June 2009 -- Aerospace and defense contractor Alliant Techsystems Inc. reported a $32.8 million loss for fourth-quarter 2009 but forecasts an improved fiscal 2010. Fourth-quarter sales rose 11% to $1.2 billion, the company reported on May 7. Orders in the quarter reached $1.8 billion, driven by strong demand for commercial and military ammunition and a significant Airbus A350 award.
Full-year profit declined 30% to $155.1 million, compared with $222.3 million in 2008. Year-end sales rose 10% to $4.6 billion.
"In FY09, ATK significantly expanded our opportunity for growth," said Dan Murphy, chairman and CEO, in a prepared statement. "We established a new presence in commercial aerospace through the A350 program, significantly expanded our international ammunition business while delivering an unprecedented volume of ammunition to domestic commercial and government customers, captured a promising advanced missile target program, and pioneered new small satellite technologies."
Based on the strength of continuing operations, the company is raising sales and earnings guidance for 2010.
