Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
(Operator Instructions). Your first question comes from the line of Michael Lewis – BB&T Capital Markets.
Michael Lewis – BB&T Capital Markets
Robert, I was wondering if we could kind of talk about the cost rationalization that we've witnessed. We've seen significant fixed and variable costs rationalization here over the last few quarters. I guess my question is how much more ability do you have in the infrastructure to further rein in the costs with the various businesses throughout the company?
Robert Mehrabian
Right now where we stand is we have reduced our workforce by 9.5%. We probably can take more cost out in a number of our businesses. On the other hand, I think in some of our businesses, where like in our engineered services businesses, the reductions have been commensurate with reductions in programs.
So if those programs start coming back we will increase in numbers there, but on the other hand in our fixed cost structure, our intention is to maintain as long as we can even when the markets return. So I think the answer is we could probably take more cost out. At this time we're studying that, depends on what the 2010 revenues look like. But we can take more out.
Michael Lewis – BB&T Capital Markets
And Robert, with regard to the reduction in the workforce at 9.5%, is there the ability if we see a re-ramping of some of the weaker businesses to bring some of those employees back or do you think once you've let them go that they're now gone?
Robert Mehrabian
No, I think, Michael, we can get them back. The job market out there as you know is very weak and I think we can get them back and at least when we can afford to get them back. It's unfortunate, it's just totally unfortunate.
It's not just us, it's – the unemployment picture across the country is just not good. I think it was yesterday or the day before, 23 states indicated higher unemployment last month than they had previously. So I think there's – the available levered market should be there when we need it.
Michael Lewis – BB&T Capital Markets
I agree with you there on unemployment. But just one more question and I'll get out of the way here. Can we just a quick update on your outlook with regard to M&A specifically? What's your plan on size and scope of properties under evaluation? Do you think you're going to have to start looking at throwing a wider net out there and look at other areas that you may not have looked at, say, two years ago or three years ago? Just like to get your thoughts there.
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