CRAWFORD UNITED Corp - Annual Report: 2011 (Form 10-K)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K(229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's 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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]

As of March 31, 2011, the Registrant had 793,229 voting shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding and 454,866 voting shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding. As of such date, non-affiliates held 672,620 shares of Class A Common Stock and 85,056 shares of Class B Common Stock. As of March 31, 2011, based on the closing price of $2.00 per Class A Common Share on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board, the aggregate market value of the Class A Common Stock held by such non-affiliates was approximately $1,345,240. There is no trading market in the shares of Class B Common Stock.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

Except as otherwise stated, the information contained in this Form 10-K is as of September 30, 2011.

Table of Contents

PART I.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


PART II.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
F-1: REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
F-2: CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
F-3: CONSOLIDATED LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
F-4: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
F-5: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
F-6: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
3. NOTES RECEIVABLE
4. LONG-TERM FINANCING
5. LEASES
6. STOCK OPTIONS
7. CAPITAL STOCK, TREASURY STOCK, AND CONTRIBUTED CAPITAL
8. INCOME TAXES
9. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
11. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
14. BUSINESS CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
15. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

PART III.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES


PART IV.

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM AS TO CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

General Development of Business

Hickok Incorporated was founded in 1910 and organized in 1915 as an Ohio corporation, and first offered its securities to the public in 1959. Except as otherwise stated, the terms "Company" or "Hickok" as used herein mean Hickok Incorporated and its two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Supreme Electronics Corp. and Waekon Corporation. Hickok develops and manufactures products used by companies in the transportation industry. Primary markets served are automotive, emissions testing, aircraft, and locomotive with sales both to original equipment manufacturers (OEM's) and to the aftermarkets.

Until the mid 1980s Hickok was known primarily for its ability to develop and manufacture electronic instruments for electronic servicers, precision indicating instruments for aircraft, locomotive, and industrial applications, and electronic teaching systems for vocational schools. Since the mid 1980s the Company has focused this expertise to develop and manufacture electronic diagnostic tools and equipment used by automotive technicians in the automotive market. This is now the Company's largest business segment. The Company continues to design and manufacture precision indicating instruments. This segment represented approximately 25% of the Company's fiscal 2011 revenue.

The Company enjoyed growing success with Ford Motor Co. in the late 1980s and early 1990s ultimately resulting in OEM business representing approximately 80% of revenue. The Company recognized that customer diversification was desirable and also that much of the technology that had been developed for OEMs could have application to the non-dealer service market known as the aftermarket. Initial efforts used internal staff for sales and development efforts. After several years of modest success the Company learned that the technology developed for OEMs applied to the final product but the final product itself and market development activities required were significantly different than those for an OEM customer.

In February 1998 the Company added new products, customers and an established aftermarket sales channel with the acquisition of Waekon Industries. In addition to the acquisition of Waekon Industries, the Company embarked on development programs to design tools specifically tailored to the needs of the automotive aftermarket and develop a variety of sales channels to the market. Since the acquisition, the Company uses the Waekon name as a trademark to market its products to technicians in the automotive aftermarket and for certain emission inspection grade equipment it manufactures. Also the name Waekon-Hickok is used as a trademark for higher complexity equipment primarily aimed at automotive service shops as a shop tool. The Hickok brand is used for a family of products that are related to OEM grade tools sold to automotive dealerships and manufacturers. The Company now concentrates on sales of automotive diagnostic equipment sold through distribution for both dealer and non-dealer servicers.

The Company has developed a reputation as a quality emission testing product provider. Our reputation for innovative emissions testing products began with the patented Model FPT27 Gas Cap Tester that has been used since 2000 in numerous state programs by emissions testing equipment suppliers. In 2004 the Company developed and marketed a complete emissions testing platform for a State of Pennsylvania program. From 2002 until 2007 the Company worked with the State of California to develop a patented product for testing leaks in vehicle evaporative emissions systems and subsequently delivered equipment used in the State's testing program. The emission equipment provides an on-going level of business maintaining equipment in existing programs. In recent years there have been no new programs of significant size undertaken by the States. Most new State programs result in large short-term revenues for the Company with some residual benefits to future years.

The Company's operations are currently concentrated in the United States of America. Sales are primarily to domestic customers although the Company also makes sales to international customers through domestically based distribution companies.

Operating Segment Information

The Company's operations are combined into two reportable business segments: 1) indicators and gauges and 2) automotive diagnostic tools and equipment. Reference is made to "Segment and Related Information" included in the notes to the financial statements.

Indicators and Gauges

For over ninety-six years the Company has developed and manufactured precision indicating instruments used in aircraft, locomotives and other applications. In recent years the Company has specialized in aircraft and locomotive cockpit instruments. Within the aircraft market, instruments are sold primarily to manufacturers or servicers of business, military, and pleasure aircraft. Within the locomotive market, indicators are sold to both original equipment manufacturers and to operators of railroad equipment. Indicators and gauges represented approximately 25% of the Company's sales for fiscal 2011 and 26% for fiscal 2010. An original grouping of products, DIGILOG Instruments, were certified with the FAA during fiscal 2002. Subsequently several additional models have also been certified. The Company also produces both movements and completed indicators that are used in high reliability applications on several active military aircraft.

Automotive Diagnostic Tools and Equipment

Since the mid 1980s the Company has concentrated on designing and marketing instruments used to diagnose automotive electronic systems. These products were initially sold to Ford Motor Company but are now sold to several automotive OEMs, and to the aftermarket using jobbers, wholesalers and mobile distributors. Since the late 1990s sales of products designed specifically to OEM requirements have been balanced with products developed for automotive aftermarket servicers and the emissions testing industry. In fiscal 2007 and 2006 orders from a supplier to OEMs for products designed to the OEMs requirements significantly affected revenues. In fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2004 emissions products significantly affected revenues. The aftermarket accounted for approximately 41% of the Company's automotive diagnostic and specialty tool sales in fiscal 2011 and 46% for fiscal 2010. The percentage decrease was primarily because large OEM orders were lower in fiscal 2011 than in fiscal 2010. As a whole, automotive diagnostic tools and equipment represented approximately 75% of the Company's sales for fiscal 2011 and 74% for fiscal 2010.

Indicator revenues have remained fairly consistent for the past several years and are expected to remain consistent in foreseeable future years. Although the Company does not view this segment as a high growth potential, it does contribute significant revenues and margins. The Company believes year to year variation of revenue is more dependent on customer timing than any general market direction. Digilog, a higher margin product developed several years ago, continues to grow modestly in importance to the product segment.

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

Raw materials essential to the business are acquired from a large number of United States of America manufacturers and some materials are now purchased from European and Southeast Asian sources. Materials acquired from the electronic components industry include transistors, integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, switches, potentiometers, micro controllers, and other passive parts. Fabricated metal or plastic parts are generally purchased from local suppliers or manufactured by the Company from raw materials. In general, the required materials are available, if ordered with sufficient lead times, from multiple sources at current prices.

Importance of Patents, Licenses, Franchises, Trademarks and Concessions

The Company presently has several patents and patent applications that relate to several of its products. The Company believes that its position in the industry is dependent upon its present level of engineering skill, research, sales relationships, production techniques and service. However, the Company does have several basic methodology patents related to products it offers that it considers very important to future revenue. The Company currently has two important patents, the most important patent is related to the testing of evaporative emissions systems that was the basis for the Company's product offering in 2007 and 2008 for the State of California. This patent expires in the year 2022. The second patent is related to vehicle fuel cap testing that expires in 2018. The Company monitors the marketplace for infringement of its patents and intends to pursue its rights should an infringement take place. The Company is currently engaged in such a proceeding. See Item 3 Legal Proceedings. Other than the names "Hickok" and "Waekon", the Company does not have any material licenses, trademarks, franchises or concessions.

Seasonality

The Company believes that there is a seasonality to the automotive aftermarket revenues. Typically the first and fourth quarters tend to be weaker than the other two quarters in this market. Orders for OEM or emissions testing products are primarily subject to customer timing requirements and have no known seasonality aspect to them. As a result, operating results can fluctuate widely from quarter to quarter and year to year. As examples, the New Jersey emissions program had a significant affect on the Company's fourth quarter results of fiscal 2009.

Practices Relative to Working Capital Items

The nature of the Company's business requires it to maintain sufficient levels of inventory to meet rapid delivery requirements of customers. The Company provides its customers with payment terms prevalent in the industry.

Dependence on Single or Few Customers

Backlog

The Company is engaged in a highly competitive industry and faces competition from domestic and international firms. Several of the Company's competitors have greater financial resources and larger sales organizations than the Company. Competition with respect to the Company's diagnostic tool business arises from the existence of a number of other significant manufacturers in the field, such as Snap-On, SPX Corporation, and Bosch which dominate the available market in terms of total sales. The instrumentation industry is composed primarily of companies that specialize in the production of particular items as compared to a full line of instruments. The Company believes that its competitive position in this field is in the area of smaller, specialized products, an area in which the Company has operated since 1915 and in which the Company has established itself competitively by offering high-quality, high-performance products in comparison to high-volume, mass-produced items.

The Company depends on the automotive industry for sales of its OEM and aftermarket products. The Company's results of operations were adversely affected by the deterioration in the automotive industry's performance during the fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 years as well as the poor economic conditions throughout the country, and the Company anticipates that it will continue to face significant challenges until conditions improve substantially. The two markets are driven by different considerations. The OEM market tends to be driven by the need for new tools due to the introduction of new technologies in vehicles or excessive warranty costs. Because of dealership economics OEMs have been reluctant to require dealers to purchase service tools for the past several years. The aftermarket is largely driven by the economics of fixing vehicles. During poor economic times purchases can be delayed. Although aftermarket parts suppliers have done well during the past few years aftermarket tool suppliers have not. Our strategy of developing products that target the technician and low cost tools for shop use is an outgrowth of these realities. We believe substantial opportunities for growth depends primarily on economic recovery in the sectors we service.

In addition to automotive service products the Company diversified some years ago into the emissions testing market. This market has also been depressed partially because EPA requirements for state emissions testing program requirements have changed and partially because state budgets have not allowed the implementation of new testing programs. We believe improved economic conditions will improve this market for the Company as well.

Research and Development Activities

The Company expensed as incurred product development costs of $987,114 in 2011, $1,069,707 in 2010 and $1,317,529 in 2009. These expenditures included engineering product support and development of manuals for both of the Company's business segments.

Compliance with Environmental Provisions

The Company's capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position are not materially affected by compliance with federal, state and local environmental provisions which have been enacted or adopted to regulate the distribution of materials into the environment.

Number of Persons Employed

Total employment by the Company at September 30, 2011 was 71 full-time employees which represents a 14% decrease from 83 employees in fiscal 2010 and a 12% reduction from 81 employees in fiscal 2009. The Company has no part-time employees. None of the employees are represented by a union. The Company considers its relations with its employees to be good.

Financial Information Concerning Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011, all manufacturing, research and development and administrative operations were conducted in the United States of America. Revenues derived from export sales approximated $214,000 in 2011, $91,000 in 2010, and $189,000 in 2009. Shipments to Australia, Canada, England, Germany and Mexico make up the majority of export sales.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

Not Applicable.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not Applicable.

As of January 10, 2012 the Company had facilities in the United States of America as shown below:

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Company is the plaintiff in a suit pursuing patent infringement against a competitor in the emissions market (Hickok Incorporated v. Systech International, LLC and Delphi Corporation) currently pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The suit alleges infringement by the defendants on two of the Company's emission product patents. On one patent, which is related to gas cap testing, there were multiple items sold by Systech International, LLC in several markets over a period of several years. On the second patent, which relates to the Company's method for evaporative emissions testing used in California, there were multiple items sold into the California market during 2007 by Systech International, LLC and Delphi Corporation. The suit against Systech International, LLC was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division on November 16, 2007 alleging the gas cap testing infringement. In January 2008 infringement of the Company's evaporative emissions patent was added to the suit. Currently the proceedings are in the Request for Admissions and Claims Construction phase. The Company is seeking damages estimated at approximately $299,000 for the gas cap testing patent infringement and approximately $3,148,000 for the evaporative emissions testing patent infringement.

Management believes that it is not currently possible to estimate the impact, if any, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED).

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

a) MARKET INFORMATION

During fiscal 2011 our Class A Common Shares were traded on The Nasdaq Over-The Counter Bulletin Board Market under the symbol HICKA.QB. There is no market for the Registrant's Class B Common Shares.

The following table sets forth the per share range of high and low bids (Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board) for the Registrant's Class A Common Shares for the periods indicated. The Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board prices reflect inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown or commissions and may not represent actual transactions. Data was supplied by Nasdaq.

b) HOLDERS

As of January 10, 2012, there were approximately 197 shareholders of record of the Company's outstanding Class A Common Shares and 5 holders of record of the Company's outstanding Class B Common Shares.

c) DIVIDENDS

In fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 the Company paid no dividends on either of its Class A or Class B Common Shares. Pursuant to the Company's Amended Articles of Incorporation, no dividends may be paid on Class B Common Shares until cash dividends of ten cents per share per fiscal year are paid on Class A Common Shares. Any determination to pay cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors after taking into account various factors, including the Company's financial condition, results of operations and current and anticipated cash needs.

Until the mid 1980s Hickok was known primarily for its ability to develop and manufacture electronic instruments for electronic servicers, precision indicating instruments for aircraft, locomotive, and industrial applications, and electronic teaching systems for vocational schools. For the past twenty-five years the Company has used this expertise to develop and manufacture electronic diagnostic tools and equipment used by automotive technicians in the automotive service market. This is now the Company's largest business segment. The Company generated approximately 75% of its fiscal 2011 revenue from designing and manufacturing diagnostic tools for automotive diagnostics and testing. These tools enable service technicians to identify problems in electronic systems and other non-electronic systems in automobiles and trucks.

Seventeen years ago two large automotive OEM companies comprised over 80% of the company's business. A substantial portion of this business was contingent on large programs initiated by these OEMs on a year to year basis. The Company recognized that the OEMs were changing and that the likelihood of the continuation of these yearly large programs was diminishing. As a result, the Company initiated a strategy to use existing technical and manufacturing expertise and to develop sales and marketing skills applicable to the automotive aftermarket service industry. The strategy was aided by the acquisition of Waekon Industries in 1998. The Company uses Waekon as the brand of its products that are primarily intended as a technician's personal tool. The acquisition of Waekon immediately gave the Company aftermarket products and access to certain sales channels to that market.

In December of 2008 management took steps to reduce direct and non-direct product related expenses throughout the Company in response to the economic downturn and the uncertainty in the markets the Company serves. The steps included a substantial reduction in personnel, wage reductions for all personnel and expenditure restrictions in most aspects of the Company’s operations. Management took additional steps in April 2009 and made additional reductions in personnel throughout the Company due to the continued decline in sales to the markets the Company serves. The expected annual cost savings of approximately $3,080,000 took into consideration possible increases in other expenses.

Management implemented additional expense reductions that were effective March 1, 2011 in the form of a substantial reduction in personnel and a wage reduction for the CEO. In addition, the Board of Directors reduced and then eliminated all Board of Directors fees until Company financial conditions improve. A senior sales executive resigned in March and management has determined not to replace that individual. These additional expense reductions were expected to save approximately $46,000 per month beginning in April 2011 or $552,000 on an annual basis. Management also believes its strategy to improve revenue and profitability will aid results during fiscal 2012.

The savings from the above cost cutting measures were expected to be realized in equal amounts per month with similar impact on both future earnings and cash flows. Major expense categories impacted are as follows:

The Company is required to report segment information disclosures based on how management evaluates operating performance and resource allocations. The Company has determined that it has two reportable segments: 1) indicators and gauges, and 2) automotive related diagnostic tools and equipment.

Indicators and Gauges

This segment consists of products manufactured and sold primarily to companies in the aircraft and locomotive industry. Within the aircraft market, the primary customers are those companies that manufacture or service business, military and pleasure aircraft. Within the locomotive market, indicators and gauges are sold to original equipment manufacturers, servicers of locomotives, and operators of railroad equipment.

Automotive Diagnostic Tools and Equipment

This segment consists primarily of products designed and manufactured to support the testing or servicing of automotive and truck systems using electronic means to measure vehicle parameters. These products are sold to OEMs and to the aftermarket using several brand names and a variety of distribution methods. Included in this segment are products used for state required testing of vehicle emissions.

Results of Operations

Sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 decreased to $5,068,613, a decrease of approximately 4% from fiscal 2010 sales of $5,259,012. This decrease in sales was volume-driven and attributable primarily to lower product sales of approximately $186,000. Service sales in fiscal 2011 decreased by approximately $5,000 and the reduction was volume related, compared to fiscal 2010. Product sales were $4,682,830 in fiscal 2011 compared to $4,868,635 in fiscal 2010. The decrease in product sales occurred in both the indicator and gauges segment, and the automotive diagnostic equipment segment. The dollar decreases were approximately $116,000 and $70,000 respectively. Within the automotive diagnostic products, OEM products and aftermarket products sales decreased approximately $1,000 and $269,000 respectively, offset in part by an increase in emission product sales of approximately $200,000. Fiscal 2011 benefited from several small state emissions programs requiring gas cap testing products while fiscal 2010 benefited from an OEM product supplied to all franchised dealers. The reduction in service sales was volume related and attributable to lower repair sales.

Sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 decreased to $5,259,012, a decrease of approximately 13% from fiscal 2009 sales of $6,062,776. This decrease in sales was volume-driven and attributable primarily to lower product sales of approximately $765,000. Service sales in fiscal 2010 decreased by approximately $39,000 and the reduction was volume related, compared to fiscal 2009. Product sales were $4,868,635 in fiscal 2010 compared to $5,633,864 in fiscal 2009. The decrease in product sales occurred in both the indicator and gauges segment, and the automotive diagnostic equipment segment. The dollar decreases were approximately $180,000 and $585,000 respectively. Within the automotive diagnostic products, emission product sales decreased approximately $1,162,000 offset in part by an increase in OEM products and aftermarket products of approximately $487,000 and $90,000 respectively. Fiscal 2010 benefited from an OEM product supplied to all franchised dealers while fiscal 2009 benefited from a large state emissions program.

Management recorded a valuation allowance on the entire balance of deferred tax assets at September 30, 2009 in the amount of $1,845,200 due to the continued losses during the past several years, the current economic uncertainties, the negative effects of the current economic crisis on all of the Company's markets and concern that more likely than not expiration of the Company's net operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards could occur before they can be used. In fiscal 2011, management recorded a valuation allowance in the amount of $255,600 on the current year deferred taxes. This represents an effective income tax rate of 0%. In fiscal 2010, management recorded a valuation allowance in the amount of $310,500 on the current year deferred taxes. This also represents an effective income tax rate of 0%. Income taxes in fiscal 2009 were $1,845,200 due to the increase in the valuation allowance on deferred income taxes. This represents an effective income tax rate of 100%. It is anticipated that the effective tax rate in fiscal 2012 will be similar to fiscal 2011. The deferred tax benefits begin to expire in 2015.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working capital at September 30, 2011 was $2,447,080 as compared to $2,783,776 a year ago. The decrease of approximately $337,000 was due primarily to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents and inventory, an increase in accrued expenses of approximately $494,000, $159,000 and $57,000 respectively, offset in part by an increase in accounts receivable of approximately $372,000. The increase in accounts receivable was due primarily to higher shipments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. Inventory decreased due primarily to an increase in the obsolescence reserve in the current year.

Hickok has no off-balance sheet arrangements (as defined in Regulation S-K Item 303 paragraph (c)(2)) that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on its financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company describes its significant accounting policies in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. However, in response to the SEC's Release No. FR-60, "Cautionary Advice Regarding Disclosure About Critical Accounting Policies", issued December 12, 2001, the Company has identified the policies it believes are most critical to an understanding of the Company's financial statements. Since application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition - Revenue is recognized as manufactured items are shipped to customers, legal title has passed, and all significant contractual obligations of the Company have been satisfied. Revenue from development contracts is recorded as agreed upon milestones are achieved.

Inventory Valuation and Reserves - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The Company's business may require an increase in inventory of component parts, work-in-process and finished goods in order to meet anticipated delivery schedules of customers. However, we are responsible for excess and obsolete inventory purchases in excess of inventory needed to meet customer demand forecasts, as well as inventory purchases generally not covered by supply agreements, or parts that become obsolete before use in production. If our forecasts change or excess inventory becomes obsolete, the inventory reserves included in our financial statements may be understated.

Deferred Taxes - Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. Significant factors considered by the Company in estimating the probability of the realization of deferred taxes include expectations of future earnings and taxable income, as well as application of tax laws in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates.

The Company does not have off-balance sheet arrangements, financing, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or persons, also known as "special purpose entities" (SPEs).

Impact of Inflation

In recent years, inflation has had a minimal effect on the Company because of low rates of inflation and the Company's policy minimizing the acceptance of long-term fixed rate contracts without provisions permitting adjustment for inflation.

Forward-Looking Statements

The foregoing discussion includes forward-looking statements relating to the business of the Company. These forward-looking statements, or other statements made by the Company, are made based on management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and are subject to uncertainties and factors (including, but not limited to, those specified below) which are difficult to predict and, in many instances, are beyond the control of the Company. As a result, actual results of the Company could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any such forward-looking statements. These uncertainties and factors include (a) the Company's dependence upon a limited number of customers and the automotive industry, (b) the highly competitive industry in which the Company operates, which includes several competitors with greater financial resources and larger sales organizations, (c) the acceptance in the marketplace of new products and/or services developed or under development by the Company including automotive diagnostic products and indicating instrument products, (d) the ability of the Company to further establish distribution and a customer base in the automotive aftermarket, (e) the Company's ability to capitalize on market opportunities including state automotive emissions programs and OEM tool programs, and (f) the Company's ability to obtain cost effective financing.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Market Risk

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The following pages contain the Financial Statements and Supplementary Data as specified for Item 8 of Part II of Form 10-K.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HICKOK INCORPORATED
CLEVELAND, OHIO

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of HICKOK INCORPORATED as of September 30, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity , and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 that the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. The Company has determined it is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, 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 consolidated financial position of Hickok Incorporated as of September 30, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

MEADEN & MOORE, Ltd.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

JANUARY 10, 2012
CLEVELAND, OHIO

See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements.

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Hickok Incorporated and its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries ("Company") develop and manufacture products used by companies in the transportation and emissions testing industries. Among the products are indicators and gauges sold to companies in aircraft and locomotive markets. On a much larger scale, the Company manufactures diagnostic equipment used by technicians to test the various electronic systems in automobiles and trucks, and emissions testing equipment specified by various states for testing vehicle emissions. The Company serves the automotive, locomotive and general aviation markets predominately in North America. Sales in the Company's principal product classes, as a percent of consolidated sales, are as follows:

Product Classes	2011			2010		2009
Automotive Test Equipment			75.3	%	74.2	%	74.6	%
Indicating Instruments	24.7			25.8			25.4
Total		100.0		%	100.0	%	100.0		%

Current operating properties consist of a manufacturing plant in Greenwood, Mississippi, and a corporate headquarters, marketing and product development facility in Cleveland, Ohio.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation :
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hickok Incorporated and its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the financial statements.

Concentration of Credit Risk :
The Company sells its products and services primarily to customers in the United States of America and to a lesser extent overseas. All sales are made in United States of America dollars. The Company extends normal credit terms to its customers. Customers in the automotive industry comprise 77% of outstanding receivables at September 30, 2011 (73% in 2010). Sales to three customers approximated $1,116,000, $418,000 and $0 (2011), $720,000, $295,000 and $10,000 (2010), $512,000, $419,000 and $1,102,000 (2009), and accounts receivable to these customers amounted to approximately $388,000, $28,000 and $0 (2011), $51,000, $23,000 and $0 (2010).

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements :
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition :
The Company records sales as manufactured items are shipped to customers on an FOB shipping point arrangement, at which time title passes and the earnings process is complete. The Company primarily records service sales as the items are repaired. The customer does not have a right to return merchandise unless defective or warranty related and there are no formal customer acceptance provisions. Sales returns and allowances were immaterial during each of the three years in the period ending September 30, 2011.

Product Warranties :
The Company warrants certain products against defects for periods ranging primarily from 12 to 48 months. The Company's estimated future warranty claims is included in "Accrued expenses" and are as follows:

Cash and Cash Equivalents :
For purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. From time to time the Company maintains cash balances in excess of the FDIC limits. The cash balance at September 30, 2011 and 2010 amounted to $274,530 and $768,647, respectively.

Accounts Receivable :
The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information.

Inventories :
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and consist of:

Property, Plant and Equipment :
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Additions and betterments are capitalized. The depreciation policy of the Company is generally as follows:

Class	Method	Estimated Useful Lives
Buildings	Straight-line	10 to 40 years
Machinery and equipment	Straight-line	3 to 10 years
Tools and dies	Straight-line	3 years

Depreciation amounted to $108,924 (2011), $131,800 (2010), and $167,492 (2009).

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets :
Long-lived assets such as property, plant and equipment and software are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the total of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the asset.

Shipping and Handling Costs :
Shipping and handling costs are classified as cost of product sold.

Advertising Costs :
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to $16,756 (2011), $17,854 (2010) and $36,899 (2009).

Income Taxes :
The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year plus any change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when changes are enacted. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.

Income per Common Share :
Income per common share information is computed on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period as disclosed in Note 9.

3. NOTES RECEIVABLE

	Current Portion	Total
	2011	2011	2010
Unsecured note receivable from current employee which bears interest at 3% per annum	$-	$4,100	$-
Unsecured note receivable from former employee which bears interest at 3% per annum, currently paying $200 per month	$2,400	34,000	-
	$2,400	38,100	-
Less current portion		2,400	-
Long-term portion		$35,700	$-

The agreement provides for a revolving credit facility of $250,000 with interest generally equal to three percent per annum plus prime and is unsecured. In addition, the agreement generally allows for borrowing based on an amount equal to eighty percent of eligible accounts receivables or $250,000. The Company recorded interest expense of $4,765 through September 30, 2011. As of September 30, 2011 interest in the amount of $3,463 was paid. The Company had outstanding borrowings of $250,000 under this loan facility at September 30, 2011. Selected details of long-term borrowings are as follows:

	Amount	Weighted Average Interest Rate
Balance at September 30, 2011	$250,000	6.25%
Average during 2011	$62,500	6.25%
Maximum during 2011 (month end)	$250,000	6.25%
Balance at September 30, 2010	$-	0.0%
Average during 2010	$-	0.0%
Maximum during 2010 (month end)	$-	0.0%

5. LEASES

A facility held under a capital lease has a net book value of $0 at September 30, 2011. Future minimum lease payments which extend through 2061 are immaterial.

6. STOCK OPTIONS

Under the Company's Key Employees Stock Option Plans (collectively the "Employee Plans") the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has the authority to grant options to Key Employees to purchase up to 26,850 Class A shares, net of granted options. The options are exercisable for up to 10 years. Incentive stock options are available at an exercise price of not less than market price on the date the option is granted. However, options available to an individual owning more than 10% of the Company's Class A shares at the time of grant must be at a price not less than 110% of the market price. Non-qualified stock options may be issued at such exercise price and on such other terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may determine. No options may be granted at a price less than $2.925. All options granted under the Employee Plans are exercisable at September 30, 2011.

The Company's Outside Directors Stock Option Plans (collectively the "Directors Plans") provide for the automatic grant of options to purchase up to 38,000 shares of Class A common stock over a three year period to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Company, at the fair market value on the date of grant. The options are exercisable for up to 10 years. All options granted under the Directors Plans become fully exercisable on February 24, 2014.

Non-cash compensation expense related to stock option plans for fiscal years ended September 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $12,615, $16,045 and $16,077 respectively.

Transactions involving the plans are summarized as follows:

7. CAPITAL STOCK, TREASURY STOCK, AND CONTRIBUTED CAPITAL

Unissued shares of Class A common stock (519,716 and 540,366 shares in 2011 and 2010 respectively) are reserved for the share-for-share conversion rights of the Class B common stock and stock options under the Employee Plans and the Directors Plans (see note 6). The Class A shares have one vote per share and the Class B shares have three votes per share, except under certain circumstances such as voting on voluntary liquidation, sale of substantially all the assets, etc. Dividends up to $.10 per year, noncumulative, must be paid on Class A shares before any dividends are paid on Class B shares.

8. INCOME TAXES

A reconciliation of the provision (recovery) of income taxes to the statutory Federal income tax rate is as follows: