(Source: Canada Newswire)

LISTED: TSX
SYMBOL: NAS Common Shares
CHICAGO, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - (All amounts within this news release are
stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated) Northstar Aerospace,
Inc. (the "Company") today reported revenue from continuing
operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009 of $48.1
million compared to $40.0 million in the same period in 2008, an
increase of 20.2%.
Defense revenue was $38.8 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2009 compared to $29.1 million in 2008, due to
increases in activity on the CH-47 Chinook, F-22 and Sikorsky
programs. Commercial revenue in the three months ended September 30,
2009 was $9.3 million, $1.6 million lower than in 2008, primarily
due to lower activity on the General Electric Aviation Risk and
Revenue Sharing program involving the CF-34-3 engine that powers
Bombardier regional and business aircraft.
Margin as a percentage of revenue increased to 20.8% in the three
months ended September 30, 2009, from 17.7% in 2008. Defense margin
as a percentage of revenue was 23.7% in the three months ended
September 30, 2009 an increase from 21.9% in the same period of
2008. The growth in defense sector margin is the result of
manufacturing performance improvement as well as mix of product
deliveries. Commercial margins as a percentage of revenue increased
to 9.0% in the three months ended September 30, 2009 compared to
6.7% in 2008 due to improved performance.
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were $4.9
million (10.2% of revenue) for the three months ended September 30,
2009 compared to $4.5 million (11.2% of revenue) in the same period
in 2008. The year-on-year increase in total dollars resulted from
the addition of depth to the management team to accommodate the
increase in revenue.
The loss from continuing operations for the three months ended
September 30, 2009 was $0.4 million or $0.01 per share, compared to
income of $0.3 million or $0.01 per share in the same period in
2008. As noted in prior periods, the Company does not recognize the
income tax benefit for losses generated in Canada. The benefit would
have been $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30,
2009.
The Company's backlog was $406 million at September 30, 2009
compared to $479 million at December 31, 2008.
Glenn Hess, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated:
"Balance sheet improvements during the quarter underscore
management's
commitment to strengthen the Company's financial position.
Completion of
an agreement on a legal proceeding related to an environmental
matter at
the Company's Canadian subsidiary was another important step
toward
improving financial stability.
During the quarter, margin improvement and strong revenue growth
resulting from increased deliveries are encouraging outcomes of
earlier
investments in our leadership team, employees and manufacturing
processes."
A more detailed discussion of the Company's financial results for
the three months ended March 31, 2009 is contained in Management's
Discussion and Analysis, including comments on the comparability of
results between the current and prior year and is available on
www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.nsaero.com.
Northstar Aerospace, Inc. (www.nsaero.com) is North America's
leading independent manufacturer of flight critical gears and
transmissions.