HELIOS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller Reporting Company

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

____________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

____________________________________________

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



For the quarterly period ended September 27, 2014		Commission file number 0-21835

____________________________________________

SUN HYDRAULICS CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registration as Specified in its Charter)

____________________________________________



FLORIDA		59-2754337
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)



1500 WEST UNIVERSITY PARKWAY SARASOTA, FLORIDA		34243
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

941/362-1200

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

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 “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

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

The Registrant had 26,568,309 shares of common stock, par value $.001, outstanding as of October 24, 2014.

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Sun Hydraulics Corporation

INDEX

For the quarter ended September 27, 2014



			Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

	Item 1.	Financial Statements

	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27, 2014 (unaudited) and December 28, 2013		3

	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 27, 2014 (unaudited) and September 28, 2013 (unaudited)		4

	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014 (unaudited) and September 28, 2013 (unaudited)		5

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014 (unaudited) and September 28, 2013 (unaudited)		6

	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014 (unaudited)		7

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014 (unaudited) and September 28, 2013 (unaudited)		8

	Notes to the Consolidated, Unaudited Financial Statements		9

	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	18

		Forward Looking Information	24

	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	24

	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	25

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	26

	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	26

	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	26

	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	26

	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosure	26

	Item 5.	Other Information	26

	Item 6.	Exhibits	28

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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share data)



	September 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	(unaudited)			December 28, 2013
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,095		$	54,912
Restricted cash	337			334
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $146 and $117	19,805			16,984
Inventories	13,649			13,853
Income taxes receivable	—			954
Deferred income taxes	476			474
Short-term investments	55,232			38,729
Other current assets	4,001			2,816
Total current assets	159,595			129,056
Property, plant and equipment, net	76,577			75,731
Goodwill	5,242			5,221
Other assets	3,087			3,470
Total assets	$	244,501		$	213,478
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	5,919		$	4,630
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	6,739			7,016
Income taxes payable	2,329			—
Dividends payable	28,848			2,372
Total current liabilities	43,835			14,018
Deferred income taxes	7,572			7,747
Other noncurrent liabilities	288			285
Total liabilities	51,695			22,050
Commitments and contingencies	—			—
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, 2,000,000 shares authorized, par value $0.001, no shares outstanding	—			—
Common stock, 50,000,000 shares authorized, par value $0.001, 26,462,819 and 26,352,692 shares outstanding	26			26
Capital in excess of par value	71,984			65,391
Retained earnings	120,883			123,420
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(87		)	2,591
Total shareholders’ equity	192,806			191,428
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	244,501		$	213,478

The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated, Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)



	Three months ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Net sales	$	55,011		$	49,369
Cost of sales	32,720			29,755
Gross profit	22,291			19,614
Selling, engineering and administrative expenses	7,656			6,540
Operating income	14,635			13,074
Interest (income) expense, net	(331		)	(272		)
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss, net	(226		)	82
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	191			470
Income before income taxes	15,001			12,794
Income tax provision	5,124			4,519
Net income	$	9,877		$	8,275
Basic net income per common share	$	0.37		$	0.32
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	26,455			26,247
Diluted net income per common share	$	0.37		$	0.32
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	26,455			26,247
Dividends declared per share	$	1.090		$	0.090

The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated, Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)



	Nine months ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Net sales	$	172,870		$	156,218
Cost of sales	100,756			92,699
Gross profit	72,114			63,519
Selling, engineering and administrative expenses	22,375			19,752
Operating income	49,739			43,767
Interest (income) expense, net	(926		)	(709		)
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss, net	(256		)	(68		)
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	548			80
Income before income taxes	50,373			44,464
Income tax provision	16,924			14,824
Net income	$	33,449		$	29,640
Basic net income per common share	$	1.27		$	1.13
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	26,425			26,206
Diluted net income per common share	$	1.27		$	1.13
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	26,425			26,206
Dividends declared per share	$	1.36		$	0.36

The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated, Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited)

(in thousands)



	Three months ended					Nine months ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)		(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Net income	$	9,877		$	8,275	$	33,449		$	29,640
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,158		)	3,092		(2,490		)	562
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(383		)	31		(188		)	(193		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,541		)	3,123		(2,678		)	369
Comprehensive income	$	4,336		$	11,398	$	30,771		$	30,009

The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated, Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited)

(in thousands)



	Preferred shares	Preferred stock		Common shares	Common stock		Capital in excess of par value		Retained earnings			Accumulated other comprehensive income			Total
Balance, December 28, 2013	—	$	—	26,353	$	26	$	65,391	$	123,420		$	2,591		$	191,428
Shares issued, other comp				19											—
Shares issued, ESPP				20			623								623
Shares issued, shared distribution				71			3,226								3,226
Stock-based compensation							2,744								2,744
Dividends declared									(35,986		)				(35,986		)
Net income									33,449						33,449
Other comprehensive income (loss)												(2,678		)	(2,678		)
Balance, September 27, 2014	—	$	—	26,463	$	26	$	71,984	$	120,883		$	(87	)	$	192,806

The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated, Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)



	Nine months ended
	September 27, 2014			September 28, 2013
	(unaudited)			(unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	33,449		$	29,640
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	6,428			5,393
(Gain)Loss on disposal of assets	155			324
Gain on investment in business	—			(528		)
Provision for deferred income taxes	53			(23		)
Allowance for doubtful accounts	29			8
Stock-based compensation expense	2,744			2,124
(Increase) decrease in, net of assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	(2,850		)	(4,514		)
Inventories	204			(151		)
Income taxes receivable	954			728
Other current assets	(1,185		)	(525		)
Other assets	146			284
Increase (decrease) in, net of liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable	1,289			1,115
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	2,949			2,206
Income taxes payable	2,329			679
Other noncurrent liabilities	3			21
Net cash provided by operating activities	46,697			36,781
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in business, net of cash acquired	—			(923		)
Capital expenditures	(6,953		)	(14,569		)
Proceeds from dispositions of equipment	6			70
Purchases of short-term investments	(42,788		)	(22,945		)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	25,396			19,327
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,339		)	(19,040		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from stock issued	623			651
Dividends to shareholders	(9,509		)	(7,072		)
Change in restricted cash	(3		)	1
Net cash used in financing activities	(8,889		)	(6,420		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(2,286		)	691
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,183			12,012
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	54,912			34,478
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	66,095		$	46,490
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid:
Income taxes	$	13,818		$	13,440
Supplemental disclosure of noncash transactions:
Common stock issued for shared distribution through accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	3,226		$	3,486
Common stock issued for deferred director’s compensation through other noncurrent liabilities	$	—		$	294

The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated, Unaudited Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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SUN HYDRAULICS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED, UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF BUSINESS

Sun Hydraulics Corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, design, manufacture, and sell screw-in cartridge valves and manifolds used in hydraulic systems. The Company has facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Korea, France, China, and India. Sun Hydraulics Corporation (“Sun Hydraulics”), with its main offices located in Sarasota, Florida, designs, manufactures, and sells its products primarily through distributors. Sun Hydraulik Holdings Limited (“Sun Holdings”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Hydraulics, was formed to provide a holding company for the European market operations; its wholly-owned subsidiaries are Sun Hydraulics Limited (a British corporation, “Sun Ltd.”) and Sun Hydraulik GmbH (a German corporation, “Sun GmbH”). Sun Ltd. operates a manufacturing and distribution facility located in Coventry, England, and Sun GmbH operates a manufacturing and distribution facility located in Erkelenz, Germany. Sun Hydraulics Korea Corporation (“Sun Korea”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Hydraulics, located in Incheon, South Korea, operates a manufacturing and distribution facility. In 2012, Sun Korea acquired Seungwon Solutions Corporation (“Seungwon”), also located in Incheon, South Korea, a component supplier to Sun Korea and third parties. Sun Hydraulics (France) (“Sun France”), a liaison office located in Bordeaux, France, is used to service the French market. Sun Hydraulics established Sun Hydraulics China Co. Ltd, a representative office in Shanghai in January 2011, to develop new business opportunities in the Chinese market. Sun Hydraulics (India), a liaison office in Bangalore, India, is used to develop new business opportunities in the Indian market. On September 27, 2011, Sun Hydraulics purchased the outstanding shares of High Country Tek, Inc. (“HCT”) it did not already own. HCT, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Hydraulics, is located in Nevada City, California, and designs and manufactures ruggedized electronic/hydraulic control solutions for mobile equipment markets. WhiteOak Controls, Inc. (“WhiteOak”), a 40% equity method investment designs and produces complementary electronic control products. On April 1, 2013, Sun Hydraulics purchased the remaining 60% of WhiteOak, which was merged into HCT (see note 7).

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements are not included herein. The financial statements are prepared on a consistent basis (including normal recurring adjustments) and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, filed by Sun Hydraulics Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2014. In Management’s opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial statements are reflected in the interim periods presented. Operating results for the nine month period ended September 27, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the period ending December 27, 2014.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Earnings per share

The following table represents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (in thousands, except per share data):



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013
Net income	$	9,877	$	8,275	$	33,449	$	29,640
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	26,455		26,247		26,425		26,206
Basic net income per common share	$	0.37	$	0.32	$	1.27	$	1.13
Effect of dilutive stock options	—		—		—		—
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	26,455		26,247		26,425		26,206
Diluted net income per common share	$	0.37	$	0.32	$	1.27	$	1.13

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3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company’s 2006 Stock Option Plan (“2006 Plan”) provides for the grant of incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 1,125,000 shares of the Company’s common stock by officers, employees and directors of the Company. Under the terms of the plan, incentive stock options may be granted to employees at an exercise price per share of not less than the fair value per common share on the date of the grant (not less than 110% of the fair value in the case of holders of more than 10% of the Company’s voting stock). Nonqualified stock options may be granted at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. The maximum term of an option may not exceed 10 years, and options become exercisable at such times and in such installments as determined by the Board of Directors. No awards have been granted under the 2006 Plan.

The Company’s 2001 Restricted Stock Plan provides for the grant of restricted stock of up to an aggregate of 928,125 shares of the Company’s common stock to officers, employees, consultants and directors of the Company. Under the terms of the plan, the minimum period before any shares become non-forfeitable may not be less than six months. The 2001 Restricted Stock Plan expired in 2011 and was replaced in September 2011 with the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (“2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan provides for the grant of up to an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of restricted stock, restricted share units, stock appreciation rights, dividend or dividend equivalent rights, stock awards and other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise based on the Company’s common stock, to officers, employees and directors of the Company. The 2011 Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the 2012 Annual Meeting. At September 27, 2014, 732,062 shares remained available to be issued through the 2011 Plan. Compensation cost is measured at the date of the grant and is recognized in earnings over the period in which the shares vest. Restricted stock expense for the nine months ended September 27, 2014, and September 28, 2013, totaled $2,021 and $1,557 respectively.

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity from December 28, 2013, through September 27, 2014:



	Number of shares	Weighted average grant-date fair value
Nonvested balance at December 28, 2013	176	32.18
Granted	—	—
Vested	—	—
Forfeitures	—	—
Nonvested balance at September 27, 2014	176	—

The Company had $2,718 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards granted under the 2011 Plan as of September 27, 2014. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.92 years.

The Company maintains an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), in which most employees are eligible to participate. Employees in the United States who choose to participate are granted an opportunity to purchase common stock at 85 percent of market value on the first or last day of the quarterly purchase period, whichever is lower. Employees in the United Kingdom, under a separate plan, are granted an opportunity to purchase common stock at market value, on the first or last day of the quarterly purchase period, whichever is lower, with the Company issuing one additional free share of common stock for each six shares purchased by the employee under the ESPP. The ESPP authorizes the issuance, and the purchase by employees, of up to 1,096,875 shares of common stock through payroll deductions. No U.S. employee is allowed to buy more than $25 of common stock in any year, based on the market value of the common stock at the beginning of the purchase period, and no U.K. employee is allowed to buy more than the lesser of £1.5 or 10% of his or her annual salary in any year. Employees purchased 18,373 shares at a weighted average price of $33.92, and 27,060 shares at a weighted average price of $24.05, under the ESPP during the nine months ended September 27, 2014, and September 28, 2013, respectively. The Company recognized $138 and $142 of compensation expense during the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively. At September 27, 2014, 660,258 shares remained available to be issued through the ESPP and the U.K. plan.

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The Nonemployee Director Equity and Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) originally was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the shareholders in 2004, and amended in 2008. Under the Plan, Directors who were not officers of the Company were paid 375 shares of Company common stock and $3 in cash fees for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors, as well as each meeting of each Board Committee on which they served when the committee meeting was not held within one day of a meeting of the Board of Directors. Committee Chairmen received additional fees equal to 25% of normal compensation and the Chairman of the Board was paid twice the amount of normal compensation, with such additional compensation payable in Company common stock. Prior to June 7, 2011, Directors were able to elect under the Plan to receive all or part of their cash fees in Company stock and to defer receipt of their fees until a subsequent year. When so deferred, the shares of stock were converted to deferred stock units. Deferred stock units are treated as liabilities. At September 27, 2014, there were zero deferred stock units outstanding. The Plan has now been terminated, and no further issuance of shares will be made under the Plan.

In March 2012, the Board reviewed its non-employee director compensation policy and determined that compensating Directors solely in Company stock would further align the interests of the Board and the shareholders. Accordingly, the Board of Directors adopted the Sun Hydraulics Corporation 2012 Nonemployee Director Fees Plan (the “2012 Directors Plan”), which was approved by the shareholders of the Company at its 2012 annual meeting.

Under the 2012 Directors Plan, as compensation for attendance at each Board meeting and each meeting of each committee of the Board on which he or she serves when the committee meeting is not held within one day of a meeting of the Board, each Nonemployee Director will be paid 500 shares of Common Stock. The Chairman’s fee is twice that of a regular director, and the fee for the chairs of each Board committee is 125% that of a regular director. The Board has the authority to change from time to time, in any manner it deems desirable or appropriate, the share compensation to be awarded to all or any one or more Nonemployee Directors, provided that, with limited exceptions, such changes are subject to prior shareholder approval. The aggregate number of Shares which may be issued during any single calendar year is limited to 25,000 Shares. The 2012 Directors Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 270,000 shares of common stock. At September 27, 2014, 227,249 shares remained available for issuance under the 2012 Directors Plan.

Directors were granted 13,000 and 12,500 shares for the nine months ended September 27, 2014, and September 28, 2013, respectively. The Company recognized director stock compensation expense of $514 and $432 for the nine months ended September 27, 2014, and September 28, 2013, respectively.

4. RESTRICTED CASH

On September 27, 2014, the Company had restricted cash of $337. A restricted cash reserve for customs and excise taxes in the U.K. operation was $49 at September 27, 2014. The restricted amount was calculated as an estimate of two months of customs and excise taxes for items coming into the Company’s U.K. operations and is held with Lloyds TSB in the U.K. Restricted cash of $288 at September 27, 2014, represents the holdback of the purchase price associated with the acquisition of Seungwon on October 18, 2012.

5. INVENTORIES



	September 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
Raw materials	$	6,866		$	6,037
Work in process	4,186			4,258
Finished goods	3,290			4,238
Provision for slow moving inventory	(693		)	(680		)
Total	$	13,649		$	13,853

6. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

A summary of changes in goodwill at September 27, 2014 is as follows:



Balance, December 28, 2013	$	5,221
Acquisitions	—
Currency translation	21
Balance, September 27, 2014	$	5,242

Valuation models reflecting the expected future cash flow projections are used to value reporting units. A valuation of the reporting unit at December 28, 2013, indicated that there was no impairment of the carrying value of the goodwill at Sun

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Korea. A valuation of the reporting unit at September 27, 2014 indicated that there was no impairment of the carrying value of the goodwill at HCT. As of September 27, 2014, no factors were identified that indicated impairment of the carrying value of goodwill.

The Company recognized $2,658 and $746 in identifiable intangible assets as a result of the acquisitions of HCT and WhiteOak, respectively. Intangible assets are held in other assets on the balance sheet. At September 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, intangible assets consisted of the following:



	September 27, 2014							December 28, 2013
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization			Net carrying amount		Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization			Net carrying amount
Definite-lived intangibles:
Trade Name	$	774	$	(245	)	$	529	$	774	$	(184	)	$	590
Non-compete agreement	11		(8		)	3		11		(4		)	7
Technology	868		(194		)	674		868		(130		)	738
Customer Relationships	1,751		(249		)	1,502		1,751		(179		)	1,572
	$	3,404	$	(696	)	$	2,708	$	3,404	$	(497	)	$	2,907

Total estimated amortization expense for the years 2015 through 2019 is presented below. The remaining amortization for 2014 is approximately $65.



Year:
2015	256
2016	255
2017	255
2018	255
2019	255
Total	$	1,276

Intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the undiscounted net cash flows to be generated by their use over their expected useful lives and eventual disposition may be less than their net carrying value. No such events or circumstances occurred during the nine months ended September 27, 2014.

7. ACQUISITIONS

On April 1, 2013, the Company acquired the remaining 60% of the capital stock of WhiteOak that it did not already own for $1,000. WhiteOak has been merged into HCT and relocated to HCT's facility in California. HCT manufactures, markets, sells and has design control for all current WhiteOak products. The combination of HCT and WhiteOak gives Sun full ownership of the technology to develop the next generation of Sun's electronic control products.

The Company recorded approximately $726 in goodwill, $746 in definite lived intangible assets, and $12 in transaction costs related to the acquisition. Of the $746 of acquired intangible assets, $18 was assigned to the WhiteOak trade name (1 year useful life), $11 was assigned to non-compete agreements (2 year useful life), $276 was assigned to customer relationships (15 year useful life), and $441 was assigned to technology (10 year useful life). Additionally, the Company recorded a gain of $528 as a result of remeasuring to fair value its 40% equity interest in WhiteOak held before the business combination. This gain was included in miscellaneous income on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The results of operations of WhiteOak have been included in the Company’s consolidated results since the date of acquisition. Supplemental pro forma information and disclosure of acquired assets and liabilities have not been provided as this acquisition did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements individually or in the aggregate.

8. LONG-TERM DEBT

Effective August 1, 2011, the Company entered into a credit and security agreement in the U.S. with Fifth Third Bank (the “Bank”). The agreement provides for three separate credit facilities totaling $50,000.

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Facility A is a $15,000 unsecured revolving line of credit and requires monthly payments of interest. Facility A has a floating interest rate of 1.45% over the 30-day LIBOR Rate (as defined).

Facility B is an accordion feature to increase the revolving line of credit to a $35,000 secured revolving line of credit. Facility B will be secured by the Company’s U.S. assets, including its manufacturing facilities, and requires monthly payments of interest. Facility B will bear interest at the 30-day LIBOR Rate or the Bank’s Base Rate (as defined), at the Company’s discretion, plus a margin based on the Borrower’s Funded Debt to EBITDA Leverage Ratio (as defined). The LIBOR Margin ranges from 1.45% to 2.25% and the Bank’s Base Rate ranges from (0.25)% to 0.00%.

Facility C is a $15,000 construction and term loan. The Company did not activate Facility C for the construction of its new Sarasota factory.

Facility A or Facility B (if activated) is payable in full on August 1, 2016. Maturity may be accelerated by the Bank upon an Event of Default (as defined). Prepayment may be made without penalty or premium at any time upon the required notice to the Bank.

Facility A is subject to debt covenants (capitalized terms are defined therein) including: 1) Minimum Tangible Net Worth of not less than $92,000, increased annually by 50% of Net Income, and 2) Minimum EBITDA of not less than $5,000; and requires the Company to maintain its primary domestic deposit accounts with the bank. At September 27, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants related to Facility A as follows:



Covenant	Required Ratio/Amount	Actual Ratio/Amount
Minimum Tangible Net Worth	$165,254	$	184,701
Minimum EBITDA	Not less than $5 million	$	69,271

If Facility B is activated, covenant 2 above will automatically terminate and two additional covenants will be required: 1) Funded Debt to EBITDA ratio equal to or less than 3.0:1.0, and 2) EBIT to Interest Expense ratio of not less than 2.5:1.0. As of September 27, 2014, the Company had not activated Facility B.

The Company did not have any amounts drawn on Facilities A, B, or C for the periods ended September 27, 2014, and September 28, 2013.

9. INCOME TAXES

At September 27, 2014, the Company had an unrecognized tax benefit of $1,014 including accrued interest. If recognized, the unrecognized tax benefit would have a favorable effect on the effective tax rate in future periods. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. Interest accrued as of September 27, 2014, is not considered material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns as well as income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2004 for the majority of tax jurisdictions.

The Company’s federal returns are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States for the periods 2004 through 2012. To date, there have not been any significant proposed adjustments that have not been accounted for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements are subject to significant uncertainty. It is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months the Company will resolve some or all of the matters presently under consideration for 2004 through 2012 with the IRS and that there could be significant increases or decreases to unrecognized tax benefits.

10. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has a single reportable segment in manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing its products worldwide. The individual subsidiaries comprising the Company operate predominantly in a single industry as manufacturers and distributors of hydraulic components. Given the similar nature of products offered for sale, the type of customers, the methods of distribution and how the Company is managed, the Company determined that it has only one operating and reporting segment for both internal and external reporting purposes.

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Geographic Region Information:

Net sales are measured based on the geographic destination of sales. Total and long-lived assets are shown based on the physical location of the assets. Long-lived assets primarily include net property, plant and equipment:



	Three Months Ended September 27, 2014		Three Months Ended September 28, 2013		Nine months ended September 27, 2014		Nine months ended September 28, 2013
Net sales
Americas	$	27,399	$	24,943	$	83,242	$	76,925
Europe/Africa/ME	17,016		14,807		53,937		46,669
Asia/Pacific	10,596		9,619		35,691		32,624
Total	$	55,011	$	49,369	$	172,870	$	156,218



	September 27, 2014		December 28, 2013
Total assets
Americas	$	164,950	$	138,828
Europe/Africa/ME	60,289		58,388
Asia/Pacific	19,262		16,262
Total	$	244,501	$	213,478
Long-lived assets
Americas	$	71,111	$	70,479
Europe/Africa/ME	9,672		9,745
Asia/Pacific	4,123		4,198
Total	$	84,906	$	84,422

11. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company applies fair value accounting guidelines for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Under these guidelines, fair value is defined as the price that would be received for the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little, infrequent, or no market activity and reflect the Company’s own assumptions about inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The Company’s valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of marketable equity securities, mutual funds, and phantom stock units were derived from quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of all other financial instruments were valued based on quoted market prices or model driven valuations using significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

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The Company’s short-term investments have been classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates the designation at each balance sheet date. The Company may or may not hold securities with stated maturities greater than 12 months until maturity. As management views these securities as available to support current operations, the Company classifies securities with maturities beyond 12 months as current assets under the caption short-term investments in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. These investments are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of shareholder’s equity. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are generally determined using the specific identification method, and are included in miscellaneous (income) expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013.



	September 27, 2014
	Adjusted Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Assets
Level 1:
Equity securities	$	1,827	$	124	$	(178	)	$	1,773
Mutual funds	10,264		34		(42		)	10,256
Subtotal	$	12,091	$	158	$	(220	)	$	12,029
Level 2:
Corporate fixed income	$	39,019	$	21	$	(469	)	$	38,571
Government securities	51		—		—			51
Municipal bonds	3,790		—		(29		)	3,761
Asset backed securities	887		—		(67		)	820
Subtotal	$	43,747	$	21	$	(565	)	$	43,203
Total	$	55,838	$	179	$	(785	)	$	55,232
Liabilities
Level 1:
Phantom stock units	$	65	$	—	$	—		$	65
Total	$	65	$	—	$	—		$	65



	December 28, 2013
	Adjusted Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Assets
Level 1:
Equity securities	$	2,049	$	137	$	(64	)	$	2,122
Mutual funds	3,865		19		(1		)	3,883
Subtotal	$	5,914	$	156	$	(65	)	$	6,005
Level 2:
Corporate fixed income	$	25,240	$	126	$	(250	)	$	25,116
Municipal bonds	2,775		1		(28		)	2,748
Certificates of deposit and time deposits	4,014		1		—			4,015
Asset backed securities	974		—		(129		)	845
Subtotal	$	33,003	$	128	$	(407	)	$	32,724
Total	$	38,917	$	284	$	(472	)	$	38,729
Liabilities
Level 1:
Phantom stock units	$	38	$	—	$	—		$	38
Total	$	38	$	—	$	—		$	38

The Company recognized a net realized gain on investments during the nine months ended September 27, 2014 of $180 and a net realized loss of $7 during the nine months ended September 28, 2013. As of September 27, 2014, gross unrealized losses related to individual securities that had been in a continuous loss position for 12 months or longer were not significant. The

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Company considers these unrealized losses in market value of its investments to be temporary in nature. When evaluating an investment for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below its cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and any changes thereto, and the Company’s intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell, the investment before recovery of the investment’s cost basis. There were no other-than-temporary impairments during the nine month period ended September 27, 2014.

Maturities of investments at September 27, 2014 are as follows:



	Adjusted Cost		Fair Value
Due in less than one year	$	15,263	$	15,228
Due after one year but within five years	16,863		16,644
Due after five years but within ten years	6,064		5,914
Due after ten years	5,557		5,417
Equity securities	1,827		1,773
Mutual Funds	10,264		10,256
Total	$	55,838	$	55,232

The Company reports phantom stock units as a liability. The Company recognized expense relating to this liability of $26 and $50, for the nine month periods ended September 27, 2014, and September 28, 2013. Phantom stock units vest over a period of three years.

The Company did not have any fair value adjustments for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period ended September 27, 2014.

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12. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component

Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014



	Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-for- Sale Securities			Foreign Currency Items			Total
Balance at December 28, 2013	$	(188	)	$	2,779		$	2,591
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(75		)	(2,490		)	(2,565		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(113		)	—			(113		)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(188		)	(2,490		)	(2,678		)
Balance, September 27, 2014	$	(376	)	$	289		$	(87	)

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014



	Amount Reclassified from AOCI
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Nine Months Ended September 27, 2014			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
Realized gain/(loss) on sale of securities	$	180		Miscellaneous (income) expense, net
	180			Total before tax
	(67		)	Tax benefit
	$	113		Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period	$	113

13. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The guidance requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued and provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going concern uncertainties in the financial statements. Certain disclosures will be required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance applies to all entities and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to clarify the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance on Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disposals of Components of an Entity, which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is not a party to any legal proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company.

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Sun is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds, which control force, speed and motion as integral components in fluid power systems. The Company sells its products globally through wholly owned subsidiaries and independent distributors. Sales outside the United States for the year ended December 28, 2013, were approximately 57% of total net sales.

Approximately two-thirds of product sales are used by the mobile market, which is characterized by applications where the equipment is not fixed in place, the operating environment is often unpredictable, and duty cycles are generally moderate to low. Some examples of the mobile market include equipment used in off-road construction, agriculture, fire and rescue, utilities, oil fields, and mining.

The remaining one-third of sales are used by industrial markets, which are characterized by equipment that is fixed in place, typically in a controlled environment, and which operates at higher pressures and duty cycles. Power units, automation machinery, metal cutting machine tools and plastics machinery are some examples of industrial equipment. The Company sells to both markets with a single product line.

In recent periods, the Company’s products have been used by emerging markets that have characteristics of both the mobile and industrial markets and do not conveniently fit either classification exclusively. These markets include alternative energy equipment including wind, wave and solar equipment, animatronics and staging for theater and cinema. The Company sells to these markets the same products used in its traditional markets.

Management and Operations Philosophy

Since its inception, Sun has operated as an entrepreneurial enterprise, with an emphasis on individual employee empowerment and a disinclination to create bureaucracy, a formal management structure or administrative impediments to innovation, efficiency and customer service. Accordingly, the Company’s organization, management structure, and reporting and decision-making systems are highly unified and unlayered.

In addition to representative and sales offices located throughout the world, Sun has three subsidiaries outside the United States (in the UK, Germany and Korea) and one U.S. subsidiary. These entity distinctions arose out of historical considerations or as the result of acquisitions. Nevertheless, and increasingly as it has developed into a global enterprise, the Company is operated and managed on a consolidated basis. Much of the Company’s primary financial and operations data is reported from Sun’s various legal entities, which are separate tax-payers and, in many cases, subject to statutory audits in the countries in which they are organized. This information from Sun locations around the world is then compiled and aggregated, with appropriate consolidating entries, on a monthly basis. However, we do not manage or make decisions based on the individual legal entity information. Instead, this is done on the basis of the consolidated information.

Sun has always employed a leadership model in which all management personnel have line responsibilities and participate across functional lines and in multiple areas, including geographical areas. Through a common vision, shared values and networks of informal, overlapping relationships, the Company has emphasized a unified approach. The CEO oversees the Company with a constant focus on consolidated results.

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With oversight from its Board of Directors and an emphasis on transparent communication across the entire Company, Sun’s operating strategy and business is based upon the creation and manufacture of a comprehensive line of functional products which are sold, through distribution and directly, worldwide for use in a host of mobile and industrial applications. This unified focus places a premium on the delivery of Sun products for fluid power solutions anywhere in the world in the most efficient manner, with little regard for traditional geographic or entity differentiation. Instead, Sun’s management looks at where products are sold - the Americas, Europe (which includes the Middle East and Africa), and Asia/Pacific. Decisions as to resource allocation, expansion of facilities and personnel, and capital investment are all made based on information on “sales to” customers, not information about “sales from” Sun subsidiary entities. This reflects the fact that sales are routinely specified, originated or sold beyond and regardless of entity or geographic boundaries. In particular, many of the sales in Europe and Asia come directly from the US and never pass through one of Sun’s subsidiary entities in those regions.

Management’s focus is on overall Company performance and the evaluation of opportunities for additional “sales to” customers. Sun’s CEO truly acts as the chief executive for the entire business; he and the other management leaders oversee operations worldwide, without an intermediate reporting bureaucracy in each location in which Sun has a legal entity. Using “shared offices,” leadership responsibilities are disbursed throughout the Company, with minimal formal reporting relationships and maximum collaboration among employees worldwide. By focusing on total net orders and total net sales, not individual legal entity performance, Sun is able to better serve its customers. This philosophy permeates not only the management approach to decision-making, but also the Company’s compensation system, which is based on company-wide performance, and not individual or entity-level management-by-objective criteria.

Industry conditions

Demand for the Company’s products is dependent on demand for the capital goods into which the products are incorporated. The capital goods industries in general, and the fluid power industry specifically, are subject to economic cycles. According to the National Fluid Power Association (the fluid power industry’s trade association in the United States), the United States index of shipments of hydraulic products decreased 5% in 2013 after increasing 1% in 2012. The index of shipments of hydraulic products increased 7% for the three-month period ending September 27, 2014, compared to the same period of the prior year.

The Company’s order trend has historically tracked closely to the United States Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). When PMI is over 50, it indicates economic expansion in the manufacturing sector; when it is below 50, it indicates contraction. The index increased to 56.6 in September 2014 compared to 56.2 in September 2013. The U.S. PMI index registered 59.0 for October 2014, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 17th consecutive month. The index was supported by growth in new orders, production, and employment. Management believes this is a strong indicator for positive near-term business conditions for Sun.

Results for the third quarter

(in millions except net income per share)



	September 27, 2014		September 28, 2013		Increase
Three Months Ended
Net sales	$	55.0	$	49.4	11	%
Net income	$	9.9	$	8.3	19	%
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.37	$	0.32	16	%
Diluted	$	0.37	$	0.32	16	%
Nine Months Ended
Net sales	$	172.9	$	156.2	11	%
Net income	$	33.4	$	29.6	13	%
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.27	$	1.13	12	%
Diluted	$	1.27	$	1.13	12	%

Sun's third quarter results were strong compared to last year. Demand was bolstered by all geographic end markets, with Europe up 15%, and North America and Asia/Pacific each up 10%. Earnings came in as expected and included ongoing investments in product development and marketing efforts.

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Management believes that investing in the business for sustainable, profitable growth is key to operations. In 2014, these investments include physical capacity, product development, and marketing efforts in Asia. These investments benefit Sun and our stakeholders long-term, and help drive value for shareholders. In addition to investing in the business, the Company's financial performance and ability to generate cash allowed the return of cash to shareholders through a $1.00 per share special dividend, paid last month. The Company did this while maintaining a balance sheet that affords the ability to continue to invest in the business and take advantage of market opportunities for growth. Sun's focus remains on providing differentiated products and services to customers, and delivering further value to stakeholders.

Outlook

Fourth quarter 2014 revenues are expected to be approximately $55 million, up 12% from the fourth quarter of 2013. Earnings per share are estimated to be $0.37 to $0.39 compared to $0.32 in the same period a year ago.

For the year, revenues are expected to be approximately $228 million, up 11% from the prior year. Earnings per share are estimated to be $1.64 to $1.66 compared to earnings per share of $1.45 in the prior year.

COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Net Sales

Net sales were $55.0 million, an increase of $5.6 million, or 11.4%, compared to $49.4 million in the third quarter of 2013. The increase in net sales was driven by stronger demand for capital goods equipment in all major geographic end markets. A price increase, effective October 1, 2013, contributed approximately 2.5%, or $1.4 million to sales. Changes in exchange rates had a positive impact on sales of approximately $0.6 million. New product sales (defined as products introduced within the last five years) continue to make up 10 - 15% of total sales.

Asian/Pacific sales increased 10.2% or $1.0 million, to $10.6 million in the third quarter of 2014, primarily related to increased demand from China. Exchange rates had a $0.4 million positive impact on Asia/Pacific sales in the third quarter of 2014. EAME sales increased 14.9% or $2.2 million, to $17.0 million in the third quarter of 2014, primarily related to demand in Germany, and the United Kingdom. Sales to Europe have exceeded levels experienced prior to the general economic downturn in this region over the past two years. Exchange rates had a positive impact on sales to EAME of approximately $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2014. Sales to the Americas increased 9.8% or $2.5 million, to $27.4 million in the third quarter of 2014, driven by U.S. demand.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $2.7 million or 13.6%, to $22.3 million in the third quarter of 2014, compared to $19.6 million in the third quarter of last year. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 40.5% in the third quarter of 2014, compared to 39.7% in the third quarter of last year. The increase in gross profit was attributable to increased sales volume, which added approximately $1.7 million, and pricing, which added $1.4 million. These increases were partially offset by higher material costs as a percent of sales.

Selling, Engineering and Administrative Expenses

Selling, engineering and administrative expenses increased 17.1%, or $1.1 million, to $7.7 million in the third quarter of 2014, compared to $6.5 million in the third quarter of last year. The change is primarily related to increases in R&D and outside services, each totaling $0.3 million. Marketing efforts in Asia also added $0.2 million in the current period.

Operating Income

Operating income increased $1.6 million or 11.9%, to $14.6 million in the third quarter of 2014, compared to $13.1 million in the third quarter last year, with operating margins of 26.6% and 26.5% for the third quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company derives its operating income based on the consolidated results of its legal entities. The Company has made the decision to consolidate engineering and manufacturing for the most part in the U.S. The Company’s foreign subsidiaries primarily act as part of our sales and distribution channel. This structure results in different operating margins among the legal entities due to the mix of products, channels to market, and industries present in different geographic regions.

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and UK entities act as value add distributors. These entities sell to both end use customers in their respective regions, as well as to third party distributors in certain parts of Europe. UK margins have historically been lower than Germany margins. This is due to the fact that, in the UK, we manufacture iron manifolds for the European market. This results in higher overhead costs primarily related to machinery and equipment, and the employment of nearly twice as many people as in Germany. Margins are lowest in our Korean entity. Korea, more than any other subsidiary, sells direct to large OEM customers where pricing pressure is most pronounced.

The U.S. legal entity contributed $11.6 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014, compared to $10.4 million in 2013, an increase of $1.2 million. The increase is primarily related to volume and pricing. Increased revenue volume was driven by sales to the United States. Increasingly, the US legal entity ships products directly to customers around the world. Third party export sales from the US were $13.8 million in 2014 compared to $12.3 million in 2013. As demand strengthens internationally, the US legal entity will benefit from these direct export sales.

Our Korean subsidiary contributed $0.3 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 and 2013, maintaining similar operating margins.

Our German subsidiary contributed $1.8 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 compared to $1.5 million during 2013, an increase of $0.3 million. Higher volume added approximately $0.2 million, with the remainder resulting from margin expansion. Operating margins were 24.4% and 22.9%, in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Our U.K. subsidiary contributed $0.9 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 and 2013. Increases from volume of $0.2 million offset increased labor and overhead costs.

Interest Income, Net

Net interest income was $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 27, 2014, compared to $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 28, 2013. The Company currently has no outstanding debt. Total average cash and investments for the quarter ended September 27, 2014, was $116.3 million compared to $83.1 million for the quarter ended September 28, 2013.

Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net

Net miscellaneous expense was $0.2 million for the quarter ended September 27, 2014, compared to net miscellaneous expense of $0.5 million for the quarter ended September 28, 2013. The current period amount is primarily related to an insurance settlement. The prior year amount is related to losses on the disposal of assets.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the quarter ended September 27, 2014, was 34.2% of pretax income compared to 35.3% for the quarter ended September 28, 2013. This effective rate relates to the relative levels of income and different tax rates in effect among the countries in which the Company sells its products. For the current period, taxes include discrete items of approximately 1.3% of pretax income related to provision to return true-ups. The prior year period included discrete items of approximately 1.9% of pretax income.

COMPARISON OF THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

Net Sales

Net sales were $172.9 million, an increase of $16.7 million, or 10.7%, compared to $156.2 million in 2013. The increase in net sales was driven by stronger worldwide demand for capital goods equipment. A price increase, effective October 1, 2013, contributed approximately 2.5%, or $4.4 million to sales. Changes in exchange rates had a positive impact on sales of approximately $2.2 million. New product sales (defined as products introduced within the last five years) continue to make up 10 - 15% of total sales.

Asian/Pacific sales increased 9.4% or $3.1 million, to $35.7 million in 2014, primarily related to demand from Korea and China. Exchange rates had a $1.0 million positive impact on Asia/Pacific sales in 2014. EAME sales increased 15.6% or $7.3 million, to $53.9 million in 2014, primarily related to demand in Germany, and the United Kingdom. Significant increases were also noted in Austria, Ireland and Spain. Sales to Europe have exceeded levels experienced prior to the general economic downturn in this region over the past two years. Exchange rates had a positive impact on sales to EAME of approximately $1.2 million in 2014. Sales to the Americas increased 8.2% or $6.3 million, to $83.2 million in 2014, driven by U.S. demand.

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Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $8.6 million or 13.5%, to $72.1 million in 2014, compared to $63.5 million last year. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 41.7% in 2014, compared to 40.7% last year. The increase in gross profit was primarily attributable to increased sales volume in the current period of approximately $5.0 million. Pricing added approximately $4.4 million to gross profit. This was partially offset by increased material and overhead expenses, related to indirect labor costs including overtime, building maintenance and repairs, and depreciation on our new facility.

Selling, Engineering and Administrative Expenses

Selling, engineering and administrative expenses increased 13.3%, or $2.6 million, to $22.4 million in 2014, compared to $19.8 million last year. The change for the year is primarily related to increases in compensation, including stock compensation and currency effects, totaling $0.7 million. The remainder is primarily made up of increased marketing costs associated with product launches and marketing efforts in Asia, totaling approximately $0.4 million, R&D of approximately $0.4 million, and outside services of approximately $0.6 million.

Operating Income

Operating income increased $6.0 million or 13.6% to $49.7 million in 2014, compared to $43.8 million last year, with operating margins of 28.8% and 28.0% 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company derives its operating income based on the consolidated results of its legal entities. The Company has made the decision to consolidate engineering and manufacturing for the most part in the U.S. The Company’s foreign subsidiaries primarily act as part of our sales and distribution channel. This structure results in different operating margins between the legal entities due to the mix of products, channels to market, and industries present in different geographic regions.

Products manufactured in the U.S. are sold worldwide. Pricing, operations and cost structure are the primary reasons that operating income in the U.S. is higher than foreign subsidiary operating income, which we expect will continue. Our German and UK entities act as value add distributors. These entities sell to both end use customers in their respective regions, as well as to third party distributors in certain parts of Europe. UK margins have historically been lower than Germany margins. This is due to the fact that, in the UK, we manufacture iron manifolds for the European market. This results in higher overhead costs primarily related to machinery and equipment, and the employment of nearly twice as many people as in Germany. Margins are lowest in our Korean entity. Korea, more than any other subsidiary, sells direct to large OEM customers where pricing pressure is most pronounced.

The U.S. legal entity contributed $39.6 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014, compared to $34.9 million in 2013, an increase of $4.7 million. The increase was driven by higher volume and pricing, which offset increased input costs. Increased revenue volume was driven by sales to the United States. Increasingly, the US legal entity ships products directly to customers around the world. Third party export sales from the US were $45.2 million in 2014 compared to $40.9 million in 2013. As demand strengthens internationally, the US legal entity will benefit from these direct export sales.

Our Korean subsidiary contributed $1.4 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 compared to $1.5 million in 2013, a decrease of $0.1 million. The decrease was due to margin erosion, going from approximately 10.1% to 8.4% of sales. This decrease was primarily related to increased material, labor and overhead costs.

Our German subsidiary contributed $5.6 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 compared to $4.5 million during 2013, an increase of $1.1 million. Higher volume added approximately $0.4 million, with the remainder resulting from margin expansion. Operating margins were 24.2% and 22.5%, in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The margin growth was attributable to material cost decreases related to purchases of material in U.S. Dollars and a strengthening Euro.

Our U.K. subsidiary contributed $3.1 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 compared to $2.9 million during 2013, an increase of $0.2 million. Higher volume contributed $0.6 million, which was partially offset by a decrease in margin from 21.3% to 19.4%.

Interest Income, Net

Net interest income was $0.9 million in 2014, compared to $0.7 million in 2013. The Company currently has no outstanding debt. Total average cash and investments for the nine months ended September 27, 2014, was $107.8 million compared to $80.0 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2013.

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Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net

Net miscellaneous expense was $0.5 million in 2014, compared to net miscellaneous expense of $0.1 million in 2013. The current and prior year periods included losses on the disposal of assets. The prior year amounts were offset by a gain resulting from the acquisition of WhiteOak Controls.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 27, 2014, was 33.6% of pretax income compared to 33.3% for the nine months ended September 28, 2013. This effective rate relates to the relative levels of income and different tax rates in effect among the countries in which the Company sells its products. The increase is primarily related to a change in the Company's U.S. state tax rate. For the current period, taxes include discrete items of approximately 0.7% of pretax income related to provision to return true-ups. The prior year period included discrete items of approximately 0.5% of pretax income.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Historically, the Company’s primary source of capital has been cash generated from operations, although fluctuations in working capital requirements have from time to time been met through borrowings under revolving lines of credit. The Company’s principal uses of cash have been to pay operating expenses, make capital expenditures, pay dividends to shareholders, and service debt.

Cash from operations for the nine months ended September 27, 2014, was $46.7 million, an increase of $9.9 million, compared to $36.8 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2013. Net income was up approximately $3.8 million from the prior period. Changes in working capital relating to increases in accounts receivable were $2.9 million during 2014, compared to $4.5 million during 2013. Decreases in inventory were $0.2 million during 2014, compared to an increase of $0.2 million during 2013. These changes are the result of improved days sales outstanding and inventory turns. Increases in accounts payable and accruals were $4.2 million during 2014, compared to $3.3 million during 2013, which is typical of improved business conditions in 2014 compared to, those experienced in 2013. Cash on hand increased $11.2 million from $54.9 million at the end of 2013 to $66.1 million at September 27, 2014. Days sales outstanding (DSO) were 33 at September 27, 2014, and 34 at September 28, 2013. Inventory turns were 9.6 as of September 27, 2014, and 9.3 as of September 28, 2013.

Capital expenditures were $7.0 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2014. Approximately $2.2 million related to construction of facilities. The remainder is made up primarily of purchases of machinery and equipment. Capital expenditures, related to the Company's new facility, were $14.6 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2013. Capital expenditures for 2014 are estimated to be $10.0 million, which includes approximately $2.5 million for improvements to, and reconfiguring of, the Company's Manatee County facility originally constructed in 1997. Changes to this facility are expected to create operational efficiencies and productivity gains with regard to the Company's high-volume cartridge valve line. The remainder of capital expenditures primarily consists of purchases of machinery and equipment.

The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share payable on October 15, 2014, to shareholders of record as of October 2, 2014. In addition to the regular quarterly dividend, the Company declared a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share payable on October 24, 2014, to shareholders of record on October 10, 2014. The declaration and payment of future dividends is subject to the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, and any determination as to the payment of future dividends will depend upon the Company’s profitability, financial condition, capital needs, future prospects and other factors deemed pertinent by the Board of Directors.

The Company believes that cash generated from operations and its borrowing availability under its revolving line of credit will be sufficient to satisfy the Company’s operating expenses and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future. In the event that economic conditions were to severely worsen for a protracted period of time, the Company would have several options available to ensure liquidity in addition to increased borrowing. Capital expenditures could be postponed since they primarily pertain to long-term improvements in operations. Additional operating expense reductions also could be made. Finally, the dividend to shareholders could be reduced or suspended.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not engage in any off balance sheet financing arrangements. In particular, the Company does not have any material interest in variable interest entities, which include special purpose entities and structured finance entities.

Through the first quarter of the prior year, the Company used the equity method of accounting to account for its 40% equity investment in WhiteOak. The Company did not have a majority ownership in or exercise control over the entity. The

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investment was not material to the financial statements of the Company at March 30, 2013. On April 1, 2013, Sun Hydraulics purchased the remaining 60% of WhiteOak (see note 7.)

Seasonality

The Company generally has experienced increased sales during the second quarter of the year, largely as a result of the order patterns of our customers. The Company’s second quarter net sales, income from operations and net income historically are the highest of any quarter during the year.

Inflation

The impact of inflation on the Company’s operating results has been moderate in recent years, reflecting generally lower rates of inflation in the economy. While inflation has not had, and the Company does not expect that it will have, a material impact upon operating results, there is no assurance that the Company’s business will not be affected by inflation in the future.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company currently applies judgment and estimates which may have a material effect on the eventual outcome of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses for impairment of long-lived assets, inventory, goodwill, accruals, and income taxes. The Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates are included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013, and did not change during the first nine months of 2014.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain oral statements made by management from time to time and certain statements contained herein that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, including those in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, are statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations, estimates or projections of the Company, its Directors or its Officers about the Company and the industry in which it operates, and assumptions made by management, and include among other items, (i) the Company’s strategies regarding growth, including its intention to develop new products; (ii) the Company’s financing plans; (iii) trends affecting the Company’s financial condition or results of operations; (iv) the Company’s ability to continue to control costs and to meet its liquidity and other financing needs; (v) the declaration and payment of dividends; and (vi) the Company’s ability to respond to changes in customer demand domestically and internationally, including as a result of standardization. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the anticipated results will occur.

Important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other items, (i) the economic cyclicality of the capital goods industry in general and the hydraulic valve and manifold industry in particular, which directly affect customer orders, lead times and sales volume; (ii) conditions in the capital markets, including the interest rate environment and the availability of capital; (iii) changes in the competitive marketplace that could affect the Company’s revenue and/or costs, such as increased competition, lack of qualified engineering, marketing, management or other personnel, and increased labor and raw materials costs; (iv) changes in technology or customer requirements, such as standardization of the cavity into which screw-in cartridge valves must fit, which could render the Company’s products or technologies noncompetitive or obsolete; (v) new product introductions, product sales mix and the geographic mix of sales nationally and internationally; and (vi) changes relating to the Company’s international sales, including changes in regulatory requirements or tariffs, trade or currency restrictions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and tax and collection issues. Further information relating to factors that could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated is included but not limited to information under the headings Item 1. “Business,” and Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2014. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on borrowed funds, which could affect its results of operations and financial condition. The Company’s interest rate on its debt financing remains variable based upon the Company’s leverage ratio. The Company had no variable-rate debt outstanding at September 27, 2014. Therefore, a 1% change in interest rates up or down would not have a material effect on the Company’s income statement on an annual basis.

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The Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations relates primarily to the direct investment in its facilities in the United Kingdom, Germany and Korea. The Company does not use financial instruments to hedge foreign currency exchange rate changes.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of September 27, 2014, the Company’s management, under the direction of its Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 27, 2014, in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the period ended September 27, 2014, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

For information regarding risk factors, please refer to Part I, Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013.

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

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Item 6.	Exhibits.

Exhibits:



Exhibit Number		Exhibit Description

31.1		CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2		CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1		CEO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.

32.2		CFO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH		XBRL Schema Document

101.CAL		XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF		XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB		XBRL Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE		XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Sarasota, State of Florida on November 4, 2014.




SUN HYDRAULICS CORPORATION

By:		/s/ Tricia L. Fulton
		Tricia L. Fulton
		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)