Kaman Reports First Quarter 2009 Results

Net Sales Increase 3% Overall with a 13% Rise In Aerospace Sales

Earnings Per Share of $0.21 vs. $0.35 Impacted by Sales Decline In
Distribution

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kaman Corp. (Nasdaq: KAMN)
today reported financial results for the first quarter ended April 3, 2009.

Net earnings for the first quarter of 2009 were $5.4 million, or $0.21 per
share diluted, compared to $8.9 million, or $0.35 per share diluted, in the
first quarter of 2008. Net sales for the first quarter of 2009 were $294.0
million compared to $285.8 million in the first quarter of 2008.

Neal J. Keating, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our
performance in the first quarter reflects the benefits of our business
diversification. Stability in our Aerospace Group, driven by our involvement
in secure long-term military programs, helped to counterbalance the
challenging conditions facing the industrial distribution marketplace. Against
this backdrop, we continued to grow our sales, manage our costs and execute
against our long-term operating plan. However, the quarter was not without
challenges, as the industrial distribution market continued to deteriorate
during the quarter, which, combined with costs of implementing expense
reduction initiatives, acquisitions, and other investments in the business,
led to a significant decline in profitability. In addition, the performance of
our Precision Products business was disappointing due to delays in Joint
Programmable Fuze (JPF) shipments from the first quarter into the second and
third quarters of 2009."

T. Jack Cahill, President of Kaman Industrial Technologies (KIT) added, "The
impact of the current economic environment is being felt industry-wide, and
KIT is no exception. The market softness we experienced at the end of 2008
continued in the first quarter of 2009. In response, we have taken a number
of actions to reduce our operating costs, scale the business to match the
marketplace conditions and protect profitability, with the costs of some of
these steps affecting segment performance during the period. Despite the
decline in the overall market, KIT continues to gain market share, as
customers look to work with a partner having the geographic presence, product
breadth and financial stability to meet their needs. We remain active in
pursuing national accounts and renewed a number of relationships during the
period, a testament in these uncertain times to our customers' perception of
the value provided by our services."

"Overall, the Aerospace Group turned in a solid quarter," said Kaman Aerospace
Group President Gregory L. Steiner. "Results were driven by continued strong
execution at our Jacksonville facility and performance within the Helicopters
segment that exceeded our expectations. We also began to see the positive
impact of our efforts at our Wichita facility, with results improving versus a
year ago, as well as continued progress in the integration of Brookhouse
Holdings into our operations. Although performance in Precision Products was
affected by a delay in the timing of JPF shipments, overall the program
continues to perform well and we continue to expect to begin shipping orders
under Option 5 of the contract in the second quarter of this year.
Performance within the Specialty Bearings business flattened relative to the
year ago period, reflecting the impact of a stronger dollar and this segment's
greater exposure to the commercial aerospace cycle, but the business remains a
leader in its marketplace with opportunities for growth going forward."

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, William C. Denninger
commented, "We opened 2009 aggressively managing our cost base and
demonstrating excellent cash flow improvement with free cash flow* $39.5
million favorable to last year's first quarter. Our focus is on ensuring that
we have ample liquidity to navigate the current market conditions and invest
in our business for the longer term. To that end, we were pleased that during
April Standard & Poors reaffirmed our investment grade credit rating. We've
begun 2009 with the financial flexibility necessary to both fund our
operations and act on strategic acquisition and other growth opportunities."

Segment reports follow:

Industrial Distribution segment operating income for the first quarter of 2009
was $2.8 million, compared to $9.1 million in the first quarter of 2008.
Segment sales were $176.9 million in the first quarter of 2009, compared to
$182.2 million in the first quarter of 2008. Acquisitions made during 2008
contributed $14.1 million in sales during the quarter, but at a lower profit
rate than our base business. The decrease in sales is due to the slowing
industrial market and uncertain economy that the business began experiencing
during the fourth quarter of 2008. This slowing resulted in a severe decline
in sales to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers and softness in
sales to MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) customers. On a same days
sales basis, organic sales for the quarter were down 14.7%. The decrease in
operating income is a result of lower sales volume, the negative leverage from
the lower sales volume and costs of $0.5 million recognized in the quarter
related to cost reduction initiatives.

Aerospace: The four Aerospace businesses generated operating income for the
first quarter of 2009 of $15.3 million, compared to $14.6 million for the
first quarter of 2008; and sales of $117.1 million and $103.6 million,
respectively, for the same periods.

Specialty Bearings operating income for the first quarter of 2009 was $11.9
million, compared to $13.0 million in the first quarter of 2008. Sales were
$35.8 million in the first quarter of 2009, compared to $36.1 million in the
first quarter of 2008. Sales were flat as compared to the prior period due to
a stronger U.S. dollar, lingering effects of the Boeing strike and softening
demand in the commercial aerospace market, partially offset by strong military
program sales. The decrease in operating income primarily reflects the flat
sales volume and resultant slightly negative leverage.

Precision Products operating income for the first quarter of 2009 was $0.3
million, compared to $1.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. Segment sales
were $20.7 million for the first quarter of 2009, compared to $24.1 million in
the first quarter of 2008. The decrease in sales occurred primarily as a
result of the absence of $4.1 million in sales recorded in the first quarter
of 2008 associated with programs that did not recur in 2009. Total operating
income decreased primarily due to these lower sales, offset somewhat by higher
foreign military sales of the JPF fuze. In addition, several delivery delays
of product resulted in missed revenue in the first quarter totaling
approximately $11 million that is now expected to be recognized in the second
quarter.

Helicopters operating income for the first quarter of 2009 was $1.7 million,
compared to $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2008. Segment sales were
$16.4 million for the first quarter of 2009 compared to $14.6 million for the
first quarter of 2008. Sales increased due to higher revenue from the Egypt
maintenance and upgrade program, SH-2G spares, and Sikorsky subcontract work.
These sales were partially offset by the loss of revenue from the SH-2G(A)
program with Australia, which was terminated in 2008. Operating income
increased primarily due to the higher sales volume.

Aerostructures operating income for the first quarter of 2009 was $1.5
million, compared to an operating loss of $1.0 million for the first quarter
of 2008. Segment sales were $44.3 million in the first quarter of 2009,
compared to $28.8 million for the first quarter of 2008. The growth in net
sales was primarily due to the addition of sales from the company's U.K.
operations, which were acquired during the second quarter of 2008. Also
contributing to the sales increase were higher production levels and increased
shipments to Sikorsky for the BLACK HAWK cockpit program and increased
military sales. The improvement in operating results is primarily a result of
lower levels of expenses at the company's Wichita facility in 2009 as compared
to 2008.

Mr. Keating concluded, "Going forward, our primary focus is on managing
through the current economic environment while continuing to execute on our
operating strategy and take advantage of growth opportunities in the
marketplace as they arise. We continue to make good progress on the JPF, and
indications are that the changes made in Wichita will lead to significantly
improved operational results this year. At KIT, we reacted quickly to the
deterioration in the market that began to affect our business during the
fourth quarter, and believe that we have taken the appropriate steps to
profitably navigate this business through the current economic slowdown.
Overall, our results reflect the initiatives that we have taken to manage
costs, maximize revenue, and invest in the business with a focus on making
sure we are well positioned when the economy begins to recover."

Please see the MD&A section of the company's SEC Form 10-Q filed concurrent
with the issuance of this release for greater detail on the quarter's results
and various company programs.

The company held its annual meeting of shareholders on April 15, 2009. At that
meeting, shareholders elected three directors E. Reeves Callaway III, Karen M.
Garrison and A. William Higgins each to a term expiring in 2012. This is in
addition to six other directors whose terms extended beyond this meeting.
Shareholders also ratified the company's appointment of KPMG LLP as its
independent registered public accounting firm.

A conference call has been scheduled for tomorrow, May 12, 2009 at 8:30 AM
EDT. Listeners may access the call live over the Internet through a link on
the home page of the company's website at http://www.kaman.com. Management
may provide exhibits to the conference call and these will be available
through the Internet link provided above.

Non-GAAP Measure Disclosure
Management believes that the non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles) measure (indicated by an asterisk *) used in this release provides
investors with important perspectives into the company's ongoing business
performance. The company does not intend for the information to be considered
in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures. Other
companies may define the measures differently. The following definitions are
provided:

Free Cash Flow - Free cash flow is defined as GAAP "Net cash provided by (used
in) operating activities" less "Expenditures for property plant & equipment".
Management believes free cash flow provides investors with an important
perspective on the cash available for dividends to shareholders, debt
repayment, and acquisitions after making capital investments required to
support ongoing business operations and long-term value creation. Free cash
flow does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary
expenditures as it excludes certain mandatory expenditures such as repayment
of maturing debt.

Management uses free cash flow internally to assess both business performance
and overall liquidity. The following table illustrates the calculation of
free cash flow using "net cash used in operating activities" and
"expenditures for property plant & equipment", GAAP measures from the cash
flow statement on Page 8 (in thousands):

For the Three Months Ended
April 3, 2009 March 28, 2008
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities $ (3,975) $ (43,340)
Expenditures for property, plant &
equipment (2,157) (2,334)
Free Cash Flow $ (6,132) $ (45,674)

Kaman Corp., headquartered in Bloomfield, Conn. conducts business in the
aerospace and industrial distribution markets. The company produces and/or
markets widely used proprietary aircraft bearings and components; complex
metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general
aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; safing and arming solutions for
missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract
helicopter work; and support for the company's SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime
helicopters and K-MAX medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. Kaman is also one of
the nation's leading industrial distribution companies for power transmission,
motion control, material handling and electrical components from nearly two
hundred locations throughout North America.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking information relating to the company's
business and prospects, including the Aerospace and Industrial Distribution
businesses, operating cash flow, and other matters that involve a number of
uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from
expectations. Those uncertainties include, but are not limited to: 1) the
successful conclusion of competitions for government programs and thereafter
contract negotiations with government authorities, both foreign and domestic;
2) political conditions in countries where the company does or intends to do
business; 3) standard government contract provisions permitting renegotiation
of terms and termination for the convenience of the government; 4) domestic
and foreign economic and competitive conditions in markets served by the
company, particularly the defense, commercial aviation and industrial
production markets; 5) risks associated with successful implementation and
ramp up of significant new programs; 6) management's success in resolving
operational issues at the Aerostructures Wichita facility; 7) successful
negotiation of the Sikorsky Canadian MH-92 program; 8) successful resale of
the aircraft, equipment and spare parts obtained in connection with the
Australia SH-2G (A) program termination; 9) receipt and successful execution
of production orders for the JPF U.S. government contract, including the
exercise of all contract options, successful negotiation of price increases
with the U.S. government, and receipt of orders from allied militaries, as all
have been assumed in connection with goodwill impairment evaluations; 10)
satisfactory resolution of the company's litigation with the U.S. Army
procurement agency relating to the FMU-143 program; 11) continued support of
the existing K-MAX helicopter fleet, including sale of existing K-MAX spare
parts inventory; 12) cost growth in connection with environmental remediation
activities at the Bloomfield, Moosup and New Hartford, CT facilities and our
recently acquired Brookhouse facilities; 13) profitable integration of
acquired businesses into the company's operations; 14) changes in supplier
sales or vendor incentive policies; 15) the effects of price increases or
decreases; 16) pension plan assumptions and future contributions; 17) future
levels of indebtedness and capital expenditures; 18) continued availability of
raw materials and other commodities in adequate supplies and the effect of
increased costs therefor; 19) the effects of currency exchange rates and
foreign competition on future operations; 20) changes in laws and regulations,
taxes, interest rates, inflation rates, general business conditions and other
factors; 21) future repurchases and/or issuances of common stock; and 22)
other risks and uncertainties set forth in the company's annual, quarterly and
current reports, and proxy statements. Any forward-looking information
provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. The
company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements
contained in this release.

A summary of segment information follows:

Summary of Segment Information
(In thousands)
For the three months ended
April 3, March 28,
2009 2008
Net sales:
Industrial Distribution $176,906 $182,165
Aerospace 117,129 103,616
Net sales $294,035 $285,781

Operating income:
Industrial Distribution $2,779 $9,073
Aerospace 15,297 14,616
Net gain (loss) on sale of assets 93 (110)
Corporate expense (8,766) (9,796)
Operating income $9,403 $13,783

Aerospace Segments Detail
Net sales:
Specialty Bearings $35,767 $36,079
Precision Products 20,686 24,130
Helicopters 16,364 14,614
Aerostructures 44,312 28,793
Subtotal Aerospace Segments $117,129 $103,616

Operating income (loss):
Specialty Bearings $11,912 $12,968
Precision Products 253 1,805
Helicopters 1,672 858
Aerostructures 1,460 (1,015)
Subtotal Aerospace Segments $15,297 $14,616

(1) The company has a calendar year-end; however, its first three fiscal
quarters follow a 13-week convention, with each quarter ending on a Friday.
The first quarters of 2009 and 2008 ended on April 3, 2009 and March 28, 2008
respectively.
(2) The decrease in corporate expenses was driven by the absence of settlement
expenses related to our supplemental employees' retirement plan and a
reduction in expense for incentive compensation plans. These decreases were
partially offset by an increase in expense related to our qualified pension
plan.

KAMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands except per share amounts)

For the Three Months Ended
April 3, 2009 March 28, 2008

Net sales $294,035 $285,781
Cost of sales 216,340 209,190
Gross profit 77,695 76,591

Selling, general and administrative
expenses 68,385 62,698
Net (gain)/loss on sale of assets (93) 110
Operating income 9,403 13,783
Interest expense (income), net 1,104 (1)
Other expense, net 202 141

Earnings before income taxes 8,097 13,643
Income tax expense 2,721 4,775
Net earnings $5,376 $8,868

Net earnings per share:
Basic net earnings per share $0.21 $0.35
Diluted net earnings per share $0.21 $0.35
Average shares outstanding:
Basic 25,534 25,205
Diluted 25,598 25,391

Dividends declared per share $0.14 $0.14

KAMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands except share amounts)

April 3, 2009 December 31, 2008
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $11,000 $8,161
Accounts receivable, net 146,420 173,847
Inventories 306,347 255,817
Deferred income taxes 26,049 23,851
Income taxes receivable 1,068 3,450
Other current assets 20,967 21,390
Total current assets 511,851 486,516
Property, plant and equipment, net 78,545 79,476
Goodwill 84,168 83,594
Other intangibles assets, net 28,079 28,211
Deferred income taxes 70,601 71,926
Other assets 13,072 12,890
Total assets $786,316 $762,613

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Notes payable $1,443 $1,241
Current portion of long-term debt 5,000 5,000
Accounts payable - trade 80,914 84,059
Accrued salaries and wages 16,640 21,104
Accrued pension costs 5,874 5,878
Accrued contract losses 3,677 9,714
Advances on contracts 1,739 10,612
Other accruals and payables 39,937 39,467
Income taxes payable 1,597 1,464
Total current liabilities 156,821 178,539
Long-term debt, excluding current portion 100,270 87,924
Deferred income taxes 7,934 7,926
Underfunded pension 169,630 168,148
Due to Commonwealth of Australia 28,293 -
Other long-term liabilities 46,424 45,805
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Capital stock, $1 par value per share:
Preferred stock, 200,000 shares authorized;
none outstanding - -
Common stock, 50,000,000 shares authorized,
25,641,231 and 25,514,525 shares issued,
respectively 25,641 25,515
Additional paid-in capital 86,367 85,073
Retained earnings 285,582 283,789
Accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss) (120,088) (119,658)
Less 50,476 and 43,907 shares of common
stock, respectively, held in treasury,
at cost (558) (448)
Total shareholders' equity 276,944 274,271
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $786,316 $762,613

KAMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

For the Three Months Ended
April 3, 2009 March 28, 2008

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $5,376 $8,868
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,837 2,585
Change in allowance for doubtful accounts 186 (67)
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets (93) 110
Non-cash loss on derivative instruments 1 -
Stock compensation expense 839 332
Excess tax benefits from share-based
compensation arrangements 73 (107)
Deferred income taxes (338) 867
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding
effects of acquisitions/divestures:
Accounts receivable, net (13,530) (22,151)
Inventories 1,280 (17,017)
Income tax receivable 2,382 -
Other current assets 390 (1,521)
Accounts payable - trade (3,864) 4,731
Accrued contract losses 36 2,047
Advances on contracts (343) 547
Accrued expenses and payables (3,052) (9,243)
Income taxes payable 119 (9,820)
Pension liabilities 2,193 (3,117)
Other long-term liabilities 533 (384)
Cash provided by (used in) operating
activities (3,975) (43,340)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets 10 36
Expenditures for property, plant &
equipment (2,157) (2,334)
Acquisition of businesses including
earn out adjustment, net of cash (549) (118)
Other, net 77 (804)
Cash provided by (used in) investing
activities (2,619) (3,220)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) under
revolving credit agreements 13,817 1,571
Debt repayment (1,250) -
Net change in book overdraft 607 264
Proceeds from employee stock plan
transactions 495 2,191
Dividends paid (3,765) (3,520)
Windfall tax benefit (73) 107
Other (191) 310
Cash provided by (used in) financing
activities 9,640 923

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 3,046 (45,637)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents (207) 88
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 8,161 73,898
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $11,000 $28,349

SOURCE Kaman Corp.

Eric Remington, Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-860-243-6334,
Eric.Remington@kaman.com