GRAHAM CORP - Annual Report: 2010 (Form 10-K)

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

 

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 checkmark 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 checkmark 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No o

 

Indicate by checkmark 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.  þ

 

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. (Check one):

 

 

Indicate by checkmark 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, 2009, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $143,920,692. The market value calculation was determined using the closing price of the registrant’s common stock on September 30, 2009, as reported on the NYSE Amex 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 21, 2010, the registrant had outstanding 9,850,277 shares of common stock, $.10 par value, and 9,850,277 preferred stock purchase rights.

 

Documents Incorporated By Reference

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed in connection with the registrant’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on July 29, 2010, are 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, 2010

 

 

 

 

(Dollar amounts in thousands except per share data).

 

 

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 heat 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:

 

 

Our Customers and Markets

 

Our principal customers are in the chemical, petrochemical, petroleum refining and power generating industries, and can be 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/or the original equipment manufacturers, who combine our products with their equipment prior to its sale to end users.

 

Our products are sold by a team 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.

 

Historically, 40% to 50% percent of our revenue has been generated from foreign sales, and we believe that revenue from the sale of our products outside the U.S. 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 over time account for an increasing percentage of our revenue. We expect international sales to account for 50% to 60% or more of total revenue over the next few years.

 

A breakdown of our net sales by geographic area and product class for our fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, which we refer to as fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively, is contained in Note 12 to

our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our backlog at March 31, 2010 was $94,255 compared with $48,290 at March 31, 2009.

 

We were incorporated in Delaware in 1983 and are the successor to Graham Manufacturing Co., Inc., which was incorporated in New York 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, 2010, we had 237 full-time employees.

 

Our Strengths

 

Our core strengths include the following:

 

 

Our Strategy

 

Our objective is to capture more market share within the geographies and industries we serve, expand our geographic markets, grow our presence in the energy industry and continually improve our results of operations. Our strategy to accomplish our objective is:

 

 

In order to effectively implement our strategy, we also believe that we must continually work to improve our Company. These efforts include:

 

 

 

Competition

 

Our business is highly competitive. The principal bases on which we compete include technology, price, performance, reputation, delivery, and quality. Our competitors in our primary markets include:

 

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 process. 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. However, our business is highly cyclical in nature as it depends on the willingness of our customers to invest in major capital projects.

 

Research and Development Activities

 

During fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, we spent $3,824, $3,347 and $3,579, respectively, on research and development activities related to new products and services, or the improvement of existing products and services.

 

Information Regarding International Sales

 

The sale of our products outside the U.S. has accounted for a significant portion of our total revenue during our last three fiscal years. Approximately 55%, 37% and 46% of our revenue in fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively, resulted from foreign sales. Sales in Asia constituted approximately 33%, 13% and 15% of our revenue in fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively. Sales in the Middle East constituted approximately 10%, 8% and 11% of our revenue in fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively. Our foreign sales and operations are subject to numerous risks, as more particularly discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Available Information

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Therefore, we file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SEC maintains an Internet website (located at 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. Information regarding the SEC’s Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

We maintain an Internet website located at www.graham-mfg.com. On our website, we provide a link to the SEC’s Internet website that contains the reports, proxy statements and other information we file electronically. We do not provide this information on our website because it is more cost effective for us to provide a link to the SEC’s website. Copies of all documents we file with the SEC are available in print to any stockholder who makes a request. Such requests should be made to our Corporate Secretary at our corporate headquarters. 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 described below or elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K occur, our business and results of operations could be harmed. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us, or which we currently deem to be immaterial, could also harm our business and results of operations.

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 believe there will be a long-term expansion of demand for our products in the petrochemical, petroleum refining and power generating industries, during fiscal 2009, we entered a sudden downturn in the demand for our products and services. Historically, previous cyclical downturns have lasted from one to several years. We have no way to predict or control the length or severity of the current downturn. A longer than normal or deeper down cycle could force us to reduce our infrastructure, which would make it difficult for us to quickly recover in the subsequent up cycle. This scenario would require us to rebuild our business and be slower to gain market share back. A sustained deterioration in any of the cyclical industries we serve would materially 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.

 

We serve markets that are capital intensive. The recent volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets and adverse changes in the global economy may negatively impact our operating results. Such volatility and disruption may also negatively impact our ability to access additional financing.

 

Although we believe that the fundamentals that have driven our growth over the past several years remain essentially unchanged and that our long-term growth prospects remain strong, we also expect that the state of the capital and credit markets has caused a slow-down in spending by our customers as they evaluate the current and future economic impact of such crisis to their project plans. If adverse economic and credit conditions persist or worsen, we would likely experience decreased revenue from our operations attributable to decreases in the spending levels of our customers. Adverse economic and credit conditions might also have a negative adverse effect on our cash flows if customers demand that we accept smaller project deposits and less frequent progress payments. In addition, adverse economic and credit conditions could put downward pricing pressure on us. If any of the foregoing occurs, there would be an adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Moreover, the state of the capital and credit markets could have an adverse effect on our ability to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, should we determine such financing is desirable to expand our business.

 

The larger markets we serve are the petroleum refining and petrochemical industries which are both cyclical in nature and dependent on the price of oil. As a result, volatility in the price of crude oil may negatively impact our operating results.

 

Although we believe that the global consumption of crude oil will increase over the course of the next twenty years and a need to continually increase global oil refining capacity, the price of crude oil has been very volatile. Many of our products are purchased in connection with oil refinery construction, revamps and upgrades. During times of significant volatility in the market for crude oil, our customers may refrain from placing orders until the market stabilizes. During such times of high volatility, we could experience decreased revenue from our operations attributable to decreases in the spending levels of our customers.

 

A large percentage of our sales are in non-U.S. jurisdictions. As a result, we are subject to the economic, political, regulatory and other risks of international operations.

 

For fiscal 2010, approximately 55% of our revenue was from customers located in countries outside of the U.S. We believe that revenue from the sale of our products outside the U.S. will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future. Moreover, we maintain a subsidiary and have facilities in China. We believe that revenue from the sale of our products outside the U.S. will continue to account for a significant portion of our total revenue for the foreseeable future. We intend to continue to expand our international operations

to the extent that suitable opportunities become available. Our foreign operations and sales could be adversely affected as a result of:

 

 

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. In addition, if the counter-parties to such exchange contracts do not fulfill their obligations to deliver the contractual foreign currencies, we could be at risk for fluctuations, if any, required to settle the obligation. At March 31, 2010, 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 member of our management team and our inability to make up for such loss with a qualified replacement 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 any of our key management personnel, our business could be harmed.

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 towards 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. In addition, customer buying patterns can change if customers become more price sensitive and accepting of low cost suppliers. 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 upon our intellectual property or if we were to infringe upon 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.

 

We are subject to contract cancellations and delays by our customers, which may adversely affect our operating results.

 

Contract cancellations may occur, which could reduce the realizable value of our backlog and negatively impact the amount of revenue earned and the profitability of our business. Certain contracts in backlog may contain provisions allowing for the assessment of cancellation charges to our customers to substantially compensate us for costs incurred on cancelled contracts. Delay of contract execution by our customers can result in volatility in our operating results.

 

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 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.

 

If we become subject to product liability claims, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

The manufacturing and sale of our products exposes us to potential product liability claims, including those that may arise from failure to meet product specifications, misuse or malfunction of, or design flaws in our products, or use of our products with systems not manufactured or sold by us. For example, our equipment is installed in facilities that operate dangerous processes and the misapplication, improper installation or failure of our equipment may result in exposure to potentially hazardous substances, personal injury or property damage.

 

Provisions contained in our contracts with customers which attempt to limit our damages may not be enforceable in all instances or may fail to protect us from liability for damages. In addition, we carry liability insurance that we believe is adequate to protect us from product liability claims, however, our insurance may not cover all liabilities. We may not be able to maintain this insurance at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, or at all. Any material liability not covered by provisions in our contracts or by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

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 with 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 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 management team and substantially all of our engineering and research and development operations are based in our corporate headquarters. Our manufacturing facilities, also located in Batavia, consist of approximately 33 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.

 

 

The information required by this Item 3 is contained in Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

Our common stock is traded on the NYSE Amex exchange under the symbol “GHM”. As of May 21, 2010, there were 9,850 shares of our common stock outstanding that were held by approximately 151 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 NYSE Amex. The table and the disclosure below takes into account the effect of our two-for-one stock split in the nature of a dividend, which became effective October 6, 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. Dividends declared per share by our Board of Directors for each of the four quarters of fiscal 2010 were $.02 and for the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2009 were $.015, $.02, $.02 and $.02, respectively. 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.

 

On January 29, 2009, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program, which expired on July 29, 2009. On July 30, 2009, the stock repurchase program was extended by our Board of Directors through July 30, 2010. Under the stock repurchase program, up to 1,000 shares of our common stock are permitted to be repurchased by us from time to time either in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The stock repurchase program terminates at the earlier of the expiration of the program on July 30, 2010, when all 1,000 shares have been repurchased or when our Board of Directors terminates the program. Cash on hand has been used to fund all stock repurchases under the program.

 

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Overview

 

We are a global designer and manufacturer of custom-engineered ejectors, vacuum systems, condensers, liquid ring pump packages 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 alternative energy applications, including ethanol, biodiesel and coal and gas-to-liquids and other applications, and other 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. We also have a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary located in Suzhou, China which supports sales orders from China and provides engineering support and supervision of subcontracted fabrication.

 

Highlights

 

Highlights for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, which we refer to as fiscal 2010, include:

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report 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 our 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 our 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Fiscal 2011 and the Near-Term Market Conditions

 

The downturn in the global economy which commenced in the fall of 2007 led to reduced demand for petroleum-based products, which in turn led our customers to defer investment in major capital projects. We believe that we are beginning to see some positive signs that international customers are once again examining investments in major capital projects.

 

In addition, we believe that the significant increase in construction costs, including raw material costs, which had occurred over the four-to-five-year period prior to the recent downturn, also led to delays in new commitments by our customers. The increase in costs resulted in the economics of projects becoming less feasible, which we believe caused our customers to choose to wait until costs declined, as they have recently.

 

Currently, near-term demand trends that we believe are affecting our customers’ investments include:

 

 

 

We expect that the consequences of these near-term trends will be more pressure on our gross margins, as the U.S. refining market has historically provided higher margins than certain international markets. Because of continued global economic uncertainty and the risk associated with growth in emerging economies, we also expect that we will have continued volatility in our order pattern. For the next several quarters, we expect to see smaller value projects than what we had seen during the last expansion cycle. This will require more orders for us to achieve a similar revenue level.

 

We continue to expect our new order levels to remain volatile, resulting in both strong and weak quarters. For example, sequentially the past four quarters had new order levels of $8,838, $29,567, $51,644, and $18,268, in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2010, respectively. We believe that looking at our order level in any one quarter does not provide an accurate indication of our future expectations or performance. Rather, we believe that looking at our orders and backlog over a rolling four-quarter time period provides a better measure of our business.

 

Shift Back to International Growth Expected to Drive Next Industry Cycle

 

Over the long-term, we expect our customers’ markets to regain their strength and, while remaining cyclical, continue to grow. We believe the long-term trends remain strong and that the drivers of future growth include:

 

Demand Trends

 

 

Impact of Demand Trends

 

 

We believe that all of the above factors offer us long-term growth opportunity to meet our customers’ expected capital project needs. In addition, we believe we can continue to grow our less cyclical smaller product lines and aftermarket businesses.

 

Emerging markets require petroleum-based products. These markets are expected to continue to grow at rates faster than the U.S. Therefore, we expect international opportunities will be more plentiful relative to domestic projects. Our domestic sales as a percentage of aggregate product sales, which had increased over the prior three fiscal years from 50% in fiscal 2007 to 54% in fiscal 2008 to 63% in fiscal 2009, decreased to 45% in fiscal 2010. The economic recovery, which we believe has partly begun in the international markets, will likely provide greater opportunities than the domestic market in the near term. Our order rates for fiscal 2010 were 50% domestic and 50% international. However, the domestic order level was heavily impacted by a large order (in excess of $25,000) from Northrop Grumman to supply surface condensers for the U.S. Navy. If we exclude this project, the international order percentage would have exceeded 65%. As we look at fiscal 2011 and beyond, we believe international sales over the next few years will likely surpass domestic sales.

 

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 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

 

Sales for fiscal 2010 were $62,189, a 38% decrease, as compared with sales of $101,111 for fiscal 2009. The decrease was due to reduced demand for petroleum-based products as a result of the economic downturn which caused our customers to defer investment in major capital projects. This decline in sales occurred in all product lines. International sales accounted for 55% of all sales for fiscal 2010, which were up from 37% in fiscal 2009. Domestic sales decreased by $35,793 in fiscal 2010. International sales declined $3,129 in fiscal 2010, driven by sales declines in Canada, South America, Middle East and Europe, somewhat offset by higher sales in Asia and Africa. Sales for fiscal 2010 were 41% to the refining industry (down from 46% in fiscal 2009), 35% to the chemical and petrochemical industries (up from 27%) and 24% to other industrial applications (down from 27%), including electrical power.

 

Our gross profit percentage for fiscal 2010 was 35.7% compared with 41.3% for fiscal 2009. Gross profit dollars for fiscal 2010 decreased 47%, or $19,481, compared with fiscal 2009. Gross profit dollars decreased due to lower volume, which resulted in the significant under utilization of our production capacity. The lower volume and utilization declines were partly offset by improved raw material purchasing benefits especially in the first and second quarter of fiscal 2010, and continued improvements in productivity.

 

Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A, and other expenses for fiscal 2010 were $12,189, down 21% compared with $15,384 in fiscal 2009. Included in fiscal 2009 costs was a pre-tax charge of $559 for restructuring costs. SG&A and other expenses as a percentage of sales increased in fiscal 2010 to 19.6% of sales compared with 15.2% of sales in fiscal 2009. SG&A expenses decreased due to lower variable costs (e.g., sales commissions, compensation, headcount expenses) related to lower sales and cost controls in place throughout fiscal 2010.

 

Interest income for fiscal 2010 was $55, down from $416 in fiscal 2009. This decrease was due to lower rates of return on our investments, which are primarily short-term U.S. Treasury securities.

Interest expense was $36 in fiscal 2010, up from $5 in fiscal 2009. The increase was due to an interest charge of $32 for unrecognized tax benefits, as discussed below, taken in fiscal 2010.

 

Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2010 was 37% compared with an effective tax rate of 35% for fiscal 2009. The increase was due to a charge for unrecognized tax benefits of $445 related to research and development tax credits taken in tax years 2006 through 2010. Such charge is management’s estimate of our potential exposure related to an ongoing Internal Revenue Service examination of our research and development tax credits. We believe our tax position is correct and we intend to continue to vigorously defend our position. Associated with the tax charge was an interest charge of $32, as noted in the above paragraph, and a $10 tax credit, related to the interest charge. The combination of these charges and credit was a net charge to earnings of $467 ($435 in taxes and $32 in interest), which lowered our earnings per share in fiscal 2010 by $0.05 per share. Excluding the tax charge, our effective tax rate in fiscal 2010 was 32.5%. The total tax benefit related to the research and development tax credit that is under review by the IRS was $2,218 at March 31, 2010. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management determined that a portion of the deferred tax assets related to certain state investment tax credits and net operating losses will not be realized and a valuation allowance of $332 was recorded resulting in an increase in the effective tax rate.

 

Net income for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 was $6,361 and $17,467, respectively. Income per diluted share was $0.64 and $1.71 for the respective periods.

 

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

 

Sales for fiscal 2009 were $101,111, a 17% increase, as compared with sales of $86,428 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, which we refer to as fiscal 2008. This growth in sales came from all product lines: 32% of the gain came from pumps, 29% from spare parts, and the remaining 39% from condensers, ejectors and heat exchangers. International sales accounted for 37% of all sales for fiscal 2009, which was down from 46% in fiscal 2008. The strength of the U.S. refining market during fiscal 2009 was primarily responsible for such shift. Domestic sales grew $16,838 in fiscal 2009. International sales declined by 5% in fiscal 2009, driven by sales declines in South America and the Middle East due to a slowdown in investment in new capacity. Sales for fiscal 2009 were 46% to the refining industry (up from 43% in fiscal 2008), 27% to the chemical and petrochemical industries (down from 31%) and 27% to other industrial applications (up from 26%), including electrical power.

 

Our gross profit percentage for fiscal 2009 was 41.3% compared with 39.5% for fiscal 2008. Gross profit dollars for fiscal 2009 increased 22%, or $7,550, compared with fiscal 2008. Gross profit dollars increased due to increased volume, improved product mix achieved by increased selectivity on orders accepted, and improved engineering and manufacturing efficiencies. Our improved operating efficiencies, which were a continuation of the gains we saw in fiscal 2008, enabled us to achieve greater sales volume in fiscal 2009 without spending significant capital (or increasing other fixed costs) to increase our manufacturing capacity.

 

SG&A expenses for fiscal 2009 remained similar to the fiscal 2008 level of 15%. Actual costs in fiscal 2009 increased $1,751, or 13%, compared with fiscal 2008. SG&A expenses increased due to greater variable costs (e.g., sales commissions, variable compensation) related to higher sales and net income.

 

During fiscal 2009, as we entered the economic downturn, we restructured our workforce, eliminating certain management, office and manufacturing positions. The restructuring resulted in a pre-tax charge to earnings of $559. This cost was reported as Other Expense. Our on-going annual cost savings as a result of the restructuring is expected to be approximately $2,700.

 

Interest income for fiscal 2009 was $416, down from $1,026 in fiscal 2008. This decrease was due to lower rates of return on our investments, which are primarily short-term U.S. Treasury securities.

 

Interest expense was $5 in fiscal 2009, down from $10 in fiscal 2008.

 

Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2009 was 35%, compared with an effective tax rate of 32% for fiscal 2008. The increase was due to a higher level of pre-tax income relative to our allowable level of tax deductions.

 

Net income for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 was $17,467 and $15,034, respectively. Income per diluted share was $1.71 and $1.49 for the respective periods.

Stockholders’ Equity

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity that can be found in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following table shows the balance of stockholders’ equity on the dates indicated:

 

 

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

 

Stockholders’ equity increased $7,963 or 13%, at March 31, 2010 compared with March 31, 2009. This increase was primarily due to net income and an increase in the value of pension assets. Dividends paid in fiscal 2010 increased 5%, to $788, due to a dividend increase which occurred in early fiscal 2009. We repurchased 26 shares in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 (and a total of 303 shares, including repurchases completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009) pursuant to our publicly announced stock repurchase program. The number of shares remaining that have been approved for repurchase under the stock repurchase program is 697.

 

On March 31, 2010, our net book value was $7.01 up 13% over March 31, 2009.

 

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

 

Stockholders’ equity increased $12,575 or 26%, at March 31, 2009 compared with March 31, 2008. This increase was primarily due to net income, offset by a decline in the value of pension assets. In July 2008, we increased our dividend per share from 6 cents per share per year to 8 cents per year. Dividends paid in fiscal 2009 increased 53%, or $261, due to the above mentioned increase as well as an increase in mid-fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2009, we increased authorized shares from 6,000 to 25,500. In October 2008, we split our stock 2-for-1 in the form of a stock dividend, increasing the actual outstanding shares to 10,125 shares. We subsequently repurchased 277 shares in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 pursuant to our publicly announced stock repurchase program.

 

On March 31, 2009, our net book value was $6.21 up 28% over March 31, 2008.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated balance sheets appearing in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 

 

 

 

We use the ratios described above to measure our liquidity and overall financial strength.

As of March 31, 2010, our contractual and commercial obligations for the next five fiscal years ending March 31 and thereafter were as follows:

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2010 was $30,270, compared with $11,046 for fiscal 2009. The largest single component was an increase in customer deposits of $16,130; in fiscal 2009, customer deposits decreased by $100. The increase in customer deposits resulted from major customers providing upfront negotiated cash payments to assist in lowering the cost for Graham to complete their projects. This cash will be utilized to procure materials for these customers’ projects in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2012. We refer to the fiscal years ending March 31, 2011 and 2012 as fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012, respectively. We often obtain progress payments for large projects from our customers throughout the procurement and manufacturing process. In the recent instances, more cash was provided shortly after the order was secured. During fiscal 2011, we expect operating cash flow will be negative as the customer deposits balance is utilized to procure materials to support production.

 

The other major contributors to operating cash generation were net income, $6,361 and a reduction in unbilled revenue, $7,407.

 

Compared with fiscal 2009, net income in fiscal 2010 was lower by $11,106 and the impact of deferred taxes and taxes payable was ($446) in fiscal 2010 compared with cash generation of $3,470 in fiscal 2009. Offsetting these reductions in cash generation, were cash gains of $7,407 in unbilled revenue in fiscal 2010 compared with a cash usage of $1,675 in fiscal 2009 and lower cash usage for pension, $245 in fiscal 2010 compared with $7,677 in fiscal 2009 (primarily due to $7,500 in contribution to the defined benefit pension plan in fiscal 2009).

 

Cash and cash investments were $74,590 on March 31, 2010 compared with $46,209 on March 31, 2009, up 61%. The largest component of the improvement was an increase in customer deposits of $16,130, to $22,022 on March 31, 2010 compared with $5,892 on March 31, 2009. Cash and cash investments, net of the customer deposits, as discussed above, was $52,568 compared with $40,317.

 

We invest net cash generated from operations in excess of cash held for near-term needs in U.S. government instruments, generally with maturity periods of up to 180 days. Investments at March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009 were $70,060 and $41,059, respectively.

 

Other sources of cash for fiscal 2010 included the issuance of common stock to cover stock options exercised, which raised $63, as compared with $695 in fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2010, we recognized a $40 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. This amount compared with $1,696 for fiscal 2009.

 

Other significant uses of cash for fiscal 2010 included our publicly announced stock repurchase program. Under this program, 26 shares of stock were purchased during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 at a cost of $229 (representing an average price of $8.91 per share). This compared with 277 shares purchased in fiscal 2009 at a total cost of $2,288 (representing an average price of $8.25 per share). Dividend payments of $788 and capital expenditures of $1,003 were made in fiscal 2010, compared with $754 and $1,492, respectively, for fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2010, we repaid $39 in excess of amounts borrowed for bank borrowings and capitalized leases, as compared with $28 for fiscal 2009.

 

Capital expenditures in fiscal 2010 were 86% for plant machinery and equipment and 14% for all other items. Sixty-eight percent of our capital spending was for productivity improvements and the balance was primarily for capitalized maintenance. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2011 are expected to be approximately $3,300. In excess of 40% of our planned fiscal 2011 capital expenditures are related to the Northrop Grumman project for the U.S. Navy won in fiscal 2010. Over 80% of our fiscal 2011 capital expenditures are expected to be for machinery and equipment, with the remaining amounts to be used for information technology and other items.

 

Our revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. provides us with a line of credit of $30,000, including letters of credit and bank guarantees. Borrowings under our credit facility are secured by all of our assets. Letters of credit outstanding under our credit facility on March 31, 2010 and 2009 were $9,584 and $8,759, respectively. There were no other amounts outstanding on our credit facility at March 31, 2010 and 2009. Our borrowing rate as of March 31, 2009 was Bank of America’s prime rate minus 125 basis points, or 2.00%. Availability under the line of credit was $20,416 at March 31, 2010. 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.

 

Orders and Backlog

 

Orders during fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 were $108,317 and $73,874, respectively, representing a 47% increase for fiscal 2010 and a record high. Orders represent communications received from customers requesting us to supply products and services. Revenue is recognized on orders received in accordance with our revenue recognition policy included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Domestic orders were 50%, or $54,273, of our total orders and international orders were 50%, or $54,044, of our total orders in fiscal 2010. Domestic orders grew by $22,860, or 73%, primarily due to a larger order (in excess of $25,000) from Northrop Grumman to provide surface condensers for the U.S. Navy. International orders grew by $11,583, or 27%, led by renewed refining investment in the Middle East. Middle East orders were up $16,415, or 194%, compared with fiscal 2009. Orders from other international regions were down $4,832, with decreases in Asia, Africa and Canada partly offset by gains in South America.

 

Backlog was a record $94,255 at March 31, 2010 compared with $48,290 at March 31, 2009, a 95% increase. Backlog is defined by us as the total dollar value of orders received for which revenue has not yet been recognized. During fiscal 2010, we were notified by customers that one project with a value of $519 was cancelled, one order with a value of $3,298 was placed on hold (suspended) pending further evaluation, and one project placed on hold (suspended) in fiscal 2009 valued at $235 was returned to active status. Our backlog has been reduced for the cancelled projects, but continues to include orders placed on hold (suspended) with an aggregate value of $6,655 (see Project Cancellation and Project Continuation Risk in Item 7A of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K). All orders in backlog represent orders from our traditional markets in established product lines. Approximately 40% to 50% of orders currently in backlog are not expected to be converted to sales within the next twelve months. At March 31, 2010, approximately 37% of our backlog was attributed to equipment for refinery project work, 15% for chemical and petrochemical projects, and 48% for other industrial or commercial applications (including the Northrop Grumman order for the U.S. Navy). At March 31, 2009, approximately 38% of our backlog was for refinery project work, 35% for chemical and petrochemical projects, and 27% for other industrial or commercial applications.

In May 2010, one order for $1,588, which had been placed on hold by our customer in fiscal 2009, was cancelled. This order was included in the balance of total placed on hold (suspended) orders that remained in backlog at March 31, 2010. Production had started on this project prior to being put on hold. The customer has requested shipment of the partly completed product as is. This order will be removed from the balance of on hold (suspended) orders during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

Outlook

 

We believe that we are currently experiencing the bottom of the cycle associated with our sales to the refinery and petrochemical markets since we tend to lag the general economic cycle by twelve to eighteen months. The third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2010 and the first and second quarter of fiscal 2011 are expected to represent the trough in level sales for our business in this down cycle. Sales were $12,166 and $13,777 in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, respectively. We expect the first and second quarter of fiscal 2011 to be in a similar range with some potential for upside improvement in the second quarter. We anticipate that sales in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2011 will see growth compared with the first and second quarters of fiscal 2011. We expect the gross profit margin percentage to be in the mid-to-upper 20’s range for the first two quarters of fiscal 2011 as we continue to have under utilized capacity. Moreover, orders won 6 to 12 months ago that are now planned for revenue in the first and second quarters have depressed margins due to the competitive environment at that time.

 

Our order activity was strong in fiscal 2010 and our backlog on March 31, 2010 was $94,255. We expect fiscal 2011 order levels to continue to be variable across the year, as we have seen in the past eight sequential quarters. We do not believe that our markets have fully recovered, and while we have seen some improvements in the Middle East, Asia and recently, South America, it is not clear that the recovery has fully taken hold. We also believe the domestic market will be relatively weak for fiscal 2011 and beyond.

 

Normally, we convert 85% to 90% of existing backlog to sales within a 12-month period. However, we have a few large orders (e.g. Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Navy project and a couple large Middle East refinery orders) that will extend our March 31, 2010 backlog well beyond this normal level. We expect to convert approximately 50% to 60% of our March 31, 2010 backlog to sales in fiscal 2011.

 

For fiscal 2011, we expect sales to be above fiscal 2010; with the full year sales projected to increase by 5% to 15% to between $65,000 and $72,000. The lower end of this range, as well as potential downside risk is tied to our customers releasing projects for production. The upper end of the range and any potential upside above the expected range, may be achieved by faster conversion of backlog to sales if customers are willing to accept earlier than currently planned shipments as well as the receipt of new orders which can convert to sales within the fiscal year.

 

We expect gross profit margin to be in the 27% to 31% range. This margin level is below fiscal 2010, which had strong margins in the first two quarters resulting from purchasing advantages gained with raw material cost benefits. Our margins in fiscal 2011 will likely be adversely affected by the following:

 

 

Gross profit margins are expected to improve as volume increases throughout fiscal 2011 and beyond. We would caution that due to changes in geographical markets and end use markets, we expect gross margins are unlikely to reach the 40%+ range achieved in the prior up cycle. We believe gross profit margin percentage in the mid-to-upper 30’s is a more realistic expectation. We also expect this recovery will be more focused on emerging markets, which historically have lower margins and more competitive pricing than developed markets. In addition, we expect more growth in power markets, which typically provide lower margins than refining and chemical processing end users.

 

We believe to achieve the upper end of our margin projections and potential upside above the range can occur with the following: a.) increased volume to minimize under utilization of capacity; b.) continued improvements in manufacturing productivity; and c.) continued focus and success in error elimination and rework.

SG&A spending is expected to increase during fiscal 2011 to between $12,500 and $13,000. Our effective tax rate during fiscal 2011 is expected to be between 30% and 33%.

 

Cash flow in fiscal 2011 is expected to be negative due to the drawdown of customer deposits which grew in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 from $5,461 at December 31, 2009 to $22,022 at March 31, 2010. The increase in customer deposits was due to a number of major customers who provided upfront negotiated cash payments to assist in lowering the cost for Graham to complete their projects. This cash will be utilized to procure materials for these customers’ projects in fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012. We also expect to spend $2,800 to $3,300 in capital spending, above our normal $1,500 to $2,000 range, due to a $1,500 capital project required for the Northrop Grumman project for the U.S. Navy.

 

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, 2010, other than noted above, we were unaware of any other material 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 U.S.

 

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 as of 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 immediately, when evident to management.

 

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.

 

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We establish reserves for uncertain tax positions when we believe that certain tax positions do not meet the more likely than not threshold. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the outcome of a tax audit or the lapse of the statute of limitations. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to the reserves that are considered appropriate.

 

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.

 

As discussed above under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies,” we recognize a 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.

 

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.

 

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 2010 is 7.39% for our defined benefit pension and 6.88% for our other postretirement benefit plan. A reduction in the discount rate of 50 basis points, with all other assumptions held constant, would have increased fiscal 2010 net periodic benefit expense for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plan by approximately $111 and $0, 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 have increased fiscal 2010 net periodic pension expense by approximately $109.

 

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 this Annual Report on Form 10-K related to revenue, contingencies, 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 the normal course of business, management evaluates all new accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC, the Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or other authoritative accounting bodies to determine the potential impact they may have on our consolidated financial statements. Based upon this review, management does not expect any of the recently issued accounting pronouncements, which have not already been adopted, to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We did not have any off balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2010 or March 31, 2009, other than operating leases.

 

 

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

 

The assumptions applied in preparing the following qualitative and quantitative disclosures regarding foreign currency exchange rate, price risk and project cancellation 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 2010 were 55% of total sales compared with 37% for fiscal 2009. 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 fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009, and fiscal 2008, all sales to the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary for which we were paid were denominated in the local currency (U.S. dollars or RMB). 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 fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, our purchases in foreign currencies represented 1%, 2% and 2%, 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 fiscal 2010 or fiscal 2009, and as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, we held no forward foreign currency contracts.

Price Risk

 

Operating in a global marketplace requires us to compete with other global manufacturers which, in some instances, benefit from lower production costs and more favorable economic conditions. Although we believe that our customers differentiate our products on the basis of our manufacturing quality and engineering experience and excellence, among other things, such lower production costs and more favorable economic conditions mean that certain of our competitors are able to offer products similar to ours at lower prices. Moreover, the cost of metals and other materials used in our products have experienced significant volatility. Such factors, in addition to the global effects of the recent volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, have resulted in downward demand and pricing pressure on our products.

 

Project Cancellation and Project Continuation Risk

 

Recent economic conditions have led to a higher likelihood of project cancellation by our customers. We had one project for $519 cancelled in fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2009, three projects were cancelled, totaling $3,295. We attempt to mitigate the risk of cancellation by structuring contracts with our customers to maximize the likelihood that progress payments made to us for individual projects cover the costs we have incurred. As a result, we do not believe we have a significant cash exposure to projects which may be cancelled.

 

Open orders are reviewed continuously through communications with customers. If it becomes evident to us that a project is delayed well beyond its original shipment date, management will move the project into “placed on hold” (i.e., suspended) category. Furthermore, if a project is cancelled by our customer, it is removed from our backlog.

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

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.

 

The Company’s fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are referred to as fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively.

 

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 evident to management. 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.

 

During fiscal 2010, the Company was notified by customers that one project with a value of $519 was cancelled, one order with a value of $3,298 was placed on hold (suspended) pending further evaluation, and one project placed on hold (suspended) in fiscal 2009 valued at $235 was returned to active status. The Company’s backlog was reduced for the cancelled order. Four orders with an aggregate value of $6,655 placed on hold (suspended) remain in backlog at March 31, 2010.

 

In May 2010, one order for $1,588, which had been placed on hold by our customer in fiscal 2009, was cancelled. This order was included in the balance of total placed on hold (suspended) orders that remained in backlog at March 31, 2010. Production had started on this project prior to being put on hold. The customer has requested shipment of the partly completed product as is. This order will be removed from the balance of on hold (suspended) orders during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

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 believes it 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, 2010 are scheduled to mature between April 8 and July 8, 2010.

 

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 at March 31, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:

 

The above activity is included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets under the following captions at March 31, 2010 and 2009 or Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

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. 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 2010, fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2008.

 

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.

 

Research and development

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The Company incurred research and development costs of $3,824, $3,347 and $3,579 in fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, 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.

 

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a “more likely than not” recognition threshold. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. These tax positions are evaluated on a quarterly basis. It is the Company’s policy to recognize any interest related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense and any penalties related to uncertain tax positions in selling general and administrative expense.

 

The Company files federal and state income tax returns in several U.S. and non-U.S. domestic and foreign jurisdictions. In most tax jurisdictions, returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities for a

number of years after the returns have been filed. The Company is currently under examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for tax years 2006 through 2008.

 

Stock splits

 

On July 31, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common shares and declared a post-split quarterly cash dividend of $.02 per share, effective for the dividend paid on October 6, 2008 to stockholders of record on September 5, 2008. 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 5, 2008. The new common shares were distributed on or about October 6, 2008. The par value of the Company’s common stock, $.10, remained unchanged. All share and per share amounts in periods prior to the stock split were adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split. The Statement of Stockholders’ Equity in fiscal 2009 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 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 remained 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.

 

Stock-based compensation

 

The Company records compensation costs related to stock-based awards based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant date. Compensation cost is recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations over the applicable vesting period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model as the method for determining the fair value of its equity awards. For restricted stock awards, the fair market value of the award is determined based upon the closing value of the Company’s stock price on the grant date. The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company estimates the forfeiture rate at the grant date by analyzing historical data and revises the estimates in subsequent periods if the actual forfeiture rate differs from the estimates.

 

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: