ESSEX CORPORATION
10QSB, 1999-07-23
ENGINEERING SERVICES
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                                   FORM 10-QSB
                     U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

            [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  For the quarterly period ended June 27, 1999

                         Commission File Number 0-10772

                                ESSEX CORPORATION
        (Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

            Virginia                                                 54-0846569
(State or other jurisdiction of                                (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)

9150 Guilford Road, Columbia, Maryland                               21046-1891
(Address of principal executive offices)                             (Zip Code)

Issuer's telephone number, including area code:  (301) 939-7000

Check  whether  the issuer  (1) has filed all  reports  required  to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934 during the past 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   X     NO

State the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the issuer's class of Common
Stock as of the latest practicable date.

                                                                  OUTSTANDING
                  CLASS                                        AT JUNE 27, 1999
                  -----                                        ----------------
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share                            4,397,861

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check One);

YES         NO   X

<PAGE>

                               ESSEX CORPORATION

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  interim  financial   statements  are  unaudited  but,  in  the  opinion  of
management,  reflect all adjustments for a fair presentation of results for such
period.  The results of operations  for any interim  period are not  necessarily
indicative of results for the full year.  Theses financial  statements should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in
the Company's  Annual  Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended  December
27, 1998.

                                       2
<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION
<TABLE>

                                 BALANCE SHEETS
<CAPTION>


                                                     June 27,     December 27,
                                                       1999           1998
                                                  -------------  --------------
                                                   (unaudited)      (audited)
ASSETS

Current Assets
<S>                                               <C>            <C>
   Cash                                           $     313,934  $     543,538
   Accounts receivable, net                             774,201        562,033
   Inventory                                            346,972        344,175
   Prepayments and other                                 41,212         54,596
                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                      1,476,319      1,504,342
                                                  -------------  -------------

Property and Equipment
   Production and special equipment                     959,401        870,953
   Furniture, equipment and other                       309,888        427,618
                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                      1,269,289      1,298,571
   Accumulated depreciation and amortization         (1,133,674)    (1,211,910)
                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                        135,615         86,661
                                                  -------------  -------------

Other Assets
   Patents, net                                         146,631        154,125
   Other                                                 35,146         39,417
                                                  -------------  -------------
                                                        181,777        193,542
                                                  -------------  -------------

TOTAL ASSETS                                      $   1,793,711      1,784,545
                                                  =============  =============
                                                  =============  =============

<FN>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
                                       3
<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION
<TABLE>

                                 BALANCE SHEETS
<CAPTION>

                                                            June 27,       December 27,
                                                              1999             1998
                                                        ---------------   -------------
                                                          (unaudited)       (audited)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>
   Advance from accounts receivable financing           $      243,347   $     163,920
   Accounts payable                                            213,403         159,811
   Accrued wages and vacation                                  173,443         165,578
   Accrued lease settlement                                    140,908         215,277
   Capital lease                                                64,224           8,777
   Other accrued expenses                                      147,624         130,346
                                                        --------------   -------------
                                                               982,949         843,709

Long-term Debt
   10% Convertible Collateralized Debentures                   375,714         375,714
                                                        --------------   -------------


         Total Liabilities                                   1,358,663       1,219,423
                                                        --------------   -------------

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 4)

Stockholders' Equity
   Common stock, $0.10 par value; 25 million shares
     authorized; 4,397,861 shares issued and
     outstanding for 1999 and 1998, respectively
                                                               439,786         439,786
   Redeemable preferred stock, $0.01 par value;
     1 million total shares authorized; 2,500
     shares of Series A authorized, $100 liquidation
     value, -0- shares outstanding                                  --              --                           --
   Contributions in excess of par value                      5,634,234       5,634,234
   Retained deficit                                         (5,638,972)     (5,508,898)
                                                        --------------   -------------
                                                               435,048         565,122
                                                        --------------   -------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                                        $    1,793,711   $   1,784,545
                                                        ==============   =============

<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
                                       4
<PAGE>

                               ESSEX CORPORATION
<TABLE>

                             STATEMENTS OF OPERATONS
                         FOR THE TWENTY-SIX WEEK PERIODS
                      ENDED JUNE 27, 1999 AND JUNE 28, 1998
<CAPTION>


                                                          1999              1998
                                                    --------------    --------------
                                                      (unaudited)       (unaudited)

<S>                                                 <C>                <C>
Revenues                                            $    2,209,582     $   2,043,164
Costs of goods sold and services provided               (1,143,981)       (1,147,494)
Selling, general and administrative expenses            (1,167,698)       (1,154,304)
                                                    --------------     -------------

         Operating Loss                                   (102,097)         (258,634)

Interest expense, net and debenture financing
 amortization
                                                           (27,977)          (80,478)
                                                    --------------     -------------
                                                    --------------     -------------

Loss Before Income Taxes                                  (130,074)         (339,112)

Benefit from income taxes                                       --                --
                                                    --------------     -------------

Net Loss                                            $     (130,074)    $    (339,112)
                                                    ==============     =============
                                                    ==============     =============
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding            4,397,861         4,176,847
                                                    ==============     =============
                                                    ==============     =============

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share                     $       (0.03)     $      (0.08)
                                                    ==============     =============
<FN>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
                                       5
<PAGE>

                               ESSEX CORPORATION
<TABLE>

                             STATEMENTS OF OPERATONS
                          FOR THE THIRTEEN WEEK PERIODS
                      ENDED JUNE 27, 1999 AND JUNE 28, 1998
<CAPTION>

                                                        1999                 1998
                                                    --------------     --------------
                                                      (unaudited)        (unaudited)

<S>                                                 <C>                <C>
Revenues                                            $    1,243,820     $    1,239,653
Costs of goods sold and services provided                 (638,832)          (720,508)
Selling, general and administrative expenses              (570,051)          (562,329)
                                                    --------------     --------------

         Operating Income (Loss)                            34,937            (43,184)

Interest expense, net and debenture financing
 amortization
                                                           (15,684)           (37,930)
                                                    --------------     --------------
                                                    --------------     --------------

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes                           19,253            (81,114)

Benefit from income taxes                                       --                 --
                                                    --------------     --------------

Net Income (Loss)                                   $       19,253     $      (81,114)
                                                    ==============     ==============
                                                    ==============     ==============

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding            4,397,861          4,219,630
                                                    ==============     ==============
                                                    ==============     ==============

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share                     $         0.00     $        (0.02)
                                                    ==============     ==============

<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
                                       6
<PAGE>

                               ESSEX CORPORATION
<TABLE>

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                         FOR THE TWENTY-SIX WEEK PERIODS
                      ENDED JUNE 27, 1999 AND JUNE 28, 1998
<CAPTION>
                                                               1999            1998
                                                           ------------   -------------
                                                            (unaudited)    (unaudited)
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>
   Net Loss                                                $   (130,074)  $   (339,112)
   Adjustments to reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash
     Used In Operating Activities:

      Depreciation and amortization                              83,278        113,139
      Inventory valuation reserve                                    --         15,000
      (Gain)/Loss on sale/retirement of fixed assets               (740)         1,291
      Other                                                          --         16,118

   Change in Assets and Liabilities:
      Accounts receivable                                      (212,168)      (348,857)
      Inventory                                                  (2,797)       (17,242)
      Prepayments and other assets                               13,528         35,019
      Accounts Payable                                           53,592         92,366
      Other Liabilities                                         (49,226)       (31,209)
      Non-cash charges and working capital changes of
        discontinued operations                                      --        129,579
                                                             ----------   ------------

    Net Cash Used In Operating Activities                      (244,607)      (333,908)
                                                             ----------   ------------

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
    Purchases of property and equipment                         (15,454)             --
    Proceeds from sale of fixed assets                            1,554           2,630
    Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations                    --       1,290,516
                                                             ----------   -------------
                                                             ----------   -------------

    Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Investing Activities
                                                                (13,900)      1,293,146
                                                            -----------   -------------
                                                            -----------   -------------

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
    Short-term borrowings (repayments), net                      79,427        (163,874)
    Repayment of convertible debentures                              --        (857,386)
    Payment of capital lease obligations                        (50,524)        (31,265)
                                                           ------------   -------------
                                                           ------------   -------------

    Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities
                                                                 28,903      (1,052,525)
                                                           ------------   -------------
                                                           ------------   -------------

Cash and Cash Equivalents
    Net decrease                                               (229,604)        (93,287)
    Balance - beginning of period                               543,538         367,136
                                                           ------------   -------------
                                                           ============   =============
    Balance - end of period                                $    313,934   $     273,849
                                                           ============   =============
                                                           ============   =============
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
                                       7
<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION

                     NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

NOTE 1: General

FISCAL YEAR AND PRESENTATION

Essex  Corporation  (the  "Company") is on a 52-week fiscal year ending the last
Sunday in December.  Certain amounts for 1998 have been  reclassified to conform
to the 1999 presentation.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with generally  accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect  the  reported  amounts  of assets  and  liabilities  and  disclosure  of
contingent  assets and  liabilities at the date of the financial  statements and
the  reported  amounts of revenues  and expenses  during the  reporting  period.
Estimates  are used  when  accounting  for  uncollectible  accounts  receivable,
inventory obsolescence and valuation, depreciation and amortization,  intangible
assets,  employee benefit plans and contingencies,  among others. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.

IMPORTANT BUSINESS RISK FACTORS

The Company has historically  been principally a supplier of technical  services
under  contracts  or  subcontracts  with  departments  or  agencies  of the U.S.
Government,  primarily the military  services and other departments and agencies
of the Department of Defense.

Since 1989, the Company has expended  significant  funds to transition  into the
commercial  marketplace,  particularly  the  productization  of its  proprietary
technologies in optoelectronic  processors. The long-term success of the Company
in this area is  dependent  on its  ability to  successfully  develop and market
products related to its optoelectronic  processors. The success of these efforts
is subject to changing technologies, availability of financing, competition, and
ultimately market acceptance.

The  Company has  incurred  losses over the last  decade,  primarily  due to the
development  and marketing of its  optoelectronics  products and  services.  The
Company also experienced  difficulty in sustaining and expanding  revenue volume
in certain areas of the Technical  Services and Products  business segment which
it  discontinued  in 1997. The  Optoelectronics  Products and Services  business
segment,  which  is  part  of  continuing   operations,   experienced  net  cash
expenditures  (including all general and administrative  expenses) over receipts
of approximately $30,000-$40,000 per month during the second quarter of 1999.

The  Company  is seeking  additional  funds from  private  financing  markets to
finance  operations and to achieve desired product  inventory levels and initial
market  penetration.  The Company is also seeking to establish joint ventures or
strategic partnerships with major industrial concerns to facilitate these goals.
The Company believes that it will be able to meet its 1999 funding  requirements
from the  aforementioned  sources,  although  there can be no assurances in this
regard.  Failure to commercialize or significant delays in the commercialization
of the Company's optoelectronic products would have a significant adverse effect
on the  Company's  future  operating  results  and  future  financial  position;
however,  the Company believes that in

                                       8
<PAGE>

                               ESSEX CORPORATION

such  event it could  successfully  manage  and  reduce  cash  requirements  for
operations by curtailing  expenditures in optoelectronics  operations (including
general and  administrative  expenses),  although  there can be no assurances in
this regard.

NOTE 2: Basic  Earnings (Loss)  Per Share

Basic  earnings  (loss) per share have been  calculated by dividing the earnings
(loss) by the weighted average number of common shares  outstanding  during each
of the  periods  presented.  Common  stock  equivalents  were  anti-dilutive  or
immaterial in the periods presented.

NOTE  3:  Accounts Receivable  Financing

The  Company  has  a  working  capital  financing  agreement  with  an  accounts
receivable  factoring  organization.  Under  such an  agreement,  the  factoring
organization may purchase certain of the Company's  accounts  receivable subject
to full recourse against the Company in the case of nonpayment by the customers.
The Company  generally  receives  85%-90% of the  invoice  amount at the time of
purchase  and the balance  when the  invoice is paid.  The Company is charged an
interest fee and other processing  charges,  payable at the time each invoice is
paid.  Funds  advanced  were  $243,000  as of June 27,  1999 and  $164,000 as of
December 27, 1998.

NOTE 4: Commitments and Contingencies

LEASE SETTLEMENT

Effective July 1994, the Company settled a legal dispute with a former landlord.
Under the Settlement  Agreement  ("Agreement"),  the Company  remains liable for
contingent  cash  payments of 25% of future  earnings (as defined) and 10-15% of
the net proceeds from the sale of common stock or operating  assets.  The period
for  computation  of such  contingent  payments ends December 2004. The $141,000
accrual as of June 27, 1999 represents the remaining contingent portion which is
to be paid over the applicable consideration period.

NOTE  5:  Warrants Outstanding;  Preferred  Stock and  Convertible  Debentures

In connection  with a 1994 Stock Offering  ("Offering"),  the Company has 25,000
warrants  outstanding to obtain an additional  625,000 new shares.  The warrants
expire on  December 31, 1999  and are exercisable at $75.00 each in exchange for
25 shares.

In connection  with the Offering,  the Company  entered into a Placement  Agency
Agreement with a registered  broker/dealer.  The broker/dealer received warrants
for  175,000  shares of common  stock.  The  warrants  are  exercisable  through
December  1, 1999 at a price of $2.30 per  share,  subject to  adjustment  under
anti-dilution  provisions  of the Warrant  Agreement.  The warrant  holders have
certain registration rights for these shares of common stock.

In connection with the outstanding 10% Convertible Collateralized Debentures Due
2000, the Company has reserved  approximately 107,000 shares of common stock for
conversion at $3.50 per share.  In addition,  the Company has issued warrants to
the   broker/dealer  for  28,571  shares  of  common  stock.  The  warrants  are
exercisable  through December 1, 2000 at a price of $3.50 per share,  subject to
adjustment under anti-dilution  provisions of the Warrant Agreement. The

                                       9
<PAGE>

                               ESSEX CORPORATION

warrant  holders  have  certain  registration  rights for these shares of common
stock.  The Company has also issued warrants for 78,400 shares to the purchasers
of the  Debentures  under  essentially  the same  terms  and  conditions  as the
warrants issued to the broker/dealer.

In January  1997, a class of preferred  stock was approved by the  shareholders.
The  Company's  Articles of  Incorporation  were amended to authorize a class of
preferred  stock, 1 million  shares,  par value $0.01 per share,  the series and
rights of which may be designated  by the Board of Directors in accordance  with
applicable  state and federal  law.  In June 1997,  the Board  designated  2,500
shares of such preferred stock as Series A with a $100 liquidation  value and an
8% annual dividend. These preferred shares were convertible into shares of Essex
common stock at $0.50 per share or market value,  whichever greater.  There were
1,200 shares of preferred stock issued in 1997. The preferred stock plus accrued
dividends were converted into 245,796 shares of common stock in 1998.

The Company  has  reserved  approximately  1,014,000  shares of common  stock in
connection with the convertible debentures and the possible exercise of all such
warrants.

NOTE 6: Income Taxes

The Company is in a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward  position for book and
tax  purposes.  No tax  benefit  will be  recognized  until  taxable  income  is
realized.

NOTE 7: Statements of Cash Flows - Supplemental Disclosure

In 1999,  the  Company  entered  into a  capital  lease  for new  equipment  for
$110,000.  There were no new capital  leases  entered  into in the first half of
1998.

NOTE 8: Discontinued Operations

In June 1997, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the disposition of the
Systems  Effectiveness  Division  ("SED") and operations of the Federal  Systems
Division  ("FSD")  except  for  the  telecommunications  and  government-related
optoelectronics  programs which are comprised of different customers, a separate
location in Columbia,  Maryland and distinguishable operations. The discontinued
operations  comprised  the  majority of the  Company's  Technical  Services  and
Products business operations.

On August 4, 1997,  the Company  completed the sale of certain of the assets and
operations of FSD for  approximately  $225,000 in cash and assumption of certain
liabilities of approximately  $60,000.  There was an additional  contingent cash
payment of $73,000  which was  received  in early 1998.  Another  portion of the
operations of FSD which were  performed  primarily in the Company's  facility in
Huntsville,  Alabama  were  discontinued  and the facility  closed.  The Company
settled on the sale of the Huntsville facility in June 1998.

Effective  October 1, 1997, the Company sold the business and net assets of SED.
The  aggregate  sale  price  was  $1,475,000.  The  Company  sold  the  accounts
receivable,  contracts,  fixed assets and certain  other  assets.  The acquiring
company assumed certain  liabilities.  The Company received  $525,000 in cash at
closing and took a note receivable for $325,000 which was paid off

                                       10
<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION

in June 1998.  The  balance of  $625,000  was placed in escrow and was  received
through  February  1998 as the  respective  contracts of SED were novated to the
acquirer.

The proceeds from the sale of discontinued  operations and non-cash  charges and
changes in working capital are shown in the statements of cash flows. There were
no revenues from discontinued operations in 1999 or 1998.

                                       11
<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION

MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION  AND OTHER  SECTIONS
CONTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS THAT ARE BASED ON MANAGEMENT'S EXPECTATIONS,
ESTIMATES, PROJECTIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS. WORDS SUCH AS "EXPECTS",  "ANTICIPATES",
"PLANS",  "BELIEVES",   "ESTIMATES",   VARIATIONS  OF  SUCH  WORDS  AND  SIMILAR
EXPRESSIONS  ARE  INTENDED  TO IDENTIFY  SUCH  FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS  THAT
INCLUDE,  BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO,  PROJECTIONS  OF REVENUES,  EARNINGS,  SEGMENT
PERFORMANCE, CASH FLOWS AND CONTRACT AWARDS. SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE
MADE PURSUANT TO THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION
REFORM ACT OF 1995.  THESE  STATEMENTS ARE NOT GUARANTEES OF FUTURE  PERFORMANCE
AND INVOLVE  CERTAIN  RISKS AND  UNCERTAINTIES  THAT ARE  DIFFICULT  TO PREDICT.
THEREFORE,  ACTUAL FUTURE RESULTS AND TRENDS MAY DIFFER  MATERIALLY FROM WHAT IS
INDICATED IN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS DUE TO A VARIETY OF FACTORS.

STATUS

The Company's principal focus is in the  telecommunications  and optoelectronics
business   areas.   Work  backlog  has  been  funded   incrementally   in  both.
Telecommunications work has been concentrated with one major customer, Motorola.
The Company is  Motorola's  first  industrial  partner on the Iridium7  cellular
satellite  communications  program and obtains  approximately seventy percent of
its  revenues  from  that  activity.  This  modeling,  simulation  and  software
development  work has continued for nearly a decade but is presently  decreasing
in volume.

The Company has invested  substantial  sums in  developing  its line of patented
optoelectronic  processors.  These exceedingly high-speed  computational engines
combine the power of laser  optics and  semiconductor  chips.  They  reconstruct
("develop")  images  from  radar  signals,   medical  magnetic  resonance  (MRI)
equipment, ultrasound equipment and the Company's laser holographic Virtual Lens
MicroscopeJ.  Although  the Company has sold a few  pre-production  units to the
U.S. Defense community, it has not yet succeeded in commercializing these unique
products.

Recently,  the Company began work utilizing its  optoelectronic  technology on a
subcontract with a prime U.S. Government contractor. While this business has not
been  added to  backlog  because  the  terms  and  conditions  have not yet been
finalized,  the Company is collecting these receivables and believes that it has
the potential to add  significantly  to long-term  backlog in the second half of
1999 and  following  periods.  The  Company has also  recently  begun work on an
initially small  subcontract  with another prime U.S.  Government  contractor in
connection with its shipboard  missile  defense radar.  This program builds upon
the  Company's   optoelectronic  radar  data  processor  breadboard   previously
constructed for the U.S. Government. Should this program proceed to fruition, it
has potential to add significantly to long-term backlog.

The ImSyn(TM) Processors loaned by the  Company to the  University  of  Maryland
Medical School and to the Hospital of the University of  Pennsylvania  are being
used to develop innovative MRI procedures.  Under terms of a Maryland Industrial
Partnerships  grant,  the Company is collaborating in a program to capitalize on
the high speed of its equipment to enable  functional and  fluoroscopic  MRI. In
the University of Pennsylvania,  different objectives are being pursued, but the
program  is based upon  demonstrated  computing  speed.  It should be noted that
these  programs  are not  expected to develop  significant  revenues in the near
term.

                                       12
<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION

Military and  commercial  radar  imaging  applications  are among the  important
initiatives  of the  Company.  Small prime  contracts  and  substantial  Company
expenditures  have  financed  progress  in  this  field  that  has  resulted  in
performance  commendations  by customers.  The U.S. Air Force  nomination of the
Company for  excellence  in producing  an  optoelectronic  processor  survived a
searching  competition  leading to the award of a prestigious prize in 1997. The
U.S. Small Business  Administration  recognized that important  achievement with
the presentation of a Tibbetts Award to the Company in a White House ceremony.

Building  upon  its  military  and  intelligence   experience  as  well  as  its
considerable  investment,  the Company now has several active  initiatives  that
could lead to substantial  commercial  business programs.  One of these is based
upon  the  capability  of  the  ImSyn(TM)  Processor  to  enable  the  Company's
proprietary Holographic Ground Penetrating Imaging Radar. The Company is seeking
to organize a joint  venture to  capitalize  upon this  capability.  The Company
envisions powerful systems to produce 3-D images of buried  infrastructure  such
as utility  lines,  highway  subgrades  and  hazardous  materials  buried  under
Brownfields,  former  industrial  sites  that  developers  wish to bring back to
economic utility.

The financial  performance of the Company has been adversely impacted during the
past several  years as a result of its  continued  expenditures  to maintain its
skilled  team and  develop  its  optoelectronic  products.  The  Company has had
difficulty  bringing  these  products  to market,  in part,  because it has been
financially unable to timely perform both the required  development work and the
extensive sales and marketing effort required.  Those large outflows of cash are
moderating substantially. Net cash used in operating activities was $1.6 million
in 1997,  declining to under  $200,000 in 1998.  In the first half of 1999,  net
cash used was approximately $244,000, primarily from costs incurred in retaining
essential staff pending award of anticipated new business.

The Company  believes that its active  pursuit of new business will be rewarded.
Some new  business  has been  booked and some is in the  process  of  finalizing
contract terms and conditions. It is important to note however, that the Company
may not  achieve the  anticipated  new  business  due to  technical  problems or
economic  or other  developments  beyond the  Company's  control.  In  addition,
negotiation of joint ventures or other strategic  relationships  involve complex
legal  and  business  issues,  which  may put  severe  strain  on the  Company's
financial and operational resources.  Moreover, the targeted customers and joint
venture  participants are all  significantly  larger and have more financial and
other  resources  than the Company.  This  imbalance of resources  may cause the
terms of any sale or joint venture  involving  ImSyn(TM) to be less favorable to
the Company than they otherwise  would be.  Management is cautiously  optimistic
but recognizes that we continue to face significant challenges.

REVENUES

Revenues were  $1,244,000  and  $1,240,000  for the second  quarters of 1999 and
1998,  respectively.  Revenues  for the first half of 1999 were  $2,210,000,  an
increase of 8% over the  $2,043,000 in revenues for the first half of 1998.  The
Company's  work for  Motorola  for the  Iridium  and  other  cellular  satellite
communication systems accounted for revenues of $1,474,000 and $1,485,000 in the
first half of 1999 and 1998, respectively. This represented 67% and 73% of total
revenues for the first half of 1999 and 1998,  respectively.  Revenues from this
program  decreased  between  the first  half of 1998 and 1999 as tasks have been
completed for the initial systems and new tasks for

                                       13
<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION

follow-on satellite systems have been deferred by the customer.  The Company has
been impacted by  well-reported  difficulties  in the  satellite  communications
industry,  notably  the  Iridium(R)  program.  Furthermore,  as a result  of the
previously  announced  redeployment  by  Motorola of  personnel  assigned to the
Teledesic  program,  certain  tasking  by  Motorola  to  the  Company  has  been
suspended. Such work has amounted to a reduction of approximately $100,000 (25%)
in overall  monthly  revenues  beginning  in June.  The Company is unsure of the
duration of the suspension of this work.

The Company has a backlog on the Motorola  programs of  approximately  $398,000,
down from  $996,000 at March 28, 1999.  As of June 27,  1999,  the Company had a
backlog  on  programs  related  to   optoelectronic   devices  and  services  of
approximately  $433,000 up from $254,000 at March 28, 1999.  The Company did not
have any firm orders for ImSyn(TM) units as of the date of this report.

INCOME (LOSS)

There was  operating  income of $19,000 and an operating  loss of $81,000 in the
second  quarters of 1999 and 1998,  respectively.  There were losses of $130,000
and $339,000 in the first half periods of 1999 and 1998,  respectively.  Cost of
goods sold and services  provided as a percentage of revenues for the first half
of 1999 were 51.8%,  which was lower than the 56.2% in 1998.  This reduction was
primarily due to the Company  performing a larger amount of direct work in-house
in 1999 compared to 1998 when more work had to be subcontracted out. The Company
receives a larger margin on work performed  in-house.  The Company has curtailed
selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  ("SG&A")  where  possible while
retaining essential technical  capabilities and personnel in the optoelectronics
and telecommunications  businesses.  Overall, SG&A expenses remain high relative
to the revenue volume as the Company seeks to commercialize  its  optoelectronic
products and  services.  The higher SG&A expenses  contributed  to the operating
loss.

CORPORATE MATTERS

In 1998,  the Company's  interest  costs were higher due to the larger amount of
outstanding  debentures during the first half of 1998. Total interest costs, net
and  debenture  financing  amortization  were  $28,000 in the first half of 1999
compared to $80,000 in the same period of 1998.

The  Company  recognized  the  majority  of its  remaining  tax  benefit  amount
recoverable  from the  carryback  of net  operating  losses  prior to 1994.  The
Company is in a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward  position. No benefit from
income taxes was recognized in the first half of 1999 or 1998.

                                       14

<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION

YEAR 2000

STATE OF READINESS

The overwhelming  majority of the Company's  computer systems consist of desktop
computers  running  popular  software  programs  which  purport  to be Year 2000
compliant.  The Company has not requested Year 2000  compliance  statements from
major  vendors  based on its belief  that the time and costs  involved in such a
process would not make economic sense given the Company's  limited personnel and
financial resources. There have been no indications, however, that major vendors
will not be Year 2000  compliant.  If vendors are not Year 2000  compliant,  the
Company believes that it will be able to find suitable  alternate  suppliers and
contract with them on reasonable terms.

A  significant  portion of the  Company's  revenues are derived from  consulting
services that do not implicate date recognition concerns,  such as the work as a
subcontractor  for Motorola on its  Iridium7  cellular  satellite  communication
system.  Based on its  contacts  and  experience  with  Motorola on the Iridium7
project,  the Company does not expect Year 2000 compliance  issues to materially
impact its Iridium7 revenues or costs.

COSTS TO ADDRESS THE YEAR 2000 ISSUES

Management  of the  Company  believes  that the  impact  of the Year 2000 on the
Company's  internal  systems will not result in material costs to the Company or
have a material adverse impact on future results.

RISKS OF THE YEAR 2000 ISSUES

The main risk to the Company  with  respect to Year 2000 is the failure of major
vendors and infrastructure  providers,  such as utility and telephone companies,
to be Year 2000  compliant.  Failure  on their  part  could  result in delays or
inability to  communicate  with  customers or obtain  components  and  supplies,
increased costs of components,  supplies and services,  and an overall inability
to  conduct   business  in  the  event  of  a  shutdown  of  major   utility  or
telecommunications  providers.  The Company cannot estimate the financial impact
of any failure to be Year 2000 compliant by such third party vendors and service
providers.

CONTINGENCY PLANS

The Company does not have a contingency plan for Year 2000 compliance because it
does not anticipate that it will fail to be Year 2000 compliant, particularly in
relation to those systems,  software  programs,  and hardware that are under its
control.  However,  there can be no assurances  that all measures being taken to
avoid Year 2000 problems will be effective and as such,  unforeseen issues could
arise that could lead to a material adverse effect upon the Company's  business,
operating results and financial condition.

                                       15
<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION

FINANCIAL CONDITION - LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The  Company  evaluates  its  liguidity  position  using  various  factors.  The
following  represents some of the more important factors:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA ($ Thousands)
                                                                  AS OF
                                            ------------------------------------------------

                                               June 27,       December 27,       June 28,
                                                 1999             1998             1998
                                            -------------    --------------   -------------

<S>                                         <C>              <C>              <C>
Total Assets                                $       1,794    $       1,785    $       1,877
                                            =============    =============    =============
                                            =============    =============    =============

Working Capital                             $         493    $         661    $         381
                                            =============    =============    =============
                                            =============    =============    =============

Current Ratio                                      1.50:1           1.78:1           1.33:1
                                            =============    =============    =============
                                            =============    =============    =============

Receivables Financing/Bank Line of Credit   $         243    $         164    $          --
Convertible Debentures                                376              376              376
Current and Long-Term Capital Leases                   64                9               34
                                            =============    =============    =============
         Total Debt/Financing               $         683    $         549    $         410
                                            =============    =============    =============
                                            =============    =============    =============

Stockholders' Equity                        $        435     $         565    $         348
                                            =============    =============    =============
                                            =============    =============    =============
</TABLE>


The Company  experienced a decrease in its working capital and current ratio due
primarily  to the net loss of $130,000  in the first half of 1999.  The net loss
and a $212,000  increase in accounts  receivable were the primary factors in the
$245,000  of net cash used in  operations  in the first  half of 1999.  The 1999
first  half net  loss  was  funded  from  cash  balances  provided  by  accounts
receivable  financing.  During  the first  half of 1998,  the  Company  received
approximately  $1.3 million  in  cash  related  to  the  sales  of  discontinued
operations. Most of these proceeds were used to reduce outstanding indebtedness.
See Note 8 to the  Financial  Statements  included in Part I. No  proceeds  were
received from sales of discontinued operations in 1999.

The  Company has  incurred  losses over the last  decade,  primarily  due to the
development  and marketing of its  optoelectronics  products and  services.  The
optoelectronics  products  and  services  business  area  experienced  net  cash
expenditures  (including all general and administrative  expenses) over receipts
of approximately $30,000 - $40,000 per month during the second quarter of 1999.

The  Company  is seeking  additional  funds from  private  financing  markets to
finance  operations and to achieve desired product  inventory levels and initial
market  penetration.  The Company is also seeking to establish joint ventures or
strategic partnerships with major industrial concerns to facilitate these goals.
The Company believes that it will be able to meet its 1999 funding  requirements
from the  aforementioned  sources,  although  there can be no assurances in this
regard.   Failure  to  commercialize  or  further   significant  delays  in  the
commercialization  of  the  Company's

                                       16
<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION

optoelectronic products would have a significant adverse effect on the Company's
future operating  results and future financial  position;  however,  the Company
believes  that in such  event it  could  successfully  manage  and  reduce  cash
requirements  for  operations  by  curtailing  expenditures  in  optoelectronics
operations (including general and administrative  expenses),  although there can
be no assurances in this regard.

The Company has  approximately  $347,000 of  inventory in current  assets.  This
inventory is comprised  of ImSyn(TM) optoelectronic  processors  and consists of
finished  goods and  work-in-process.  Sales of such units will be  necessary in
order to maintain working capital liquidity.  There are no firm orders for sales
of such units as of the date of this report.

The  Company  has  a  working  capital  financing  agreement  with  an  accounts
receivable  factoring  organization.  Under  such an  agreement,  the  factoring
organization may purchase certain of the Company's  accounts  receivable subject
to full recourse against the Company in the case of nonpayment by the customers.
The Company  generally  receives  85%-90% of the  invoice  amount at the time of
purchase  and the balance  when the  invoice is paid.  The Company is charged an
interest fee and other processing  charges,  payable at the time each invoice is
paid. Funds advanced were $243,000 as of June 27, 1999.

Effective July 1994, the Company settled a legal dispute with a former landlord.
Under the Settlement  Agreement  ("Agreement"),  the Company  remains liable for
contingent  cash  payments of 25% of future  earnings (as defined) and 10-15% of
the net proceeds from the sale of common stock or operating  assets.  The period
for  computation  of such  contingent  payments ends December 2004. The $141,000
accrual as of June 27, 1999 represents the remaining contingent portion which is
to be paid over the applicable consideration period

The preceding  paragraphs  discussing the Company's  financial condition contain
forward-looking  statements. The factors affecting the ability of the Company to
meet its funding requirements and manage its cash resources include, among other
things,  the  amount  and  timing of  product  sales,  inventory  turnover,  the
magnitude of fixed costs and the ability to obtain working capital, all of which
involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict.

                                       17
<PAGE>
                               ESSEX CORPORATION

                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.  Exhibits and Report on Form 8-K

         (a)       Exhibits

                  (i)   Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule

                        27.1    Financial Data Schedule

         (b)       Reports on Form 8-K

                   None

                                    SIGNATURE

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant  caused  this  report to be signed on its behalf by the  undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.

                                ESSEX CORPORATION
                                  (Registrant)

Date:  July 23, 1999       /s/ Joseph R. Kurry, Jr.
                      -----------------------------------
                              Joseph R. Kurry, Jr.
                              Senior Vice President
                      Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

(Mr. Kurry is the Principal Financial and  Accounting  Officer and has been duly
authorized to sign on behalf of the Registrant.)


                                       18

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5

<MULTIPLIER>                  1,000


<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>               Dec-26-1999
<PERIOD-START>                  Dec-28-1998
<PERIOD-END>                    Jun-27-1999

<CASH>                          314
<SECURITIES>                      0
<RECEIVABLES>                   774
<ALLOWANCES>                    (50)
<INVENTORY>                     347
<CURRENT-ASSETS>              1,476
<PP&E>                        1,269
<DEPRECIATION>               (1,134)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                1,794
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>           983
<BONDS>                         376
             0
                       0
<COMMON>                        440
<OTHER-SE>                       (5)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>  1,794
<SALES>                       2,210
<TOTAL-REVENUES>              2,210
<CGS>                        (1,144)
<TOTAL-COSTS>                 2,312
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                  0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                  0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>              (28)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                (130)
<INCOME-TAX>                      0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>            (130)
<DISCONTINUED>                    0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                   0
<CHANGES>                         0
<NET-INCOME>                   (130)
<EPS-BASIC>                  (.03)
<EPS-DILUTED>                  (.03)



</TABLE>


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