EASTERN CO - Quarter Report: 2007 September (Form 10-Q)

 

 

(Mark One)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large 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):

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

 

- 1 -

 

---

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

- 2 -

 

---

THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

- 3 -

 

---

THE EASTERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 

 

- 4 -

 

---

THE EASTERN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

SEPTEMBER 29, 2007

 

Note A - Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for complete financial statements. Refer to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2006 for additional information.

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for interim periods have been reflected therein. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income.

 

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2006 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet at that date.

 

As discussed in Note K, effective December 31, 2006, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”).

 

Note B – Earnings Per Share

 

The denominators used in the earnings per share computations follow:

 

 

 

Note C - Inventories

 

The components of inventories follow:

 

 

 

- 5 -

 

---

Note D – Segment Information

 

Segment financial information follows:

 

 

Note E – Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”). This standard clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. Additionally, it establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The Company has not yet determined the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our results of operations or financial condition. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No 159, which amends SFAS No. 115 allows certain financial assets and liabilities to be recognized, at the company’s election, at fair market value, with any gains or losses for the period recorded in the statement of income. This gives a company the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. Currently, the Company records the gains or losses for the period in the statement of comprehensive income and in the equity section of the balance sheet. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company has not determined the impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS No. 159.

 

Note F - Debt

 

The interest rates on the term and the revolving credit portions of the Loan Agreement vary. The interest rates may vary based on the LIBOR rate plus a margin spread of 1.0% to 1.65% for the term portion and 1.0% to 1.6% for the revolving credit portion. The margin rate spread is based on operating results calculated on a rolling-four-quarter basis. The Company may also borrow funds at the lender’s prime rate. On September 29, 2007, the interest rate on the term portion of the Loan Agreement was 6.36%. The interest rate on interim borrowings during the first quarter of 2007 under the revolving loan was 8.25%, the bank’s prime rate. The Company did not utilize the revolver during the second or third quarter of 2007.

 

- 6 -

 

---

Note G – Goodwill

 

The following is a roll-forward of goodwill from year-end 2006 to the end of the third quarter 2007:

 

 

 

Note H – Intangibles  

 

Patents are recorded at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method over the lives of the patents. Technology and licenses are recorded at cost and are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 5 to 17 years. Non-compete agreements and customer relationships are being amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 5 years. Trademarks are not amortized as their lives are deemed to be indefinite.

 

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of amortizable intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 7 -

 

---

 

 

Note I - Retirement Benefit Plans

 

The Company has non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. employees. Plan benefits are generally based upon age at retirement, years of service and, for its salaried plan, the level of compensation. The Company also sponsors unfunded nonqualified supplemental retirement plans that provide certain current and former officers with benefits in excess of limits imposed by federal tax law. The measurement date for the obligations disclosed below is September 30 of each year.

 

The Company also provides health care and life insurance for retired salaried employees in the United States who meet specific eligibility requirements.

 

Significant disclosures relating to these benefit plans for the third quarter and first nine months of Fiscal 2007 and 2006 follow:

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 8 -

 

---

 

The Company’s funding policy with respect to its qualified plans is to contribute at least the minimum amount required by applicable laws and regulations. For 2006, the Company was required to contribute $1,769,000 into its salaried plan and $273,000 into one of its hourly plans. The Company made all of the contributions prior to filing its 2006 federal income tax return on September 15, 2007. For 2007, the Company is not required to make a contribution into its salaried retirement plan. The Company is contributing approximately $307,000 into its hourly plans. As of September 29, 2007, the Company has made approximately $205,000 of contributions to one of its hourly plans. The balance of the contributions will be made prior to filing the Company’s federal income tax return on September 15, 2008.

 

The Company has a contributory savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering substantially all U.S. non-union employees. The plan allows participants to make voluntary contributions of up to 100% of their annual compensation on a pretax basis, subject to IRS limitations. The plan provides for contributions by the Company at its discretion. The Company made contributions of $41,715 and $130,054 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, respectively, and $41,326 and $127,581 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, respectively.

 

Note J – Stock Based Compensation and Stock Options  

 

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement of Financial Standards No. 123R, Share Based Payment (as amended), using the modified prospective method. As no stock options were granted in 2007 or 2006 and, as all options granted prior to January 1, 2006 were fully vested, there was no impact on the financial statements since adoption.

 

The Company has stock option plans for officers, other key employees, and non-employee directors: the 1989, 1995, 1997 and 2000 plans. Options granted under the 1989 plan and incentive stock options granted under the 1995 and 2000 plans must have exercise prices that are not less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the dates the options are granted. Restricted stock awards may also be granted to participants under the 1995 and 2000 plans with restrictions determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. Under the 1995, 1997, and 2000 plans, nonqualified stock options granted to participants will have exercise prices determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. No options were granted in 2007 or 2006. No restricted stock was granted in 2007 or 2006.

 

As of September 29, 2007, there were 367,500 shares available for future grant under the 2000 plan. During the third quarter of 2007, 78,750 shares available for future grant expired under the terms of the 1997 plan. As of September 29, 2007, there were 1,105,500 shares of common stock reserved under all option plans for future issuance.

 

 

 

- 9 -

 

---

 

 

At September 29, 2007, outstanding and exercisable options had an intrinsic value of $9,276,173. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised in the first nine months of 2007 was $4,308,793. For the nine month period ended September 29, 2007, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $1,373,253 resulting from the exercise of non-qualified stock options and the disqualification of incentive stock options that were exercised and sold prior to the required holding period.

 

Note K – Income Taxes

 

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on December 31, 2006, the first day of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year. As a result of the implementation of Interpretation 48, the Company recognized a $631,000 increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, $264,000 of which was accounted for as a reduction to the December 31, 2006 balance of retained earnings. The Company has recorded a liability of approximately $1,561,000 for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2006.

 

Included in the balance at December 31, 2006, are $1,226,000 of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the annual effective tax rate. In 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. The Company had approximately $225,000 of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2006.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004 and non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities prior to 2001.

 

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could increase or decrease within the next twelve months for a number of reasons, including the closure of federal, state and foreign tax years by expiration of the statute of limitations and the recognition and measurement considerations under FIN 48. During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits decreased by approximately $410,000 (plus an additional $111,000 of interest costs) related to the lapsing of the statute of limitations. The Company does not believe that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease over the next twelve months.

 

 

- 10 -

 

---

ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion is intended to highlight significant changes in the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007. The interim financial statements and this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006.

 

Certain statements set forth in this discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They use such words as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan” and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including changing customer preferences, lack of success of new products, loss of customers, competition, increased raw material prices, problems associated with foreign sourcing of parts and products, changes within our industry segments and in the overall economy, litigation and legislation. In addition, terrorist threats and the possible responses by the U.S. government, the effects on consumer demand, the financial markets, the travel industry, the trucking industry and other conditions increase the uncertainty inherent in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the expectations of the Company at the time they are made, and investors should rely on them only as expressions of opinion about what may happen in the future and only at the time they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Although the Company believes it has an appropriate business strategy and the resources necessary for its operations, future revenue and margin trends cannot be reliably predicted and the Company may alter its business strategies to address changing conditions.

 

In addition, the Company makes estimates and assumptions that may materially affect reported amounts and disclosures. These relate to valuation allowances for accounts receivable and for excess and obsolete inventories, accruals for pensions and other postretirement benefits (including forecasted future cost increases and returns on plan assets), provisions for depreciation (estimating useful lives), uncertain tax positions, and, on occasion, accruals for contingent losses.

 

Overview

 

During the third quarter of 2007, the Company experienced a 15% increase in sales as compared to the third quarter of 2006. All of the Company’s business segments increased their sales over the prior year period. In the third quarter of 2007 Industrial Hardware sales increased 5%, Security Products sales increased 29% and Metal Products experienced a 16% increase in sales compared to the prior year period.

 

Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the three months ended September 29, 2007 was 19% compared to 21% in the comparable period a year ago. The decrease in the gross margin was primarily the result of higher costs for raw materials. Additional items having a negative impact on gross margin in 2007 were increased expenses for payroll and payroll related charges, equipment maintenance and supplies and tools.

 

Sales in the first nine months of 2007 increased 38% compared to the 2006 period. Sales increased in all business segments compared to the first nine months of 2006: Industrial Hardware – 53%, Security Products – 28% and Metal Products – 10%. The increase in sales of Industrial Hardware products was primarily the result of a military contract to produce door latching components for a military project to up-armor existing Humvees, which was completed in the first quarter of 2007. The increase in Security Products sales was mainly the result of the acquisitions of Royal Lock and Summit Manufacturing during the latter part of 2006. The increase in the Metal Products segment was the result of increased sales of both mine roof anchor products and contract castings.

 

Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended September 29, 2007 was 24% compared to 22% in the comparable period a year ago. Higher sales volume, particularly the door latching components for a military project to up-armor existing Humvees which was completed in the first quarter of 2007, resulted in better utilization of our production capacity mainly in the Industrial Hardware segment and was the primary reason for the gross

 

- 11 -

 

---

margin improvement. Without the favorable impact of the military project, the nine month gross margin would have been lower than the prior year period as a result of the same factors that caused the decrease in gross margin during the third quarter: increases in raw material, payroll and payroll related charges, equipment maintenance and tools and supplies.

 

Raw material prices have continued to increase during the third quarter of 2007, primarily for zinc, brass and stainless steel. Raw material costs have reduced our gross margins and will continue to be a challenge unless prices for raw materials stabilize. The Company is recovering these increases from our customers, wherever possible. Currently, there is no indication that the Company will not be able to obtain supplies of all the materials that it requires.

 

Selling and administrative expenses in 2007 have been impacted negatively by costs related to mandatory compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. While the internal costs of compliance are difficult to measure precisely, the external costs for compliance in 2007 increased over the prior year levels for the third quarter by $194,000 and by $183,000 for the nine month period. The negative impact on earnings per share was $0.02 per diluted share for both the third quarter and nine months as compared to the prior year periods.

 

Cash flow from operations in the first nine months of 2007 has improved significantly compared to the same period in 2006, mainly due to the increased sales volume from the military up-armor project, which was completed in the first quarter. The Company’s line of credit, along with controlling discretionary expenditures, should provide sufficient cash flow to enable the Company to meet all its existing obligations.

 

A more detailed analysis of the Company’s results of operations and financial condition follows:

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, selected line items from the condensed consolidated statements of income as a percentage of net sales, by segment:

 

 

 

 

- 12 -

 

---

The following table shows the amount of change for the third quarter of 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006 in sales, cost of products sold, gross margin, selling and administrative expenses and operating profit, by segment (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

 

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, selected line items from the condensed consolidated statements of income as a percentage of net sales, by segment:

 

 

 

- 13 -

 

---

The following table shows the amount of change for the first nine months of 2007 compared to the first nine months of 2006 in sales, cost of products sold, gross margin, selling and administrative expenses and operating profit, by segment (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Industrial Hardware Segment

 

Net sales in the Industrial Hardware segment were up 5% in the third quarter of 2007 and 53% in the first nine months compared to the prior year periods. New product introductions, mainly the door latching components for a military project to up-armor existing Humvees, which was completed during the first quarter, were responsible for the majority of the increase in sales for this segment for the first nine months compared to the 2006 period. This segment continues to provide quotations and prototypes for additional military business including the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) program. New products included a retro-fit kit for the military Humvee, a 2 point pad lock assembly and a star wheel rotary assembly for the truck accessory market, a compartment wire harness, a paddle rotary and a door jamb latch for the service body market, wardrobe lock hardware for Class 8 trucks and an assortment of handles and latches used in many of the markets we sell to. As was the case in the second quarter, sales volume of existing products of “sleeper cabs” for the Class 8 truck market remained below 2006 third quarter levels, as truck dealers built up their inventories ahead of new greenhouse gas emission regulations that went into effect for Class 8 trucks produced after March 31, 2007. Sales of “sleeper cabs” are expected to increase as the year progresses and Class 8 truck dealers sell down their inventories.

 

Cost of products sold for the Industrial Hardware segment increased 16% in the third quarter and 43% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the prior year periods. In addition to manufacturing costs associated with the higher volume of sales, the major factors causing the increase were higher raw material costs and higher payroll and payroll related charges in 2007.

 

Gross margin as a percent of net sales decreased from 26% to 18% in the third quarter compared to the prior year quarter, caused by higher manufacturing costs and changes in the mix of products sold. Gross margin increased from 24% to 29% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the prior year period as a direct result of the significant increase in sales volume, primarily the door latching components for a military project to up-armor existing Humvees which was completed during the first quarter of 2007, resulting in more efficient utilization of our existing facilities.

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased 9% for the third quarter and 18% for the first nine months of 2007 compared to the prior year periods primarily due to increased costs resulting from mandatory compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and higher payroll and payroll related charges.

 

- 14 -

 

---

Security Products Segment

 

Net sales in the Security Products segment increased 29% in the third quarter and 28% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the 2006 periods. The increase in sales volume was primarily the result of the integration of the Royal Lock and Summit Manufacturing acquisitions. Sales volume in commercial laundry products during the third quarter of 2007 continued at the improved levels, after experiencing softness during the first quarter. Sales of new products focused on oven latches from the Summit Manufacturing acquisition and lock products such as an L-handle for a sportrack and hinge used on truck tonneau covers as well as various other items for the many markets we service.

 

Cost of products sold for the Security Products segment was up 31% in the third quarter and 34% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006. The increase in cost of products sold was due to the increase in sales volume and increases in raw material costs.

 

Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased from 25% to 24% in the third quarter and from 27% to 23% in the first nine months compared to the prior year periods. The decreases were due to higher raw material costs in most of the operating units in the Security Products segment in 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006. Gross margin in the Security Products segment was also impacted by customers phasing out certain higher margin products in favor of other products with lower margins.

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased 9% in the third quarter and 8% in the first nine months of 2007 from 2006 levels. The increase was due to increased costs resulting from mandatory compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, higher payroll and payroll related charges, increased travel expense and amortization of intangibles resulting from the acquisitions of Royal Lock and Summit Manufacturing.

 

Metal Products Segment

 

Net sales in the Metal Products segment were up 16% in the third quarter and 10% in the first nine months of 2007 as compared to the prior year periods. Sales of mining products were up 32% in the third quarter and 19% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the prior year periods. Sales of contract castings decreased 3% in the third quarter from the prior year level due to loss of a customer, who is producing its’ own castings. The increase of 4% in the first nine months of 2007 from the prior year is due to increased demand for ductile iron castings with a higher average selling price compared to the prior year period. New product sales included a spherical nut and a wall anchor used in underground mining. The Company is continuing its marketing efforts to introduce our mine roof anchors in the China mining industry. During the third quarter the Company attended the China (Taiyuan) International Coal & Energy New Industry Expo. While our efforts have not yet yielded great success, we remain optimistic that the course of action we are taking will produce positive results.

 

Cost of products sold decreased 10% in the third quarter and increased 11% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006. The increase is attributable to the mix of products produced and increased costs for raw materials, utilities, supplies and tools, equipment maintenance and payroll and payroll related charges.

 

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales improved from -26% to 2% in the third quarter of 2007 and were comparable at -5% for the first nine months of 2007 compared to the 2006 periods. The improvement in the 2007 third quarter is primarily due to increased efficiency resulting from installation of the ductile iron automatic pouring system which experienced start-up problems in the third quarter of 2006. The nine month figure for 2007 was comparable to the prior year period due to higher production costs in 2007.

 

Selling and administrative expenses were up 5% in the third quarter and 1% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the same periods in 2006. The increases were the result of increased costs resulting from mandatory compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, costs associated with higher levels of employment in 2007, including safety equipment and training and increased travel expense.

 

 

- 15 -

 

---

Other Items

 

Interest expense increased 12% in the third quarter and 35% in the first nine months of 2007 compared to the prior year periods due to the higher debt balances.

 

Other income decreased 26% in the third quarter of 2007 compared to the 2006 period due to the termination of a swap agreement in 2006. Other income increased 16% from the first nine months of 2006 to 2007 due to higher cash balances in the Company’s cash management program, which resulted in higher interest income.

 

Income taxes changed in line with the change in the level of earnings. The effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2007 was 13% compared to 17% in the third quarter of 2006. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2007 was 33% compared to 31% in the first nine months of 2006. The lower effective rates in the third quarter of both 2007 and 2006 resulted from favorable tax provision adjustments. Without these adjustments, effective tax rates for all periods presented would have been in the range of 36% to 37%.

 

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

 

The Company generated $6.8 million from operations for the first nine months of 2007 compared to $2.4 million for the same period in 2006. The change in cash flows was the result of changes in the level of sales related to the Company’s military contract, which was completed in the first quarter of 2007, and the associated timing differences for collections of accounts receivable and payments of liabilities and changes in inventories. Cash flow from operations coupled with cash on hand at the beginning of the year were sufficient to fund capital expenditures, debt service, incentive payments, contributions to the Company’s pension plans, and dividend payments. The Company did not utilize the line of credit during the third quarter of 2007. The maximum balance outstanding during the first nine months of 2007 was approximately $5.3 million; however, the line was completely re-paid at the end of the first quarter. While the Company did not use the line in the first half of 2006, the maximum balance outstanding during the third quarter of 2006 was $921,000. The balance on September 30, 2006 was $305,000.

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment were $2.0 million during the first nine months of 2007 versus $3.4 million for the comparable period in the prior year. Total capital expenditures for 2007 are expected to be in the range of $2.5 million to $4 million.

 

Total inventories as of September 29, 2007 were $28.5 million, compared to $28.0 million at year-end 2006. The inventory turnover ratio of 4.4 turns at the end of the third quarter was higher than both the prior year third quarter and year-end 2006 ratio of 3.6 and 3.7 turns, respectively. The improvement is related to the military contract which was completed during the first quarter of 2007. Accounts receivable decreased by $3.2 million from year end, due to completion of the military contract, and increased $1.5 million from the third quarter of Fiscal 2006, primarily due to increased sales volume. The average days sales in accounts receivable for the third quarter of 2007 at 55 days was comparable to the third quarter of 2006 at 55 days and increased from year end 2006 level of 46 days, due to a slowdown of collections in the Industrial Hardware and Security Products segment. The Company is confident that these receivables will ultimately be collected.

 

Cash flow from operating activities and funds available under the revolving credit portion of the Company’s loan agreement are expected to be sufficient to cover future foreseeable working capital requirements.

 

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There have been no material changes in market risk from what was reported in the 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

- 16 -

 

---

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

The Company believes that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and the CEO and CFO have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective at the “reasonable assurance” level.

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

During the period covered by this report, there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

There are no legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the Company’s business, to which either the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of their property is the subject.

 

ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes in risk factors from what was reported in the 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

There have been no sales of unregistered securities by the Company or purchases of registered equity securities by the Company during the period covered by this report.

 

ITEM 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None

 

ITEM 4 – SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

See the information set forth in Part II, Item 4 of the Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007.

 

ITEM 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

 

None

 

- 17 -

 

---

 

ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

 

31) Certifications required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32) Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 USC 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

99(1)) The Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as amended for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

99(2)) Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2007 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

99(3)) Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2007 setting forth the Company’s projected revenue for 2007 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

99(4)) Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2007 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

99(5)) Form 8-K filed on October 24, 2007 setting forth the press release reporting the Company’s earnings for the quarter ended September 29, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

 

 

 

- 18 -