Sale of Cornwall business will reduce debt by approximately $7 million

ATLANTA, May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tri-S Security Corp. (Nasdaq: TRIS), a provider of security services for government entities, today announced its results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009. Tri-S provides security services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Systems, Inc. ("Paragon").

First Quarter Ended March 31, 2009


    --  Revenues increased 80% to $29.3 million for the quarter ended March 31,
        2009.
    --  Gross profit increased 28% to $0.9 million from a year ago.
    --  Gross margins were 3.1% compared to 4.3% a year ago. The difference
        between 2009 and 2008 is primarily attributable to an existing contract
        awarded to Paragon with a lower margin.
    --  EBITDA, as adjusted (see "EBITDA, as adjusted" definition
        below), declined to a negative $398,000 from a break-even position a
        year ago.

-- Net loss per basic and diluted share was $(0.77) for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, compared to $(0.51) a year ago.

Recent Highlights


    --  In March 2009, Tri-S Security determined to sell substantially all of
        the assets (except accounts receivable) of its wholly-owned subsidiary,
        The Cornwall Group, Inc. ("Cornwall"), and certain of its
        subsidiaries.  Cornwall is based in Miami, Florida and provides physical
        security for clients in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach,
        Florida. Tri-S Security determined to sell the Cornwall business so that
        Tri-S could focus on growing the government business and reduce its
        overall debt load. The sale was completed on May 13, 2009. This
        transaction will reduce our overall debt load by approximately $7.0
        million, $750,000 of which will be held in escrow to secure the
        continuation of certain contracts transferred as part of the sale.

    --  Total Paragon contract pipeline of approximately $583 million, all of
        which has already been bid. We expect these contracts to be awarded over
        the next six months.

"Our top line growth showed significant improvement compared to the first quarter of 2008 and was stable compared to the previous quarter ended December 31, 2008," said Ronald Farrell, CEO, Tri-S Security Corp. "We believe our contract pipeline continues to be strong and we remain very encouraged about winning new contracts at Paragon. With our current book of business, we can anticipate revenue for 2009 through 2011 of approximately $125 million per year," added Farrell.

"The trends in our contract pipeline remain very encouraging for continued top line growth. I am pleased we were able to complete the sale of the Cornwall business and to reduce our debt by approximately $7.0 million. I am optimistic about our 2009 results based upon our first quarter numbers," Farrell concluded.

Financial Discussion for First Quarter Ended March 31, 2009

During the first quarter of 2009, revenue for Tri-S Security grew 80% to $29.3 million from $16.3 million in the first quarter of 2008. This increase was the result of five new federal contracts, net of four contract expirations at Paragon.

The gross profit for the first quarter of 2009 was $0.9 million compared to $0.7 million for the first quarter of 2008. Included in these figures are start-up costs totaling $0.5 million for both quarters.

Gross margins were 3.1% compared to 4.3% a year ago. The difference between 2009 and 2008 is primarily attributable to an existing contract awarded to Paragon with a lower margin.

General and administrative costs were $2.0 million for the first quarter of 2009 compared to $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2008. General and administrative costs represented 7% of revenue for the first quarter of 2009 down from 10% of revenue in the same quarter for 2008.

The operating loss for the first quarter of 2009 was $1.3 million, compared to an operating loss of $1.2 million for the first quarter of 2008. Included in these figures are start-up costs totaling $0.5 million for both quarters.

EBITDA, as adjusted, was a negative $398,000 for the first quarter of 2009 as compared to break even for the first quarter of 2008.

Interest expense, net, increased to $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared to $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. This increase is primarily attributable to a higher borrowing base due to increased revenue and fees on our over advance. As a result, the net loss from continuing operations before income tax was $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared to $1.9 million in the comparable period last year.

A loss of $0.6 million for discontinued operations relating to Cornwall was recorded in the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and $0.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. Net loss for the first quarter of 2009 was $3.2 million compared to a net loss of $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2008.

In this release, we use the non-GAAP financial measure, EBITDA, as adjusted. EBITDA, as adjusted, is calculated as earnings before interest; taxes; depreciation and amortization; loss from discontinued operations; non-cash stock-based compensation; start-up costs on new contracts; and other income/expense. A reconciliation of EBITDA, as adjusted, to net loss for the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, is attached to this press release.

Tri-S Security will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. EDT on Friday, May 15, 2009 to discuss its first quarter results and respond to appropriate questions. The conference call may be accessed by dialing 877-741-4240. Participants should ask for the Tri-S Security First Quarter 2009 Financial Results conference call.

This call is being webcast by Thomson Financial and can be accessed at Tri-S Security's website at http://www.trissecurity.com. The webcast may also be accessed at Thomson's website at http://www.earnings.com. The webcast can be accessed through June 15, 2009 on either site. To access the webcast, you will need to have the Windows Media Player on your desktop. For the free download of the Media Player, please visit:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/alldownloads.aspx.

About Tri-S Security Corp.

Based in Atlanta, GA, Tri-S Security Corp. (Nasdaq: TRIS) is a provider of security services for government entities. Security services include uniformed guards, personnel protection, access control, crowd control and the prevention of sabotage, terrorist and criminal activities. Tri-S Security assumes responsibility for the marketing, infrastructure and overall operational performance for its subsidiaries. Tri-S Security's management leverages highly trained government officers, experienced industry leaders, proven financial executives and infrastructure experts to consolidate the fragmented security industry into one efficient and effective security force.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are commonly identified by such terms and phrases as "should", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "projects" and other terms with similar meaning indicating potential impact on our business. Although we believe that the assumptions upon which such forward looking statements are based are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our projections and expectations are disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" section set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed subsequent thereto. All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements and by reference to their underlying assumptions. We do not undertake to publicly update the forward-looking statements contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You may obtain and review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commissions by visiting http://www.sec.gov.


                   Tri-S Security Corporation and Subsidiaries
                             Statements of Operations
                                    Unaudited
                      (In thousands, except per share data)

                                                   Adjusted       Adjusted
                                                 Three Months   Three Months
                                                    Ended          Ended
                                                Mar. 31, 2009   Mar. 31, 2008
                                                -------------   -------------

    Revenues                                        $29,322        $16,291

    Cost of revenues:
      Direct labor                                   18,473          9,896
      Indirect labor and other contract
       support costs                                  9,929          5,626
      Amortization of customer contracts                 23             67
                                                     ------         ------
                                                     28,425         15,589
                                                     ------         ------

        Gross profit                                    897            702
                                                        3.1%           4.3%

    Selling, general and administrative               2,043          1,690
    Amortization of intangible assets                   118            163
                                                     ------        -------
                                                      2,161          1,853
                                                     ------        -------

                                                     ------        -------
        Operating income (loss)                      (1,264)        (1,151)
                                                     ------        -------

    Other income (expense):
      Interest expense, net                          (1,384)          (765)
      Other income                                        5              5
                                                     ------        -------
                                                     (1,379)          (760)
                                                     ------        -------

    Loss before income taxes                         (2,643)        (1,911)

    Income tax expense (benefit)                          2             47

                                                    -------        -------
        Net loss, prior to discontinued
         operations                                 $(2,645)       $(1,958)
                                                    =======        =======

    Discontinued Operations, net of tax                (574)          (171)
                                                    -------        -------

    Net Loss                                        $(3,219)       $(2,129)
                                                    =======        =======

    Basic and diluted net income (loss) per
     common share                                    $(0.77)        $(0.51)
    Basic and diluted weighted average
     number of common shares                          4,203          4,203



                  Tri-S Security Corporation and Subsidiaries
                                 Balance Sheets
                     (In thousands, except per share data)


                                                    Unaudited       Audited
                                                     Mar. 31,    December 31,
                                                      2009           2008
                                                    ---------    ------------
               Assets
    Current assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents                          $-           $422
      Restricted cash                                     -              -
      Trade accounts receivable, net                 15,426         12,465
      Prepaid expenses and other assets                 775            676
      Assets Held for Sale                            7,389          9,028
                                                    -------         ------
        Total current assets                         23,590         22,591
                                                    -------         ------

    Property and equipment, less accumulated
     depreciation                                       664            597
    Goodwill                                          7,747          7,747
    Intangibles
      Customer contracts                                  -             22
      Deferred loan costs                               695            797
      Other                                               -              6
                                                    -------        -------
        Total assets                                $32,696        $31,760
                                                    =======        =======

               Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
    Current liabilities:
      Bank Overdraft                                    $85             $-
      Trade accounts payable                          1,932          1,556
      Other accrued expenses                            476          1,315
      Accrued salary and benefits                     6,765          5,134
      Asset based lending facility                   18,984         15,776
      Accrued interest                                  946            534
      Income taxes payable                               59             67
      10% convertible notes                             900          1,025
      Liabilities Held for Sale                       4,632          5,480
                                                     ------         ------
        Total current liabilities                    34,779         30,886
                                                     ------         ------

    Other liabilities:
      14% convertible notes                           6,607          6,470
       Deferred income taxes                              -              -
      Term loan                                       2,500          2,500
      Accrued interest
       expense - long term                              259            277
      Series D preferred stock subject to
        mandatory redemption                          1,500          1,500
                                                      -----          -----
                                                     10,866         10,747
                                                     ------         ------

                                                     ------         ------
        Total liabilities                            45,645         41,633
                                                     ------         ------

    Stockholders' equity:
      Common stock, $0.001 par value, 25,000,000
       shares authorized, 4,203,280  shares issued
       and outstanding at September 30, 2008 and
       December 31, 2007.                                 4              4
      Treasury stock                                   (105)          (105)
      Additional paid-in capital                     17,705         17,562
      Retained deficit                              (30,553)       (27,334)
                                                     -------        ------
        Total stockholders' equity                  (12,949)        (9,873)
                                                     -------        ------

    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity      $32,696        $31,760
                                                    =======        =======



                    Tri-S Security Corporation and Subsidiaries
                               Statements of Cash Flows
                                     Unaudited
                                   (In thousands)


                                                 Three Months   Three Months
                                                    Ended          Ended
                                                Mar. 31, 2009  Mar. 31, 2008
                                                -------------  -------------

    Cash flow from operating activities:
      Net income (loss)                             $(2,645)       $(1,958)
      Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
       to net cash provided (used) by operating
       activities:
          Depreciation and amortization                 231            272
          Non-cash employee stock option expense        134            365
          Non-cash interest expense                      12             54
          Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
            Unbilled revenues and trade accounts
             receivable                              (2,961)        (2,213)
            Prepaid expenses and other assets           (99)          (624)
            Trade accounts payable                      376             85
            Accrued liabilities                       1,186          3,130
            Income taxes payable                         29             44
                                                     ------           ----
        Net cash provided (used) by operating
         activities                                  (3,737)          (845)
                                                     ------           ----

    Cash flow from investing activities:
        Purchase of property and equipment             (158)          (384)

                                                       ----           ----
        Net cash provided (used) by investing
         activities                                    (158)          (384)
                                                       ----           ----

    Cash flow from financing activities:
      Bank Overdraft                                     85              -
      Proceeds from (payments on) asset
       based lending facility, net                    3,208          1,889
      Deferred financing costs                           (1)           (26)
                                                      -----          -----
        Net cash provided (used) by financing
         activities                                   3,292          1,863
                                                      -----          -----

    Cash flow from discontinued operations:

        Net cash provided (used) by operating
         activities                                    (401)          (128)
        Net cash provided (used) by investing
         activities
        Net cash provided (used) by financing
         activities                                     582           (624)
                                                        ---           ----
        Net cash provided (used) by discontinued
         operations                                     181           (752)
                                                        ---           ----

    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
     equivalents                                       (422)          (118)
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period    422            373
                                                        ---            ---
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period            -            255
                                                          =            ===


    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
      Interest paid - continuing operations            $969           $468
      Interest paid - discontinued operations            91            103
      Income taxes paid                                  10              4
      Tender of 10% convertible notes for 14%
      convertible notes                                 116
      Payment of deferred financing
       costs through issuance of warrants                 9




                     Tri-S Security Corporation and Subsidiaries
                                 EBITDA, as adjusted


                                                   Three Months   Three Months
                                                      Ended          Ended
                                                  Mar. 31, 2009  Mar. 31, 2008
                                                  -------------  -------------

    Net Loss                                        ($3,219)       ($2,129)

    Adjustments:
    ------------
    Discontinued operations, net of tax                 574            171
    Income tax expense (benefit)                          2             47
    Interest expense, net                             1,384            765
    Interest on preferred stock
     subject to mandatory redemption                      0              0
    Gain on sale of assets                                0              0
    Other income                                         (5)            (5)
    Amortization of intangible assets                   118            163
    Goodwill impairment loss                              -              -
    Amortization of customer contracts                   23             67
    Depreciation                                         90             41
    Non-cash stock based compensation                   134            365
    Start Up Costs                                      501            519
                                                      -----          -----
    EBITDA, as adjusted                               $(398)            $4
                                                      =====          =====

SOURCE Tri-S Security Corp.