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Axsys Technologies (AXYS) |
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WIKI ANALYSIS| This company has recently been acquired or received a credible acquisition offer. |
Axsys Technologies, Inc. makes surveillance cameras and optical lenses for defense and security systems. Axsys Technologies’ cameras are found in land, marine, and airborne surveillance systems. Their infrared lenses, laser positioners, long-range telescopes, and sensor positioning systems are primarily designed for military weapons and vehicles.
A majority of Axsys Technologies’ sales come from contracts with Government institutions and subcontracts with defense contractors.[2]While Axsys’ growth in sales primarily comes from U.S. government institutions, sales to European contractors and other foreign governments have increased significantly.[3]
Axsys has devoted more resources to developing its optical sensors and thermal imaging equipment in response to the budget growth in the Surveillance and Targeting sector of The U.S. Department of Defense. [4] In addition to the U.S. Military, Axsys has received more orders for optical surveillance equipment from law enforcement agencies as well as commercial companies like Intel, Samsung, and Kodak . Axsys has expanded its operating facilities in order to reduce production costs without sacrificing product quality.[5]
Business Overview
Business Segments
Surveillance Systems Group: This segment manufactures camera systems for use on ground, marine, and aerial vehicles. Fixed, non-stabilized camera systems are designed for border patrol and perimeter security. Gyrostabilized cameras are multi-axis, rotating, high-definition cameras.
Imaging System Group: This segment manufactures specialized optical cameras for use in larger surveillance and defense systems. Products include infrared lenses, laser positioners, long-range telescopes, and precision motion control optics.These products are used in larger systems including targeting system found in the Abrams Tank, the Apache Helicopter, and Sidewinder missiles as well as space-based surveillance satellites.
Trends and Forces
Business with BAE and Raytheon
Government defense contractors, OEMs, and companies that produce consumer goods make up a majority of Axsys Technologies’ customers.[6] For example, Axsys supplies BAE Systems, a British defense and aerospace company, with optical lenses for two armored vehicle programs, thermal weapons sight products, and night vision systems. [7] The continuation and renewal of current contracts with BAE systems and Raytheon depend on U.S. Department of Defense spending and are subject to cancellation.
Homeland Security Becomes an Important Issue for non-Military Agencies and Companies
Homeland Security is no longer the priority of just the U.S. Military. For example, law enforcement agencies, airports, and foreign governments have increased spending on counter-terrorism security products. Its surveillance system group manufactures surveillance cameras systems that can be used in stationary, airborne, and marine surveillance. Since their acquisition of Cineflex's gyrostabilized camera system, sales of these rotatable, long-range cameras have increased by 102%.[8] In addition, Axsys has supplied the U.S. Border Patrol and the Kuwaiti Government with its long-range thermal vision cameras designed for border protection.[9] For Axsys, these spending increases will mean more sales primarily of their gyrostablized cameras, thermal imaging cameras, and infrared cameras. [10]
Broadened Uses for Thermal and Infrared Lenses
Technological advancement in Infrared sensor technology has made infrared cameras more affordable to commercial businesses and individuals. As a result, the number of commercial applications for thermal cameras and infrared cameras has increased. Axsys Technologies’ thermal cameras are used to visually quantify heat and energy usage in addition to providing surveillance. [11] A wider range of applications for Axsys Technologies’ cameras could benefit future sales from non-military customers and make the company less dependent of government contractors as a source of revenue. However, due to the global economic slowdown, many companies are likely to cut spending for new technology. Axsys would lose potential sales to such cuts in spending and to companies that can produce thermal imaging cameras at lower prices.[12]
Axsys Technologies’ gyrostabilized cameras have be been used in applications beyond law enforcement and military defense including aerial motion picture filming. The BBC series “Planet Earth” featured extensive aerial filming of animals using Axsys’ High-Definition gyrostabilized cameras.[13]
Competition
FLIR Systems: FLIR manufactures thermal imaging and infrared camera systems. The Thermography division of FLIR manufactures hand-held thermal imaging systems used by commercial companies, industrial companies, and universities for facility maintenance and scientific analysis. FLIR also produces infrared and night vision camera components designed for installation in larger surveillance camera systems. FLIR also supplies the U.S. Military and U.S. law enforcement agencies with hand-held devices that can be used to detect perimeter disturbances as well as navigation. [14]
Excel Technologies (Privately Held): Acquired by GSI Group in 2008, Excel Technologies generates revenue through subsidiaries. Excel makes electro-optical components and laser systems for scientific, industrial, and medical markets. Their Baublys-Control Laser unit is used for marking and engraving industrial materials. Its Cambridge Technology subsidiary sells optical scanners to biomedical research companies and hospitals.[15]
Mikron Infrared, Inc.(Privately Held): Purchased by LumaSense Technologies in 2007, Mikron produces hand-held infrared thermometers and fiber optic infrared sensors. Its infrared products are used to measure the temperatures of objects such as melted glass, ceramics, industrial boilers and compressors. [16]
References
- ↑ TraderMark (June 5, 2009). General Dynamics Buys Axys: My Work is Done. Seeking Alpha.
- ↑ Google Finance: AXYS
- ↑ AXYS 10-K for 2007, Item 1:Domestic and Foreign Sales, page 9
- ↑ AXYS 10-K for 2007, Item1: Market Overview, page 3
- ↑ AXYS 10-K for 2007, Item 7: Facilities, page 28
- ↑ Customers
- ↑ AXYS 10-K for 2007,Item 1: Customers page 8
- ↑ AXYS 10-K for 2007, Item 7:Surveillance Systems Group, page 30
- ↑ Axsys Technologies 2006 Annual report
- ↑ AXYS 10-K for 2007, Item7: Surveillance Systems Group
- ↑ AXYS 10-K for 2007, Item 1: Commercial Thermal Imaging, page 5
- ↑ AXYS 10-K for 2007, Item 1A: Risk Factors
- ↑ Axsys Acquires Cineflex
- ↑ Google Finance: FLIR Systems
- ↑ Yahoo! Finace: Excel Technologies
- ↑ Yahoo! Finance: Mikron Infrared, Inc.
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