ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC - Quarter Report: 2016 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

OR

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-10596

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(314) 213-7200

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

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

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

ESCO TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The accompanying consolidated financial statements, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all the disclosures required for annual financial statements by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.

The Company’s business is typically not impacted by seasonality; however, the results for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire 2016 fiscal year. References to the second quarters of 2016 and 2015 represent the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In preparing the financial statements, the Company uses estimates and assumptions that may affect reported amounts and disclosures. The Company regularly evaluates the estimates and assumptions related to the allowance for doubtful trade receivables, inventory obsolescence, warranty reserves, value of equity-based awards, goodwill and purchased intangible asset valuations, asset impairments, employee benefit plan liabilities, income tax liabilities and assets and related valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, and claims, litigation and other loss contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company is organized based on the products and services that it offers. To enhance shareholders’ understanding of the Company’s underlying operations, beginning in the second quarter of 2016, Management has expanded the presentation of its reporting segments to include “Technical Packaging”. The new Technical Packaging reporting segment was created to separately disclose Thermoform Engineered Quality LLC (TEQ) along with the recent acquisitions of Plastique Group Limited and Fremont Plastics, Inc., as it no longer met the criteria for aggregation with our Filtration/Fluid Flow (Filtration) reporting segment.

Basic EPS is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of dilutive common share options and vesting of performance-accelerated restricted shares (restricted shares) by using the treasury stock method. The number of shares used in the calculation of earnings per share for each period presented is as follows (in thousands):

Approximately 190,000 and 172,000 restricted shares were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, based upon the application of the treasury stock method. Approximately 199,000 and 191,000 restricted shares were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the six-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company provides compensation benefits to certain key employees under several share-based plans providing for performance-accelerated restricted shares (restricted shares), and to non-employee directors under a non-employee directors compensation plan.

Performance-Accelerated Restricted Share Awards

Pretax compensation expense related to the restricted share awards was $1.2 million and $2.3 million for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2016, respectively, and $1.1 million and $2.2 million for the corresponding periods of 2015. There were 441,438 non-vested shares outstanding as of March 31, 2016.

Non-Employee Directors Plan

Pretax compensation expense related to the non-employee director grants was $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2016, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the corresponding periods of 2015.

The total share-based compensation cost that has been recognized in the results of operations and included within selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) was $1.4 million and $2.7 million for the three-and six-month periods ended March 31, 2016, respectively, and $1.3 million and $2.6 million for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2015. The total income tax benefit recognized in results of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $0.5 million and $1.0 million for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2016, respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.9 million for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2016, there was $6.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.5 years.

Inventories consist of the following:

Included on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015 are the following intangible assets gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization:

The Company is organized based on the products and services that it offers. To enhance shareholders’ understanding of the Company’s underlying operations, beginning in the second quarter of 2016, Management has expanded the presentation of its reporting segments to include “Technical Packaging”. The new Technical Packaging reporting segment was created to separately disclose Thermoform Engineered Quality LLC (TEQ) along with the recent acquisitions of Plastique and Fremont, as it no longer met the criteria for aggregation with our Filtration/Fluid Flow (Filtration) reporting segment. Prior year periods presented have been updated to reflect the presentation of the current reporting segment structure.

Under the current organizational structure, the Company has four reporting segments: Filtration, Technical Packaging (Packaging), RF Shielding and Test (Test), and Utility Solutions Group (USG). The Filtration segment’s operations consist of PTI Technologies Inc. (PTI), VACCO Industries (VACCO), and Crissair, Inc. (Crissair). The companies within this segment primarily design and manufacture specialty filtration products, including hydraulic filter elements used in commercial aerospace applications, unique filter mechanisms used in micro-propulsion devices for satellites and custom designed filters for manned and unmanned aircraft. The Technical Packaging segment’s operations consist of Thermoform Engineered Quality LLC (TEQ) and Plastique. The companies within this segment provide innovative solutions to the medical and commercial markets for thermoformed packages and specialty products using a wide variety of thin gauge plastics and pulp. The Test segment’s operations consist primarily of ETS-Lindgren Inc. (ETS-Lindgren). ETS-Lindgren is an industry leader in providing its customers with the ability to identify, measure and contain magnetic, electromagnetic and acoustic energy. The USG segment’s operations consist primarily of Doble Engineering Company (Doble). Doble provides high-end, intelligent diagnostic test solutions for the electric power delivery industry and is a leading supplier of partial discharge testing instruments used to assess the integrity of high voltage power delivery equipment.

Management evaluates and measures the performance of its reportable segments based on “Net Sales” and “EBIT”, which are detailed in the table below. EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and taxes.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The financial measure “EBIT” is presented in the above table and elsewhere in this Report. EBIT on a consolidated basis is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes that EBIT is useful in assessing the operational profitability of the Company’s business segments because it excludes interest and taxes, which are generally accounted for across the entire Company on a consolidated basis. EBIT is also one of the measures used by management in determining resource allocations within the Company as well as incentive compensation. A reconciliation of EBIT to net earnings is set forth in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – EBIT, below.

The Company believes that the presentation of EBIT provides important supplemental information to investors by facilitating comparisons with other companies, many of which use similar non-GAAP financial measures to supplement their GAAP results. However, the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other companies’ non-GAAP financial performance measures. Furthermore, the use of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to replace any measures of performance determined in accordance with GAAP.

The Company’s debt is summarized as follows:

On December 21, 2015, the Company amended its existing credit facility to extend the maturity date from May 13, 2017 through December 21, 2020, and to reduce the outstanding borrowing rates and commitment fees. Consistent with the prior credit facility, the amended facility includes a $450 million revolving line of credit as well as provisions allowing for the increase of the credit facility commitment amount by an additional $250 million, if necessary, with the consent of the lenders. The bank syndication supporting the new facility is comprised of a diverse group of nine banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

At March 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $345 million available to borrow under the credit facility, and a $250 million increase option, in addition to $38.8 million cash on hand. At March 31, 2016, the Company had $98.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the credit facility and $0.9 million of other short-term borrowings in addition to outstanding letters of credit of $6.8 million. The Company’s ability to access the additional $250 million increase option of the credit facility is subject to acceptance by participating or other outside banks.

The credit facility requires, as determined by certain financial ratios, a facility fee ranging from 12.5 to 27.5 basis points per year on the unused portion. The terms of the facility provide that interest on borrowings may be calculated at a spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or based on the prime rate, at the Company’s election. The facility is secured by the unlimited guaranty of the Company’s material domestic subsidiaries and a 65% pledge of the material foreign subsidiaries’ share equity. The financial covenants of the credit facility also include a leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio. The weighted average interest rates were 1.76% and 1.61% for the three and six-month periods ending March 31, 2016, respectively, and 1.27% and 1.35% for the corresponding periods of 2015. At March 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

The second quarter 2016 effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 36.8% compared to 37.6% in the second quarter of 2015. The effective income tax rate for the first six months of 2016 was 34.4% compared to 31.7% for the first six months of 2015. The income tax expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 was unfavorably impacted by a UK foreign valuation allowance that increased the second quarter and year-to-date effective tax rate by 4.8% and 2.5%, respectively. The income tax expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 was favorably impacted by the extension of the research credit as a result of The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act reducing the second quarter and year-to-date effective tax rate by 0.9% and 4.3%, respectively. The income tax expense in the first six months of 2016 was unfavorably impacted by losses in foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit was recorded, increasing the year-to-date effective tax rate by 2.8%.

The income tax expense in the first six months of 2015 was favorably impacted by the extension of the research credit as a result of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 reducing the year-to-date effective tax rate by 3.8%. The income tax expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2015 was unfavorably impacted by losses in foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit was recorded, increasing the second quarter and year-to-date effective tax rate by 4.0% and 2.0%, respectively.

The Company estimates the fiscal 2016 effective tax rate will be approximately 35%. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, there was no material change in the unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not anticipate a material change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months.

A summary of net periodic benefit expense for the Company’s defined benefit plans for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is shown in the following table. Net periodic benefit cost for each period presented is comprised of the following:

Market risks relating to the Company’s operations result primarily from changes in interest rates and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates and selectively uses derivative financial instruments, including forward contracts and swaps, to manage these risks. During the second quarter of 2016, the Company entered into several forward contracts to purchase pounds sterling (GBP) to hedge two deferred payments due in connection with the acquisition of the Plastique Group. During 2015, the Company entered into a forward contract to purchase Euros to hedge the foreign currency risk related to Euro denominated inventory payments. All derivative instruments are reported on the balance sheet at fair value. The derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and the gain or loss on the derivative is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income until recognized in earnings with the underlying hedged item.

The following is a summary of the notional transaction amounts and fair values for the Company’s outstanding derivative financial instruments by risk category and instrument type as of March 31, 2016:

The accounting guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements, based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date, as follows:

· Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

· Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

· Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Financial Assets and Liabilities

The Company has estimated the fair value of its financial instruments as of March 31, 2016 and September 30, 2015 using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, inventories, payables, debt and other current assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s forward contracts are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 825, as presented below as of March 31, 2016: 

Valuation was based on third party evidence of similarly priced derivative instruments.

Nonfinancial Assets and Liabilities

The Company’s nonfinancial assets such as property, plant and equipment, and other intangible assets are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis; however they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence that an impairment may exist. No impairments were recorded during the three and six-month period ended March 31, 2016.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which, among other things, requires an entity to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. This new standard will increase an entities’ reported assets and liabilities. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and mandates a modified retrospective transition period for all entities. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

References to the second quarters of 2016 and 2015 represent the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

OVERVIEW

In the second quarter of 2016, sales, net earnings and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $138.9 million, $8.6 million and $0.33 per share, respectively, compared to $128.9 million, $8.0 million and $0.30 per share, respectively, in the second quarter of 2015. In the first six months of 2016, sales, net earnings and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $271.8 million, $17.4 million and $0.67, respectively, compared to $249.5 million, $18.0 million and $0.68 per share, respectively, in the first six months of 2015.

NET SALES

Net sales increased $10.0 million, or 7.7%, to $138.9 million in the second quarter of 2016 from $128.9 million in the second quarter of 2015. Net sales increased $22.3 million, or 8.9%, to $271.8 million in the first six months of 2016 from $249.5 million in the first six months of 2015. The increase in net sales in the second quarter of 2016 as compared to the second quarter of 2015 was due to a $9.6 million increase in the Technical Packaging segment, a $1.6 million increase in the USG segment, a $0.2 million increase in the Filtration segment, partially offset by a $1.5 million decrease in the Test segment. The increase in net sales in the first six months of 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period was due to a $16.2 million increase in the Technical Packaging segment, a $2.5 million increase in the USG segment, a $1.9 million increase in the Test segment, and a $1.7 million increase in the Filtration segment.

-Filtration

In the second quarter of 2016, net sales of $49.0 million were $0.2 million, or 0.6%, higher than the $48.8 million in the second quarter of 2015. Net sales increased $1.7 million, or 1.9%, to $91.4 million in the first six months of 2016 from $89.7 million in the first six months of 2015. The sales increase in the first six months of 2016 compared to the first six months of 2015 was mainly due to a $4.4 million increase in aerospace shipments at Crissair, partially offset by a $2.6 million decrease in net sales at VACCO primarily due to lower shipments of its products due to timing.

-Technical Packaging

In the second quarter of 2016, net sales of $19.3 million were $9.6 million, or 100%, higher than the $9.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. Net sales increased $16.2 million, or 100%, to $32.5 million in the first six months of 2016 from $16.3 million in the first six months of 2015. The increase in net sales in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to the corresponding prior year periods was mainly due to higher shipments of TEQ’s medical device products and the sales contributions from recent acquisitions. The sales contributions from these acquisitions (Plastique and Fremont) were $6.7 million during the second quarter of 2016 and $8.1 million during the first six months of 2016.

-Test

In the second quarter of 2016, net sales of $40.6 million were $1.5 million, or 3.5%, lower than the $42.1 million recorded in the second quarter of 2015. Net sales increased $1.9 million, or 2.3%, to $83.4 million in the first six months of 2016 from $81.5 million in the first six months of 2015. The sales decrease in the second quarter of 2016 compared to the second quarter of 2015 was primarily due to lower sales from the segment’s European operations. The sales increase in the first six months of 2016 compared to the corresponding prior year period was mainly due to an increase in net sales from the segment’s U.S. and Asian operations mainly due to the timing of projects partially offset by a decrease in net sales from their European operations due to the European facility consolidation.

-Utility Solutions Group (USG)

Net sales increased $1.6 million, or 5.6%, to $30.0 million in the second quarter of 2016 from $28.4 million in the second quarter of 2015. Net sales increased $2.5 million, or 4.0%, to $64.5 million in the first six months of 2016 from $62.0 million in the first six months of 2015. The sales increase in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to the corresponding prior year periods was mainly due to additional software and service revenue at Doble and the sales contribution from the Enoserv acquisition.

ORDERS AND BACKLOG

Backlog was $328.4 million at March 31, 2016 compared with $327.5 million at September 30, 2015. The Company received new orders totaling $129.9 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to $142.4 million in the second quarter of 2015. Of the new orders received in the second quarter of 2016, $42.2 million related to Filtration products, $24.0 million related to Technical Packaging products, $34.7 million related to Test products, and $29.0 million related to USG products. Of the new orders received in the second quarter of 2015, $60.1 million related to Filtration products, $10.2 million related to Technical Packaging products, $40.4 million related to Test products, and $31.7 million related to USG products.

The Company received new orders totaling $272.6 million in the first six months of 2016 compared to $294.6 million in the first six months of 2015. Of the new orders received in the first six months of 2016, $99.0 million related to Filtration products, $39.7 million related to Technical Packaging products, $73.6 million related to Test products, and $60.3 million related to USG products. Of the new orders received in the first six months of 2015, $110.0 million related to Filtration products, $24.4 million related to Technical Packaging products, $100.7 million related to Test products, and $59.5 million related to USG products.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the second quarter of 2016 were $32.5 million (23.4% of net sales), compared with $32.9 million (25.5% of net sales) for the second quarter of 2015. For the first six months of 2016, SG&A expenses were $65.8 million (24.2% of net sales) compared to $66.4 million (26.6% of net sales) for the first six months of 2015. The decrease in SG&A in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to the corresponding prior year periods was mainly due to a decrease in SG&A expenses in the Test, Filtration and Doble segments partially offset by an increase in SG&A expenses at Corporate (higher acquisition costs, including professional fees) and the Technical Packaging segment due to the Company’s recent acquisitions.

AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Amortization of intangible assets was $2.9 million and $5.6 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2016, respectively, compared to $2.2 million and $4.1 million for the corresponding periods of 2015. Amortization expenses consist of amortization of acquired intangible assets from recent acquisitions and other identifiable intangible assets (primarily software). The increase in amortization expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to the corresponding periods of 2015 was mainly due to an increase in software amortization at Doble and the amortization of intangibles related to the Plastique and Fremont acquisitions.

OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME), NET

Other expenses, net, were $1.4 million in the second quarter of 2016 compared to other income, net, of $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2015. The principal components in other expenses, net, in the second quarter of 2016 were $1.2 million of restructuring costs related to the Test segment facility consolidation and $0.2 million of costs related to the USG segment restructuring activities. The restructuring costs mainly related to severance and compensation benefits, professional fees and asset impairment charges related to abandoned assets. There were no individually significant items in other expenses (income), net, in the second quarter of 2015. Other expenses, net, were $5.0 million in the first six months of 2016 compared to other income, net, of $0.6 million in the first six months of 2015. The principal components in other expenses, net, in the first six months of 2016 were $3.5 million of restructuring costs related to the Test segment and $1.5 million of costs related to the USG segment restructuring activities, as described above. There were no individually significant items in other expenses (income), net, in the first six months of 2015.

EBIT

The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on EBIT, and provides EBIT on a consolidated basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, above. EBIT from continuing operations was $14.0 million (10.1% of net sales) for the second quarter of 2016 compared to $13.0 million (10.1% of net sales) for the second quarter of 2015. For the first six months of 2016, EBIT was $27.2 million (10.0% of net sales) compared to $26.8 million (10.7% of net sales) for the first six months of 2015.

The following table presents a reconciliation of EBIT to net earnings from continuing operations.

-Filtration

EBIT in the second quarter of 2016 was $9.1 million (18.5% of net sales) compared to $11.0 million (22.5% of net sales) in the second quarter of 2015. In the first six months of 2016, EBIT was $17.3 million (19.0% of net sales) compared to $18.3 million (20.5% of net sales) in the first six months of 2015. The decrease in EBIT in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to the corresponding prior year periods was due to lower sales volumes at VACCO due to timing and lower margins at PTI due to the impact of early stage production volumes.

-Technical Packaging

EBIT in the second quarter of 2016 was $2.7 million (14.3% of net sales) compared to $1.1 million (11.0% of net sales) in the second quarter of 2016. In the first six months of 2016, EBIT was $4.6 million (14.0% of net sales) compared to $0.8 million (4.9% of net sales) in the first six months of 2015. The increase in EBIT in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to the corresponding prior year periods was mainly due to higher sales volumes from its existing TEQ business supplemented by the additional sales volumes related to the Company’s recent acquisitions.

-Test

EBIT in the second quarter of 2016 was $2.5 million (6.2% of net sales) compared to $2.5 million (5.9% of net sales) in the second quarter of 2015. In the first six months of 2016, EBIT was $4.8 million (5.8% of net sales) compared to $5.1 million (6.2% of net sales) in the first six months of 2015. EBIT decreased in the first six months of 2016 compared to the corresponding period of 2015 primarily due to $3.7 million of incremental restructuring charges incurred related to closing the Test business operating facilities in Taufkirchen, Germany and Stevenage, England consisting mainly of employee severance and compensation benefits, professional fees, and asset impairment charges; partially offset by an increase in EBIT related to the higher sales volumes.

-Utility Solutions Group

EBIT in the second quarter of 2016 was $7.2 million (24.0% of net sales) compared to $4.9 million (17.1% of net sales) in the second quarter of 2015. In the first six months of 2016, EBIT was $15.5 million (24.0% of net sales) compared to EBIT of $14.8 million (23.9% of net sales) in the first six months of 2015. The increase in EBIT in the second quarter of 2016 compared to the corresponding prior year period was mainly due to sales mix, the timing of SG&A expenditures and the EBIT contribution from the Enoserv acquisition. The increase in EBIT in the first six months of 2016 compared to the first six months of 2015 was primarily due to higher sales volumes driven by additional software and service revenue, including the Enoserv acquisition partially offset by $1.5 million of incremental restructuring charges incurred related to the closing of the Brazil office consisting mainly of employee severance and compensation benefits and asset write downs.

-Corporate

Corporate costs included in EBIT were $7.5 million and $15.0 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2016, respectively, compared to $6.4 million and $12.2 million in the corresponding periods of 2015. The increase in Corporate costs in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to the corresponding periods of 2015 was primarily due to higher professional fees, including acquisition related expenses, and head count related expenses.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

Interest expense was $0.4 million and $0.6 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2016, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.4 million in the corresponding periods of 2015. The increase in interest expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 compared to the corresponding periods of 2015 was mainly due to higher outstanding borrowings during the current year as a result of the Company’s recent acquisitions (Plastique and Fremont).

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

The second quarter 2016 effective income tax rate from continuing operations was 36.8% compared to 37.6% in the second quarter of 2015. The effective income tax rate for the first six months of 2016 was 34.4% compared to 31.7% for the first six months of 2015. The income tax expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 was unfavorably impacted by a UK foreign valuation allowance that increased the second quarter and year-to-date effective tax rate by 4.8% and 2.5%, respectively. The income tax expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2016 was favorably impacted by the extension of the research credit as a result of The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act reducing the second quarter and year-to-date effective tax rate by 0.9% and 4.3%, respectively. The income tax expense in the first six months of 2016 was unfavorably impacted by losses in foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit was recorded, increasing the year-to-date effective tax rate by 2.8%.

The income tax expense in the first six months of 2015 was favorably impacted by the extension of the research credit as a result of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 reducing the year-to-date effective tax rate by 3.8%. The income tax expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2015 was unfavorably impacted by losses in foreign jurisdictions for which no tax benefit was recorded, increasing the second quarter and year-to-date effective tax rate by 4.0% and 2.0%, respectively.

The Company estimates the fiscal 2016 effective tax rate will be approximately 35%. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, there was no material change in the unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not anticipate a material change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months.

The Company’s foreign subsidiaries had accumulated unremitted earnings of $35.0 million and cash of $30.8 million at March 31, 2016. No deferred taxes have been provided on the accumulated unremitted earnings because these funds are not needed to meet the liquidity requirements of the Company’s U.S. operations and it is the Company’s intention to reinvest these earnings indefinitely. In the event these foreign entities’ earnings were distributed, it is estimated that U.S. taxes, net of available foreign tax credits, of approximately $4.8 million would be due, which would correspondingly reduce the Company’s net earnings. No significant portion of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries’ earnings was taxed at a very low tax rate.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

The Company’s overall financial position and liquidity remains strong. Working capital (current assets less current liabilities) increased to $181.9 million at March 31, 2016 from $155.0 million at September 30, 2015. The $21.1 million increase in accounts receivable at March 31, 2016 was mainly due to a $10.9 million increase within the Test segment due to the timing of projects; an $8.0 million increase within the Technical Packaging segment due to the recent acquisitions of Plastique and Fremont; and a $2.8 million increase within the USG segment due to the timing of sales. The $3.6 million increase in inventories at March 31, 2016 was mainly due to a $2.9 million increase within the Technical Packaging segment due to the recent acquisitions of Plastique and Fremont. Accounts payable decreased $3.7 million in the first six months of 2016 primarily due to a $4.8 million decrease within the Test segment due to timing of payments.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.1 million and $16.1 million in the first six months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in the first six months of 2016 as compared to the corresponding prior year period was due to higher working capital requirements.

Capital expenditures were $5.3 million and $7.6 million in the first six months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in the first six months of 2016 was mainly due the prior year building improvements at Crissair as a result of the facility consolidation in Valencia, CA. In addition, the Company incurred expenditures for capitalized software of $3.7 million and $3.0 million in the first six months of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Share Repurchases

During the first six months of 2016, the Company repurchased approximately 87,000 shares for $3.1 million. For further information on the share repurchases during the second quarter of 2016, see Part II, Item 2 of this Report.

Credit Facility

At March 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $345 million available to borrow under its bank credit facility, a $250 million increase option, and $38.8 million cash on hand. At March 31, 2016, the Company had $98 million of outstanding borrowings under the credit facility and $0.9 million of other short-term borrowings in addition to outstanding letters of credit of $6.8 million. Cash flow from operations and borrowings under the Company’s credit facility are expected to meet the Company’s capital requirements and operational needs for the foreseeable future. The Company’s ability to access the additional $250 million increase option of the credit facility is subject to acceptance by participating or other outside banks.

Acquisitions

On January 29, 2016, the Company acquired Plastique Group Limited (Plastique) headquartered in Tunbridge Wells, England, with manufacturing locations in Nottingham, England and Poznan, Poland for a purchase price of approximately $31.6 million (of which $2.7 million is due over the next three years). Plastique is a market leader in the development and manufacture of highly-technical thermoformed plastic and precision molded pulp fiber packaging primarily serving pharmaceutical, personal care, and various specialty end markets. Since the date of acquisition, the operating results for Plastique have been included within the Company’s Technical Packaging segment.

On October 16, 2015, the Company acquired the stock of Fremont Plastics, Inc. (Fremont) for a purchase price of approximately $10.5 million in cash. The Company also purchased the real property, located in Fremont, Indiana for $2 million, where Fremont conducts its operations. The operating results for Fremont since the date of acquisition are included as part of TEQ, within the Company’s Technical Packaging segment.

Dividends

A dividend of $0.08 per share was paid on January 19, 2016 to stockholders of record as of January 4, 2016, totaling $2.1 million. Subsequent to March 31, 2016, the quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share, or $2.1 million, was paid on April 18, 2016 to stockholders of record as of April 4, 2016.

OUTLOOK

As a result of the year-to-date 2016 operating performance and the addition of Plastique, Management now expects 2016 EPS – As Adjusted to be in the range of $1.95 - $2.02 per share (increased from $1.90 - $2.00), which excludes the 2016 ETS and Doble restructuring charges. Management’s previous expectations related to the quarterly profile and second half weighting of 2016 revenues and EPS remain unchanged. Third quarter 2016 EPS - As Adjusted is expected to be in the range of $0.40 to $0.45 per share, which excludes the ETS and Doble restructuring charges.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Management has evaluated the accounting policies used in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements and related notes and believes those policies to be reasonable and appropriate. Certain of these accounting policies require the application of significant judgment by Management in selecting appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These judgments are based on historical experience, trends in the industry, information provided by customers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. The most significant areas involving Management judgments and estimates may be found in the Critical Accounting Policies section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis and in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.

OTHER MATTERS

Contingencies

As a normal incident of the business in which the Company is engaged, various claims, charges and litigation are asserted or commenced against the Company. Additionally, the Company is currently involved in various stages of investigation and remediation relating to environmental matters. In the opinion of Management, the aggregate costs involved in the resolution of these matters, and final judgments, if any, which might be rendered against the Company, are adequately reserved, are covered by insurance, or would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results from operations, capital expenditures, or competitive position.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements contained in this Form 10-Q regarding future events and the Company’s future results that reflect or are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections or assumptions about the Company’s performance and the industries in which the Company operates are considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Federal securities laws. These include, but are not necessarily limited to, statements about: the amount and timing of future sales, revenues, cash flows, EBIT, EPS and EPS – As Adjusted; the adequacy of the Company’s credit facility and the Company’s ability to increase it; the outcome of current litigation, claims and charges; continued reinvestment of foreign earnings and U.S. income tax liabilities in the event that foreign earnings were distributed; future income tax liabilities and effective tax rate; changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits; the recognition and timing of costs related to share-based compensation arrangements; returns on retirement plan assets; estimates or projections made in connection with the Company’s accounting policies; market risks relating to the Company’s operations and changes in interest rates and the Company’s ability to hedge against or otherwise manage them through the use of derivative financial instruments; and any other statements contained herein which are not strictly historical. Words such as expects, anticipates, targets, goals, projects, intends, plans, believes, estimates, variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

Investors are cautioned that such statements are only predictions and speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q, and the Company undertakes no duty to update them except as may be required by applicable laws or regulations. The Company’s actual results in the future may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company’s operations and business environment, including but not limited to those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, and the following: the impacts of natural disasters on the Company’s operations and those of the Company’s customers and suppliers; the timing and content of future contract awards or customer orders; termination for convenience of customer contracts or orders; financial exposure in connection with Company guarantees of certain Aclara contracts; weakening of economic conditions in served markets; the success of the Company’s competitors; changes in customer demands or customer insolvencies; competition; intellectual property rights; technical difficulties; the availability of selected acquisitions; delivery delays or defaults by customers; performance issues with key customers, suppliers and subcontractors; material changes in the costs of certain raw materials; labor disputes; changes in laws and regulations including but not limited to changes in accounting standards and taxation requirements; changes in interest rates; costs relating to environmental matters; litigation uncertainty; and the Company’s successful execution of internal restructuring plans.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risks relating to the Company's operations result primarily from changes in interest rates and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates and selectively uses derivative financial instruments, including forward contracts and swaps, to manage these risks. During the second quarter of 2016, the Company entered into several forward contracts to purchase pounds sterling to hedge two deferred payments due in connection with the acquisition of Plastique. All derivative instruments are reported on the balance sheet at fair value. The derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and the gain or loss on the derivative is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income until recognized in earnings with the underlying hedged item. There has been no material change to the Company’s market risks since September 30, 2015. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Report for a summary of the Company’s outstanding derivative financial instruments as of March 31, 2016. Refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 for further discussion about market risk.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 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 upon that evaluation, due to the material weakness in our accounting over work in process inventory accounts at the Test segment noted below, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of that date.

As previously disclosed in Part II Item 9A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015, Management concluded there was a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting at the Test segment, related to the ineffective design and operation of controls over work in process inventory accounts. Remedial actions have been identified to address these controls, including enhancing our policies and procedures related to the work in process inventory reconciliation and review, providing additional training to our segment finance department, and enhancing our reporting protocols between the segment and corporate office. These new procedures are in the process of being implemented but have not been in place long enough to provide sufficient assurances to support the conclusion that the above identified material weakness has been fully remediated as of March 31, 2016.

Other than the above, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES*

 __________________

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

*Exhibit 101 to this report consists of documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language). The financial information contained in the XBRL – related documents is “unaudited” or “unreviewed”.

SIGNATURE

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.

Dated: May 6, 2016