GRAHAM CORP - Annual Report: 2008 (Form 10-K)

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

Commission file number 1-8462

 

GRAHAM CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 585-343-2216

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

 

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

 

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 o     No þ

 

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 þ     No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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.  o

 

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

 

(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 Act).  Yes o     No þ

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of September 30, 2007, the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $145,506,248. The market value calculation was determined using the closing price of the Registrant’s Common Stock on September 28, 2007, as reported on the American Stock Exchange. For purposes of the foregoing calculation only, all directors, officers and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan of the registrant have been deemed affiliates.

 

As of May 30, 2008, the registrant had outstanding 4,990,356 shares of common stock, $.10 par value, and 4,990,356 common stock purchase rights.

 

Documents Incorporated By Reference

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed in connection with the registrant’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this filing.

 

 

Table of Contents

GRAHAM CORPORATION
Annual Report on Form 10-K
Year Ended March 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

Graham Corporation (“Graham,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) designs, manufactures and sells custom-built vacuum and heat transfer equipment to customers worldwide. Our products include steam jet ejector vacuum systems, surface condensers for steam turbines, vacuum pumps and compressors, various types of heat exchangers, including helical coil heat exchangers marketed under the Heliflow^® name, and plate and frame exchangers. Our products produce a vacuum, condense steam or transfer heat, or perform a combination of these tasks. Our products are available in a variety of metals and non-metallic corrosion resistant materials.

 

Our products are used in a wide range of industrial process applications, including:

 

 

We were incorporated in Delaware in 1983 and are the successor to Graham Manufacturing Co., Inc., which was incorporated in 1936. Our principal business location is in Batavia, New York. We also maintain a wholly-owned subsidiary, Graham Vacuum and Heat Transfer Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. located in Suzhou, China. As of March 31, 2008, we had 281 full-time employees.

 

Our Fiscal 2008 Highlights

 

Highlights for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, which we refer to as fiscal 2008, include:

 

 

 

We believe the principal market drivers that have led to increased capital spending by our customers and that are contributing to our sales growth include:

 

 

Our Customers and Markets

 

Our principal customers include large chemical, petrochemical, petroleum refining and power generating industries, which are end users of our products in their manufacturing, refining and power generation processes, large engineering companies that build installations for companies in such industries, and original equipment manufacturers, who combine our products into their equipment prior to its sale to end users.

 

Our products are sold using a combination of sales engineers we employ directly and independent sales representatives located worldwide. No part of our business is dependent on a single customer or a few customers, the loss of which would seriously harm our business, or on contracts or subcontracts that are subject to renegotiation or termination by a governmental agency.

 

Forty to fifty percent of our revenue is generated from foreign sales, and we believe that revenue from the sale of our products outside the United States will continue to account for a significant portion of our total revenue for the foreseeable future. We have invested significant resources in developing and maintaining our international sales operations and presence, and we intend to continue to make such investments in the future. As a result of the expansion of our presence in Asia, we expect that the Asian market will continue to account for an increasing percentage of our revenue.

 

A breakdown of our net sales by geographic area for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 is contained in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We presently have no plans to enter any new industry segments that would require the investment of a material amount of our assets or that we would otherwise consider to be material.

 

Our Strengths

 

Our core strengths are as follows:

 

 

 

Our Strategy

 

We intend to continue to grow our business and improve our results of operations by utilizing the following core strategies:

 

 

Competition

 

Our business is highly competitive. The principal basis on which we compete include technology, price, performance, reputation, delivery, and quality. We have several competitors in our primary markets which are listed below:

 

NORTH AMERICA

 

 

INTERNATIONAL

 

 

Intellectual Property

 

Our success depends in part on our proprietary technology. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret laws and confidentiality provisions to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We also depend heavily on the brand recognition of the Graham name in the marketplace.

 

Availability of Raw Materials

 

Although shortages of certain materials can from time to time affect our ability to meet delivery requirements for certain orders, historically, we have not been materially adversely impacted by the availability of raw materials.

 

Working Capital Practices

 

Our business does not require us to carry significant amounts of inventory or materials beyond what is needed for work in progress. We do not provide rights to return goods, or payment terms to customers that we consider to be extended in the context of the industries we serve.

 

Environmental Matters

 

We believe that we are in material compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations. We do not anticipate that our compliance with federal, state and local laws regulating the discharge of material in the environment or otherwise pertaining to the protection of the environment will have a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

 

Seasonality

 

No material part of our business is seasonal in nature.

Research Activities

 

During fiscal 2008, fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, we spent approximately $3,579, $3,581 and $3,136, respectively, on research and development activities relating to the development of new products and services, or the improvement of existing products and services.

 

Information Regarding Our International Sales

 

The revenue from the sale of our products outside the United Sates has accounted for a significant portion of our total revenue during our last three fiscal years. Approximately 46%, 50% and 50% of our revenues in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, resulted from revenues from foreign sales. Revenue attributed to sales in Asia constituted approximately 15%, 17% and 16% of our revenues in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Revenue attributed to sales in the Middle East constituted approximately 11%, 23% and 14% of our revenue in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Our international sales operations, including those in Asia and in other foreign countries, are subject to numerous risks. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.

 

Available Information

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, therefore, we file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SEC maintains an Internet website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy statements and other information for registrants that file electronically. Additionally, such reports may be read and copied at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549.

 

We maintain an Internet website at www.graham-mfg.com. On our website, we make available, free of charge, documents we file with the SEC, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. The other information found on our website is not part of this or any other report we file with, or furnish to, the SEC.

 

 

Our business and operations are subject to numerous risks, many of which are described below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If any of the events or risks described below occur or materialize, our business and results of operations could be seriously harmed.

 

Risks related to our business

 

The industries in which we operate are cyclical, and downturns in such industries may adversely affect our operating results.

 

Historically, a substantial portion of our revenue has been derived from the sale of our products to companies in the chemical, petrochemical, petroleum refining and power generating industries, or to firms that design and construct facilities for these industries. The core industries in which our products are used are, to varying degrees, cyclical and have historically experienced severe downturns. Although we are currently in an upturn of demand for our products in the petrochemical, petroleum refining and power generating industries, a downturn in one or more of these industries could occur at any time. A deterioration in any of the cyclical industries we serve would harm our business and operating results because our customers would not likely have the resources necessary to purchase our products nor would they likely have the need to build additional facilities or improve existing facilities.

 

Our international sales operations are subject to uncertainties that could harm our business.

 

We believe that revenue from the sale of our products outside the United States will continue to account for a significant portion of our total revenue for the foreseeable future. For fiscal 2008, our sales to geographic regions were as follows: 54% — United States; 15% — Asia; 11% — Middle East; 10% — Mexico and South America;

7% — Canada; and 3% — various other regions. Our international sales operations are subject to numerous risks, including:

 

 

The occurrence of any one of the above risks could harm our business and results of operations.

 

We are subject to foreign currency fluctuations which may adversely affect our operating results.

 

We are exposed to the risk of currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of the countries in which we sell our products to the extent that such sales are not based on U.S. dollars. As such, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which cause the value of the U.S. dollar to increase, could have an adverse effect on the profitability of our business. While we may enter into currency exchange rate hedges from time to time to mitigate these types of fluctuations, we cannot remove all fluctuations or hedge all exposures and our earnings are impacted by changes in currency exchange rates. At March 31, 2008 and 2007, we held no forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

 

If we fail to introduce enhancements to our existing products or to keep abreast of technological changes in our markets, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Although technologies in the vacuum and heat transfer areas are well established, we believe our future success depends in part on our ability to enhance our existing products and develop new products in order to continue to meet customer demands. Our failure to introduce new or enhanced products on a timely and cost-competitive basis, or the development of processes that make our existing technologies or products obsolete, could harm our business and results of operations.

 

The loss of any key management personnel and our inability to replace them with qualified management personnel could harm our business.

 

Competition for qualified management in our industry is intense. Many of the companies with which we compete for management personnel have greater financial and other resources than we do or are located in geographic areas which may be considered by some to be more desirable places to live. If we are not able to retain qualified management personnel or if a significant number of them were to leave our employ, our business could be harmed. We maintain key person insurance on our President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Our business is highly competitive. If we are unable to successfully implement our business strategy, we risk losing market share to current and future competitors.

 

Some of our present and potential competitors may have substantially greater financial, marketing, technical or manufacturing resources. Our competitors may also be able to respond more quickly to new technologies or processes and changes in customer demands. They may also be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than we can. In addition, our current and potential competitors may make strategic acquisitions or establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties that increase their ability to address the needs of our customers. If we cannot compete successfully against current or future competitors, our business will be harmed.

If we are unable to make necessary capital investments or respond to pricing pressures, our business may be harmed.

 

In order to remain competitive, we need to invest continuously in research and development, manufacturing, customer service and support, and marketing. From time to time we also have to adjust the prices of our products to remain competitive. We may not have available sufficient financial or other resources to continue to make investments necessary to maintain our competitive position.

 

If third parties infringe our intellectual property or if we were to infringe the intellectual property of third parties, we may expend significant resources enforcing or defending our rights or suffer competitive injury.

 

Our success depends in part on our proprietary technology. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret laws and confidentiality provisions to establish and protect our proprietary rights. If we fail to successfully enforce our intellectual property rights, our competitive position could suffer. We may also be required to spend significant resources to monitor and police our intellectual property rights. Similarly, if we were to infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, our competitive position could suffer. Furthermore, other companies may develop technologies that are similar or superior to our technologies, duplicate or reverse engineer our technologies or design around our patents.

 

In some instances, litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect our proprietary information, or to defend against claims by third parties that our products infringe their intellectual property rights. Any litigation or claims brought by or against us, whether with or without merit, could result in substantial costs to us and divert the attention of our management, which could harm our business and results of operations. In addition, any intellectual property litigation or claims against us could result in the loss or compromise of our intellectual property and proprietary rights, subject us to significant liabilities, require us to seek licenses on unfavorable terms, prevent us from manufacturing or selling certain products or require us to redesign certain products, any of which could harm our business and results of operations.

 

A decrease in supply or increase in cost of the materials used in our products could harm our profitability.

 

Any restrictions on the supply or the increase in the cost of the materials used by us in manufacturing our products could significantly reduce our profit margins which could harm our results of operations. Any efforts we may engage in to mitigate restrictions on the supply or price increases of materials by entering into long-term purchase agreements, by implementing productivity improvements or by passing cost increases on to our customers may not be successful. Our profitability depends largely on the price and continuity of supply of the materials used in the manufacture of our products, which in many instances are supplied by a limited number of sources.

 

If we are unable to effectively outsource a portion of our production during times when we are experiencing strong demand, our results of operations might be adversely affected. In addition, outsourcing may negatively affect our profit margins.

 

When we experience strong demand for our products, our business strategy calls for us to increase manufacturing capacity through outsourcing selected fabrication processes. We could experience difficulty in outsourcing if customers demand that our products be manufactured by us exclusively. Furthermore, our ability to effectively outsource production could be adversely affected by limited worldwide manufacturing capacity. If we are unable to effectively outsource our production capacity when circumstances warrant, our results of operations could be adversely affected and we might not be able to deliver products to our customers on a timely basis. In addition, outsourcing to complete our products and services can increase the costs associated with such products and services. If we rely too heavily on outsourcing and are not able to increase our own production capacity during times when there is high demand for our products and services, our margins may be negatively effected.

We face potential liability from asbestos exposure and similar claims.

 

We are a defendant in several lawsuits alleging illnesses from exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing products and seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. We cannot predict with certainty the outcome of these lawsuits or whether we could become subject to any similar, related or additional lawsuits in the future. In addition, because some of our products are used in systems that handle toxic or hazardous substances, any failure or alleged failure of our products in the future could result in litigation against us. Any litigation brought against us, whether with or without merit, could result in substantial costs to us as well as divert the attention of our management, which could harm our business and results of operations.

 

Risks related to operating a subsidiary in China

 

The operations of our Chinese subsidiary may be adversely affected by China’s evolving economic, political and social conditions.

 

We conduct our business in China primarily through our wholly-owned Chinese subsidiary. The results of operations and future prospects of our Chinese subsidiary are subject to evolving economic, political and social developments in China. In particular, the results of operations of our Chinese subsidiary may be adversely affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political, economic and social conditions, changes in policies of the Chinese government, changes in laws and regulations or in the interpretation of existing laws and regulations, changes in foreign exchange regulations, measures that may be introduced to control inflation, such as interest rate increases, and changes in the rates or methods of taxation.

 

Intellectual property rights are difficult to enforce in China.

 

Chinese commercial law is relatively undeveloped compared to the commercial law in many of our other major markets and limited protection of intellectual property is available in China as a practical matter. Although we intend to take precautions in the operations of our Chinese subsidiary to protect our intellectual property, any local design or manufacture of products that we undertake in China could subject us to an increased risk that unauthorized parties will be able to copy or otherwise obtain or use our intellectual property, which could harm our business. We may also have limited legal recourse in the event we encounter patent or trademark infringers.

 

Uncertainties with respect to the Chinese legal system may adversely affect the operations of our Chinese subsidiary.

 

Our Chinese subsidiary is subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China. There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of laws, rules and policies in China. The Chinese legal system is based on written statutes, and prior court decisions have limited precedential value. Because many laws and regulations are relatively new and the Chinese legal system is still evolving, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform. Moreover, the relative inexperience of China’s judiciary in many cases creates additional uncertainty as to the outcome of any litigation, and the interpretation of statutes and regulations may be subject to government policies reflecting domestic political changes. Finally, enforcement of existing laws or contracts based on existing law may be uncertain and sporadic. For the preceding reasons, it may be difficult for us to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of laws ostensibly designed to protect companies like ours.

 

Risks related to the ownership of our common stock

 

Provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and our stockholder rights plan could impair or delay stockholders’ ability to change our management and could discourage takeover transactions that our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests.

 

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as our stockholder rights plan, could impede attempts by our stockholders to remove or replace our management and could discourage others from initiating a potential merger, takeover or other change of control transaction, including a potential transaction at a premium

over the market price of our common stock, that our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests. For example:

 

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Our corporate headquarters, located at 20 Florence Avenue, Batavia, New York, consists of a 45,000 square foot building. Our manufacturing facilities, also located in Batavia, consist of approximately thirty-three acres and contain about 216,000 square feet in several connected buildings, including 162,000 square feet in manufacturing

facilities, 48,000 square feet for warehousing and a 6,000 square-foot building for product research and development.

 

Additionally, we lease a U.S. sales office in Houston and our Chinese subsidiary leases a sales and engineering office in Suzhou, China.

 

We believe that our properties are generally in good condition, are well maintained, and are suitable and adequate to carry on our business.

 

 

This information required by this Item 3 is set forth in Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements include in Item 8 of Part II of the Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

No matters were submitted to our security holders for a vote during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Our common stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “GHM”. As of May 30, 2008, there were 4,990,356 shares of our common stock outstanding that were held by approximately 162 stockholders of record.

 

The following table shows the high and low per share prices of our common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by the American Stock Exchange. The table takes into account the effect of our five-for-four stock split in the nature of a dividend, which became effective January 3, 2008.

 

 

Subject to the rights of any preferred stock we may then have outstanding, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends as may be declared from time to time by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. We have declared cash dividends of $.02 per share or greater on our common stock quarterly since July 25, 2002. On October 26, 2007, our Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $.03 per share effective for the dividend payable on January 2, 2008. There can be no assurance that we will pay cash dividends in any future period or that the level of cash dividends paid by us will remain constant.

 

The senior credit facility to which we are a party contains provisions pertaining to the maintenance of a minimum total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio as well as restrictions on the payment of dividends to stockholders and incurrence of additional long-term debt. The facility also limits the payment of dividends to stockholders to $1,200 per year.

 

We did not sell any equity securities during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Overview

 

Highlights for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, which we refer to as fiscal 2008, include:

 

 

We are a global designer and manufacturer of custom-engineered ejectors, liquid ring pump packages, condensers and heat exchangers. Our equipment is used in critical applications in the petrochemical, oil refinery and electric power generation industries, including cogeneration and geothermal plants. Our equipment can also be found in diverse applications, such as metal refining, pulp and paper processing, shipbuilding, water heating, refrigeration, desalination, soap manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, heating, ventilating and air conditioning.

 

Our corporate offices and production facilities are located in Batavia, New York. Additionally, we have a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary located in Suzhou, China. Our subsidiary in China serves to support sales orders from Asia and provides engineering support and supervision of subcontracted fabrication.

 

We believe the principal market drivers that have led to increased capital spending by our customers and that are contributing to our sales growth include:

 

 

 

Looking ahead to fiscal 2009, we believe the global refinery and petrochemical markets we serve will continue to be strong and could remain strong for the next several years. Refinery capacity continues to expand worldwide with an estimated increase of three to four billion barrels per annum in the next three to five years being necessary to keep up with projected demand. For example, the number of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold in China over the next four years is estimated to increase fifty percent. Refinery utilization rates are estimated to be at their highest levels in twenty-five years. We anticipate demand for energy and petrochemical products abroad will continue for the next several years because countries with large populations, such as China and India, are experiencing significant economic growth at the same time drivers such as environmental regulations, change in crude supplies and development of alternative energy sources are affecting both the supply and demand of energy and petrochemical products. Looking beyond the current “super-cycle”, we believe there will be growth potential in emerging market opportunities, such as coal-to-liquids, gas-to-liquids and other emerging technologies, such as biodiesel, ethanol and waste-to-energy, which may offer both top and bottom line growth in our future. In addition to growing revenue from major project work, we believe we can continue to grow our heat exchanger and aftermarket businesses.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties identified by us under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements may also include, but are not limited to, statements about:

 

 

Forward-looking statements are usually accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “may,” “intend,” “expect” and similar expressions. Actual results could differ materially from historical results or those implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this report.

 

Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or announce any revisions to forward-looking statements contained in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Results of Operations

 

For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods indicated:

 

 

Fiscal 2008 Compared with Fiscal 2007

 

Sales for fiscal 2008 were $86,428, a 31% increase, as compared with sales of $65,822 for fiscal 2007. Ninety-two percent of the increase in sales in fiscal 2008 compared with fiscal 2007 came from ejector and spare part sales, which were primarily sold to the refinery market. Of the 92%, 75% related to ejectors and the balance related to spare parts. Export sales accounted for 46% and 50% of total sales for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. Export sales year-over-year increased $6,731, or 21%. The increase in export sales came from Asia, South America and Canada. Sales for fiscal 2008 were 43% to the refining industry, 31% to the chemical and petrochemical industries and 26% to other industrial applications, including electrical power. Sales in fiscal 2007 were 35% to the refining industry, 39% to the chemical and petrochemical industries and 26% to other industrial applications, including electrical power. We divide our products into five broadly defined classifications: ejectors, condensers, aftermarket, heat exchangers and pump packages. Sales for these categories in fiscal 2008 were 42%, 25%, 18%, 12% and 3%, respectively. For fiscal 2007 sales, by the same respective categories, were 33%, 29%, 17%, 14% and 7%. These sales changes by product categories reflect the timing of orders placed with us and are not indicative of buying pattern changes in the markets we serve. For additional information on future sales and our markets, see “Orders and Backlog” below.

 

Our gross profit percentage for fiscal 2008 was 40% compared with 26% for fiscal 2007. Gross profit dollars for fiscal 2008 increased 103% compared with fiscal 2007. Gross profit percentage and dollars increased primarily due to improved product mix achieved by increased selectivity on orders accepted, improved engineering and manufacturing efficiencies and greater leveraging of manufacturing costs. Our improved operating efficiencies enabled us to achieve greater sales volume in fiscal 2008 without increasing proportionally our cost of products sold.

 

We believe we will continue to increase capacity through outsourcing and improving operating efficiencies, and that these efforts will contribute to sales growth in fiscal 2009 and beyond.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for fiscal 2008 and 2007 were 15% and 16% of sales, respectively. The decline, expressed as a percentage of sales, was due to greater sales in fiscal 2008. Actual costs in fiscal 2008 increased $2,268, or 21%, compared with fiscal 2007. SG&A expenses increased due to greater variable costs (e.g., sales commissions, variable compensation) related to higher sales and net income.

 

Interest income for fiscal 2008 and 2007 was $1,026 and $516, respectively. Increased interest income followed increases in investments of 144%.

 

Interest expense was $10 in both fiscal 2008 and 2007.

 

Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2008 was 32%, compared with an effective tax rate of 12% for fiscal 2007. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 was less than the statutory rate of approximately 34% due to the qualified production activities deduction and research and development tax credit (R&D). We anticipate the effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 will be 33%. The fiscal 2007 effective tax rate reflected the benefit of $1,607 in research and development tax credits. The total credit recognized represented qualifying R&D expenditures for fiscal years 1999

to 2007. The R&D tax credit recognized in fiscal 2008 was $234 and represented the approximate magnitude of the amount of credit that we expect under current R&D tax law going forward.

 

Net income for fiscal 2008 and 2007 was $15,034 and $5,761, respectively. Income per diluted share was $2.98 and $1.17 for the respective periods.

 

Fiscal 2007 Compared with Fiscal 2006

 

Sales for fiscal 2007 were $65,822, a 19% increase, as compared with $55,208 for fiscal 2006. Fifty-two percent of this increase came from greater export sales. The growth in export sales primarily came from the Middle East and Asia, and involved both petrochemical and refinery projects. Sales in all product categories (e.g., heat exchangers, ejectors, condensers, vacuum pumps and aftermarket) increased compared with fiscal 2006, but the greatest dollar value increases came from sales of ejectors, heat exchangers and vacuum pumps.

 

Our heat exchanger products are: Heliflows, plate exchangers, desuperheaters and water heaters. Increased heat exchanger sales accounted for 31% of the increased sales. Heat exchanger sales in fiscal 2007 were led upward by Heliflows and plate exchanger sales. Heat exchanger sales grew due to a broad based strategic effort, which included training, changing the supplier who provided the basic materials used to build plate exchangers, manufacturing efficiencies gained through the implementation of lean procedures, the introduction of software marketing tools and the addition of an expanded agency network. Increased ejector sales in fiscal 2007 accounted for 26% of the increased sales and were due to increased activity from the refinery industry for oil refinery upgrades and capacity expansion projects. Increased vacuum pump sales accounted for 28% of the increased sales and came from domestic refinery applications. The remaining 15% increase in sales, compared with fiscal 2006, came from single digit gains in the other products we sell.

 

Our gross profit percentage for fiscal 2007 was 26% compared with 29% for fiscal 2006. Gross profit percentage decreased primarily due to greater material costs in fiscal 2007. Material costs, expressed as a percent of sales, were 43% and 37% for fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. Gross profit dollars increased 5% in fiscal 2007 as compared with fiscal 2006, as a result of greater sales volume.

 

SG&A expenses for fiscal 2007 were 16% of sales compared to 19% for fiscal 2006. The decline, expressed as a percentage of sales, was due to greater sales in fiscal 2007. Actual costs increased $301 in fiscal 2007 or 3% compared with fiscal 2006. SG&A expense increased in fiscal 2007 due to the additional costs of operating our Chinese subsidiary, which was formed in May 2006.

 

Interest income for fiscal 2007 and 2006 was $516 and $316, respectively. Increased interest income in fiscal 2007 followed increases in investments. Investments were $13,676 and $10,418 for fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Interest expense was $10 for fiscal 2007 compared with $17 for fiscal 2006. Interest expense decreased due to reduced debt and a reduction in the applicable interest rate under our banking facility on a year-over-year basis.

 

In fiscal 2007, our effective tax rate was 12% compared with an effective tax rate of 38% for fiscal 2006. The fiscal 2006 rate approximated the statutory rate. The fiscal 2007 effective tax rate reflected the benefit of $1,607 in R&D tax credits. The total credit recognized in fiscal 2007 represented qualifying expenditures for fiscal years 1999 to 2007.

 

Net income for fiscal 2007 and 2006 was $5,761 and $3,586, respectively. Income per diluted share was $1.17 and $0.77 for the respective periods.

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity:

 

Fiscal 2008 Compared with Fiscal 2007

 

Stockholders’ equity increased $17,882, or 58%, in fiscal 2008 compared with fiscal 2007. Eighty-four percent of this increase was due to the increase in net income, 15% was due to stock options exercised, and 1% was for all other reasons. In October 2007, we increased our dividend per share from 10 cents per share per annum to 12 cents. Dividends paid in fiscal 2008 increased 27%, or $106, due to this increase and due to additional shares outstanding. It is our objective to continue to increase stockholders value by taking steps to increase the liquidity of our common stock, which could include additional stock splits when and if we believe it is in the Company’s best interest to do so and depending on market conditions.

 

On March 31, 2008, our net book value was $9.73, up 54% over March 31, 2007.

 

Fiscal 2007 Compared with Fiscal 2006

 

Stockholders’ equity increased $3,547, or 13%, in fiscal 2007 compared with fiscal 2006. In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. This pronouncement required, as of March 31, 2007, that we measure the prepaid assets and liabilities appearing on our balance sheet pertaining to our defined benefit postretirement plans under the projected benefit obligation method and adjust asset and/or liability valuation changes through accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is a component of stockholders’ equity. The net effect of this accounting change was a reduction in stockholders’ equity of $2,373. Offsetting this reduction was net income for fiscal 2007 of $5,761. These two items accounted for 96% of the change in Stockholders’ equity in fiscal 2007 compared with fiscal 2006. As of March 31, 2007, our net book value per share increased to $6.31, up 13.1% from March 31, 2006.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated balance sheets:

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2008, contractual and commercial obligations for the next five fiscal years ending March 31 and thereafter are as follows:

 

 

 

 

Fiscal 2008 Compared with Fiscal 2007

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2008 was $19,702, compared with $5,193 for fiscal 2007. The increase was due to higher net income, greater utilization of deferred tax assets (thereby reducing cash needed to pay taxes in the current fiscal year) and operating the business with less operating working capital. Operating working capital was lower due to continued reduction in our cash conversion cycle, which was 31 days as of March 31, 2008 compared with 51 days as of March 31, 2007. The decrease in our cash conversion cycle was accomplished through reducing accounts receivable and inventory balances during fiscal 2008. Sales in fiscal 2008 were managed with an average operating working capital level of 3% of sales compared with 8% in fiscal 2007.

 

We invest net cash generated from operations in excess of cash held for near-term needs in marketable securities. Investments are United States government instruments, generally with maturity periods of 91 to 120 days. Investments at March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 were $34,681 and $13,676, respectively.

 

Other significant sources of cash for the current year included the issuance of common stock to cover stock options exercised, which raised $1,116, as compared with $413 in fiscal 2007. In addition, in fiscal 2008 we recognized a $1,473 increase in capital in excess of par value for the income tax benefit realized upon exercise of stock options in excess of the tax benefit amount recognized pertaining to the fair value of stock option awards treated as compensation expense, compared with $0 for fiscal 2007. All other sources of cash in fiscal 2008 equaled $45 compared with $67 in fiscal 2007.

 

Other significant uses of cash for fiscal 2008 included dividend payments of $493 and capital expenditures of $1,027, compared with $387 and $1,637, respectively, for fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2008, we contributed $3,000 into our defined benefit pension plan, compared with $2,500 for fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2008, we repaid $37 in excess of amounts borrowed for bank borrowings and capitalized leases, as compared with $52 for fiscal 2007. All other uses of cash in fiscal 2008 equaled $17 compared with $0 in fiscal 2007.

 

Capital expenditures in fiscal 2008 were 60% for plant machinery and equipment and 40% was for all other. Fifty-six percent of our capital expenditure spending was for productivity improvements and the balance was primarily for capitalized maintenance. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2009 are expected to be $2,085 and planned investment is believed to be about 34% for machinery and equipment, 53% for information technology and 13% for all other. We estimate 68% of our capital budget in fiscal 2009 will support productivity improvements with the balance primarily for capitalized maintenance projects.

On December 5, 2007, we entered into a new revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. that provides a line of credit of $30,000, including letters of credit and bank guarantees. Borrowings under our bank facility are secured by all of our assets. Letters of credit outstanding under our credit facility on March 31, 2008 and 2007 were $11,292 and $8,578, respectively. Other utilization of our facility limits at March 31, 2008 and 2007 were $0. Our borrowing rate as of March 31, 2008 was Bank of America’s prime rate minus 125 basis points, or 4%. We believe that cash generated from operations, combined with our investments and available financing capacity under our credit facility, will be adequate to meet our cash needs for the immediate future.

 

The new revolving credit agreement includes several changes compared with our former credit facility, including an increase in the facility capacity limit from $20,000; a maximum annual dividend payout of $1,200 compared with $600; elimination of facility sub-limits for borrowings, the issuance of letters of credit or the issuance of bank guarantees on the obligations of our Chinese subsidiary by Bank of America’s Shanghai China branch; expanded use of borrowings; and a reduction in pricing. Under the new revolving credit agreement, we covenanted to maintain a ratio of total liabilities, excluding non-current portion of subordinated liabilities, to tangible net worth not to exceed 1.35 to 1. We are in compliance with this covenant.

 

Orders and Backlog

 

Orders for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 were $107,102 and $86,540, respectively, up 24%. Orders represent communications received from customers requesting us to supply products and services. We experienced a significant increase in orders for surface condensers, vacuum pump package and aftermarket orders in fiscal 2008 compared with fiscal 2007. Surface condenser orders represented 29% of our orders, vacuum pump packages 8% and aftermarket 21% of our orders for the current fiscal year compared with 27%, 4% and 12% for surface condenser, vacuum pump package and aftermarket orders, respectively, in fiscal 2007. In dollars, year-over-year surface condensers, vacuum pump package and aftermarket orders grew $8,052, $5,545 and $12,913, respectively for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006. Condenser orders for refinery and petrochemical applications in the Middle East, Canada and China, vacuum pump package orders for domestic refinery capacity expansion and aftermarket orders for capitalized maintenance projects in the domestic refinery sector accounted for the increases.

 

Domestic orders were 63%, or $67,493, of our total orders and export orders were 37%, or $39,609, of our total orders in fiscal 2008 compared with fiscal 2007, when domestic orders were 47%, or $40,693, of our total orders and export orders were 53%, or $45,847. Excluding our heat exchanger business, which represented approximately 16% of our domestic orders, our domestic orders were heavily weighted for refinery orders and were attributed to refinery capacity expansion, revamping of refineries to process “heavier” feed stocks, and requirements to meet cleaner fuel standards. While overall export orders were down in fiscal 2008 due to order selection criteria, export refinery orders from China, South America and Canada were up in fiscal 2008 compared with fiscal 2007. Orders from Canada and South America were driven by greater use of unconventional fuels (e.g., heavy oil, high viscosity, and tar sands). China orders were for capacity expansion projects. New petrochemical business was driven largely from the global need to increase capacity and the expansion of emerging alternative energy technologies.

 

Backlog was $75,662 at March 31, 2008 compared with $54,184 at March 31, 2007, a 40% increase. Backlog is defined by us as the total dollar value of orders received for which revenue has not yet been recognized. All orders in backlog represent orders from our traditional markets in established product lines. Approximately 11% of orders currently in backlog is not expected to be converted to sales within the next twelve months. At March 31, 2008, approximately 49% of our backlog was attributed to equipment for refinery project work, 28% for chemical and petrochemical projects, and 23% for other industrial or commercial applications. At March 31, 2007, approximately 43% of our backlog was for refinery project work, 35% for chemical and petrochemical projects, and 22% for other industrial or commercial applications.

 

Contingencies and Commitments

 

We have been named as a defendant in certain lawsuits alleging personal injury from exposure to asbestos contained in our products. We are a co-defendant with numerous other defendants in these lawsuits and intend to vigorously defend against these claims. The claims are similar to previous asbestos lawsuits that named us as a defendant. Such previous lawsuits either were dismissed when it was shown that we had not supplied products to the

plaintiffs’ places of work or were settled by us for amounts below expected defense costs. Neither the outcome of these lawsuits nor the potential for liability can be determined at this time.

 

From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we are subject to legal proceedings and potential claims. As of March 31, 2008, other than noted above, we were unaware of any other pending litigation matters.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that reflect significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.

 

Revenue Recognition.  We recognize revenue on all contracts with a planned manufacturing process in excess of four weeks (which approximates 575 direct labor hours) using the percentage-of-completion method. The percentage-of-completion method is determined by comparing actual labor incurred to a specific date to our estimate of the total labor to be incurred on each contract. Contracts in progress are reviewed monthly, and sales and earnings are adjusted in current accounting periods based on revisions in the contract value and estimated material and labor costs at completion. Losses on contracts are recognized when probable.

 

Revenue on contracts not accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method is recognized utilizing the completed contract method. The majority of the contracts we enter into have a planned manufacturing process of less than four weeks and the results reported under this method do not vary materially from the percentage-of-completion method. We recognize revenue and all related costs on the completed contract method upon substantial completion or shipment of products to the customer. Substantial completion is consistently defined as at least 95% complete with regard to direct labor hours. Customer acceptance is required throughout the construction process and we have no further material obligations under the contracts after the revenue is recognized.

 

Pension and Postretirement Benefits.  Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations are dependent on actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions are reviewed annually and include the discount rate, long-term expected rate of return on plan assets, salary growth, healthcare cost trend rate and other economic and demographic factors. We base the discount rate assumption for our plans on Moody’s or Citigroup Pension Liability Index AA-rated corporate long-term bond yield rate. The long-term expected rate of return on plan assets is based on the plan’s asset allocation, historical returns and expectations as to future returns that are expected to be realized over the estimated remaining life of the plan liabilities that will be funded with the plan assets. The salary growth assumptions are determined based on long-term actual experience and future and near-term outlook. The healthcare cost trend rate assumptions are based on historical cost and payment data, the near-term outlook, and an assessment of likely long-term trends.

 

Income Taxes.  We use the liability method to account for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of liabilities and assets measured using the enacted tax rate.

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using current tax rates. We evaluate available information about future taxable income and other possible sources of realization of deferred income tax assets and record valuation allowances to reduce deferred income tax assets to an amount that represents our best estimates of the amounts of such deferred income tax assets that more likely than not will be realized.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

 

We have evaluated the accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and believe those policies to be reasonable and appropriate.

We believe that the most critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements relate to labor hour estimates used to recognize revenue under the percentage-of-completion method, accounting for contingencies, under which we accrue a loss when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated, and accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits.

 

Contingencies, by their nature, relate to uncertainties that require us to exercise judgment both in assessing the likelihood that a liability has been incurred as well as in estimating the amount of potential loss. For more information on these matters see the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

As discussed above under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies,” we recognize the substantial amount of our revenue using the percentage-of-completion method. The key estimate of percentage-of-completion accounting is total labor to be incurred on each contract and to the extent that this estimate changes, it may significantly impact revenue recognized in each period.

 

Accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits involves estimating the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and attributing that cost over the time period each employee works. To accomplish this, extensive use is made of assumptions about inflation, investment returns, mortality, turnover, medical costs and discount rates. These assumptions are reviewed annually.

 

The discount rate used in accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits is determined in conjunction with our actuary by reference to a current yield curve and by considering the timing and amount of projected future benefit payments. The discount rate assumption for fiscal 2008 is 5.91% for our defined benefit pension and 5.65% for our other postretirement benefit plan. A reduction in the discount rate of 50 basis points, with all other assumptions held constant, would increase fiscal 2008 net periodic benefit expense for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plan by approximately $157 and $9, respectively.

 

The expected return on plan assets assumption of 8.5% used in accounting for our pension plan is determined by evaluating the mix of investments that comprise plan assets and external forecasts of future long-term investment returns. A reduction in the rate of return of 50 basis points, with other assumptions held constant, would increase fiscal 2008 net periodic pension expense by approximately $96.

 

As part of our ongoing financial reporting process, a collaborative effort is undertaken involving our managers with functional responsibilities for financial, credit, tax, engineering, manufacturing and benefit matters, and outside advisors such as lawyers, consultants and actuaries. We believe that the results of this effort provide management with the necessary information on which to base their judgments and to develop the estimates and assumptions used to prepare the financial statements.

 

We believe that the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of with this Annual Report on Form 10-K related to contingencies, revenue, pensions, other post retirement benefits and other matters requiring the use of estimates and judgments are reasonable, although actual outcomes could differ materially from our estimates.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN No. 48 heightens the threshold for recognizing and measuring tax benefits and requires enterprises to make explicit disclosures about uncertainties in their income tax positions, including a detailed roll-forward of tax benefits taken that do not qualify for financial statement recognition. FIN No. 48 was effective as of the beginning of fiscal 2008, which commenced April 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN No. 48 had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective as of the beginning of fiscal 2009, which commenced April 1, 2008. The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have no effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In fiscal 2007, we adopted the effective provisions of SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans. We will adopt the measurement provisions of SFAS No. 158 as of March 31, 2009.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure certain financial instruments and certain other items at fair value in order to mitigate volatility in reported earnings. SFAS No. 159 was effective as of April 1, 2009. We have decided not to change how we measure financial instruments and certain other items covered under SFAS No. 159.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities to enhance disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities and its related interpretations and how derivative instruments are related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, SFAS No. 161 will have on our financial statement disclosures.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We did not have any off balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2008 or March 31, 2007 other than operating leases.

 

 

The principal market risk (i.e., the risk of loss arising from changes in market rates and prices) to which we are exposed is foreign currency exchange rates.

 

The assumptions applied in preparing the following qualitative and quantitative disclosures regarding foreign currency exchange rate and equity price risk are based upon volatility ranges experienced by us in relevant historical periods, our current knowledge of the marketplace, and our judgment of the probability of future volatility based upon the historical trends and economic conditions of the markets in which we operate.

 

Foreign Currency

 

International consolidated sales for fiscal 2008 were 46% of total sales compared with 50% for fiscal 2007. Operating in markets throughout the world exposes us to movements in currency exchange rates. Currency movements can affect sales in several ways, the foremost being our ability to compete for orders against foreign competitors that base their prices on relatively weaker currencies. Business lost due to competition for orders against competitors using a relatively weaker currency cannot be quantified. In addition, cash can be adversely impacted by the conversion of sales made by us in a foreign currency to U.S. dollars. In each of the fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, we had no sales for which we were paid in foreign currencies. At certain times, we may enter into forward foreign currency exchange agreements to hedge our exposure against potential unfavorable changes in foreign currency values on significant sales contracts negotiated in foreign currencies.

 

We have limited exposure to foreign currency purchases. In 2008, 2007 and 2006, our purchases in foreign currencies represented 2%, 3% and 1%, respectively, of the cost of products sold. At certain times, we may utilize forward foreign currency exchange contracts to limit currency exposure. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts were not used in 2008 or 2007, and as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, we held no forward foreign currency contracts.

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(References to years represent years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006)

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

Graham Corporation (the “Company”) and its operating subsidiary are primarily engaged in the design, manufacture and supply of vacuum and heat transfer equipment used in the chemical, petrochemical, petroleum refining, and electric power generating industries and sell to customers throughout the world. The Company’s significant accounting policies are set forth below.

 

Principles of consolidation and use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned foreign subsidiary, Graham Vacuum and Heat Transfer Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd, located in China. All intercompany balances, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation.

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the related revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from those estimated.

 

Translation of foreign currencies

 

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at currency exchange rates in effect at year-end and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect for the year. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in results of operations. The Company’s sales and purchases in foreign currencies are minimal. Therefore, foreign currency transaction gains and losses are not significant. Gains and losses resulting from translation of foreign subsidiary balance sheets are included in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes since they relate to an investment, which is permanent in nature.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Percentage-of-Completion Method

 

The Company recognizes revenue on all contracts with a planned manufacturing process in excess of four weeks (which approximates 575 direct labor hours) using the percentage-of-completion method. The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized under this methodology. The Company has established the systems and procedures essential to developing the estimates required to account for contracts using the percentage-of-completion method. The percentage-of-completion method is determined by comparing actual labor incurred to a specific date to management’s estimate of the total labor to be incurred on each contract. Contracts in progress are reviewed monthly, and sales and earnings are adjusted in current accounting periods based on revisions in the contract value and estimated costs at completion. Losses on contracts are recognized immediately when known. During fiscal 2007, losses of $404 were recognized on contracts in process. No loss provisions were recorded in fiscal 2008 or fiscal 2006. Revenue recognized on contracts accounted for utilizing percentage-of-completion are presented in net sales in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and unbilled revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the extent that the revenue recognized exceeds the amounts billed to customers. See “Inventories” below.

 

Completed Contract Method

 

Revenue on contracts not accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method is recognized utilizing the completed contract method. The majority of the Company’s contracts have a planned manufacturing process of less than four weeks and the results reported under this method do not vary materially from the percentage-of-

completion method. The Company recognizes revenue and all related costs on these contracts upon substantial completion or shipment to the customer. Substantial completion is consistently defined as at least 95% complete with regard to direct labor hours. Customer acceptance is generally required throughout the construction process and the Company has no further obligations under the contract after the revenue is recognized.

 

Shipping and handling fees and costs

 

Shipping and handling fees billed to the customer are recorded in net sales and the related costs incurred for shipping and handling are included in cost of products sold.

 

Investments

 

Investments consist of fixed-income debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury with original maturities of greater than three months and less than one year. All investments are classified as held-to-maturity, as the Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. The investments are stated at amortized cost which approximates fair value. All investments held by the Company at March 31, 2008 are scheduled to mature between April 3 and July 10, 2008.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the average cost method. For contracts accounted for on the completed contract method, progress payments received are netted against inventory to the extent the payment is less than the inventory balance relating to the applicable contract. Progress payments that are in excess of the corresponding inventory balance are presented as customer deposits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unbilled revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents revenue recognized that has not been billed to customers on contracts accounted for on the percentage-of-completion method. For contracts accounted for on the percentage-of-completion method, progress payments are netted against unbilled revenue to the extent the payment is less than the unbilled revenue for the applicable contract. Progress payments exceeding unbilled revenue are netted against inventory to the extent the payment is less than or equal to the inventory balance relating to the applicable contract, and the excess is presented as customer deposits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

A summary of costs and estimated earnings on contracts in progress accounted for under the percentage of completion method at March 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

 

 

The above activity is included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets under the following captions at March 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

Property, plant, equipment and depreciation

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Major additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

Depreciation and amortization are provided based upon the estimated useful lives, or lease term if shorter, under the straight line method. Estimated useful lives range from approximately five to eight years for office equipment, eight to twenty-five years for manufacturing equipment and forty years for buildings and improvements. Upon sale or retirement of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations. The Company assesses all of its long-lived assets for impairment when impairment indicators are identified. When the carrying value of an asset exceeds its undiscounted cash flows, the Company recognizes an impairment loss if the asset’s fair value is less than its carrying value. The impairment is then calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset. No such impairment losses were recorded in fiscal 2008, fiscal 2007 or fiscal 2006.

 

Product warranties

 

The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its product warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time revenue is recognized. The reserve for product warranties is based upon past claims experience and ongoing evaluations of any specific probable claims from customers. A reconciliation of the changes in the product warranty liability is presented in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Research and development

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company incurred research and development costs of $3,579, $3,581 and $3,136 in fiscal 2008, fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. The Company evaluates the available evidence about future taxable income and other possible sources of realization of deferred income tax assets and records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred income tax assets to an amount that represents the Company’s best estimate of the amount of such deferred income tax assets that more likely than not will be realized. No valuation allowance was required at March 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

On April 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN No. 48 heightens the threshold for recognizing and measuring tax benefits and requires enterprises to make explicit disclosures about uncertainties in their income tax positions, including a detailed roll-forward of tax benefits taken that do not qualify for financial statement recognition. The adoption of FIN No. 48 had no effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits as of April 1, 2007 or March 31, 2008 and is not aware of any tax positions for which unrecognized tax benefits would be recorded within the next twelve months.

 

Stock splits

 

On October 26, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a five-for-four stock split of the Company’s common stock and increased the quarterly cash dividend to $.03 per share, effective for the dividend payable on January 3, 2008 to stockholders of record on November 30, 2007. The five-for-four stock split was effected as a stock dividend, and stockholders received one additional share of common stock for every four shares of common stock held on the record date of November 30, 2007. The new common shares were distributed on January 3, 2008. Fractional shares were aggregated and sold by the Company’s transfer agent on January 3, 2008 and the cash received was paid to stockholders of record on November 30, 2007. The par value of the Company’s common stock of $.10 remains unchanged. All share and per share amounts in periods prior to the stock split were adjusted to reflect the five-for-four stock split. The Statement of Stockholders’ Equity in fiscal 2008 reflects the stock split by reclassifying from “Capital in excess of par value” to “Common stock” an amount equal to the par value of the additional shares issued to effect the stock split.

On July 28, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common shares. The two-for-one stock split was effected as a stock dividend, and stockholders received one additional share of common stock for every share of common stock held on the record date of September 1, 2005. The new shares of common stock were distributed on October 3, 2005. The par value of the Company’s common stock of $.10 remained unchanged. The Statement of Stockholders’ Equity in fiscal 2006 reflects the stock split by reclassifying from “Capital in excess of par value” to “Common stock” an amount equal to the par value of the additional shares issued to effect the stock split.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which requires the cost of all share-based payments to be measured at fair value on the grant date and recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations over the period expected to vest. This change did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in fiscal 2007. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model as the method for determining the fair value of its equity awards. The Company elected the modified prospective transition method, which requires that prior periods not be restated and that compensation cost be recognized in the financial statements for all awards granted after the date of adoption, as well as for existing awards that were not fully vested as of the date of adoption. All of the Company’s equity awards existing at April 1, 2006 were fully vested. SFAS No. 123(R) required that an estimated forfeiture rate be applied to outstanding awards, the impact of which was not material upon adoption. SFAS No. 123(R) also required an entity to calculate the pool of excess benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) (the “APIC Pool”). The Company elected the alternative simplified method for calculating the APIC Pool, as described in FSP No. FAS 123(R)-3, Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards. SFAS No. 123(R) also amended SFAS No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows, to require that excess tax benefits that had been reflected as operating cash flows be reflected as financing cash flows.

 

The Company previously accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. As permitted by SFAS No. 123, the Company continued to measure compensation for its equity compensation plans using the intrinsic value based method of accounting, prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”), Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.

 

Prior to fiscal 2007, no compensation cost was recognized under stock option plans. Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock option plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards under those plans in accordance with the fair value methodology prescribed under SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and net income per share would have been the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

Income per share data

 

Basic income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Common shares outstanding include share equivalent units which are contingently issuable shares. Diluted income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and, when applicable, potential common shares outstanding during the period. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted income per share is presented below: