accounting practices.  We are currently engaged in discussions with the Defense Contract Audit Agency regarding the allowability of research and development costs incurred in connection with our Taurus II development program.  We believe that such costs are allowable, although the U.S. Government has not yet made a determination.  During the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, we incurred $6.1 million and $13.4 million, respectively, of expenses that have been recorded as allowable costs.  Since the inception of the program through June 30, 2010, the company has incurred $94.2 million recorded as allowable costs on the Taurus II research and development program.  If such costs were determined to be unallowable, we could be required to record revenue and profit reductions in future periods.

For competitive reasons, we have established self-imposed ceilings on the amount of research and development costs that we would recover under our U.S. Government contracts.  Although we believe that such costs would otherwise be allowable and recoverable, in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, we incurred $5.1 million and $6.9 million, respectively, of research and development costs in excess of our self-imposed ceiling.  In the first six months of 2010 and 2009, we incurred $10.3 million and $13.1 million, respectively, of research and development costs in excess of our self-imposed ceiling.

 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses - Selling, general and administrative expenses were $23.9 million and $17.8 million, or 7% of revenues, in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Selling, general and administrative expenses include the costs of our finance, legal, administrative and general management functions, as well as bid, proposal and marketing costs.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.2 million, or 35%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to an increase in bid, proposal and marketing costs in connection with launch vehicle and advanced space program business prospects and $1.6 million of acquisition costs incurred in connection with our second quarter 2010 business acquisition (see Note 2 to the accompanying financial statements).

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $44.7 million and $37.0 million, or 7% of revenues, in the first half of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $7.7 million, or 21%, in the first half of 2010 primarily due to the same factors that drove our quarterly results.

Operating Income - Operating income was $12.2 million in the second quarter of 2010, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 5%, compared to the second quarter of 2009.  This decrease was due to decreased activity on missile defense interceptor programs and the effect of the termination of the Orion LAS contract, a reduction in communications satellite operating income due to costs related to the Galaxy 15 communications satellite anomaly that occurred in April 2010, as discussed below, and $1.6 million of costs incurred in connection with our second quarter 2010 business acquisition.  These decreases were partially offset by increased activity on the CRS contract and national security satellite programs, the profit generated by the contracts acquired in connection with our second quarter 2010 business acquisition and a decrease in unrecovered Taurus II launch vehicle research and development expenses.

In April 2010, the Galaxy 15 satellite that was manufactured by us and placed into orbit in 2005 for Intelsat, Ltd. experienced an anomaly.  A technical investigation into the anomaly is ongoing.  If it is ultimately determined that the satellite cannot perform its mission, then the remaining incentive fees payable to us under the Galaxy 15 contract may become uncollectible and a customer refund obligation could be triggered.  Such an outcome could result in a reduction in operating income of up to approximately $7 million in the quarter that such determination is made.  We believe that we would be entitled to recover substantially all of this amount under our insurance policy and such proceeds would be recorded in “other income.”  Management currently believes that the incentive fees payable to us will be realized and that no refund obligation will be triggered.  We recognized approximately $2.5 million of expenses associated with engineering and troubleshooting activities related to the anomaly during the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010.

Operating income was $29.6 million in the first half of 2010, an increase of $5.6 million, or 23%, compared to the first half of 2009.  This increase was primarily due to increased activity on the CRS contract and national security satellite programs and a decrease in unrecovered Taurus II launch vehicle research and development expenses.  These factors were partially offset by the

 
effect of the termination of the Orion LAS contract, costs related to the Galaxy 15 satellite anomaly resolution activities and the business acquisition costs discussed above.
 
Investment Impairment Charge - In the second quarter and first half of 2009, we recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $0.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively, to record the reduction in fair value of one of our investments.  There were no such impairment charges in 2010.

Interest Income and Other - Interest income and other decreased to $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2010, compared to $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2009.  This decrease was primarily due to a $1.1 million gain recognized on the sale of an investment in the second quarter of 2009 and a reduction in interest income resulting from lower cash balances and reduced interest rates.

Interest income and other decreased to $0.7 million in the first half of 2010, compared to $7.4 million in the first half of 2009.  This decrease is attributable to a $5.3 million insurance recovery recorded in the first half of 2009 in connection with a launch failure and the $1.1 million gain on the sale of an investment as discussed above.

Interest Expense - Interest expense was $2.3 million and $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and was $4.7 million and $4.4 million in the first half of 2010 and 2009, respectively, attributable to interest on our $143.8 million of long-term debt.

Income Tax Provision - We recorded an income tax provision of $4.0 million and $3.1 million in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $10.0 million and $7.7 million in the first half of 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Our annual effective income tax rate was 39.1% and 30.0% for the first half of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the expiration of the research and development tax credit at the end of 2009.

Net Income - Our net income was $6.3 million, or $0.11 diluted earnings per share, and $8.7 million, or $0.15 diluted earnings per share, in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and was $15.6 million, or $0.27 diluted earnings per share, and $17.9 million, or $0.31 diluted earnings per share, in the first half of 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Segment Results for the Quarters and Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009

Our products and services are grouped into three reportable segments: (i) launch vehicles; (ii) satellites and space systems; and (iii) advanced space programs.  Corporate office transactions that have not been attributed to a particular segment, as well as consolidating eliminations and adjustments, are reported in corporate and other.

The following tables of financial information and related discussion of the results of operations of our business segments are consistent with the presentation of segment information in Note 3 to the financial statements in this Form 10-Q.

 
Launch Vehicles

Launch vehicles segment operating results were as follows:

   
Second Quarter
   
First Six Months
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Revenues
  $ 95,702     $ 117,072       (18%)     $ 196,044     $ 236,312       (17%)  
Operating income
    3,469       4,082       (15%)       8,000       8,368       (4%)  
Operating margin
    3.6 %     3.5 %             4.1 %     3.5 %        

Segment Revenues - Launch vehicles segment revenues decreased $21.4 million, or 18%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to decreased activity on missile defense interceptor launch vehicle and certain space launch vehicle and target launch vehicle programs.  Interceptor launch vehicle revenues decreased $38.2 million due to decreased activity on our GMD program in the second quarter of 2010 and the termination of the KEI contract in the second quarter of 2009.  Interceptor launch vehicle contracts accounted for 24% and 53% of total launch vehicles segment revenues in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The revenue reductions mentioned above were partially offset by a $30.3 million revenue growth due to an increase in production work on Taurus II launch vehicles for the CRS and COTS programs.  Our launch vehicles business unit is building a Taurus II launch vehicle for the COTS program, which is reported as a research and development program in our advanced space programs segment.  Accordingly, Taurus II revenues for the COTS program were reported as intersegment revenues and totaled $16.5 million in the second quarter of 2010.  Taurus II launch vehicle revenues accounted for 36% of total launch vehicle segment revenues in the second quarter of 2010.

Launch vehicles segment revenues decreased $40.3 million, or 17%, in the first half of 2010 compared to the first half of 2009 primarily due to the same factors that impacted our second quarter results.  Interceptor launch vehicle revenues decreased $77.0 million due to decreased activity on our GMD program in the first half of 2010 and lower KEI contract revenues as a result of termination of the program in the second quarter of 2009.  Interceptor launch vehicle contracts accounted for 26% and 54% of total launch vehicles segment revenues in the first half of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The revenue reductions mentioned above were partially offset by a $55.6 million revenue growth due to an increase in production work on Taurus II launch vehicles for the CRS and COTS programs.  Taurus II revenues for the COTS program were reported as intersegment revenues and totaled $27.0 million in the first half of 2010.  Taurus II launch vehicle revenues accounted for 31% of total launch vehicle segment revenues in the first half of 2010.

Segment Operating Income - Operating income in the launch vehicles segment decreased $0.6 million, or 15%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 due to a $6.6 million reduction in operating income attributable to lower GMD and KEI contract activity, substantially offset by several factors including a $5.1 million reduction in unrecovered research and development expenditures, increased Taurus II production work for the CRS and COTS programs, and favorable adjustments on certain target launch vehicle contracts.  Operating income from interceptor launch vehicle contracts was $2.0 million and $8.6 million in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  In the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, operating income reflects $1.8 million and $6.9 million,


respectively, of research and development expenses that exceeded our self-imposed ceiling on such costs.
 
Operating income in the launch vehicles segment decreased $0.4 million, or 4%, in the first half of 2010 compared to the first half of 2009 due to a $12.4 million reduction in operating income attributable to lower GMD and KEI contract activity, substantially offset by a $8.1 million reduction in unrecovered research and development expenditures in the first half of 2010, increased Taurus II production work for the CRS and COTS programs and favorable adjustments on certain target launch vehicle contracts.  Operating income from interceptor launch vehicle contracts was $4.3 million and $16.7 million in the first half of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  In the first half of 2010 and 2009, operating income reflects $4.9 million and $13.1 million, respectively, of research and development expenses that exceeded our self-imposed ceiling on such costs. 
 
Segment operating margins were higher in the second quarter and first half of 2010 primarily due to the decrease in unrecovered Taurus II research and development expenses.

Satellites and Space Systems
 
 
Satellites and space systems segment operating results were as follows:

   
Second Quarter
   
First Six Months
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Revenues
  $ 139,423     $ 94,121       48%     $ 239,944     $ 204,278       17%  
Operating income
    7,512       7,734       (3% )     15,219       15,534       (2% )
Operating margin
    5.4 %     8.2 %             6.3 %     7.6 %        

Segment Revenues - Satellites and space systems segment revenues increased $45.3 million, or 48%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 largely due to a $26.2 million increase in communications satellite revenues principally attributable to activity on new communications satellite contracts awarded in the fourth quarter of 2009.  In addition, the second quarter of 2010 includes $16.4 million of revenues on science and technology contracts acquired in connection with our second quarter 2010 business acquisition.  Communications satellite revenues accounted for 67% and 72% of total segment revenues in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Satellites and space systems segment revenues increased $35.7 million, or 17%, in the first half of 2010 compared to the first half of 2009 largely due to an $18.1 million increase in communications satellite revenues principally attributable to activity on new communications satellite contracts awarded in the fourth quarter of 2009.  In addition, the first half of 2010 includes the $16.4 million of revenues on science and technology contracts acquired in connection with our second quarter 2010 business acquisition mentioned above.  Communications satellite revenues accounted for 71% and 74% of total segment revenues in the first half of 2010 and 2009, respectively.


Segment Operating Income - Satellites and space systems segment operating income decreased marginally in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009, despite the increase in revenues, primarily due to $2.5 million of costs incurred in connection with engineering and troubleshooting activities related to the Galaxy 15 satellite anomaly, as discussed above, partially offset by the activity on the science and technology contracts acquired in our second quarter 2010 business acquisition and favorable profit adjustments on certain other communications satellite contracts.  Communications satellite contracts accounted for 44% and 75% of total segment operating income in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Satellites and space systems segment operating income decreased marginally in the first half of 2010 compared to the first half of 2009 primarily due to the same factors that drove our quarterly results discussed above.  Communications satellite contracts accounted for 58% and 72% of total segment operating income in the first half of 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Segment operating margin decreased in the second quarter and first half of 2010 due to the cost increases related to the Galaxy 15 satellite anomaly, partially offset by improved profit performance on certain other communications satellite programs.

Advanced Space Programs

Advanced space programs segment operating results were as follows:

   
Second Quarter
   
First Six Months
 
($ in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
   
2010
   
2009
   
% Change
 
Revenues
  $ 120,926     $ 62,053       95%     $ 228,469     $ 130,399       75%  
Operating income
    2,867       1,005       185%       7,994       83    
NM
 
Operating margin
    2.4 %     1.6 %             3.5 %     0.1 %        

Segment Revenues - Advanced space programs segment revenues increased $58.9 million, or 95%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to a $49.9 million increase in activity on the CRS contract and a $25.7 million increase on national security satellite programs, partially offset by a $17.0 million reduction in revenues due to decreased activity on the Orion LAS contract, which was terminated for convenience in the second quarter of 2010.  National security satellite revenues in the second quarter of 2010 included approximately $7.3 million of revenues from contracts we acquired in our second quarter 2010 business acquisition.  In the second quarters of 2010 and 2009, the CRS contract accounted for 44% and 6%, respectively, of total segment revenues.

Advanced space programs segment revenues increased $98.1 million, or 75%, in the first half of 2010 compared to the first half of 2009 primarily due to an $89.6 million increase in activity on the CRS contract and a $37.7 million increase on national security satellite programs, partially offset by a $29.7 million reduction in revenues due to decreased activity on the Orion LAS contract, which was terminated for convenience in the second quarter of 2010.  National security satellite revenues in the first half of 2010 included approximately $7.3 million of revenues from contracts we acquired in our second quarter 2010 business acquisition.  In the first half of 2010 and 2009, the CRS contract accounted for 41% and 3%, respectively, of total segment revenues.


Segment Operating Income - The advanced space programs segment operating income increased $1.9 million, or 185%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to increased activity and improved operating results on the CRS contract and national security satellite programs.  These increases were partially offset by a $3.2 million decrease in operating results from the Orion LAS contract due to the reduction in contract activity and an unfavorable profit adjustment resulting from the termination of the contract.  In addition, segment operating income in the second quarter reflects $3.3 million of unrecovered research and development expenses that exceeded a self-imposed ceiling on such costs.  There were no unrecovered research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2009.
 
The advanced space programs segment operating income increased $7.9 million in the first half of 2010 compared to the first half of 2009 primarily due to increased activity and improved operating results on the CRS contract and national security satellite programs.  These increases were partially offset by a $4.0 million decrease in operating results from the Orion LAS contract due to the reduction in contract activity and an unfavorable profit adjustment resulting from the termination of the contract.  In addition, segment operating income in the first half of 2010 reflects $5.4 million of unrecovered research and development expenses that exceeded a self-imposed ceiling on such costs.  There were no unrecovered research and development expenses in the first half of 2009.

This segment’s operating margin increased in 2010 primarily due to margin improvement on national security satellite programs largely due to the absence of certain cost increases that occurred in 2009 in addition to margin improvement on the CRS contract.  These margin improvements were partially offset by the effects in 2010 of the unfavorable profit adjustment on the Orion LAS contract and the unrecovered research and development expenses mentioned above.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and other revenues were comprised solely of the elimination of intercompany revenues of $18.3 million and $3.2 million in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $30.5 million and $5.1 million in the first half of 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The increase in intercompany revenue eliminations is due to Taurus II production work in the launch vehicles segment for the CRS and COTS programs.  We reported an operating loss in “Corporate and Other” of $1.6 million in the second quarter and first half of 2010 that consisted solely of transaction costs incurred in connection with our second quarter 2010 business acquisition.  There was no corporate and other operating income or loss in the second quarter and first half of 2009.

Backlog

Our firm backlog was approximately $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.  While there can be no assurance, we expect to convert approximately $620 million of the June 30, 2010 firm backlog into revenue during the remainder of 2010.  Firm backlog consists of aggregate contract values for firm product orders, excluding

 
the portion previously included in revenues, and including U.S. Government contract orders not yet funded and our estimate of potential award fees.  In the second quarter of 2010, the Orion LAS contract was terminated for convenience, resulting in a $150 million reduction in firm backlog.
 
Total backlog was approximately $4.5 billion at June 30, 2010 and $4.9 billion at December 31, 2009.  The termination of the Orion LAS contract resulted in a $380 million reduction in total backlog.  Total backlog includes firm backlog in addition to unexercised options, indefinite-quantity contracts and undefinitized orders and contract award selections.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Cash used in operating activities in the first half of 2010 was $53.2 million, as compared to cash provided by operating activities of $44.3 million in the first half of 2009.  The decrease in operating cash flow was primarily due to a $95.7 million decrease in the net effect of changes in working capital and certain other assets and liabilities.  During the first half of 2010, net changes in working capital and certain other assets and liabilities used $93.6 million of cash, compared to $2.1 million of net cash provided in the first half of 2009.  The changes in working capital in the first half of 2010 included a $122.3 million increase in receivables and a $24.6 million decrease in deferred revenues and customer advances, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of approximately $75 million.  The increase in receivables was primarily due to an increase in CRS program receivables that are not billable and collectible until certain performance milestones are achieved.  We believe that a substantial portion of these receivables will be billable and collected in the fourth quarter of 2010; however, there can be no assurance that the necessary conditions will occur this year.  The decrease in deferred revenues and customer advances was largely due to a $23 million decrease in cash received from NASA in connection with the COTS program that had not yet been recorded as an offset to research and development expenses.  The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses was primarily due to an increase in accruals for subcontract costs in the second quarter of 2010.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities in the first half of 2010 was $88.6 million, as compared to $17.0 million in the first half of 2009.  In the second quarter of 2010 we spent $55 million in connection with a business acquisition (see Note 2 to the accompanying financial statements).   In addition, in the first half of 2010 we spent $33.6 million for capital expenditures, as compared to $18.4 million in the first half of 2009.  The increase in capital expenditures is primarily due to the capital requirements of the CRS, COTS and Taurus II programs.


Cash Flow from Financing Activities
 
During the first half of 2010 and 2009, we received $10.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively, from the issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises and employee stock plan purchases.  During the first half of 2009, we repurchased and retired 1.2 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $16.7 million.  There were no repurchases in the first half of 2010.

Convertible Notes - In December 2006, we issued $143.8 million of 2.4375% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2027 with interest payable semi-annually each January 15 and July 15.  The convertible notes are convertible into cash, or a combination of cash and common stock at our election, based on an initial conversion rate of 40.8513 shares of our common stock per $1,000 in principal amount of the convertible notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $24.48 per share) under certain circumstances.

At any time on or after January 21, 2014, the convertible notes are subject to redemption at our option, in whole or in part, for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the convertible notes, plus unpaid interest, if any, accrued to the redemption date.

Holders of the convertible notes may require us to repurchase the convertible notes, in whole or in part, on January 15, 2014, January 15, 2017 or January 15, 2022, or, if a “fundamental change” (as such term is defined in the indenture governing the convertible notes) occurs, for cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the convertible notes, plus any unpaid interest, if any, accrued to the redemption date.

Credit Facility - We have a $100 million revolving secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), with the option to increase the amount of the Credit Facility up to $175 million to the extent that any one or more lenders commit to be a lender for such additional amount.  At our election, loans under the Credit Facility bear interest at either (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.25%, with the applicable margin varying according to our total leverage ratio, or (ii) at a prime rate.  The Credit Facility expires in 2012 and is secured by substantially all of our assets.  Up to $75 million of the Credit Facility may be reserved for letters of credit.  As of June 30, 2010, there were no borrowings under the Credit Facility, although $6.5 million of letters of credit were issued under the Credit Facility.  Accordingly, as of June 30, 2010, $93.5 million of the Credit Facility was available for borrowings.

Debt Covenants - Our Credit Facility contains covenants limiting our ability to, among other things, pay cash dividends, incur debt or liens, redeem or repurchase company stock, enter into transactions with affiliates, make investments, merge or consolidate with others or dispose of assets.  In addition, the Credit Facility contains financial covenants with respect to leverage and interest coverage.  As of June 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.
 
Available Cash and Future Funding
 
        At June 30, 2010, we had $243.4 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.  We believe that we will continue to incur significant research and development costs as well as capital expenditures during the remainder of 2010 and to a lesser extent in 2011 on the Taurus II and COTS research and development programs.  However, we expect that positive cash flow from operating activities will approximately offset cash outflow for capital expenditures in the second half of 2010, resulting in a relatively insignificant change in the balance of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at year-end 2010.  Management currently believes that available cash, cash expected to be generated from operations and borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund our operating and capital expenditure requirements, including research and development expenditures, over the next twelve months.  However, there can be no assurance that this will be the case.  Our ability to borrow additional funds is limited by the terms of our Credit Facility.  Additionally, significant unforeseen events such as termination of major orders or late delivery or failure of launch vehicle or satellite products could adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations.

As indicated in Note 13 to the accompanying financial statements, it is possible we may be required to refund cash to one of our customers if it is determined that a satellite anomaly currently under investigation results in a contractual performance refund obligation.  However, we believe that such an obligation, if any, would be offset by insurance proceeds.  Accordingly, management does not believe that such obligation, if any, would have a significant impact on our liquidity.

As discussed in Note 7 to the accompanying financial statements, we currently hold investments in auction-rate securities and preferred stock that have experienced a significant decline in fair value.  Given the sufficiency of our available cash and other funding sources as discussed above, we believe that we will not need, nor do we intend, to liquidate these investments in the foreseeable future.  Accordingly, we do not believe that any fluctuations in the fair values of these securities will have a significant impact on our liquidity.

In April 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a plan for the purchase of up to $50 million of our outstanding common stock over a 12-month period.  No purchases have been made under this program as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q.  Accordingly, up to $50 million may be used for future purchases of outstanding common stock.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
 
ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
        We believe that our market risk exposure is primarily related to the market value of certain investments that we hold as of June 30, 2010, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rate risk.  We manage these market risks through our normal financing and operating activities and, when appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments.  We do not enter into derivatives for trading or other speculative purposes, nor do we use leveraged financial instruments.

Investments

As discussed in Note 7 to the accompanying financial statements, we currently hold investments in auction-rate securities and preferred stock that have experienced a significant decline in fair value resulting in our recording certain other-than-temporary impairment charges.  As a result of ongoing liquidity issues impacting these securities, we may be required to record additional impairment charges if there are further reductions in the fair value of these investments in future periods.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We believe that the potential change in foreign currency exchange rates is not a substantial risk to us because the large majority of our business transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars.  At June 30, 2010, we had $2.3 million of receivables denominated in Japanese yen.

From time to time, we enter into forward exchange contracts to hedge against foreign currency fluctuations on receivables or expected payments denominated in foreign currency.  At June 30, 2010, we had no foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to changes in interest rates in the normal course of our business operations as a result of our ongoing investing and financing activities, which include debt as well as cash and cash equivalents.  As of June 30, 2010, we had $143.8 million of convertible senior subordinated notes with a fixed interest rate of 2.4375%.  Generally, the fair market value of our fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise.  In addition, the fair value of our convertible notes is affected by our stock price.  The total estimated fair value of our convertible debt at June 30, 2010 was $139.4 million.  The fair value was determined based on market prices quoted by a broker-dealer.

We believe that exposure to market risk related to interest rate fluctuations for cash and cash equivalents are not significant.  As of June 30, 2010, a hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates would result in an annual change of approximately $3.5 million in interest income earned.

We assess our interest rate risks on a regular basis and do not currently use financial instruments to mitigate these risks.


Deferred Compensation Plan

We have an unfunded deferred compensation plan for senior managers and executive officers with a total liability balance of $8.5 million at June 30, 2010.  This liability is subject to fluctuation based upon the market value of the investment options selected by participants.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.


OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time we are party to certain litigation or other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.  Because of the uncertainties inherent in litigation, we cannot predict whether the outcome of such litigation or other legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

ITEM 2.     UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(a)
   None.
(b)
   None.
(c)
   None.

ITEM 3.     DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4.     REMOVED AND RESERVED

ITEM 5.     OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS

(a)
   Exhibits – A complete listing of exhibits required is given in the Exhibit Index.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
     
     
DATED:  July 29, 2010
By:
/s/ David W. Thompson
   
David W. Thompson
   
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
     
     
DATED:  July 29, 2010
By:
/s/ Garrett E. Pierce
   
Garrett E. Pierce
   
Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed with this report unless otherwise indicated.

Exhibit No.
Description
 
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File Number 333-08769) filed and effective on July 25, 1996).
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005).
3.3
Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 29, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998).
3.4
Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 30, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
4.1
Form of Certificate of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File Number 33-33453) filed on February 9, 1990 and effective on April 24, 1990).
4.2
Indenture dated as of December 13, 2006, by and between Orbital Sciences Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2006).
4.3
Form of 2.4375% Convertible Senior Subordinated Note due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 13, 2006).
31.1
Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350) (transmitted herewith).
31.2
Certification of Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350) (transmitted herewith).
32.1
Written Statement of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350) (transmitted herewith).
32.2
Written Statement of Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350) (transmitted herewith).


 
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