Delaware | 74-1668471 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
Title of Each Class | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
Common Stock, $.40 par value | American Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Act Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the
registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 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 No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K .
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $25,695,000 as of July 31, 2006 based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange (Amex) on that date, and approximately $27,479,000 as of April 20, 2007, based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on the Amex on that more recent date.
As of April 20, 2007, the issuer had 3,573,315 shares of Common Stock outstanding, net of treasury shares.
Portions of the Aerosonic Corporation Proxy Statement for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Proxy Statement) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. We expect to file our Proxy Statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and mail it to shareholders on or before May 31, 2007.
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THIS REPORT CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, WHICH ARE INTENDED TO BE COVERED BY THE SAFE HARBORS CREATED THEREUNDER. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING TERMINOLOGY SUCH AS MAY, WILL, SHOULD, EXPECT, ANTICIPATE, ESTIMATE, CONTINUE, PLANS, INTENDS AND WORDS OF SIMILAR IMPORT. ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY BELIEVES THAT THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE REASONABLE, ANY OF THE ASSUMPTIONS COULD BE INACCURATE. THEREFORE, THE COMPANYS ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THE RESULTS ANTICIPATED IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. ADDITIONALLY, ACTUAL RESULTS MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY CERTAIN FACTORS SET FORTH HEREIN IN MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE PUBLICLY ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF NEW INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE.
On March 9, 2007, Aerosonic Corporation (Aerosonic or the Company) announced the consolidation of the manufacturing functions of its Earlysville, Virginia, operation into its Clearwater, Florida facility. The Earlysville location is home to Avionics Specialties, Inc., Aerosonics wholly owned subsidiary. The consolidation is a continuation of the Companys actions to be more responsive to customers demands while increasing efficiencies. The existing Engineering and Marketing functions will remain in the Earlysville area but will relocate to a new facility more appropriately sized for the Companys planned streamlined structure. The Company plans to sell the Earlysville facility. Avionics Specialties manufactures angle of attack stall warning systems, integrated multifunction probes, which are integrated air data sensors, and other aircraft sensors and monitoring systems. The Company will continue the manufacturing of those products at its Clearwater, Florida facility. The Company will also execute the consolidation plan in a phased approach to maintain delivery schedules and product quality.
ITEM 1. | BUSINESS. |
Aerosonic is a Delaware corporation formerly known as Instrument Technology Corporation (ITC). ITC, which was incorporated in 1968, was the surviving corporation of a merger, in 1970, with Aerosonic Corp., a Florida corporation (Aerosonic Florida). Aerosonic Florida, which was incorporated in 1957, ceased to exist as a separate corporation as a result of the merger. Following the merger, ITC changed its name to Aerosonic Corporation. In January 1993, the Company acquired Avionics Specialties, Inc., a Virginia corporation (Avionics), from Teledyne Industries, Inc. (Teledyne). Prior to the acquisition, Avionics had been a division of Teledyne. Since the acquisition, Avionics has been maintained as an operating and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
As used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, references to Aerosonic, the Company, we or our include Aerosonic Corporation and its operating subsidiary, Avionics.
The Company is principally engaged in one business segment, which is the manufacture and sale of aircraft instruments. The Company has two operating divisions in two locations. The two divisions are (1) the Clearwater, Florida Instrument Division (Clearwater Instruments), which primarily manufactures both mechanical and digital altimeters, airspeed indicators, rate of climb indicators, microprocessor controlled air data test sets, and a variety of other flight instrumentation, and (2) Avionics in Earlysville, Virginia, which maintains three major product lines in the aircraft instrument segment: (i) angle of attack stall warning systems; (ii) integrated multifunction probes, which are integrated air data sensors; and (iii) other aircraft sensors and monitoring systems.
Until October 31, 2006, the Company maintained a third division in Wichita, Kansas (Kansas Instruments) to support the Clearwater Instruments business. Kansas Instruments was the source inspection location for our Wichita customers and was the primary location for Clearwater Instruments repair business. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007, all of the activity at the Wichita location was consolidated with the Companys Clearwater, Florida location.
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In August 1998, the Company formed Precision Components as a new division to perform high volume precision machining of mechanical components, which was not significant to operations in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 or 2005. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2005, the Company phased out the Precision Components division, redeploying the assets and employees to the Clearwater Instruments production.
The Company has a January 31 fiscal year end. Accordingly, all references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to a fiscal year mean the fiscal year ended on January 31 of the referenced year; for example, references to fiscal year 2007 mean the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007.
Aerosonics ability to maintain and enhance its position in the design, development and supply of primary flight control system components and instruments will be affected by the rising costs of both commercial and military aircraft, and the continuing decrease in the number of new aircraft programs and quantity of aircraft being built. Increasing value to customers has become extremely important to sustaining Aerosonics market position as well as the Companys market share.
The military original equipment manufacturers (OEM), such as BAE Systems LTD, Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Korea Aerospace Industries, Lockheed Martin Corporation (Lockheed), Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, The Boeing Company (Boeing) and others, have increased their reliance on their subcontractors to carry a greater share of the aircraft responsibility, including system requirements, hardware and software design, and physical and electrical interfaces. This increased responsibility has allowed Aerosonic to develop a greater technical capability for serving its customer base. The evolution of this role has taken Aerosonic to a dominant position in its business segment within the military aircraft market. This increased technical capability has also positioned the Company to push further into the commercial aircraft market with new technologies. The Company continues to work with its customers to identify new product and product application opportunities.
The Company continues as an aerospace industry leader in the manufacturing of mechanical instruments. These products are used for both primary flight data as well as standby redundant instruments in cockpits where electronic displays are used for primary flight data. As cockpit panel space becomes more valuable in the new age of glass displays, the Company has maintained a strong position with OEMs as a premier supplier of quality mechanical instruments in both the military and commercial aircraft marketplace.
Building on its expertise with mechanical instrumentation, the Company has successfully developed and marketed digital instrumentation for both primary flight data systems as well as standby redundant systems to complement its mechanical line of business. Completion of development, testing and certification of these instruments occurred in September 2005. While the Company initially began its development of these digital instruments for installation on a new aircraft being developed by one of its key customers, Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna), the new digital products are currently being marketed to a number of other aircraft manufacturers. The availability of these products allows the Company to facilitate its customers transition from mechanical systems to electronic systems. In addition, the Company has also made considerable progress in developing electronic air data collection instrumentation for military and commercial aircraft.
Aerosonics current market niches have been and will continue to be the design, development and supply of electronic and mechanical primary flight control systems components and instruments. These include altimeters, airspeed indicators, angle of attack indicators, stall prevention systems and air data measurement systems. All of these products are critical to aircraft operation, performance and safety.
The Companys goal is to continue to develop new products and reposition existing products for profitable growth and maintain dominance within its niche markets, focusing on the development of profitable long-term relationships with major OEMs in the aerospace industry. New aircraft cockpits increasingly are being developed through strategic alliances with market leaders. Due to existing OEM relationships, the Company is well-positioned to take advantage of such strategic alliances. An increase in sales volume will depend upon new product introduction and further penetration of existing markets. The Company is largely vertically integrated in its manufacturing and distribution activities, and this vertical integration gives Aerosonic a competitive advantage within the aerospace industry.
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The Companys products are sold to manufacturers of commercial and private aircraft, both domestic and foreign, and the United States military services. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007, approximately 70% of the Companys total sales were to the private sector and 30% to United States military services. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006, approximately 52% of the Companys total sales were to the private sector and 48% to United States military services. This shift in volume is due to a reduction in core product deliveries to the United States military as well as a further reduction in revenue producing engineering development projects.
Domestic sales of the Companys products are made to many different commercial (non-government) customers, and the Company anticipates that there will be an increasing movement toward development contracts for future commercial applications. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007, sales related to development programs accounted for approximately 3% of net sales, or $0.8 million, a decrease of $1.9 million from the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006, where such sales represented 8% of net sales. This decrease is due to a reduction in development activity on the Joint Strike Fighter development contract as the program nears completion. During fiscal year 2007, there was one commercial customer, Boeing, who represented 11% of total revenues. A substantial amount of the business related to this customer is related to contracts it has with the U.S. Government. The loss of this customer would have a material adverse effect on the Companys results of operations.
In addition, the Company sells its products to customers outside of the U.S. The aggregate percentage of international sales to overall sales was 24%, 22%, and 15% for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The primary driver for the increase in the 2007 fiscal year was shipments of integrated multifunction probes (IMFP) and related components to Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd.
Most of the Companys instrument sales are made directly through Company employees to OEMs or to the United States military, with the Companys remaining sales being made through distributors and commissioned sales representatives (who resell to aircraft operators).
The Company produces a full line of both three-inch and two-inch mechanical and electro-mechanical cockpit instruments. These instruments require no backup power, as they transfer valuable flight data to the pilot using only air pressure (from aircraft probes) as a power source.
The Company produces a leading-edge line of angle of attack (AOA)/stall warning products, including a self-test AOA sensor for use on the Gulfstream G350/G450 series of aircraft and the new IAI G150 aircraft stall warning system. The IAI G150 has received its final certification. Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification for the IAI G150 was obtained during fiscal year 2006.
The Company also produces IMFPs, which is a combination of existing technologies, including the angle of attack/air data sensing probe and pressure sensing electronics. This integrated approach to providing aircraft air data reduces a customers system complexity with respect to aircraft troubleshooting and logistics support, increases reliability, and decreases system costs.
The Company also produces digital cockpit instruments that include microprocessor-based sensors with an analog pointer displays that have been selected by Cessna to be standby units on its Mustang light jet program. The microprocessor-based Standby Airspeed indicator and the microprocessor-based Standby Altimeter indicator have completed the design, testing and TSO certification processes. These indicators combine the accuracy, robustness and the long term mean time before failure of electronic sensing presented with a pilot familiar analog pointer display. The Company has made deliveries to Cessna and other customers.
The Company primarily markets its products to OEMs, particularly manufacturers of corporate and private jets, and to contractors of military jets. Customers include, among others, the U.S. Government and a majority of the OEMs throughout the world. The Company also markets its products to private aircraft owners through its network of authorized distributors.
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The Companys contracts are normally for production or development. The Companys production contracts are typically fixed-price over a two to five year period, and the aerospace industry trend for such contracts is moving away from five year contracts and toward contracts of shorter duration. The Company also secures purchase orders from customers for product sales in the normal course of its business that are binding contracts upon acceptance of the terms and conditions of the orders by the Company.
Fixed-price contracts provide for a firm fixed price on a variety of products and quantities of those products. These contracts allow the Company to negotiate better overall prices that fit into customers production programs. These long-term commitments also allow the Company to capitalize on quantity based price reduction for raw materials.
Under the firm fixed-price contracts, the Company agrees to perform for an agreed-upon price. Accordingly, the Company derives benefits from cost savings, but bears the risk of cost overruns.
Development contracts provide resources for technology advancement necessary for development of various products. The Company negotiates for and generally receives payments from customers based upon milestones that correlate with the costs incurred. Early in our fiscal year ended January 31, 2003, we were notified that a variation of the IMFP had been selected for use on the Joint Strike Fighter. Development of this system continued through fiscal year 2007 and is expected to conclude in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008.
The Company sold its Engine Vibration Monitoring System (EVMS) product line inventory to Beran Instruments Limited, a U.K. company on February 5, 2004. The sale, which also included the U.S.-registered trademark EVMS, allowed the Company to concentrate on core technology developments in its other product lines.
In accordance with normal practice, most of our contracts with the U.S. Government and its agencies and departments are subject to partial or complete termination at any time at the U.S. Governments convenience. Our government contracts generally contain provisions providing that in the event of a termination for convenience by the government, the Company shall have the right to recover allowable costs incurred to the date of termination as well as a proportionate share of the profit on the work completed, consistent with U.S. Government contract regulations and procedures.
The Company has generally focused sales efforts on government and military entities, OEMs and distributors. The Company has increased sales efforts with respect to retrofit, modifications and repair programs.
Due to the integration of components manufactured by the Company with flight management systems, the Companys sales force is generally involved at a very early stage with the aircraft manufacturers engineers to integrate the components into the aircraft design. Many of the Companys component instruments are integrated into the aircraft in order to help maintain the safe operation of the airplane.
At January 31, 2007, the Companys backlog of firm orders was approximately $24,220,000, an increase of approximately $3,217,000 when compared to backlog as of January 31, 2006. The amount of backlog that is deliverable within twelve months was approximately $17,161,000 at January 31, 2007, a decrease of approximately $988,000 when compared to January 31, 2006. A reduction in the backlog due to work that was completed on the JSF development program was more than offset by orders for new business, largely driven by an agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries to a follow-on order for air data systems of approximately $7.5 million that was secured in December 2006. The foregoing backlog amounts represent firm orders only and do not include current contract options. Such option orders, however, may be subject to rescheduling and/or cancellation.
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The manufacture and installation of the Companys products in aircraft owned and operated in the U.S. are governed by U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The regulations that have the most significant impact on the Company are the TSO and Type Certificate (TC) or Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) certifications. TSO outlines the minimum standards that a certain type of equipment has to satisfy to be TSO certified. Many OEMs and retrofitters prefer TSO-certified aviation equipment because it acts as an aerospace industry-wide stamp of approval. The Company also sells its products to European and other non-U.S. OEMs, which typically require approval from the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA).
The Company has received TSO approval on over 400 different instruments, as well as 70 STCs. Most new instruments qualify for approval based on similarity. This provides a significant advantage to the Company and its customers by reducing the time required obtaining TSO approval on new instruments. The Company also has many instruments with JAA approval.
Product quality is critical in the aerospace industry. The Company strives to maintain the highest standards within each of its divisions.
The Company is ISO 9001/AS9100 certified. The certifying organization for Clearwater Instruments was AQA International LLC, while Avionics was certified by British Standard Institute Management Systems, Inc. ISO 9001/AS9100 standards are an international consensus on effective management practices for ensuring that a company can consistently deliver its products and related services in a manner that meets or exceeds customer quality requirements. ISO 9001/AS9100 standards outline the minimum requirements a quality system must meet to achieve this certification.
As an ISO 9001/AS9100-certified manufacturer, the Company can represent to its customers that it maintains high quality industry standards in the education of employees and the design and manufacture of its products. In addition, the Companys products undergo extensive quality control testing prior to being delivered to customers. As part of the Companys quality assurance procedures, the Company maintains detailed records of test results and quality control processes.
The Company has patents on certain commercial and military products such as air data probes. The Company also has certain registered trademarks. The intellectual property portfolio, in the aggregate, is valuable to operations, however the Company does not believe the business, as a whole, is materially dependent on any single patent, trademark or copyright.
The Company expended approximately $458,000, $688,000 and $758,000 in research and development costs for potential new products and enhancements during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The expenditures in 2007 are consistent with the preceding two years and are due to the continuing development efforts of digital products at the Companys Clearwater, Florida facility. Additional research and development activity occurs at the Companys Earlysville, Virginia facility, but since the majority of that activity is for customer-funded projects, those revenue-producing expenses are classified as cost of sales instead of research and development. Approximately 25 engineers working at the Company, on a full-time or part-time basis, are involved in these activities.
The Company continued its various development efforts during fiscal year 2007 for both military and commercial applications, the most notable of which is the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. In addition, the trend toward digital instrumentation includes a more networked approach to aircraft flight management systems thus requiring communication with other aircraft systems. This increase in communication requirements, coupled with the computerized nature of the products themselves, has led to requirements for more sophisticated diagnostic and test equipment, and Aerosonic is investigating new ways to meet these new needs. Further, the Company plans to continue its design efforts to satisfy its existing contractual obligations as well as its internal development of products for future customer applications.
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The markets for the Companys products are highly competitive and characterized by several aerospace industry niches in which a number of manufacturers specialize. The Company, in its market niche, manufactures a broader variety of aircraft instruments than its competitors who, in most instances, compete with the Company on no more than a few types of aircraft instruments. In addition to the mechanical instruments that were the traditional foundation of the Companys business, the Company offers electronic instruments and components that are integrated into the flight management system of aircraft. This product offering allows the Company to compete on many levels within the aerospace industry.
The Company believes that the principal competitive factors are price, development cycle time, responsiveness to customer preferences, product quality, technology, reliability and variety of products. Management believes that the Companys significant and long-standing customer relationships reflect its ability to compete favorably with respect to these factors.
The Companys manufacturing processes (except for certain electronic components) include the manufacture of all principal components and subassemblies for the instruments, the assembly of those components, and the testing of products at various stages in the manufacture and assembly process.
The Company manufactures, or has the capability to manufacture, principally all components (except for certain electronic components) and subassemblies for its instruments. Raw materials, such as glass lenses, raw metals and castings, generally are available from a number of sources and in sufficient quantities to meet current requirements, subject to normal lead times. The Company believes that retaining the ability to completely manufacture the instruments allows the Company the flexibility to respond to customers quickly and control the quality of its products.
When appropriate, less critical component parts are purchased under short and long term supply agreements. These purchased parts are normally standard parts that can be easily obtained from a variety of suppliers. This allows the Company to focus its attention on more critical component parts to maintain a level of quality control required to meet the exacting tolerances demanded within the aerospace industry and by our customers.
As of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007, the Company employed 240 employees in its business operations. This consists of 139 Clearwater Instruments employees and 101 Avionics employees. The Companys future success depends on the ability to attract, train and retain quality personnel. The Companys employees are not represented by labor unions and management considers its relations with its employees to be good.
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
The following factors are important and should be considered carefully in connection with any evaluation of the Companys business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, or an investment in the Companys common stock. In particular, the Companys results of operations, revenue, liquidity and capital resources may be materially and unfavorably affected by a number of risk factors, trends and uncertainties. Set forth below are some of the risk factors, trends and uncertainties which we believe could have a material and unfavorable impact on the Companys results of operations, revenue, liquidity, capital resources and any investment in the Company. Additional risk factors, trends and uncertainties may be discussed elsewhere within this document. The following list is not exhaustive, and other factors which are not presently apparent to us also may have a material and unfavorable impact on our business or financial results.
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The Companys principal business is in the aerospace industry. This industry is primarily affected by the general state of the economy in the commercial sector and defense budgets of the U.S. and foreign governments in the military sector. The Companys focus in the commercial sector is in the business jet market. In the military sector, the levels of defense spending as well as the status of international conflicts have a direct impact on the Companys business. While the Company expects increases in homeland security spending to benefit fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft, the Company cannot guarantee that such increased levels of spending will actually occur nor that such increases will be to the benefit of the Company. Although we have worked to offset the potentially negative impact of such factors, the outbreak or escalation of terrorist attacks or international hostilities could cause deterioration in the commercial and business aircraft market.
Our dependence on revenue from U.S. Government contracts subjects us to a number of risks, including the risk that we may not be successful in bidding for future contracts and the risk that funding for these contracts may be delayed or diverted to other uses.
We perform work under a number of contracts with the Department of Defense and other agencies and departments of the U.S. Government. Sales under these contracts as a whole, including sales under contracts with the Department of Defense, as prime contractor or subcontractor, represented approximately 30% of our total revenue for fiscal year 2007 and 48% of our total revenue for fiscal year 2006.
U.S. Government contracts are conditioned upon the continuing availability of Congressional appropriations. Congress typically appropriates funds for a given program on a fiscal-year basis even though contract performance may take more than one year. As a result, at the beginning of a major program, a contract is typically only partially funded, and additional monies are normally committed to the contract by the procuring agency only as appropriations are made by Congress for future fiscal years.
While the overall U.S. military budget declined in real dollars from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s, as a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks and given the current Middle East and global situation, U.S. defense spending has increased and is expected to increase over the next several years. Increased defense spending does not necessarily correlate to increased business for the Company, because not all the programs in which the Company participates or has current capabilities may be earmarked for increased funding.
Most of our U.S. Government contracts are subject to termination by the U.S. Government either at its convenience or upon our default. Termination-for-convenience provisions permit only the recovery of costs incurred or committed, settlement expenses, and profit on work completed prior to termination. Termination-for-default imposes liability on us for excess costs incurred by the U.S. Government in procuring undelivered items from another source.
A substantial majority of our U.S. Government contracts are fixed price type contracts. A majority of these contracts are for mature products and costs are well established. However, some contracts include costs associated with product development. These types of contracts bear the inherent risk that actual performance cost may exceed the fixed contract price.
We, like other U.S. Government contractors, are subject to various audits, reviews and investigations (including private party whistleblower lawsuits) relating to our compliance with federal and state laws. In addition, we have a compliance program designed to uncover issues that may lead to voluntary disclosures to the U.S. Government. Generally, claims arising out of these inquiries and voluntary disclosures can be resolved without resorting to litigation. However, should a business unit or division of the Company involved in a government contract be charged with violation of law, or should the U.S. Government determine that the unit or division is not a presently responsible contractor, that unit or division, and conceivably the Company as a whole, could be temporarily suspended or, in the event of a conviction, could be debarred for up to three years from receiving new U.S. Government contracts or government-approved subcontracts. In addition, we could expend substantial amounts in defending against such charges and in damages, fines and penalties if such charges are proven or result in negotiated settlements. If we were to be debarred from U.S. Government contracts, it would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, revenue, liquidity and capital resources.
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The aerospace industry is heavily regulated and failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations could reduce our sales, or require us to incur additional costs to achieve compliance, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
The FAA prescribes standards and licensing requirements for aircraft components, including virtually all of our products. Comparable agencies, such as the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority and the Japanese Civil Aviation Board, regulate these matters in other countries.
If we fail to obtain a required license for one of our products or services or lose a license previously granted, the sale of the subject product or service would be prohibited by law until such license is obtained or renewed. In addition, designing new products to meet existing regulatory requirements and retrofitting installed products to comply with new regulatory requirements can be both expensive and time consuming.
From time to time the FAA proposes new regulations. These new regulations generally cause an increase in costs to bring our existing and developmental products into compliance.
The challenge to compete against larger well-established companies
We compete with numerous well-established companies. Some of these companies have significantly greater financial, technological and marketing resources than us. Our ability to be an effective competitor depends in large part on our success in causing our products to be selected for installation in new aircraft, including next generation aircraft, and in avoiding product obsolescence.
Our operating results depend in part on our ability to introduce new and enhanced products on a timely basis. Successful product development and introduction depend on numerous factors, including our ability to anticipate customer and market requirements, changes in technology and aerospace industry standards, our ability to differentiate our offerings from offerings of our competitors, and market acceptance. The markets for a number of our products and services are generally characterized by rapid technological development, evolving aerospace industry standards, changes in customer requirements and new product introductions and enhancements. A faster than anticipated change in one or more of the technologies related to our products or services or in market demand for products or services based on a particular technology could result in faster than anticipated obsolescence of certain of our products or services and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Currently accepted aerospace industry standards are also subject to change, which may contribute to the obsolescence of our products or services and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks associated with ongoing capital requirements
Although the aerospace industry niche is not highly capital intensive, our need to expend resources on research and development to provide our customer base with new and enhanced products as well as to continuously upgrade our process technology and manufacturing capabilities requires us to expend significant amounts annually. If we elect to expand our operations in future periods, whether as a result of organic growth or through strategic acquisitions, our capital needs would increase. Our ability to raise capital to meet our existing and future needs may depend on a variety of factors, some of which will not be within our control, including investor perceptions of us, our businesses and the industries in which we operate, and general economic conditions. We may be unable to successfully raise additional capital, if needed. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations or raise additional capital in the future, we may have to limit our growth, enter into less favorable financing arrangements, or scale back on planned research and development or upgrades, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our profitability.
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Risks related to the Companys handling and use of hazardous substances and related environmental matters
Our operations require the handling and use of hazardous substances, and we are subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to pollution, the protection of the environment and the use or cleanup of hazardous substances and wastes. From time to time, our operations could result in violations under such environmental laws, including spills or other releases of hazardous substances into the environment. We may incur substantial costs or experience interruptions in our operations for actual or alleged violations or compliance requirements arising under environmental laws. Additionally, we may be liable for the costs of investigating and cleaning up environmental contamination on or from our properties. In the event of a major incident, we could incur material costs or experience interruption in our operations as a result of addressing the incident and implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future, as well as potential litigation that could arise from such an incident. In addition, we could incur significant expenditures in order to comply with existing or future environmental laws. Based on available information, we are aware of only one existing environmental matter, which is discussed below under Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Environmental Matters.
We are subject to significant restrictive operational and financial covenants.
As noted above and in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company successfully refinanced its long term debt instruments in February 2004. The new facilities contain fewer restrictive financial covenants than the preceding debt instruments, but do contain covenants that restrict our ability to declare and pay dividends and require the Company to obtain consent or a waiver prior to taking certain other corporate actions, including the disposition of assets, mergers and changes in corporate management. Among other things, these covenants may prevent the Company from consummating potential dispositions or acquisitions, and may deter or prevent an acquisition or merger of the Company.
We are subject to the risks associated with international sales.
During fiscal year 2007, international sales accounted for approximately 24% of our total revenues. We anticipate that future international sales will continue to account for a significant percentage of our revenues. Risks associated with these sales include:
Political and economic instability;
Export controls and other trade restrictions;
Changes in legal and regulatory requirements;
U.S. and foreign government policy changes affecting the markets for our products;
Changes in tax laws and tariffs;
Convertibility and transferability of international currencies; and
International currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Currency exchange rate fluctuations may negatively affect the cost of our products to international customers and therefore reduce our competitive position.
Attracting and retaining key personnel is an essential element of our future success
Our future success depends to a significant extent upon the continued service of our executive officers and other key management and technical personnel and on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. Recruiting and retaining skilled technical personnel is highly competitive. The loss of the services of one or more of our key employees or our failure to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
11
Risks associated with terrorism and world conflict
United States and global responses to the Middle East conflict, terrorism, perceived nuclear, biological and chemical threats and other global crises increase uncertainties with respect to U.S. and other business and financial markets. Several factors associated, directly or indirectly, with the Middle East conflict, terrorism, perceived nuclear, biological and chemical threats and other global crises and responses thereto, may adversely affect the Company.
While some of our products that are sold to the U.S. Government may experience greater demand as a result of increased defense spending, various responses could realign U.S. Government programs and affect the composition, funding or timing of our government programs. U.S. Government spending could shift to defense programs in which we do participate.
The Company has contracts with governments of certain states located in the Middle East. The instability in that region, as well as U.S., local or global responses to potentially controversial policies or actions adopted or taken by such governments, may negatively impact those contracts and, thus, the Company.
The Company has contracts with the government of South Korea. Recent actions and perceived provocations by the government of North Korea have resulted in increased concern regarding the stability of the Korean armistice. Additionally, reports indicate that North Korea may be moving to produce and test nuclear weapons or otherwise provoke the U.S. and international community. Resulting instability on the Korean peninsula, and any U.S., local or global responses to perceived provocations by the government of North Korea, could impact the Companys contracts with South Korea. While an escalation of hostilities on the Korean peninsula might lead to increased military spending by South Korea, there is no certainty that the Companys contracts with South Korea would benefit. Additionally, it is possible that any instability in that region could have a negative impact on the Companys contracts and, thus, the Company.
Risks associated with significant stock price fluctuations
The market price of our Common Stock ranged from a high of $11.30 per share to a low of $5.45 per share during the 52 week period ended January 31, 2007. Certain accounting misstatements, resulting restatements, contributing factors that led to the restatements and an SEC investigation discussed in previous SEC filings and in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2003 might continue to have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock.
The average daily trading volume in our Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange (Amex) for the six month period ended January 31, 2007 was approximately 11,723 shares per day and the daily trading volume in our common stock during the same period ranged from a low of zero shares traded to a high of 307,500 shares traded.
Other factors and general market conditions that could affect our stock price are:
Our quarterly operating results and variations therein;
Changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts;
Changes in our business;
Changes in the markets perception of our business;
Changes in the businesses, earnings estimates or market perceptions of our competitors or customers;
Changes in the outlook for the aerospace industry;
Changes in general market or economic conditions unrelated to our performance;
Changes in the legislative or regulatory environment;
Changes in U.S. defense spending or appropriations;
12
Increased military or homeland defense activities;
An outbreak or escalation of national or international hostilities;
Terrorist attacks;
Sales of significant blocks of our common stock; and
Our ability to successfully renew our line of credit that is set to expire in June 2007.
Additionally, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations in recent years that have significantly affected the quoted prices of the securities of many companies, including companies in the aerospace industry. The changes often appear to occur without regard to specific operating performance. The price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with our Company and these fluctuations could materially reduce our stock price. When a stocks price continues to fluctuate significantly over a sustained period, the risk of loss, including a total loss, is increased.
We do not plan to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future
We intend to retain our earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. Additionally, covenants in our long-term debt agreements impose significant restrictions on our ability to pay dividends.
Risks related to the inherent limitations of internal control systems
The Company continues to take action to assure compliance with the internal controls, disclosure controls and other requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and prudent industry practice. However, we cannot guarantee that our internal controls and disclosure controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefit of controls must be relative to their costs.
Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Further, controls can be circumvented by individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more persons, or by management override of the controls.
The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, a control may be inadequate because of changes in conditions or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of inherent limitations in a cost effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
ITEM 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
ITEM 2. | PROPERTIES. |
The following table sets forth the locations and general characteristics of the Companys principal properties:
Location | Approximate Number of Square Feet of Factory and Office Area |
---|---|
Clearwater, Florida | 90,000 |
Earlysville, Virginia | 53,000 |
13
All of the Companys properties are well maintained, fully occupied by the Company and suitable for the Companys present level of production and usage. All locations operate one shift, five days a week. The Earlysville, Virginia property was purchased from Teledyne Industries in April 1994. The property consists of a 53,000 square foot manufacturing facility on approximately 12 acres of land. As of January 31, 2007, both the Clearwater, Florida property and the Earlysville, Virginia property were mortgaged with Wachovia Bank N.A. (See Note 6, Financial Statements).
ITEM 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. |
From time to time, the Company may be involved in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, at this time, there are no claims or legal actions that will have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
ITEM 4. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. |
No matters were submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Company during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007.
Our executive officers as of February 1, 2007, are as follows:
David A. Baldini, age 57, has been a director since 1995 and Chairman of the Board since June 2004. Mr. Baldini was with Teledyne Industries Inc. from 1974 through 1993, when Teledyne Avionics was acquired by Aerosonic and renamed Avionics Specialties, Inc. Mr. Baldini was named President of Teledyne Avionics in 1990 and continues to serve in that capacity. Mr. Baldini was elected President in November 2002 and subsequently was elevated to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Baldini holds a B.S. in Economics from Hampden-Sydney College.
P. Mark Perkins, age 50, has been Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing since 1998 and a director since 1997. Mr. Perkins has over 18 years of experience in various segments of the aviation industry, most recently serving as Vice President of Marketing at Gulf Aerospace, Inc.
Gary E. Colbert, age 49, joined Aerosonic as our Chief Financial Officer in January 2003, and subsequently was named Executive Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Colbert has an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Washington University, is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in the State of Florida and a Certified Management Accountant. Mr. Colbert has extensive domestic and international accounting, financial and operational experience, primarily in manufacturing industries. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Colbert was a partner with Tatum Partners, LLP.
Carmelo Russo, age 60, has served as Aerosonics Executive Vice President of Operations since 2004 and Executive Vice President of Production since 1997. Mr. Russo joined us in 1988 and served as a member of the Board from 1999 until 2001. Mr. Russo has over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry.
14
ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS. |
Our common stock is listed on the Amex under the symbol AIM. The range of high and low sales prices as reported by the Amex for each of the quarters of the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007 and January 31, 2006 is as follows:
COMMON STOCK MARKET PRICE | ||
---|---|---|
2007 | HIGH | LOW |
|
|
|
Fourth quarter | $ 8.45 | $ 5.45 |
Third quarter | $ 7.81 | $ 5.60 |
Second quarter | $ 10.79 | $ 7.15 |
First quarter | $ 11.30 | $ 6.71 |
2006 | HIGH | LOW |
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Fourth quarter | $ 8.00 | $ 5.76 |
Third quarter | $ 8.69 | $ 5.68 |
Second quarter | $ 8.35 | $ 3.80 |
First quarter | $ 5.50 | $ 3.75 |
As of April 20, 2007, the Companys outstanding shares of common stock were owned by approximately 1,365 stockholders of record.
During those same periods, no cash dividends were paid. The Company does not anticipate or intend on paying a dividend in the foreseeable future. Rather, the Company intends to retain its earnings to finance the development and expansion of its business. Additionally, covenants in our long-term debt documents impose significant restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. Any future payment of any dividends on the Companys common stock and the amount thereof will depend on the Companys earnings, financial requirements, compliance with the above described covenants, and other factors deemed relevant by the Companys Board of Directors.
None
On March 17, 2006, the Company repurchased 365,524 shares of its common stock from First Commercial Bank, an Alabama state-chartered bank (FCB), pursuant to the terms of a Stock Repurchase Agreement, dated March 17, 2006, by and between the Company and FCB for a total aggregate purchase price of $2,467,287 in cash. The 365,524 repurchased shares represented approximately 9.31% of the Companys 3,927,358 outstanding shares and were repurchased at a price of $6.75 per share. The repurchase was financed entirely with cash and has been recorded as treasury stock.
15
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Companys equity compensation plans.
Plan Category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding those reflected in column (a) |
---|---|---|---|
|
|
| |
(a) | (b) | (c) | |
Equity compensation plans approved by | |||
security holder | 83,220 | $ 7.25 | 116,780 |
Equity compensation plans not approved | |||
by security holders | ----- | ----- | ----- |
Total | 83,220 | $ 7.25 | 116,780 |
ITEM 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. |
The following table represents selected financial data for the five fiscal years ended January 31. The data set forth below does not purport to be complete. It should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed information, including the Financial Statements and Notes, appearing elsewhere in this document. The selected financial data as of January 31, 2004 and 2003 and for each of the years then ended have been derived from audited financial information not separately presented herein.
Years Ended January 31, | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 | |||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 31,253,000 | $ | 34,763,000 | $ | 30,721,000 | $ | 31,113,000 | $ | 25,672,000 | |||||||
Cost of sales | (22,433,000 | ) | (24,571,000 | ) | (22,654,000 | ) | (22,494,000 | ) | (16,783,000 | ) | |||||||
Gross margin | 8,820,000 | 10,192,000 | 8,067,000 | 8,619,000 | 8,889,000 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (7,878,000 | ) | (7,884,000 | ) | (7,996,000 | ) | (8,421,000 | ) | (7,776,000 | ) | |||||||
Operating income | 942,000 | 2,308,000 | 71,000 | 198,000 | 1,113,000 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expense) | (133,000 | ) | (99,000 | ) | 376,000 | (121,000 | ) | (129,000 | ) | ||||||||
Income before income taxes | 809,000 | 2,209,000 | 447,000 | 77,000 | 984,000 | ||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | (244,000 | ) | 341,000 | 1,094,000 | 465,000 | 22,000 | |||||||||||
Net income | $ | 565,000 | $ | 2,550,000 | $ | 1,541,000 | $ | 542,000 | $ | 1,006,000 | |||||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.39 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.26 | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 17,735,000 | $ | 20,212,000 | $ | 18,463,000 | $ | 18,391,000 | $ | 16,653,000 | |||||||
Long term debt (1) | $ | 2,564,000 | $ | 2,840,000 | $ | 3,037,000 | $ | 2,416,000 | $ | 3,411,000 | |||||||
(1) Long term debt is defined as all outstanding long term debt and capital leases, including current maturities.
16
ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (MD&A) is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes to help provide an understanding of our business, financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. The MD&A is organized as follows:
Overview. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and Notes included elsewhere in this report. This discussion and analysis contains trend analysis and may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the Companys current expectations and actual results may materially differ from such expectations. Among the factors that could cause actual results to vary are those described in this Overview section and in ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of results of operations for the three fiscal years presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides an analysis of cash flows, a discussion of outstanding debt and commitments, both firm and contingent, that existed as of January 31, 2007, and trends, demands, commitments, events and uncertainties with respect to the Companys ability to finance its continuing operations.
Critical Accounting Policies. This section discusses the accounting policies (i) that require the Company to make estimates that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, (ii) for which a different estimate which could have been made would have a material impact on the Companys financial statements, (iii) that are the most important and pervasive policies utilized, and (iv) that are the most sensitive to material change from external factors. In addition, our significant accounting policies, including the critical accounting policies, are summarized in Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The trend in the aerospace industry is toward digital cockpits as the aerospace industry moves away from mechanical cockpit instrumentation that was the foundation of the Company. The Company has made considerable progress in developing electronic instrumentation that is integrated into cockpit flight management systems to replace mechanical instrumentation that the Company had previously offered to its customers. The Company is currently developing digital-display instrumentation to further replace mechanical instrumentation in its product line to broaden its offering to customers who may want to upgrade their cockpits. The Company has increased its research and development expenditures to facilitate this upgrade in its product line as it anticipates further movement toward digital cockpits in the aerospace industry, positioning itself in a market niche where it has the ability to offer both digital and mechanical instrumentation. While the Company believes that this strategy strengthens its position in the aerospace industry, it cannot guarantee that this strategy will be successful.
An additional trend in the aerospace industry is toward system integration by the OEMs. While the Company currently maintains direct relationships with OEMs, it anticipates that OEM suppliers will need to align themselves with integrators in order to preserve its position on future aircraft platforms.
The Company also has significant business tied to military programs. As a consequence, the Companys business can fluctuate depending on government spending on military programs for which the Company supplies its products. While the Company has been successful in obtaining contracts to supply military needs in recent years, changes in government spending could have a favorable or unfavorable impact on the Companys future military business.
Likewise, changes in the commercial sector of the aerospace industry can have a favorable or unfavorable impact on the Companys future business. While the Company has invested heavily in product development for both funded and unfunded programs, OEM requirements may change such that additional product development efforts will be necessary to maintain or increase the Companys revenue in the aerospace industry.
As the Company endeavors to increase its international presence, its exposure to international economic changes as well as foreign currency risk may increase. While the Company may manage this exposure with appropriate resources, it cannot guarantee that such risks will be fully mitigated.
17
Revenues
Revenues
decreased $3,510,000, or 10%, to $31,253,000 for fiscal year 2007, from $34,763,000 for
fiscal year 2006. This decrease was largely driven by a reduction in revenue recognition
for the JSF development program of approximately $1,938,000 as that program nears
completion. In addition, shipments for spare parts decreased $2,497,000 as customers
curtailed orders for replacement parts for primarily military applications, while
revenues for non-recurring engineering projects declined approximately $330,000. These
reductions were partially offset by increase in repair revenues of approximately $494,000
and core product revenues of approximately $761,000.
Revenues increased $4,042,000, or 13%, to $34,763,000 for fiscal year 2006, from $30,721,000 for fiscal year 2005. This increase was largely driven by shipments of IMFPs, particularly the initiation of IMFP shipments to Korea Aerospace. In addition, volume for core instrument revenues increased approximately $303,000 and recognition of revenue for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) development program increased approximately $225,000.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales decreased $2,138,000 or
9%, to $22,433,000, or 72% of revenues, for fiscal year 2007 from $24,571,000, or 71% of
revenues, for fiscal year 2006. This decrease in cost was primarily due to lower revenues.
Increases in manufacturing efficiencies yielded greater throughput that helped offset the
impact of reductions in high-margin spare parts sales, thus allowing margins to remain
relatively flat despite the reduction in revenue that was largely high-margin products. In
addition, continuing cost increases on the JSF program, due to changes in requirements as
described in the section entitled Revenue Recognition
below, adversely affected cost of sales and gross margin.
Cost of sales increased $1,917,000 or 8%, to $24,571,000, or 71% of revenues, for fiscal year 2006 from $22,654,000, or 73% of revenues, for fiscal year 2005. This increase in cost was primarily due to higher revenues, while increases in manufacturing efficiencies yielded greater throughput that reduced overall costs as a percentage of revenues. However, margins on the JSF development program were negative, as the rate of growth in JSF program costs incurred exceeded the rate of growth in revenues recognized, partially offsetting the effect of increased manufacturing throughput.
Negotiations with Lockheed Martin, the customer for the JSF program, resulted in changes to the focus of remaining activities related to product development for the JSF. This refocus of activities has resulted in a change to the estimate to complete the project, and the Company now estimates its overall loss on the project to be approximately $3,245,000. The Company continues to recognize the losses throughout the program as revisions to the estimate are identified.
Selling, General and
Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative
(SG&A) expenses decreased $6,000, to $7,878,000, or 25% of
revenue, for fiscal year 2006 from $7,884,000, or 23% of revenue for fiscal year 2006. The
decrease was primarily attributable to reductions in research and development
(R&D) costs as the Company completed nearly all of its R&D activities
in-house. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in sales and marketing costs
due to a substantial increase in commission-based sales to customers in Asia as well as
increased travel costs as the Company pursued new business opportunities.
SG&A expenses decreased $112,000, or 1%, to $7,884,000, or 23% of revenue, for fiscal year 2006 from $7,996,000, or 26% of revenue for fiscal year 2005. The decrease was primarily attributable to reductions in R&D costs as the transition of projects from outside contractors to internal engineering staff was completed early in fiscal year 2005. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in sales commissions due to a substantial increase in sales to customers in Asia.
Interest Expense
Net interest expense increased
$19,000, or 13%, to $170,000 in fiscal year 2007 from net interest expense of $151,000 in
fiscal year 2006. The net interest expense increase was due to higher average interest
rates during the year as well as lower average cash balances due a repurchase of some of
the Companys outstanding stock, offsetting the benefit of lower average outstanding
debt.
Net interest expense increased $8,000, or 6%, to $151,000 in fiscal year 2006 from net interest expense of $143,000 in fiscal year 2005. The net interest expense increase was due to higher average interest rates during the year, offsetting the benefit of lower average outstanding debt as well as interest income earned on accumulated excess cash.
18
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) decreased
$15,000 to $37,000 in fiscal year 2007 from other income (expense) of $52,000 in fiscal
year 2006. The decrease in miscellaneous income from the prior year was primarily due to a
slightly lower incidence of asset sales.
Other income (expense) decreased $467,000 to $52,000 in fiscal year 2006 from other income (expense) of $519,000 in fiscal year 2005. Miscellaneous income in fiscal year 2006 was primarily provided by foreign exchange gains on British Pound-denominated transactions. The decrease in miscellaneous income from the prior year was due to the non-recurrence of substantial one-time items that included the receipt of an insurance settlement of approximately $997,000 in May 2004 related to the June 2003 fire in the machine shop at the Companys Clearwater Instruments location as well as the receipt of net proceeds of approximately $267,000 related to the sale of the Companys Engine Vibration Monitoring System (EVMS) product line inventory in February 2004. The sales price of the EVMS product line was approximately $626,000, and the costs related to this sale included inventory that was sold of approximately $257,000, inventory that was made obsolete by the sale of approximately $74,000 and legal fees of approximately $28,000. The increases in other income, net were partially offset by the recognition of a liability of approximately $800,000 related to the anticipated settlement of the Companys class action litigation.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was approximately
$244,000 for fiscal year 2007 as compared to a benefit of $341,000 for fiscal year 2006.
The effective tax rate increased to 30.2% in fiscal year 2007 from a benefit of 15.4% in
fiscal year 2006. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a substantial
reduction in the availability of extraterritorial income tax credits due to lower
international sales as well as a reduction in the amount of credits permitted for the
current tax year. The Company has recognized extraterritorial income tax benefits of
approximately $194,000 in fiscal year 2007 derived from non-U.S. sales activity for the
fiscal year ended January 31, 2007.
Income tax expense was a benefit of $341,000 for fiscal year 2006 as compared to a benefit of $1,094,000 for fiscal year 2005. The effective tax benefit decreased to 15.4% in fiscal year 2006 from 244.7% in fiscal year 2005. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a substantial increase in operating income when compared to the tax effect of the lower level of operating income in fiscal year 2005 as well as the impact of the change in the deferred tax valuation allowance recognized in fiscal year 2005. However, the Company has recognized extraterritorial income tax benefits of approximately $805,000 in fiscal year 2006 derived from non-U.S. sales activity for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2003 through 2006.
Income
Net income decreased $1,985,000 or
78% to $565,000, or 2% of revenue, for fiscal year 2007 from $2,550,000, or 7% of revenue,
for fiscal year 2007. Earnings per share decreased $0.49 to $0.16 for fiscal year 2007
from $0.65 in fiscal year 2006.
Net income increased $1,009,000 or 65% to $2,550,000, or 7% of revenue, for fiscal year 2006 from $1,541,000, or 5% of revenue, for fiscal year 2005. Earnings per share increased $0.26 to $0.65 for fiscal year 2006 from $0.39 in fiscal year 2005.
Inflation
The Company does not believe that
inflation has had a material effect on the Companys financial position or results of
operations. However, the Company cannot predict the future effects of inflation.
Cash provided by operating activities was $1,190,000 for fiscal year 2007 as compared to cash provided by operating activities of $2,964,000 for fiscal year 2006. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower progress billings to and collections from Lockheed for the JSF development program as well as reductions in accounts payable due to lower manufacturing activity. In addition, the receipts of federal income tax refunds were lower while accounts receivable increased. Although revenues were lower, accounts receivable increased due to a substantial account receivable from one customer that was resolved shortly after the end of the fiscal year. The February 2007 collection for this customer was approximately $620,000. These factors were offset by the impact of reductions in inventories and prepaid expenses.
19
Cash provided by operating activities was $2,964,000 for fiscal year 2006 as compared to cash provided by operating activities of $477,000 for fiscal year 2005. The increase was primarily attributable to a substantial increase in progress billings to Lockheed for the JSF development program as well as the receipt of federal income tax refunds for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2003. Higher volume resulted in the use of cash to fund increases in accounts receivable and inventories to sustain the increased activity level. In addition, cash outflows for prepaid expenses increased as the Company began utilizing its excess cash to pay its insurance premiums, discontinuing the practice of utilizing premium financing for this purpose.
Cash used in investing activities was $323,000 for fiscal year 2007 as compared to $455,000 for fiscal year 2006. These expenditures were primarily made to sustain existing business activity.
Cash used in investing activities was $455,000 for fiscal year 2006 as compared to $534,000 for fiscal year 2005. These expenditures were primarily made to sustain existing business activity.
Cash used in financing activities was approximately $2,697,000 for fiscal year 2007 as compared to cash used of $243,000 in fiscal year 2006. The majority of this cash usage was due to the repurchase of 365,524 shares of the Companys outstanding stock on March 17, 2006, while the remainder was the result of paying down long-term debt as scheduled.
Cash used in financing activities was approximately $243,000 for fiscal year 2006 as compared to cash used of $379,000 in fiscal year 2005. This cash usage was entirely the result of paying down long-term debt as scheduled.
To accommodate fluctuations in cash flow, the Company has a $2.5 million revolving credit facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A. (Wachovia), which is set to expire in June 2007. Although unused as of January 31, 2007, this revolving credit facility remains fully available for the Companys short-term financing needs. The Company intends to negotiate a new credit line with Wachovia, and will endeavor to obtain terms and conditions that are at least equal to if not better than the existing terms and conditions. However, the Company cannot guarantee the outcome of these negotiations.
Note 6 to the Financial Statements provides details of the Companys refinancing of its principal debt with Wachovia on February 25, 2004 (the Wachovia Refinancing). The debt facilities provided by the Wachovia Refinancing consist of a $3,000,000 term loan, the aforementioned revolving credit facility and a $211,000 term loan. The proceeds from the Wachovia Refinancing were used to repay all of the Companys debt obligations to First Commercial Bank and SunTrust Bank N.A. The repayment of the Companys debt to First Commercial Bank and SunTrust Bank, N.A. was at stated value, and therefore resulted in no gain or loss.
The Companys long-term debt agreements with Wachovia contain certain financial and other restrictive covenants, including the requirement to maintain: (i) at all times, a ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth that does not exceed 1.30 to 1.00: and (ii) at the end of each fiscal quarter, a cash flow coverage ratio (with regard to the ratio of cash flow to the debt service) of at least 1.25 to 1.00.
The Wachovia loan agreement subjects the Company to a number of additional covenants that, among other things, require the Company to obtain consent from the lender prior to making a material change of management, prior to making a guarantee of or otherwise becoming responsible for obligations of any other person or entity or assuming or becoming liable for any debt, contingent or direct, in excess of $100,000.
The Company is also required to provide Wachovia with its interim (quarterly) financial statements within 45 days of the close of each fiscal quarter and its annual financial statements within 90 days of the close of each fiscal year.
As of January 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.
The Companys ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and compliance with covenants in fiscal year 2007 and beyond is highly dependent upon achieving expected operating results. Failure to achieve expected operating results and compliance with covenants could have a material adverse effect on the Companys liquidity and operations in fiscal year 2008 and beyond, and could require implementation of further measures, including, but not limited to, deferring planned capital expenditures, reducing discretionary spending, and, if necessary, selling assets.
20
In addition, future capital requirements depend on numerous factors, including research and development, expansion of products lines, and other factors. Management believes that cash and cash equivalents, together with the Companys cash flow from operations and current borrowing arrangements, will provide for these necessary capital expenditures. Furthermore, the Company may develop and introduce new or enhanced products, respond to competitive pressures, invest or acquire businesses or technologies or respond to unanticipated requirements or developments, which would require additional resources.
As shown in the table below, as of January 31, 2007, there were liquidation payments that were due with respect to long-term debt and other contractual obligations in fiscal year 2008 and beyond:
Payments Due by Period | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Contractual Obligations | Total | Less than One Year |
1 - 3 Years |
4 - 5 Years |
After 5 Years |
||||||||||||
Purchase Commitments | $ | 4,023,000 | $ | 3,989,000 | $ | 34,000 | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||
Long-Term Debt (1) | 2,564,000 | 230,000 | 460,000 | 460,000 | 1,414,000 | ||||||||||||
Operating Leases | 127,000 | 101,000 | 26,000 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Total Contractual Cash Obligations | $ | 6,714,000 | $ | 4,320,000 | $ | 520,000 | $ | 460,000 | $ | 1,414,000 | |||||||
(1) | The long term debt carries an interest obligation equal to the one-month LIBOR interest rate plus 300 basis points. As of January 31, 2007, the annualized amount of interest for the January 31, 2007 long-term debt balance of approximately $2,564,000 would be approximately $213,000. |
The Companys ability to maintain sufficient liquidity in fiscal year 2008 and beyond is highly dependent upon achieving expected operating results and renewing its credit line. The Companys credit facilities with Wachovia, as discussed above, include a $2.5 million credit line that is set to expire on June 30, 2007. Failure to renew that line of credit or failure to achieve expected operating results could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our operations in fiscal year 2008, and could require us to consider further measures, including, but not limited to, deferring planned capital expenditures, reducing discretionary spending and, if necessary, selling assets.
Currently, the Company has no present arrangements or understandings with respect to any acquisitions. Nevertheless, the Company continues to monitor and evaluate acquisition opportunities. The Companys ability to consummate any acquisitions, including a merger with another entity, is substantially limited by covenants in the Companys long term debt documents.
In accordance with a consent agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection signed by the Company in 1993, the Companys environmental consultant developed an interim remedial action plan (the Remedial Plan) to contain and remediate certain soil and groundwater contamination that had been discovered at the Companys Clearwater, Florida location. The contamination was discovered after a series of site investigations that revealed impacts to both shallow soils and groundwater that may have resulted from the accidental loss of solvents and metalworking fluids as well as activities from neighboring property over a period of 20 years or more. Although the exact cause of the contamination has never been ascertained, the Company nonetheless accepted responsibility for remediating the pollutants that were discovered on its property.
During 1997, the Company recorded a provision of approximately $175,000 related to the estimated costs to be incurred under the Remedial Plan. As of January 31, 2000, the Company had utilized all amounts originally recorded in other accrued expenses, and the remediation phase of the Remedial Plan had been completed.
During the third quarter of 2001, management determined the post-remediation monitoring expense related to the environmental cleanup of 1993 would cost approximately $125,000. This amount was accrued and expensed during the third quarter of 2001. As of January 31, 2003, all existing reserve balances had been utilized. Based upon an assessment by the Companys environmental consultants, the Companys management has calculated the Companys expected future expenditure for post-remediation monitoring expense and has established a reserve of $70,000 for such expense as of January 31, 2007.
21
The Company is now in a monitoring-only stage of the remediation (where periodic measurements are taken by environmental consultants to determine the effectiveness of the remediation). The existing reserve contemplates the remaining expected expenses, based upon advice from the Companys environmental consultants, as of January 31, 2007.
The following table is a recap of the financial impact of the Companys environmental activities:
Years ended January 31, | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Beginning reserve balance | $ | 80,000 | $ | 98,000 | $ | 38,000 | |||||
Costs incurred | (10,000 | ) | (18,000 | ) | (25,000 | ) | |||||
Replenish reserve for costs incurred | - | - | 25,000 | ||||||||
Increase in estimate | - | - | 60,000 | ||||||||
Ending reserve balance | $ | 70,000 | $ | 80,000 | $ | 98,000 | |||||
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon the accompanying consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of those financial statements and this Annual Report on Form 10-K requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure items, including disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and as a result of trends and uncertainties identified above under Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources and in ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS. Further, such differences could be material.
Set forth below is a discussion of the Companys critical accounting policies. The Company considers critical accounting policies to be those (i) that require the Company to make estimates that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, (ii) for which a different estimate which could have been made would have a material impact on the Companys financial statements, (iii) that are the most important and pervasive policies utilized, and (iv) that are the most sensitive to material change from external factors. Additionally, the policies discussed below are critical to an understanding of the financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on managements judgment, with financial reporting results relying on estimates about the effect of matters that are highly uncertain. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are described in the following paragraphs. The impact and any associated risks related to these policies on business operations is discussed throughout this MD&A where such policies affect reported and expected financial results.
For a detailed discussion regarding the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Senior management has discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting estimates and the related disclosure included herein with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Revenue Recognition
The Company manufactures most of its
products on a build-to-order basis and ships products upon completion. The Company has a
policy of strict adherence to the provisions of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 104
(SAB 104) in order to accurately state its revenues in each accounting
period. For certain situations, some judgment is required, but most sales have clear
revenue recognition criteria.
Revenue sources for product sales are largely from sales to commercial and government customers. The majority of customer sales terms are F.O.B. origin, although some customer terms are F.O.B. destination. For those customers where terms are origin, revenue is generally recognized upon shipment, unless additional prevailing factors would not be in accordance with the revenue recognition requirements of SAB 104. For those customers whose terms are destination, revenue is generally not recognized until goods arrive at the customers premises and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
22
The Company experiences a certain degree of sales returns that varies over time. Generally, such returns occur within no more than 90 days after shipment by the Company to its customers. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 48 (SFAS 48) Revenue Recognition When Right of Return Exists, the Company is able to make a reasonable estimation of expected sales returns based upon history and as contemplated by the requirements of SFAS 48. For example, sales returns may occur if delivery schedules are changed by customers after products have shipped or if products are received by customers but do not meet specifications. In such cases, customers may choose to return products to the Company. Absent such circumstances, customers do not have a right to return products if the Company has met all contractual obligations. Previously, the Company had established a sales return reserve that approximated an expected level of sales returns over a 90-day period. The Companys experience with respect to sales returns for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 has changed such that a reserve for sales returns has been provided due to experience and the reasonable possibility that certain customers will continue with such chargebacks.
From time to time, the Company will jointly develop products with its customers for future applications. In such circumstances, the Company recognizes revenue on a percentage of completion basis, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for the contract. This method is used because management considers expended costs to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. The percentage of completion contract costs include direct labor, material, subcontracting costs, test facilities, and other indirect costs as allocated. Other operating costs are charged to expense as incurred. During fiscal 2003, the Company secured one long-term fixed-price contract for the development of instrumentation for the JSF program. Costs and estimated earnings on this contract as of January 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
January 31, 2007 |
January 31, 2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Costs incurred to date | $ | 18,072,000 | $ | 16,059,000 | ||||
Estimated losses | (3,245,000 | ) | (2,030,000 | ) | ||||
14,827,000 | 14,029,000 | |||||||
Less billings to date | (14,927,000 | ) | (13,609,000 | ) | ||||
Costs less estimated losses in excess of billings | $ | 420,000 | ||||||
Billings in excess of costs less estimated losses | $ | (100,000 | ) | |||||
The billings in excess of cost less estimated losses are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the balance sheets.
Further discussions with the Companys customer for the JSF program have resulted in product modifications that include making the product design more responsive to conditions as well as a change to accommodate differing system needs. Consequently, the Company has revised its estimate at completion for the JSF program. The estimated costs of the project increased by approximately $432,000 and, as a result, estimated total program costs exceed estimated program revenues by approximately $3,245,000. The Company recognized this additional loss in its financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007. These design changes are in addition to many issues encountered throughout the year related to testing and verification of the design change, resulting in increased expenditures for the program. The Company recognized these additional losses in fiscal year 2007 as the likelihood of incurring those losses were identified.
The JSF program is a customer-funded product development program that is presently expected to generate total project revenues of approximately $16,293,000. As of January 31, 2007, based on project progress, the Company has recognized revenues of approximately $14,827,000 for the JSF program. The JSF program represents a significant investment in the Companys future product development capabilities. While Company management is expending considerable effort to control costs and complete the development process on schedule, the key benefit to the program is the substantial revenue that the Company may earn if it is awarded the competitive production contract for the JSF. The production contract is expected to be awarded near the conclusion of the development program, and is presently expected to occur in late 2007. There is no assurance that production will begin after the completion of the development program or that the Company will be awarded the production contract.
Occasionally the Company enters into research and development contracts with customers. The Company accounts for such contracts on the basis of the lesser of non-refundable cash versus percentage of completion.
23
Accounts Receivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Credit Losses
The Company continuously evaluates
its customers and provides reserves for anticipated credit losses as soon as collection
becomes compromised. The Company does maintain a limited reserve in anticipation that
smaller accounts may become a collection issue, which occurs from time to time based on
historical experience. However, most of the Companys customers are financially sound
and the Companys history of bad debts is relatively low. While credit losses have
historically been within expectations and the provisions established, the Company cannot
guarantee that it will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that have been
experienced in the past. Measurement of such losses requires consideration of historical
loss experience, including the need to adjust for current conditions, and judgments about
the probable effects of relevant observable data, including present economic conditions
such as delinquency rates and financial health of specific customers.
Provisions for Excess and
Obsolete Inventory Losses and Residual Value Losses
The Company values inventory at the lower
of cost (using a method that approximates the first-in, first-out method) or net
realizable value. Reviews of inventory quantities on hand have been conducted to determine
if usage or sales history supports maintaining inventory values at full cost or if it has
instead become necessary to record a provision for slow moving, excess and obsolete
inventory based primarily on estimated forecasts of product demand and production
requirements for the subsequent twelve months. Estimates of future product demand may
prove to be inaccurate, in which case the Company may understate or overstate the
provision required for excess and obsolete inventory. Although the Company endeavors to
ensure the accuracy of forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated
changes in demand or technological developments could have a significant impact on the
value of inventory and consequently reported operating results.
Work In Process
Inventories
Management employs certain methods to
estimate the value of work in process inventories for financial reporting purposes.
Company practice has been to conduct cycle counts of inventory at its Clearwater, Florida
and Earlysville, Virginia operations throughout the year. Generally, for items that are in
process at the end of a fiscal year, management will make an estimate during the cycle
counting process regarding the percentage of completion of such items in order to
accurately reflect costs incurred to date on the production of the items that are still in
process. These estimates are affected by the nature of the operation at which the items
are located at the time a physical inventory is conducted, and are subject to judgment.
This practice was employed for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006.
Manufacturing Overhead
Cost Application
The Company establishes its
inventoriable cost of manufacturing overhead by calculating its overhead costs as a
percentage of direct labor and applying that percentage to direct labor that has been
charged to inventory on a twelve month rolling average basis. This application percentage
is reviewed at least quarterly and is adjusted at least annually.
Deferred Tax Asset
Valuation Allowance
The Company accounts for income taxes
in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under this method, deferred tax
liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial
statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates
in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation
allowance is provided against the future benefit of deferred tax assets if it is
determined that it is more likely than not that the future tax benefits associated with
the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Long-Lived Assets
The useful lives of property, plant
and equipment for purposes of computing depreciation are:
Land Improvements | 15-20 Years |
Buildings and improvements | 25-30 Years |
Machinery and equipment | 3-10 Years |
Patterns, dies, and tools | 3-5 Years |
Furniture and fixtures | 5-10 Years |
Management periodically evaluates long-lived assets for potential impairment and will record an impairment charge whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. As of January 31, 2007 and 2006, management does not believe that any assets are impaired.
24
The Company will capitalize production costs for computer software that is to be utilized as an integral part of a product when both (a) technological feasibility is established for the software and (b) all research and development activities for the other components of the product have been completed. Amortization is charged to expense at the greater of the expected unit sales versus units sold or the straight line method for a period of three years from the date the product becomes available for general release to customers.
Other Accounts Affected by Management Estimates
From time to time, management will utilize estimates when preparing the financial statements of the Company. Such areas include amortization and other accruals.
The Company has established a provision for warranty claims in anticipation of a certain degree of warranty activity, which generally is a minimal expense. For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company did experience one-time warranty costs related to specific applications for its AOA transmitter for one customer in 2007 and its IMFP for another customer in 2006. The provision, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the balance sheet, is based upon recent warranty experience excluding such one-time, non-recurring items. The Companys warranty experience is as follows:
For the years ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Beginning reserve balance | $ | 126,000 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 150,000 | |||||
Costs incurred | (157,000 | ) | (204,000 | ) | (108,000 | ) | |||||
Replenish reserve for costs incurred | 157,000 | 204,000 | 108,000 | ||||||||
Increase (decrease) in estimate. | 33,000 | (24,000 | ) | - | |||||||
Ending reserve balance | $ | 159,000 | $ | 126,000 | $ | 150,000 | |||||
AOA one-time expense | $ | 168,000 | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
IMFP one-time expense | $ | - | $ | 285,000 | $ | - |
The following table summarizes significant areas which require management estimates:
As of January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $ | 10,000 | $ | 10,000 | $ | 14,000 | |||||
Reserve for obsolete and slow moving inventory | 618,000 | 508,000 | 401,000 | ||||||||
Warranty reserve | 159,000 | 126,000 | 150,000 | ||||||||
Environmental reserve | 70,000 | 80,000 | 98,000 | ||||||||
Reserve for sales returns | 22,000 | - | 38,000 | ||||||||
$ | 879,000 | $ | 724,000 | $ | 701,000 | ||||||
In addition to the items noted in the above table, management uses estimates in calculating the percentage of completion of the JSF program. These estimates have a significant impact on Costs and estimated losses in excess of billings included in the Companys consolidated balance sheets.
Management also uses estimates in the calculation of depreciation and amortization on its property, plant and equipment and loan costs. The following table summarizes depreciation and amortization expense:
For the year ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Depreciation | $ | 632,000 | $ | 665,000 | $ | 654,000 | |||||
Amortization | 6,000 | 16,000 | 58,000 | ||||||||
$ | 638,000 | $ | 681,000 | $ | 712,000 | ||||||
25
Recent Accounting
Pronouncements
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB
Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN
48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an
enterprises financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and
measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax
position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also provides
guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim
periods, disclosure, and transition. The evaluation of a tax position in accordance with
this Interpretation is a two-step process. The first step is recognition: The enterprise
determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon
examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on
the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the
more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the enterprise should presume that the
position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of
all relevant information. The second step is measurement: A tax position that meets the
more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit
to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest
amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2006. As of the date of issue of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company is still
evaluating the impact of FIN 48 on its future results of operations. The Company plans to
adopt FIN 48 beginning with its first interim reporting period for fiscal year 2008.
ITEM 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. |
The primary market risk exposure for the Company is interest rate risk. The Companys existing debt facilities require the payment of interest at a variable rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 300 basis points. Consequently, the Company has an exposure to fluctuations in the underlying interest rate for its debt facilities. As an example, the prevailing rate for one-month LIBOR at January 31, 2007 was 5.32%. Therefore, the Companys borrowing cost under its existing debt facilities as of January 31, 2007 was 8.32%. For each $1.0 million of borrowing at the January 31, 2007 one-month LIBOR interest rate, the Companys annual interest cost would be $83,200. Significant fluctuations in the underlying LIBOR interest rate index could have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. Presently, the Company does not utilize any financial instruments to manage this interest rate risk.
The Company also has a market risk exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company has a limited number of purchase and sale transactions that are denominated in British Pounds. The Companys strategy in managing this risk exposure is to match the timing of British Pound-denominated cash inflows and outflows. British Pound-denominated cash inflows generally exceed outflows, and the excess balance, if nominal, is maintained in a British Pound-denominated bank account. Substantial amounts of foreign currency are otherwise immediately converted to U.S. Dollars when received.
ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. |
The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data required by Item 8 are listed in the index beginning on page F-1 and are included in this Form 10-K.
ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. |
None, as of the date of this report.
ITEM 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), the Companys management, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon their evaluation, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in SEC Rule 13a-15(f)), were effective in timely making known to them material information relating to the Company (including its subsidiary Avionics) required to be disclosed in the Companys reports under the Exchange Act.
26
As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(d), the Companys management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of the Companys internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Based upon that evaluation, there has been no such change during the fourth fiscal quarter.
It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system will be met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.
ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION. |
None, as of the date of this report.
27
ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT |
Information with respect to Directors and certain Executive Officers required by Item 10 shall be included in the section captioned Election of Directors, appearing in the definitive Proxy Statement (the Proxy Statement) for the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and that information is incorporated herein by reference. Certain information regarding Executive Officers of the Company may be found in the section captioned Information Regarding Executive Officers in the Proxy Statement. In addition, information for compliance with 16(a) of the Exchange Act may be found in the section captioned 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance appearing in the proxy statement.
We have adopted a Code of Conduct that includes a code of ethics that applies to all of our employees and directors (including our principal executive officer and our principal finance and accounting officer). This Code of Conduct is posted on our website and is available for review at www.aerosonic.com/conduct.htm. We intend to disclose on our website any amendments to, or waivers of, the Code of Conduct covering our CEO and/or CFO promptly following the date of such amendments or waivers. A copy of the Code of Conduct may be obtained upon request, without charge, by contacting our Chief Financial Officer at 727.461.3000 or by writing to us at Aerosonic, 1212 N. Hercules Avenue, Clearwater, FL, 33765 Attn: Chief Financial Officer. The information contained or connected to our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any reported filed with the SEC.
No family relationships exist among any of the executive officers, directors or director nominees.
A listing of our executive officers as of April 20, 2007 is included in Part I, and that information is incorporated by reference herein.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our board of directors.
The information required by Item 407(d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K will be included under the caption Audit Committee in the section entitled Board Membership and Director Independence in the Proxy Statement, and that information is incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
The information required by Item 402 of Regulation S-K will be included under the captions Compensation of Executive Officers and Director Compensation in the Proxy Statement, and that information is incorporated by reference herein.
The information required by Item 407(e)(4) and (e)(5) of Regulation S-K will be included under the captions Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation and Compensation Committee Report in the Proxy Statement, and that information is incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
The information required by Item 403 of Regulation S-K will be included under the captions Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers and Security Ownership of More Than 5% Shareholders in the 2007 Proxy Statement, and that information is incorporated by reference herein.
We currently maintain one equity compensation plan that provides for the issuance of common stock to officers and other employees, directors and consultants. This compensation plan was approved by our shareholders. The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding options and shares available for future issuance under these plans as of January 31, 2007:
28
Plan Category | Number of shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options (a) |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding shares reflected in column (a)) | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders | |||||||||||
Stock options | 65,000 | $ 7.25 | |||||||||
Deferred compensation | 6,200 | ||||||||||
Other stock units | 12,020 | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders | None | None | None | ||||||||
Total | 83,220 | $ 7.25 | 116,780 | ||||||||
ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS |
Aerosonic has maintained a long-standing business relationship with the Commercial Infrared division of Raytheon Company. In late 2004, L-3 Communications Corporation acquired this business from Raytheon and renamed it L-3 Integrated Systems Group. Aerosonic has continued its business relationship with the Integrated Systems Group. During fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2007, sales to this division amounted to $250,000 and $96,000, respectively. These sales were made on terms at least as favorable as would have been available to other parties and intends to continue its dealings with the Infrared Products division going forward on similar terms. Based on the pertinent facts and circumstances and taking into consideration all applicable laws, regulations and stock exchange listing requirements, the Board has determined that this ongoing relationship is not material and does not affect the independence of Messrs. McGill and Whytas.
ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES |
Tedder, James, Worden & Associates P.A. (Tedder James) served as our independent auditors for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 upon recommendation by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. We have selected Tedder James to be our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2008. Representatives from Tedder James are expected to be present at the meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate inquiries.
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by Tedder James to us for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 for audit and other professional services.
Fiscal year ended January 31, | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||
Audit Fees | $ | 192,000 | (1 | ) | $ | 190,000 | |||||
Audit-Related Fees | 13,000 | (1 | ) | 3,000 | |||||||
Tax Fees | 45,000 | (1 | ) | 60,000 | |||||||
All Other Fees | - | - | |||||||||
Total Fees | $ | 250,000 | $ | 253,000 | |||||||
(1) | For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007, the fees include current year billings and expected future billings from Tedder James. |
The terms Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees, and All Other Fees in the above table, shall have the following meanings:
29
Audit Fees. Audit Fees, which were approximately $192,000 for fiscal year 2007 and approximately $190,000 for fiscal year 2006, are fees billed to us for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q, and services that are normally provided by Tedder James in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. The Audit Fees for fiscal year 2007 were billed for the audit of our financial statements for fiscal year 2007. The Audit Fees for fiscal year 2006 were billed for the audit of our financial statements for fiscal year 2006.
Audit-Related Fees. Audit-Related Fees, which were approximately $13,000 in fiscal year 2007 and approximately $3,000 in fiscal year 2006, are fees billed to the Company for products and services provided to the Company and not included in the foregoing categories. These fees are for the audit of the Companys 401(k) plan.
Tax Fees. Tax Fees, which were approximately $45,000 in fiscal year 2007 and approximately $60,000 in fiscal year 2006, are fees billed to the Company for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
All Other Fees. All Other Fees, which were $0 in fiscal years 2007 and 2006, are fees billed to the Company for products and services provided to the Company and not included in the foregoing categories.
The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of the services identified under Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees and All Other Fees is compatible with maintaining the independence of our principal accountants, and determined that the provision of such services is compatible with such accountants independence.
The engagement of our independent auditors and any non-audit services to be provided thereby shall be pre-approved by the Audit Committee or approved pursuant to policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee.
ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report:
1. | The financial statements and financial statement schedules listed in the index to Financial Statements and Schedules following the signature pages hereof. |
2. | Exhibits |
Exhibit No. | Description of Exhibit |
3.1 | Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Instrument Technology Corporation, filed on January 12, 1970, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003. |
3.2 | Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, changing the name Instrument Technology Corporation to Aerosonic Corporation, filed on September 21, 1970, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003. |
3.3 | Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Aerosonic Corporation, filed on August 6, 1971, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003. |
30
3.4 | Certificate of Reduction of Capital of Aerosonic Corporation, filed on June 5, 1978, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003. |
3.5 | Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Aerosonic Corporation, filed on February 12, 1993, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003. |
3.6 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2005, filed on April 18, 2005.. |
10.1 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 28, 2005, between Aerosonic Corporation and David A. Baldini, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 28, 2005, filed on November 28, 2005. |
10.2 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 28, 2005, between Aerosonic Corporation and Gary E. Colbert, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 28, 2005, filed on November 28, 2005. |
10.3 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 28, 2005, between Aerosonic Corporation and P. Mark Perkins, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 28, 2005, filed on November 28, 2005. |
10.4 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 28, 2005, between Aerosonic Corporation and Carmelo Russo, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 28, 2005, filed on November 28, 2005. |
10.6 | Loan Agreement, dated February 24, 2004, between Aerosonic Corporation and Wachovia Bank N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004. |
10.7 | Promissory Note, dated February 16, 2004, issued by Aerosonic Corporation and Avionics Specialties, Inc. to Wachovia Bank N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004. |
10.8 | Term Promissory Note, dated February 16, 2004, issued by Aerosonic Corporation and Avionics Specialties, Inc. to Wachovia Bank N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004. |
10.9 | Revolving Promissory Note, dated February 16, 2004, issued by Aerosonic Corporation and Avionics Specialties, Inc. to Wachovia Bank N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004. |
10.10 | Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement dated February 24, 2004 between Aerosonic Corporation and Wachovia Bank, N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004. |
31
10.11 | Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement dated February 24, 2004 by and among Avionics Specialties, Inc. TRSTE, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004. |
10.12 | Aerosonic Corporation 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Appendix D to the Companys Proxy Statement for the July 14, 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed on June 15, 2004 |
21 | Subsidiaries of the Registrant, as of January 31, 2007 |
23 | Consent of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm |
24 | Power of Attorney, incorporated into the Signature Page hereto. |
31.1 | Section 302 Certifications |
31.2 | Section 302 Certifications |
32.1 | Section 906 Certifications |
32.2 | Section 906 Certifications |
32
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AEROSONIC CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By: | /s/ David A. Baldini | Date: May 1, 2007 |
Chairman of the Board, | ||
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Each person whose signature appears below authorizes David A. Baldini and Gary E. Colbert, or either one of them, each of whom may act without joinder of the others, to execute in the name of each such person who is then an officer or director of the Registrant and to file any amendments to this annual report on Form 10-K necessary or advisable to enable the Registrant to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, which amendments may make such changes in such report as such attorney-in-fact may deem appropriate.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ David A. Baldini | |
David. A. Baldini | |
Chairman of the Board, | Date: May 1, 2007 |
President and Chief Executive Officer | |
/s/ Gary E. Colbert | |
Gary E. Colbert | |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, | Date: May 1, 2007 |
Treasurer and Secretary | |
/s/ P. Mark Perkins | |
P. Mark Perkins | Date: May 1, 2007 |
Executive Vice President and Director | |
/s/ Robert J. McGill | Date: May 1, 2007 |
Robert J. McGill, Director | |
/s/ Donald Russell | Date: May 1, 2007 |
Donald Russell, Director | |
/s/ Thomas E. Whytas Jr. | Date: May 1, 2007 |
Thomas E. Whytas, Jr., Director |
33
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Aerosonic Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Aerosonic Corporation and subsidiary as of January 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2007. Our audits also include the financial statement schedule of Aerosonic Corporation listed in Item 15(a). These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Aerosonic Corporation and subsidiary as of January 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/ TEDDER, JAMES, WORDEN & ASSOCIATES, P.A.
Orlando, Florida
April 30, 2007
F-2
2007 |
2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current Assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,276,000 | $ | 3,106,000 | ||||
Receivables net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,000 and $10,000 | 5,214,000 | 4,364,000 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable | 13,000 | 226,000 | ||||||
Costs less estimated losses in excess of billings | - - | 420,000 | ||||||
Inventories | 5,809,000 | 5,984,000 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | 332,000 | 446,000 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,030,000 | 1,586,000 | ||||||
Total current assets | 13,674,000 | 16,132,000 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 3,340,000 | 3,617,000 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 656,000 | 307,000 | ||||||
Other assets, net | 65,000 | 156,000 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 17,735,000 | $ | 20,212,000 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Long-term debt and notes payable due within one year | $ | 230,000 | $ | 230,000 | ||||
Accounts payable, trade | 1,102,000 | 1,544,000 | ||||||
Compensation and benefits | 933,000 | 834,000 | ||||||
Income taxes payable | 29,000 | 20,000 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 1,692,000 | 1,895,000 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 3,986,000 | 4,523,000 | ||||||
Long term debt and notes payable due after one year | 2,334,000 | 2,564,000 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 6,000 | - - | ||||||
Other liabilities | 143,000 | 46,000 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 6,469,000 | 7,133,000 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
Stockholders' equity: | ||||||||
Common stock $40 par value: authorized 8,000,000 shares; issued 4,004,082 | ||||||||
shares in 2007 and 3,992,601 shares in 2006; outstanding 3,573,315 shares in 2007 | ||||||||
and 3,927,358 shares in 2006 | 1,602,000 | 1,599,000 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 4,686,000 | 4,600,000 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 8,141,000 | 7,576,000 | ||||||
Less treasury stock: 430,767 in 2007 and 65,243 shares in 2006, at cost | (3,163,000 | ) | (696,000 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders' equity | 11,266,000 | 13,079,000 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 17,735,000 | $ | 20,212,000 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue | $ | 31,253,000 | $ | 34,763,000 | $ | 30,721,000 | |||||
Cost of sales | 22,433,000 | 24,571,000 | 22,654,000 | ||||||||
Gross margin | 8,820,000 | 10,192,000 | 8,067,000 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 7,878,000 | 7,884,000 | 7,996,000 | ||||||||
Operating income | 942,000 | 2,308,000 | 71,000 | ||||||||
Other income (expense): | |||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (170,000 | ) | (151,000 | ) | (143,000 | ) | |||||
Miscellaneous income | 37,000 | 52,000 | 519,000 | ||||||||
(133,000 | ) | (99,000 | ) | 376,000 | |||||||
Income before income taxes | 809,000 | 2,209,000 | 447,000 | ||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | (244,000 | ) | 341,000 | 1,094,000 | |||||||
Net income | $ | 565,000 | $ | 2,550,000 | $ | 1,541,000 | |||||
Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.39 | |||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.39 | |||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 3,618,349 | 3,921,953 | 3,921,019 | ||||||||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 3,628,734 | 3,924,100 | 3,921,019 | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Common Stock |
Additional Paid-In Capital |
Retained Earnings |
Treasury Stock |
Total Stockholders' Equity |
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at January 31, 2004 | 1,595,000 | 4,559,000 | 3,485,000 | (696,000 | ) | 8,943,000 | |||||||||||
Net Income | - | - | 1,541,000 | - | 1,541,000 | ||||||||||||
Balance at January 31, 2005 | 1,595,000 | 4,559,000 | 5,026,000 | (696,000 | ) | 10,484,000 | |||||||||||
Net Income | - | - | 2,550,000 | - | 2,550,000 | ||||||||||||
Directors equity compensation | 2,000 | 43,000 | - | - | 45,000 | ||||||||||||
Restricted stock compensation | 2,000 | 2,000 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Balance at January 31, 2006 | $ | 1,599,000 | $ | 4,600,000 | $ | 7,576,000 | $ | (696,000 | ) | $ | 13,079,000 | ||||||
Net Income | - | - | 565,000 | - | 565,000 | ||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | - | - | - | (2,467,000 | ) | (2,467,000 | ) | ||||||||||
Directors equity compensation | 3,000 | 34,000 | - | - | 37,000 | ||||||||||||
Restricted stock compensation | - | 39,000 | - | - | 39,000 | ||||||||||||
Deferred compensation | - | - | - | - | 13,000 | ||||||||||||
Balance at January 31, 2007 | $ | 1,602,000 | $ | 4,686,000 | $ | 8,141,000 | $ | (3,163,000 | ) | $ | 11,266,000 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
Net income | $ | 565,000 | $ | 2,550,000 | $ | 1,541,000 | |||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating | |||||||||||
activities: | |||||||||||
Bad debt expense | -- | (4,000 | ) | (137,000 | ) | ||||||
Stock-based compensation | 89,000 | 45,000 | - | ||||||||
Depreciation | 632,000 | 665,000 | 654,000 | ||||||||
Amortization | 6,000 | 16,000 | 58,000 | ||||||||
(Gain)/loss on disposal of property | (32,000 | ) | 15,000 | (8,000 | ) | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 213,000 | (534,000 | ) | (762,000 | ) | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
Receivables | (850,000 | ) | (652,000 | ) | 325,000 | ||||||
Income taxes receivable and payable | 222,000 | 693,000 | 371,000 | ||||||||
Inventories | 175,000 | (501,000 | ) | 200,000 | |||||||
Prepaid Expenses | 114,000 | (248,000 | ) | (8,000 | ) | ||||||
Other assets | 85,000 | 20,000 | (123,000 | ) | |||||||
Accounts payable, trade | (442,000 | ) | (56,000 | ) | (1,310,000 | ) | |||||
Costs less estimated losses in excess of billings | 420,000 | 1,522,000 | (544,000 | ) | |||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | (7,000 | ) | (567,000 | ) | 220,000 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,190,000 | 2,964,000 | 477,000 | ||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
Proceeds on sale of property | 55,000 | - | 95,000 | ||||||||
Capital expenditures | (378,000 | ) | (455,000 | ) | (629,000 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (323,000 | ) | (455,000 | ) | (534,000 | ) | |||||
Cash flow from financing activities: | |||||||||||
(Payments on)/ proceeds from revolving credit facilities | - | - | (1,000,000 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds received on refinancing of debt | - | - | 3,212,000 | ||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock | (2,467,000 | ) | - | - | |||||||
Principal payments on long-term debt and notes payable | (230,000 | ) | (243,000 | ) | (2,591,000 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (2,697,000 | ) | (243,000 | ) | (379,000 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (1,830,000 | ) | 2,266,000 | (436,000 | ) | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 3,106,000 | 840,000 | 1,276,000 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 1,276,000 | $ | 3,106,000 | $ | 840,000 | |||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | |||||||||||
Cash paid during the year for: | |||||||||||
Interest | $ | 168,000 | $ | 203,000 | $ | 188,000 | |||||
Income taxes | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 302,000 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
1. | DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The primary business of Aerosonic Corporation and subsidiary (the Company) is to manufacture and sell aircraft instrumentation to government and commercial users from its facilities located in Florida and Virginia (see Note 15). The Companys customers are located worldwide.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aerosonic Corporation (which operates as the Clearwater, Florida Instrument division) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Avionics Specialties, Inc., and are presented in accordance with the accrual method of accounting. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect reported and contingent amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, including such items as inventory costs, inventory reserves, allowance for accounts receivable, deferred tax valuation allowances, percentage-of-completion accounting and other miscellaneous accruals. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and such differences could be material.
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
The Company continuously evaluates its customers and provides reserves for anticipated credit losses as soon as collection becomes compromised. The Company does maintain a limited reserve in anticipation that smaller accounts may become a collection issue, which occurs from time to time based on historical experience. However, most of the Companys customers are financially sound and the Companys history of bad debts is relatively low. Measurement of such losses requires consideration of historical loss experience, including the need to adjust for current conditions, and judgments about the probable effects of relevant observable data, including present economic conditions such as delinquency rates and financial health of specific customers.
The Company values inventory at the lower of cost (using a method that approximates the first-in, first-out method (FIFO)) or net realizable value. Reviews of inventory quantities on hand have been conducted to determine if usage or sales history supports maintaining inventory values at full cost or if it has instead become necessary to record a provision for slow moving, excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on estimated forecasts of product demand and production requirements for the subsequent twelve months and actual usage for the previous two years.
During production, the Company uses standards to estimate product costs. These standards are reviewed and updated periodically by management and approximate costing under the FIFO method. Differences between standard and actual costs have not been material.
F-7
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation on plant and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Upon disposition, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any related gain or loss is reflected in earnings. Expenditures for repairs and improvements that significantly add to the productive capacity or extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Repair and maintenance charges are expensed as incurred.
The useful lives of property, plant and equipment for purposes of computing depreciation are:
Land improvements | 15-20 Years |
Buildings and improvements | 25-30 Years |
Machinery and equipment | 3-10 Years |
Patterns, dies, and tools | 3-5 Years |
Furniture and fixtures | 5-10 Years |
Management periodically evaluates long-lived assets for potential impairment and will record an impairment charge whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. As of January 31, 2007 and 2006, management does not believe that any assets are impaired.
Capitalized loan fees are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. The costs are determined at the time the loan transactions are closed, and are amortized over the life of the loan, using a method which approximates the effective interest method.
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided against the future benefit of deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the future tax benefits associated with the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
The Company generally recognizes revenue from sales of its products when the following have occurred: evidence of a sale arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured.
The Company follows the percentage-of-completion method of accounting for one long-term engineering service contract. Under this method, contract revenue is computed as that percentage of estimated total revenue that costs incurred to date bear to total estimated costs, after giving effect to the most recent estimates of costs to complete. From time to time, the Company will record costs and estimated profits in excess of billings for certain of these contracts. Revisions in costs and revenue estimates are reflected in the period in which the revisions are determined. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined without regard to the percentage-of-completion.
Occasionally the Company enters into research and development contracts with customers. The Company accounts for such contracts on the basis of the lesser of non-refundable cash versus percentage of completion.
F-8
As a general matter, the terms specified in customer purchase orders determine whether the Company or the customer bears the obligation for payment of freight charges. While customers pay for freight in most transactions, the Company does occasionally pay freight charges on behalf of customers and bill all or a portion to customers. Freight revenue of $11,000, $13,000 and $13,000 is included in revenues in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Freight expense of $112,000, $143,000 and $82,000 is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expense that is included in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations approximated $458,000, $688,000 and $758,000, during the years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Research and development costs that are included in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations declined as resources were devoted to the Joint Strike Fighter program, where expenditures are charged to Cost of Sales. In addition, the Company reduced its use of outside contractors for certain development work that is now being handled by the engineering staff that has been developed in the Clearwater operations. The amount related to the Joint Strike Fighter program that was charged to cost of sales in fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 was approximately $390,000, $575,000 and $607,000, respectively.
The Company accrues for environmental expenses resulting from existing conditions that relate to past operations when the costs are probable and reasonably estimable. The following table outlines the Companys experience with such expenditures and the amount of the accrual that existed at the close of each fiscal year:
For the years ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
Environmental Expense (Statement of Operations) | $ | 10,000 | $ | 18,000 | $ | 85,000 | |||||
Environmental Accrual (Balance Sheet) | $ | 70,000 | $ | 80,000 | $ | 98,000 | |||||
The Company accounts for the acquisition of treasury shares at cost. The Company has not reissued acquired shares. It has, however, used treasury shares to make matching contributions to the Companys 401(k) plan. For those transactions, the Company accounts for the contributions at fair value at the date of contribution.
At January 31, 2007, the Company had a stock incentive plan (the Plan), which authorizes the issuance of options to purchase common stock. The Company had initially adopted the disclosure-only provisions of FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by FAS 148, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123, but accounted for the plan under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations. Beginning with the first interim reporting period for fiscal year 2007, the Company began to reflect stock-based employee compensation cost in net income for all options outstanding as of the conclusion of each interim reporting period.
The weighted average fair value of options granted in fiscal years 2007 and 2006 were approximately $105,000 and $83,000 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
2007 | 2006 | |
---|---|---|
Volatility | 78% | 84% |
Risk-free interest rate | 4.90 | 4.02 |
Expected life in years | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
F-9
For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2006 and 2005, if the Company had elected to recognize compensation expense for stock options based on the fair value at grant date, consistent with the method prescribed by FAS 123, net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts as follows:
For the years ended January 31, |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||
Net income, as reported | $ | 2,550,000 | $ | 1,541,000 | ||||
Deduct: | ||||||||
Total stock-based employee compensation | ||||||||
determined under fair value based method | ||||||||
for all awards, net of related tax effects | (13,000 | ) | - | |||||
Pro forma net income | $ | 2,537,000 | $ | 1,541,000 | ||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||
Basic As reported | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.39 | ||||
Basic Pro forma | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.39 | ||||
Diluted As reported | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.39 | ||||
Diluted Pro forma | $ | 0.64 | $ | 0.39 |
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007, the Company included stock-based employee compensation expense of approximately $52,000 in its net income.
Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, using the treasury stock method.
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and receivables. As of January 31, 2007 and 2006, substantially all of the Companys cash balances were deposited with financial institutions who management has determined are of high credit quality.
During the normal course of business, the Company extends credit, without collateral, to customers conducting business in the aerospace industry worldwide.
The Company conducts a limited amount of business in transactions that are denominated in foreign currencies. The Company employs a natural hedging method of matching accounts receivable denominated in foreign currencies with accounts payable denominated in foreign currencies to mitigate this risk.
SFAS No. 107 Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of the fair value of certain financial instruments. Cash, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are reflected in the financial statements at amounts which approximate fair value because of the short term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of long-term debt and notes payable at January 31, 2007 and 2006 approximates fair value as most instruments have adjustable rates which change frequently.
As of January 31, 2007 management does not believe the Company has any reportable segments as defined in SFAS No. 131, Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.
F-10
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The evaluation of a tax position in accordance with this Interpretation is a two-step process. The first step is recognition: The enterprise determines whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the enterprise should presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is measurement: A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. As of the date of issue of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company is still evaluating the impact of FIN 48 on its future results of operations. The Company plans to adopt FIN 48 beginning with its first interim reporting period for fiscal year 2008.
2. | RECEIVABLES |
Receivables at January 31, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:
2007 |
2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trade | $ | 5,224,000 | $ | 4,374,000 | ||||
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts | (10,000 | ) | (10,000 | ) | ||||
$ | 5,214,000 | $ | 4,364,000 | |||||
During fiscal year 2003, the Company secured one long-term fixed-price contract for the development of instrumentation for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Costs and estimated earnings on this contract for the years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
January 31, 2007 |
January 31, 2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Costs incurred to date | $ | 18,072,000 | $ | 16,059,000 | ||||
Estimated losses | (3,245,000 | ) | (2,030,000 | ) | ||||
14,827,000 | 14,029,000 | |||||||
Less billings to date | (14,927,000 | ) | (13,609,000 | ) | ||||
Costs less estimated losses in excess of billings | $ | 420,000 | ||||||
Billings in excess of costs less estimated losses | $ | (100,000 | ) | |||||
The billings in excess of costs less estimated losses are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the balance sheet.
Further discussions with the Companys customer for the JSF program have resulted in product modifications that include making the product design more responsive to conditions as well as a change to accommodate differing system needs. Consequently, the Company has revised its estimate at completion for the JSF program. The estimated costs of the project increased by approximately $432,000 and, as a result, estimated total program costs exceed estimated program revenues by approximately $3,245,000. The Company recognized this additional loss in its financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007. These design changes are in addition to many issues encountered throughout the year related to testing and verification of the design change, resulting in increased expenditures for the program. The Company recognized these additional losses in fiscal year 2007 as the likelihood of incurring those losses were identified.
F-11
The JSF program is a customer-funded product development program that is presently expected to generate total project revenues of approximately $16,293,000. As of January 31, 2007, based on project progress, the Company has recognized revenues of approximately $14,827,000 for the JSF program. The JSF program represents a significant investment in the Companys future product development capabilities. While Company management is expending considerable effort to control costs and complete the development process on schedule, the key benefit to the program is the substantial revenue that the Company may earn if it is awarded the competitive production contract for the JSF. The production contract is expected to be awarded near the conclusion of the development program, and is presently expected to occur in late 2007. There is no assurance that production will begin after the completion of the development program or that the Company will be awarded the production contract.
3. | INVENTORIES |
Inventories at January 31, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:
2007 |
2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Raw materials | $ | 4,384,000 | $ | 3,935,000 | ||||
Work in process | 1,880,000 | 2,436,000 | ||||||
Finished goods | 163,000 | 121,000 | ||||||
Reserve for obsolete and slow moving inventory | (618,000 | ) | (508,000 | ) | ||||
$ | 5,809,000 | $ | 5,984,000 | |||||
Substantially all of the remaining reserve is comprised of inventory items that were identified as being obsolete or slow moving during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006.
4. | PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT |
Property, Plant and Equipment at January 31, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:
2007 |
2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Land and improvements | $ | 464,000 | $ | 464,000 | ||||
Building and improvements | 4,124,000 | 4,025,000 | ||||||
Machinery and equipment | 4,651,000 | 4,766,000 | ||||||
Patterns, dies and tools | 999,000 | 973,000 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures | 1,708,000 | 1,511,000 | ||||||
11,946,000 | 11,739,000 | |||||||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (8,606,000 | ) | (8,122,000 | ) | ||||
$ | 3,340,000 | $ | 3,617,000 | |||||
Depreciation expense was $632,000, $665,000 and $654,000 for the years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company utilizes the straight-line method when accounting for depreciation. Certain components of property, plant and equipment are pledged as collateral for debt obligations (Note 6).
5. | ACCRUED EXPENSES |
Accrued expenses as of January 31, 2007 and 2006 were approximately $1,692,000 and $1,895,000, respectively. A substantial portion of these expenses are related to amounts owed to subcontractors who participate in the Companys product development programs, as shown below:
2007 |
2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product development programs | $ | 944,000 | $ | 1,389,000 | ||||
Other accrued expenses | 748,000 | 506,000 | ||||||
$ | 1,692,000 | $ | 1,895,000 | |||||
F-12
6. | LONG-TERM DEBT, NOTES PAYABLE AND REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY |
Long-term debt and notes payable at January 31, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:
2007 |
2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Real estate term loan | $ | 2,433,000 | $ | 2,633,000 | ||||
Equipment term loan | 131,000 | 161,000 | ||||||
2,564,000 | 2,794,000 | |||||||
Less current maturities | (230,000 | ) | (230,000 | ) | ||||
Long-term debt and notes payable, less current maturities | $ | 2,334,000 | $ | 2,564,000 | ||||
The amount of long-term debt and notes payable maturing in fiscal 2008 and thereafter is as follows:
Maturity Schedule of Long Term Debt and Notes Payable | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | $ | 230,000 | |||
2009 | 230,000 | ||||
2010 | 230,000 | ||||
2011 | 230,000 | ||||
2012 | 230,000 | ||||
Thereafter | 1,414,000 | ||||
Total | $ | 2,564,000 | |||
On February 25, 2004, the Company completed a refinancing of its debt obligations by securing new credit facilities with Wachovia Bank, N.A. (Wachovia Refinancing) The facilities total $5.7 million, and include a 15 year term loan of $3.0 million that is collateralized primarily by the Companys real estate in Clearwater, Florida, a revolving credit facility of $2.5 million, and a seven year equipment loan of $0.2 million. The entire debt also is collateralized by a lien on other Company and Avionics assets and by a Deed of Trust on Avionics real estate in Earlysville, Virginia. The 15 year term loan has repayment obligations of approximately $200,000 per year. The seven year equipment loan, drawn in May 2004, has repayment obligations of approximately $30,000 per year. The credit line is set to expire on June 30, 2007. The Company intends to negotiate a new credit line with Wachovia, and will endeavor to obtain terms and conditions that are at least equal to if not better than the existing terms and conditions. However, the Company cannot guarantee the outcome of these negotiations.
The interest rate on the credit facility is one-month LIBOR (which was 5.32% at January 31, 2007) plus 300 basis points. Certain loan covenants have been revised and include a debt coverage ratio (defined as earnings before interest and taxes plus depreciation and amortization minus dividends, withdrawals and non-cash income divided by the sum of current maturities of long term debt and capital and synthetic lease obligations plus interest) that is greater than or equal to 1.25 to 1.00 and a leverage ratio (defined as total liabilities divided by tangible net worth) not to exceed 1.30 to 1.00. As of January 31, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
7. | RESERVE FOR WARRANTY |
The Company has established a provision for warranty claims in anticipation of a certain degree of warranty activity, which generally is a minimal expense. For the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company did experience one-time warranty costs related to specific applications for its AOA transmitter for one customer in 2007 and its IMFP for another customer in 2006. The provision, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the balance sheet, is based upon recent warranty experience excluding such one-time, non-recurring items. The Companys warranty experience is as follows:
F-13
For the years ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
Beginning reserve balance | $ | 126,000 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 150,000 | |||||
Costs incurred | (157,000 | ) | (204,000 | ) | (108,000 | ) | |||||
Replenish reserve for costs incurred | 157,000 | 204,000 | 108,000 | ||||||||
Increase in estimate | 33,000 | (24,000 | ) | - | |||||||
Ending reserve balance | $ | 159,000 | $ | 126,000 | $ | 150,000 | |||||
AOA one-time expense | $ | 168,000 | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
IMFP one-time expense | $ | - | $ | 285,000 | $ | - |
8. | STOCK OPTIONS, GRANTS AND RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS |
In July 2004, the Company adopted the Aerosonic Corporation 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (2004 SIP), which authorized the issuance of up to 200,000 shares. Through January 31, 2007, 65,000 options, 12,020 shares and 6,200 restricted stock awards had been granted under the 2004 SIP. Of the 6,200 restricted stock awards, 400 shares have been forfeited. As of January 31, 2007, 117,180 shares were available for grant. The options granted in fiscal years 2007 and 2006 have an exercise price of $8.29 and $6.20, respectively, and the weighted average remaining contractual life of these options was 8.8 years as of January 31, 2007. For option awards, the plan provides that the strike price shall not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant and that no portion of any option award may be exercised beyond ten years from that date. In addition, no incentive stock option can be granted and exercised beyond five years to a stockholder owning 10% or more of the Companys outstanding common stock. Options granted under the plan during the years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 vest between one year and three years from the date of grant. The Company had no outstanding equity awards prior to the year ended January 31, 2006.
Restricted stock awards have been granted to certain key employees. One-third of these awards vest on each anniversary date of the award, until fully vested. Awards of 6,200 shares were granted during the year ended January 31, 2006. The average market price on the date of grant for awards granted in 2006 was $6.70, which resulted in the recording of unearned compensation of approximately $41,000 that is classified as a component of stockholders equity. The unearned compensation is being amortized over the vesting period of the stock. As a result, restricted stock compensation charged to expense was approximately $13,000 for the year ended January 31, 2007.
The following table summarizes the amount of awards authorized, the amount of awards granted and the amount of awards available for grant for the 2004 SIP:
2004 SIP | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Awards authorized | 200,000 | ||||
Options granted | (65,000 | ) | |||
Shares granted | (12,020 | ) | |||
Restricted stock granted | (5,800 | ) | |||
Available for grant as of January 31, 2006 | 117,180 | ||||
Since none of the option grants have vested, there has been no activity relating to stock options granted under the 2004 SIP during the three years ended January 31, 2007.
F-14
9. | INCOME TAXES |
Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 consisted of:
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Current | |||||||||||
Federal | $ | 31,000 | $ | 170,000 | $ | (287,000 | ) | ||||
State | - | 23,000 | (44,000 | ) | |||||||
31,000 | 193,000 | (331,000 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred: | |||||||||||
Federal | 184,000 | (462,000 | ) | (660,000 | ) | ||||||
State | 29,000 | (72,000 | ) | (103,000 | ) | ||||||
213,000 | (534,000 | ) | (763,000 | ) | |||||||
$ | 244,000 | $ | (341,000 | ) | $ | (1,094,000 | ) | ||||
The following table illustrates the difference between the statutory income tax rates applicable to the Company versus the effective tax (benefit) rate:
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal tax rate | 34.0% | 34.0% | 34.0% | ||||||||
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: | |||||||||||
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit | 2.8% | -1.5% | -21.6% | ||||||||
Tax-exempt foreign income | -8.2% | -42.9% | - | ||||||||
Deferred tax asset valuation adjustment | - | - | -218.3% | ||||||||
Research and experimentation and alternative | |||||||||||
minimum tax credits | - | - | -45.7% | ||||||||
Other-primarily non-deductible expenses | 1.6% | 5.0% | 6.9% | ||||||||
Effective tax rate | 30.2% | -15.4% | -244.7% | ||||||||
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at January 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
2007 |
2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Current deferred tax assets: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | $ | 4,000 | $ | 4,000 | ||||
Inventories | 487,000 | 412,000 | ||||||
Vacation and sick pay accrual | 264,000 | 135,000 | ||||||
Net operating loss carry forward | 190,000 | 966,000 | ||||||
Other | 85,000 | 69,000 | ||||||
Total current deferred tax assets | $ | 1,030,000 | $ | 1,586,000 | ||||
Non-current deferred tax assets | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, principally due to differences in | ||||||||
depreciation and capitalized interest | 412,000 | 103,000 | ||||||
Research and experimentation and alternative minimum tax credits | 244,000 | 204,000 | ||||||
Total non-current deferred tax assets | 656,000 | 307,000 | ||||||
Net deferred tax asset | $ | 1,686,000 | $ | 1,893,000 | ||||
Current deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||
Other | 6,000 | - | ||||||
Total non-current deferred tax assets | 6,000 | - | ||||||
Net deferred tax asset | $ | 6,000 | $ | - | ||||
F-15
At January 31, 2007, the Company has a total net operating loss carryforward from fiscal year 2006 of approximately $508,000 that the Company has elected to carryover into fiscal year 2008. This carryforward will expire January 31, 2022.
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2007, the Companys estimate with respect to the future utilization of its deferred tax assets is that the Company believes it is more likely than not that all of its deferred tax benefits will be realized.
10. | OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) |
During fiscal year 2007, the Company recognized approximately $37,000 of miscellaneous income that was primarily related to the sale of fixed assets.
During fiscal year 2006, the Company recognized approximately $52,000 of miscellaneous income that was primarily related to foreign exchange gains on British Pound transactions.
11. | MAJOR CUSTOMER INFORMATION |
Direct and indirect sales to U.S. Government agencies, when combined, represented 10% or more of net sales and amounted to approximately $9,311,000, $16,809,000 and $13,453,000 for the years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Of these amounts, approximately $4,591,000, $7,201,000 and $5,269,000 were sales directly to U.S. Government agencies for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The remaining amounts represent sales to commercial customers that are for government applications.
Sales to Boeing represented 10% or more of net sales and amounted to 11% for the year ended January 31, 2007. For the year ended January 31, 2006, sales to Lockheed and Boeing represented 13% and 10% of net sales, respectively. For the year ended January 31, 2005, sales to Lockheed and Boeing represented 16% and 10% of net sales, respectively. Included in these amounts are sales of products that are sold by each company to the U.S. Government. Foreign sales for the years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 represented 10% or more of net sales and amounted to approximately $7,529,000, $7,684,000 and $4,614,000, respectively. Substantially all foreign sales contracts are payable in U.S. dollars. No other customer sales totaled greater than 10% of net sales for years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 or 2005.
Receivables at January 31, 2007 included approximately $1,339,000, $1,105,000 and $705,000 due from Raytheon, foreign customers and Boeing, respectively. Receivables at January 31, 2006 included approximately $676,000, $489,000, $444,000 and $425,000 due from the U.S. Government, Boeing, foreign customers and Lockheed, respectively. No other customers represented greater than 10 percent of receivables at January 31, 2007 or 2006.
12. | BENEFIT PLANS |
Effective February 1, 1993, the Company adopted a tax-deferred savings plan which covers substantially all employees of the Company. Under the plan, participants may elect to contribute up to 100% of pre-tax earnings. The Company will fund a 100% matching contribution, up to 3% of the participants yearly compensation. Such matching contributions will be made in cash or Common Stock of the Company. Additional contributions may be made at the Companys discretion. For the years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company contributed cash of approximately $211,000, $457,000 and $204,000, respectively. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006, the Board of Directors approved an acceleration of the Companys matching contributions to the tax-deferred savings plan. Previously, the Company made its matching contributions once per year, within twelve months of the close of the plan year, which ends each December 31. The acceleration of matching contributions resulted in the Company contributing its matching funds within thirty days of the close of each calendar quarter. As a result, approximately $217,000 of the Companys fiscal year 2006 matching contributions represent the matching contributions that would have normally been made during the 2006 fiscal year, while approximately $240,000 of the Companys fiscal year 2006 contributions were the result of the acceleration of matching contributions. This acceleration of matching contributions had a one-time effect on cash but had no impact on the recognition of expense, as the expense had been recognized in all periods when the obligation arose.
F-16
William Parker was employed by the Company for 34 years, most recently as its President, until his retirement in 1997. During fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company was, and until April 2005 continued to be, a party to a Supplemental Pension Plan agreement with William C. Parker pursuant to which Mr. Parker received monthly pension payments from the Company of $4,167. Amounts expensed under this plan were approximately $10,000, $137,000 and $6,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In May 2003, the Company and Mr. Parker executed a new Supplemental Pension Plan agreement, which became effective as of January 1, 2004, extending the then-existing Supplemental Pension Plan, and pursuant to which Mr. Parker would continue to receive monthly payments of $4,167 through December 2006. The extension resulted in a charge to income and an additional liability of $134,000 during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. This plan terminated upon the death of Mr. Parker in April 2005. The termination of the plan results in a reduction of the liability that was originally recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. As a result, approximately $89,000 was recorded as other income during fiscal 2006.
13. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
As discussed in Note 12, the Company had a Supplemental Pension Plan agreement with William Parker, a former employee who served as a director of the Company until his death in April 2005.
14. | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
In accordance with a consent agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection signed by the Company in 1993, the Companys environmental consultant developed an interim remedial action plan (the Remedial Plan) to contain and remediate certain soil and groundwater contamination that had been discovered at the Companys Clearwater, Florida location. The contamination was discovered after a series of site investigations that revealed impacts to both shallow soils and groundwater that may have resulted from the accidental loss of solvents and metalworking fluids as well as activities from neighboring property over a period of 20 years or more. Although the exact cause of the contamination has never been ascertained, the Company nonetheless accepted responsibility for remediating the pollutants that were discovered on its property.
During 1997, the Company recorded a provision of approximately $175,000 related to the estimated costs to be incurred under the Remedial Plan. As of January 31, 2000, the Company had utilized all amounts originally recorded in other accrued expenses, and the remediation phase of the Remedial Plan had been completed.
During the third quarter of 2001, management determined the post-remediation monitoring expense related to the environmental cleanup of 1993 would cost approximately $125,000. This amount was accrued and expensed during the third quarter of 2001. As of January 31, 2003, all existing reserve balances had been utilized. Based upon an assessment by the Companys environmental consultants, the Companys management has calculated the Companys expected future expense for post-remediation monitoring expense and has established a reserve of $70,000 for such expense as of January 31, 2007.
The Company is now in a monitoring-only stage of the remediation (where periodic measurements are taken by environmental consultants to determine the effectiveness of the remediation), and the existing reserve contemplates the remaining expected expenses, based upon advice from the Companys environmental consultants, as of January 31, 2007.
The following table is a recap of the financial impact of the Companys environmental activities:
Years ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
Beginning reserve balance | $ | 80,000 | $ | 98,000 | $ | 38,000 | |||||
Costs incurred | (10,000 | ) | (18,000 | ) | (25,000 | ) | |||||
Replenish reserve for costs incurred | - | - | 25,000 | ||||||||
Increase in estimate | - | - | 60,000 | ||||||||
Ending reserve balance | $ | 70,000 | $ | 80,000 | $ | 98,000 | |||||
F-17
At January 31, 2007, the Company was committed to future purchases of approximately $4,023,000 for materials and services as well as a development contract. These purchase commitments are supported by firm underlying contracts with customers and contain provisions permitting the Company to terminate such purchase commitments in the event the underlying contracts should be terminated or discontinued. A tabular presentation is as follows:
Payments Due by Period | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total | Less than One Year |
1 - 3 Years |
4 - 5 Years |
After 5 Years | |
Purchase Commitments | $ 4,023,000 | $ 3,989,000 | $ 34,000 | $ - | $ - |
The Company entered into various operating leases in fiscal years 2003 and 2002 to lease certain equipment. No new leases occurred during fiscal year 2007, 2006 or 2005. Total rental expense was approximately $391,000, $473,000 and $398,000 for the years ended January 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The future minimum rental payments under leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year at January 31, 2007 are as follows:
Operating Leases | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | $ | 101,000 | |||
2009 | 20,000 | ||||
2010 | 6,000 | ||||
Total Minimum Lease Payments | $ | 127,000 | |||
The Company issued an irrevocable standby letter of credit (LOC) in favor of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea in May 2005. This LOC provides the South Korean government with financial assurance that the Company will perform in accordance with the offset requirements under its contract to provide integrated multifunction probes (IMFP) for South Koreas T-50 military aircraft. The offset requirements specify that the Company will effect a transfer of technology in accordance with the agreement. The Company will incur certain expenses associated with this obligation. Consequently, the Company accrues a liability with each IMFP shipment in anticipation of satisfying the offset requirements of the contract. This liability was approximately $143,000 and $46,000 for the years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The South Korean government can collect under the terms of the LOC only in the event that the Company is in material breach of its contract obligations. The term of this $398,000 LOC expires in July 2009.
The Companys Board of Directors approved Amended and Restated Employment Agreements between the Company and four of its executive officers: David A. Baldini, Gary E. Colbert, P. Mark Perkins and Carmelo Russo. The Amended and Restated Employment Agreements became effective on November 28, 2005. These agreements provide for automatic renewal each November 28th, absent earlier non-renewal. Each of the employment agreements provides for severance payments in an amount equal to the employees base salary at the current level at the time of termination for the remainder of the contract term following a change in control if employment is terminated either by the Company without cause or by the employee during the term in effect at the time of the change in control or within 18 months following the change in control after a material change in the terms of the employees employment.
15. | SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
On March 9, 2007, Aerosonic Corporation announced the consolidation of the manufacturing functions of its Earlysville, Virginia, operation into its Clearwater, Florida facility. The Earlysville location is home to Avionics Specialties, Inc., Aerosonics wholly owned subsidiary. The consolidation is a continuation of the Companys actions to be more responsive to customers demands while increasing efficiencies. The existing Engineering and Marketing functions will remain in the Earlysville area but will relocate to a new facility more appropriately sized for the Companys streamlined structure. The Company plans to sell the Earlysville facility. Avionics Specialties manufactures angle of attack stall warning systems, integrated multifunction probes, which are integrated air data sensors, and other aircraft sensors and monitoring systems. The Company will execute the consolidation plan in a phased approach to maintain delivery schedules and product quality.
F-18
16. | QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) |
Set forth below are the Companys quarterly data for the years ended January 31, 2007 and 2006.
Quarter Ended |
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 28 |
July 28 |
October 27 |
January 31 |
|||||||||||
2007 | ||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 8,481,000 | $ | 7,595,000 | $ | 7,917,000 | $ | 7,260,000 | ||||||
Gross profit | 2,742,000 | 1,899,000 | 2,587,000 | 1,592,000 | ||||||||||
Income from operations | 611,000 | (69,000 | ) | 532,000 | (132,000 | ) | ||||||||
Net income | 583,000 | (77,000 | ) | 270,000 | (211,000 | ) | ||||||||
Earnings per share (EPS) - basic | 0.16 | (0.02 | ) | 0.08 | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||
Earnings per share (EPS) - dilut | 0.15 | (0.02 | ) | 0.08 | (0.06 | ) |
April 29 |
July 29 |
October 28 |
January 31 |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2006 | ||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 9,075,000 | $ | 8,977,000 | $ | 8,957,000 | $ | 7,754,000 | ||||||
Gross profit | 2,525,000 | 3,011,000 | 2,617,000 | 2,039,000 | ||||||||||
Income from operations | 712,000 | 836,000 | 626,000 | 134,000 | ||||||||||
Net income | 449,000 | 482,000 | 490,000 | 1,129,000 | ||||||||||
Earnings per share (EPS) - basic | 0.11 | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.29 | ||||||||||
Earnings per share (EPS) - dilut | 0.11 | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.29 |
17. | FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTMENTS |
During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007, the Company recorded an adjustment of approximately $432,000 to its financial statements for the JSF program. This adjustment is described in detail in Note 2.
F-19
For the year ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
Beginning Reserve Balance | $ | 10,000 | $ | 14,000 | $ | 152,000 | |||||
Amounts Written Off | - | - | (147,000 | ) | |||||||
Amounts Charged (Credited) to Operations | - | (4,000 | ) | 9,000 | |||||||
Ending Reserve Balance | $ | 10,000 | $ | 10,000 | $ | 14,000 | |||||
For the year ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
Beginning Reserve Balance | $ | 508,000 | $ | 401,000 | $ | 1,426,000 | |||||
Amounts Charged (Credited) to Operations | 110,000 | 107,000 | (1,025,000 | ) | |||||||
Ending Reserve Balance | $ | 618,000 | $ | 508,000 | $ | 401,000 | |||||
For the year ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
Beginning Reserve Balance | $ | 80,000 | $ | 98,000 | $ | 38,000 | |||||
Amounts Charged (Credited) to Operations | (10,000 | ) | (18,000 | ) | 60,000 | ||||||
Ending Reserve Balance | $ | 70,000 | $ | 80,000 | $ | 98,000 | |||||
For the year ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
Beginning Reserve Balance | $ | 126,000 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 150,000 | |||||
Amounts Charged (Credited) to Operations | 33,000 | (24,000 | ) | - | |||||||
Ending Reserve Balance | $ | 159,000 | $ | 126,000 | $ | 150,000 | |||||
For the year ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
Beginning Reserve Balance | $ | - | $ | 38,000 | $ | 75,000 | |||||
Amounts Charged (Credited) to Operations | 22,000 | (38,000 | ) | (37,000 | ) | ||||||
Ending Reserve Balance | $ | 22,000 | $ | - | $ | 38,000 | |||||
For the year ended January 31, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
Beginning Reserve Balance | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 974,000 | |||||
Amounts Credited to Operations | - | - | (974,000 | ) | |||||||
Ending Reserve Balance, as restated | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
F-20