MIND TECHNOLOGY, INC - Quarter Report: 2009 October (Form 10-Q)

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 000-25142

MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas		76-0210849
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

8141 SH 75 South
P.O. Box 1175
Huntsville, Texas 77342
(Address of principal executive offices, including Zip Code)

(936) 291-2277
(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 þ     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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o     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 “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 9,812,294 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding as of December 4, 2009.

 

 

MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.		Financial Statements
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2009 and January 31, 2009			1
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended October 31, 2009 and 2008			2
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended October 31, 2009 and 2008			3
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements			4
Item 2.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			10
Item 3.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			19
Item 4.		Controls and Procedures			19
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.		Legal Proceedings			19
Item 1A.		Risk Factors			20
Item 2.		Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			20
Item 3.		Defaults Upon Senior Securities			20
Item 4.		Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders			21
Item 5.		Other Information			21
Item 6.		Exhibits			21
		Signatures			22
EX-31.1
EX-31.2
EX-32.1

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)

		October 31, 2009
		(unaudited)				January 31, 2009
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	6,400			$	5,063
Restricted cash			483				969
Accounts receivable, net			15,400				12,415
Current portion of contracts receivable			872				836
Inventories, net			5,931				3,772
Costs incurred and estimated profit in excess of billings on uncompleted contract			509				1,787
Income taxes receivable			—				1,000
Deferred tax asset			1,521				1,682
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			1,241				1,535
Total current assets			32,357				29,059
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment, net			64,888				64,251
Intangible assets, net			2,742				2,744
Goodwill			4,320				4,320
Deferred tax asset			1,288				—
Long-term portion of contracts receivable			3,217				3,806
Other assets			55				47
Total assets		$	108,867			$	104,227
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	5,850			$	13,561
Current maturities — long-term debt			308				—
Income taxes payable			1,678				—
Deferred revenue			508				424
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			2,466				3,877
Total current liabilities			10,810				17,862
Non-current income taxes payable			2,972				3,260
Deferred tax liability			—				32
Long-term debt, net of current maturities			11,345				5,950
Total liabilities			25,127				27,104
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding			—				—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000 shares authorized; 10,737 and 10,725 shares issued at October 31, 2009 and January 31, 2009, respectively			107				107
Additional paid-in capital			75,460				74,396
Treasury stock, at cost (924 and 922 shares at October 31, 2009 and January 31, 2009, respectively)			(4,833	)			(4,826	)
Retained earnings			9,663				9,727
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			3,343				(2,281	)
Total shareholders’ equity			83,740				77,123
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	108,867			$	104,227

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

		For the Three Months								For the Nine Months
		Ended October 31,								Ended October 31,
		2009				2008				2009				2008
Revenues:
Equipment leasing		$	9,037			$	10,043			$	20,165			$	29,916
Lease pool equipment sales			808				333				978				2,738
Seamap equipment sales			4,241				2,385				13,882				10,952
Other equipment sales			444				1,787				2,787				6,971
Total revenues			14,530				14,548				37,812				50,577
Cost of sales:
Direct costs — equipment leasing			748				810				2,201				1,595
Direct costs — lease pool depreciation			4,610				3,781				13,127				11,094
Cost of lease pool equipment sales			473				143				570				1,375
Cost of Seamap and other equipment sales			2,534				2,554				8,645				10,511
Total cost of sales			8,365				7,288				24,543				24,575
Gross profit			6,165				7,260				13,269				26,002
Operating expenses:
General and administrative			3,809				3,893				11,280				13,103
Provision for doubtful accounts			730				424				1,379				519
Depreciation and amortization			213				287				690				1,046
Total operating expenses			4,752				4,604				13,349				14,668
Operating income (loss)			1,413				2,656				(80	)			11,334
Other income (expenses):
Interest, net			(122	)			36				(303	)			409
Other, net			123				29				405				37
Total other income			1				65				102				446
Income before income taxes			1,414				2,721				22				11,780
Benefit (provision) for income taxes			(388	)			20				(86	)			(3,136	)
Net (loss) income		$	1,026			$	2,741			$	(64	)		$	8,644
Net (loss) income per common share:
Basic		$	0.10			$	0.28			$	(0.01	)		$	0.89
Diluted		$	0.10			$	0.27			$	(0.01	)		$	0.84
Shares used in computing net (loss) income per common share:
Basic			9,805				9,776				9,795				9,764
Diluted			9,969				10,188				9,795				10,303

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

MITCHAM INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

		For the Nine Months Ended
		October 31,
		2009				2008
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income		$	(64	)		$	8,644
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			13,912				12,258
Stock-based compensation			1,119				1,691
Provision for doubtful accounts			1,379				518
Provision for inventory obsolescence			13				230
Gross profit from sale of lease pool equipment			(408	)			(1,363	)
Excess tax benefit from exercise of non-qualified stock options			(45	)			(96	)
Benefit from deferred income taxes			(1,553	)			(190	)
Changes in non-current income taxes payable			(288	)			(598	)
Changes in working capital items:
Accounts receivable			(2,186	)			(3,970	)
Contracts receivable			(36	)			(88	)
Inventories			(1,468	)			(601	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(268	)			(1,051	)
Income taxes receivable and payable			3,073				(390	)
Costs incurred and estimated profit in excess of billings on uncompleted contract			1,746				—
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, other current liabilities and deferred revenue			(1,339	)			(4,885	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			13,587				10,109
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of seismic equipment held for lease			(18,828	)			(24,620	)
Purchases of property and equipment			(358	)			(488	)
Sale of used lease pool equipment			978				2,738
Net cash used in investing activities			(18,208	)			(22,370	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from line of credit			5,300				8,400
Payments on borrowings			—				(1,500	)
Proceeds from (purchases of) short-term investments			871				(1,413	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options, net of stock surrendered to pay taxes			(12	)			184
Excess tax benefit from exercise of non-qualified stock options			45				96
Net cash provided by financing activities			6,204				5,767
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents			(246	)			(1,588	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			1,337				(8,082	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			5,063				13,884
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	6,400			$	5,802
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid		$	461			$	201
Income taxes paid		$	820			$	3,314
Purchases of seismic equipment held for lease in accounts payable at end of period		$	4,577			$	4,526

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Mitcham Industries, Inc.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

     The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2009 for Mitcham Industries, Inc. (for purposes of these notes, the “Company”) has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2009. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position as of October 31, 2009, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009 and 2008, and the cash flows for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and 2008, have been included in these financial statements. The foregoing interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results of the operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending January 31, 2010.

2. Organization

     Mitcham Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation, was incorporated in 1987. The Company, through its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Mitcham Canada, Ltd. (“MCL”) and its wholly-owned Russian subsidiary, Mitcham Seismic Eurasia LLC (“MSE”), provides full-service equipment leasing, sales and service to the seismic industry worldwide. The Company, through its wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, Seismic Asia Pacific Pty Ltd. (“SAP”), provides seismic, oceanographic and hydrographic leasing and sales worldwide, primarily in Southeast Asia and Australia. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Seamap International Holdings Pte. Ltd. (“Seamap”), designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of proprietary products for the seismic, hydrographic and offshore industries with product sales and support facilities based in Singapore and the United Kingdom. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

3. New Accounting Pronouncements

     In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). GAAP will no longer be issued in the form of an “accounting standard,” but rather as an update to the applicable “topic” or “subtopic” within the codification. As such, accounting guidance will be classified as either “authoritative” or “nonauthoritative” based on its inclusion or exclusion from the codification. The codification will be the single source of authoritative United States accounting and reporting standards, except for rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws, which are sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The codification of GAAP is effective for interim or annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. In accordance with the ASC, references to previously issued accounting standards have been replaced by ASC references. Subsequent revisions to GAAP will be incorporated in the ASC thorough Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”).

     In the second quarter of 2009, the Company adopted guidance included in ASC 855 Subsequent Events (“ASC 855”), which established general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. ASC 855 provides guidance on the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. The application of ASC 855 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements. The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the accompanying financial statements were issued, which was December 9, 2009.

4. Restricted Cash

     In connection with a contract awarded in May 2008, SAP has pledged $483,000 in short-term time deposits to secure performance obligations under the contract. The amount of the security deposits will be reduced as the contract obligations are performed over the remaining life of the contract, which is estimated to be within three months from October 31, 2009.

5. Balance Sheet

		October 31,				January 31,
		2009				2009
		(in thousands)
Accounts receivable:
Accounts receivable		$	18,462			$	14,715
Allowance for doubtful accounts			(3,062	)			(2,300	)
Total accounts receivable, net		$	15,400			$	12,415
Contracts receivable:
Contracts receivable		$	4,089			$	4,642
Less current portion of contracts receivable			(872	)			(836	)
Long-term portion of contracts receivable		$	3,217			$	3,806

     Long-term contracts receivable at October 31, 2009 and January 31, 2009 consist of amounts related to a contract receivable from one customer. The customer has defaulted on this contract and the Company is in the process of repossessing the equipment that was pledged as collateral for the obligation. The carrying value of this account has been reduced to the fair market value of the equipment, less the estimated cost to procure the equipment. The Company expects to place the recovered equipment in its leasepool of equipment and, accordingly, has classified this contract receivable as a non-current asset.

		October 31,				January 31,
		2009				2009
		(in thousands)
Inventories:
Raw materials		$	3,013			$	2,309
Finished goods			2,232				1,593
Work in progress			1,440				834
			6,685				4,736
Less allowance for obsolescence			(754	)			(964	)
Total inventories, net		$	5,931			$	3,772

		October 31,				January 31,
		2009				2009
		(in thousands)
Seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment:
Seismic equipment lease pool		$	148,957			$	127,067
Land and buildings			366				366
Furniture and fixtures			6,246				5,380
Autos and trucks			530				469
			156,099				133,282
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(91,211	)			(69,031	)
Total seismic equipment lease pool and property and equipment, net		$	64,888			$	64,251

6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

		Weighted				October 31, 2009												January 31, 2009
		Average				Gross								Net				Gross								Net
		Life at				Carrying				Accumulated				Carrying				Carrying				Accumulated				Carrying
		10/31/09				Amount				Amortization				Amount				Amount				Amortization				Amount
						(in thousands)												(in thousands)
Goodwill						$	4,320											$	4,320
Proprietary rights			8.4			$	3,523			$	(781	)		$	2,742			$	3,313			$	(569	)		$	2,744
Covenants not-to-compete			—				1,000				(1,000	)			—				1,000				(1,000	)			—
Amortizable intangible assets						$	4,523			$	(1,781	)		$	2,742			$	4,313			$	(1,569	)		$	2,744

     As of October 31, 2009, the Company had goodwill of $4,320,000, all of which was allocated to the Seamap segment. No impairment has been recorded against the goodwill account.

     Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives of three to 15 years using the straight-line method. Aggregate amortization expense was $61,000 and $45,000 for the three months ended October 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $212,000 and $326,000 for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. As of October 31, 2009, future estimated amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was estimated to be:

For fiscal years ending January 31 (in thousands):
2010		$	98
2011			257
2012			257
2013			257
2014 and thereafter			1,873
Total		$	2,742

7. Long-Term Debt and Notes Payable

     On September 24, 2008, the Company entered into a new credit agreement with First Victoria National Bank (the “Bank”), which replaced the Company’s then existing $12,500,000 agreement with the Bank. The new credit agreement provides for borrowings of up to $25,000,000 on a revolving basis through September 24, 2010. The Company may, at its option, convert any or all balances outstanding under the revolving credit facility into a series of term notes with monthly amortization over 48 months. We have classified a portion of the outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility as long-term, based on the assumption that any outstanding balance at maturity is converted into a 48-month amortizing note as is provided for in the underlying credit agreement.

     Amounts available for borrowing are determined by a borrowing base. The borrowing base, which amounted to $25,000,000 as of October 31, 2009, is computed based upon certain outstanding accounts receivable, certain portions of the Company’s lease pool and any lease pool assets that are to be purchased with proceeds from the facility. The revolving credit facility and any term loan are secured by essentially all of the Company’s domestic assets. Interest is payable monthly at prime, which was 3.25% at October 31, 2009. Up to $5,000,000 of the revolving facility may be utilized to secure letters of credit. The credit agreement contains certain financial covenants that require, among other things, for the Company to maintain a debt to shareholders’ equity ratio of no more than 0.7 to 1.0, maintain a current assets to current liabilities ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1.0; and have quarterly earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of not less than $2,000,000. The credit agreement also provides that the Company may not incur or maintain indebtedness in excess of $1,000,000 without the prior written consent of the Bank, except for borrowings related to the credit agreement. The Company was in compliance with each of these provisions as of and for the quarter ended October 31, 2009.

     In September of 2009 SAP entered into a $414,000 note payable to finance the purchase of certain leasepool equipment. The note bears interest at 7.4% annually, is repayable in monthly installments of approximately $8,000

through August of 2014 and is secured by the equipment purchased with the proceeds of the note. At October 31, 2009 approximately $403,000 is outstanding under the note, of which $330,000 is classified as long-term debt.

8. Comprehensive Income

     Comprehensive income generally represents all changes in shareholders’ equity during the period, except those resulting from investments by, or distributions to, shareholders. The Company has comprehensive income related to changes in foreign currency to United States (U.S.) dollar exchange rates, which is recorded as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		October 31,								October 31,
		2009				2008				2009				2008
		(in thousands)								(in thousands)
Net (loss) income		$	1,026			$	2,741			$	(64	)		$	8,644
Gain (loss) from foreign currency translation adjustment			825				(8,532	)			5,624				(8,530	)
Comprehensive income		$	1,851			$	(5,791	)		$	5,560			$	114

     The gain from foreign currency translation adjustment for the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2009 resulted primarily from the improvement in the value of the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar and the British pound sterling versus the U.S. dollar.

9. Income Taxes

     The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with authoritative guidance ASC 740 Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. Authoritative guidance requires that the net deferred tax asset be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax asset will not be realized. As required by authoritative guidance included in ASC 740, the Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

     The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in foreign jurisdictions. The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for all tax years beginning with its fiscal year ended January 31, 2007. The Internal Revenue Service has not commenced an examination of any of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns.

     The Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including major foreign jurisdictions such as Australia, Canada, Russia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. With few exceptions, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to foreign income tax examinations for tax years before 2002. With respect to ongoing audits, in the second quarter of fiscal 2008, the Canadian Revenue Agency (“CRA”) commenced an audit of the Company’s Canadian income tax returns for tax years ended January 31, 2004 through 2007. To date, adjustments totaling approximately $360,000 have been proposed and agreed upon. The CRA has proposed further adjustments totaling approximately $4,800,000. The Company intends to appeal these adjustments through the appellate process or through seeking competent authority assistance pursuant to the U.S.-Canada tax treaty. The adjustments proposed by CRA have had no effect on the recorded tax liabilities or assets in the accompanying financial statements.

     The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as reductions in income tax expense.

     The effect of any uncertain tax positions for which resolution is reasonably possible within the next twelve months is not material.

10. Earnings (Loss) per Share

     Net income (loss) per basic common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted stock. Net income per diluted common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Potential common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding common stock options having a dilutive effect, from the assumed vesting of phantom stock units, and from the assumed vesting of unvested shares of restricted stock. The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted weighted average common shares used in the earnings (loss) per share calculation for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009 and 2008:

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		October 31,								October 31,
		2009				2008				2009				2008
		(in thousands)								(in thousands)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding			9,805				9,776				9,795				9,764
Stock options			160				387				122				517
Unvested restricted stock			4				13				8				14
Phantom stock			—				12				4				8
Total weighted average common share equivalents			164				412				134				539
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding			9,969				10,188				9,929				10,303

     For the nine months ended October 31, 2009, diluted weighted average common shares were anti-dilutive and were therefore not considered in calculating diluted loss per share for that period.

11. Stock-Based Compensation

     Total compensation expense recognized for stock-based awards granted under the Company’s various equity incentive plans during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009 was approximately $279,000 and $1,119,000, respectively, and during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2008 was approximately $528,000 and $1,691,000, respectively. During the nine months ended October 31, 2009, options to purchase 270,000 shares of common stock were granted to employees and to the non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors.

12. Segment Reporting

     The Equipment Leasing segment offers new and “experienced” seismic equipment for lease or sale to the oil and gas industry, seismic contractors, environmental agencies, government agencies and universities. The Equipment Leasing segment is headquartered in Huntsville, Texas, with sales and services offices in Calgary, Canada; Brisbane, Australia; and Ufa, Bashkortostan, Russia.

     The Seamap segment is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of state-of-the-art seismic and offshore telemetry systems. Manufacturing, support and sales facilities are maintained in the United Kingdom and Singapore.

     Financial information by business segment is set forth below (net of any allocations):

		As of October 31,				As of January 31,
		2009				2009
		Total assets				Total assets
		(in thousands)
Equipment Leasing		$	90,327			$	89,240
Seamap			19,002				15,529
Eliminations			(462	)			(542	)
Consolidated		$	108,867			$	104,227

     Results for the three months ended October 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

		Revenues								Operating income (loss)								Income before taxes
		2009				2008				2009				2008				2009				2008
		(in thousands)								(in thousands)								(in thousands)
Equipment Leasing		$	10,289			$	12,163			$	711			$	2,894			$	721			$	2,567
Seamap			4,360				2,601				670				(178	)			661				214
Eliminations			(119	)			(216	)			32				(60	)			32				(60	)
Consolidated		$	14,530			$	14,548			$	1,413			$	2,656			$	1,414			$	2,721

     Results for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

		Revenues								Operating (loss) income								(Loss) income before taxes
		2009				2008				2009				2008				2009				2008
		(in thousands)								(in thousands)								(in thousands)
Equipment Leasing		$	23,930			$	39,625			$	(3,920	)		$	10,707			$	(3,623	)		$	10,817
Seamap			14,215				11,208				3,670				603				3,475				939
Eliminations			(333	)			(256	)			170				24				170				24
Consolidated		$	37,812			$	50,577			$	(80	)		$	11,334			$	22			$	11,780

     Sales from the Seamap segment to the Equipment Leasing segment are eliminated in the consolidated revenues. Consolidated income (loss) before taxes reflects the elimination of profit from intercompany sales and depreciation expense on the difference between the sales price and the cost to manufacture the equipment. Fixed assets are reduced by the difference between the sales price and the cost to manufacture the equipment, less the accumulated depreciation related to the difference.

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

     Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements

     Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) may be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 2lE of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This information includes, without limitation, statements concerning:

	•		our future financial position and results of operations;
	•		international and economic instability;
	•		planned capital expenditures;
	•		our business strategy and other plans for future operations;
	•		the future mix of revenues and business;
	•		our relationship with suppliers;
	•		our ability to retain customers;
	•		future demand for our services; and
	•		general conditions in the energy industry and seismic service industry.

     Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can not assure you that these expectations will prove to be correct. When used in this Form 10-Q, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may” and similar expressions, as they relate to our company and management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The actual results of future events described in these forward-looking statements could differ materially from the results described in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties including, but are not limited to, those summarized below:

	•		decline in the demand for seismic data and our services;
	•		the effect of fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices on exploration activities;
	•		the effect of uncertainty in financial markets on our customers’ and our ability to obtain financing;
	•		loss of significant customers;
	•		defaults by customers on amounts due us;
	•		possible impairment of our long-lived assets;
	•		risks associated with our manufacturing operations; and
	•		foreign currency exchange risk.

     Other factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our projected results are described in (1) Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, (2) our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 (“2009 Form 10-K”), (3) our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 31, 2009 (“Second Quarter Form 10-Q”), (4) our reports and registration statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and (5) other announcements we make from time to time. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

     Overview

     We operate in two segments, equipment leasing (“Equipment Leasing”) and equipment manufacturing. Our equipment leasing operations are conducted from our Huntsville, Texas headquarters and from our locations in Calgary, Canada; Brisbane, Australia; and Ufa, Russia. Our Equipment Leasing segment includes the operations of our Mitcham Canada, Ltd. (“MCL”), Seismic Asia Pacific Pty. Ltd. (“SAP”), and Mitcham Seismic Eurasia LLC (“MSE”) subsidiaries. The equipment manufacturing segment is conducted by our Seamap subsidiaries and therefore is referred to as our “Seamap” segment. We acquired Seamap in July 2005. Seamap operates from its locations near Bristol, United Kingdom and in Singapore.

     Management believes that the performance of our Equipment Leasing segment is indicated by revenues from equipment leasing and by the level of our investment in lease pool equipment. Management further believes that the performance of our Seamap segment is indicated by revenues from equipment sales and by gross profit from those sales. Management monitors EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, both as defined in the following table, as key indicators of our overall performance.

     The following table presents certain operating information by operating segment.

		For the Three Months Ended								For the Nine Months Ended
		October 31,								October 31,
		2009				2008				2009				2008
		(in thousands)								(in thousands)
Revenues:
Equipment Leasing		$	10,289			$	12,163			$	23,930			$	39,625
Seamap			4,360				2,601				14,215				11,208
Inter-segment sales			(119	)			(216	)			(333	)			(256	)
Total revenues			14,530				14,548				37,812				50,577
Cost of sales:
Equipment Leasing			6,254				6,118				18,444				19,089
Seamap			2,262				1,325				6,602				5,766
Inter-segment costs			(151	)			(155	)			(503	)			(280	)
Total cost of sales			8,365				7,288				24,543				24,575
Gross profit			6,165				7,260				13,269				26,002
Operating expenses:
General and administrative			3,809				3,893				11,280				13,103
Provision for doubtful accounts			730				424				1,379				519
Depreciation and amortization			213				287				690				1,046
Total operating expenses			4,752				4,604				13,349				14,668
Operating income (loss)		$	1,413			$	2,656			$	(80	)		$	11,334
EBITDA (1)		$	6,393			$	6,790			$	14,237			$	23,629
Adjusted EBITDA (1)		$	6,672			$	7,318			$	15,356			$	25,320
Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Net (loss) income		$	1,026			$	2,741			$	(64	)		$	8,644
Interest expense (income), net			122				(36	)			303				(409	)
Depreciation and amortization			4,857				4,105				13,912				12,258
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			388				(20	)			86				3,136
EBITDA (1)			6,393				6,790				14,237				23,629
Stock-based compensation			279				528				1,119				1,691
Adjusted EBITDA (1)		$	6,672			$	7,318			$	15,356			$	25,320

     In our Equipment Leasing segment, we lease seismic data acquisition equipment primarily to seismic data acquisition companies conducting land, transition zone and marine seismic surveys worldwide. We provide short-term leasing of seismic equipment to meet a customer’s requirements. The majority of all active leases at October 31, 2009 were for a term of less than one year. Seismic equipment held for lease is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. We acquire some marine lease pool equipment from our Seamap segment. These amounts are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements at the cost to our Seamap segment. From time to time, we sell lease pool equipment to our customers. These sales are usually transacted when we have equipment for which we do not have near term needs in our leasing business and if the proceeds from the sale exceed the estimated present value of future lease income from that equipment. We also occasionally sell new seismic equipment that we acquire from other companies and sometimes provide financing on those sales. In addition to conducting seismic equipment leasing operations, SAP sells equipment, consumables, systems integration, engineering hardware and software maintenance support services to the seismic, hydrographic, oceanographic, environmental and defense industries throughout Southeast Asia and Australia.

     Our Seamap segment designs, manufactures and sells a variety of products used primarily in marine seismic applications. Seamap’s primary products include (1) the GunLink seismic source acquisition and control systems, which provide marine operators more precise control of their exploration systems, and (2) the BuoyLink RGPS tracking system used to provide precise positioning of seismic sources and streamers (marine recording channels that are towed behind a vessel).

     Seismic equipment leasing is normally susceptible to weather patterns in certain geographic regions. In Canada and Russia, a significant percentage of the seismic survey activity occurs in winter months, from December through March or April. During the months in which the weather is warmer, certain areas are not accessible to trucks, earth vibrators and other heavy equipment because of unstable terrain. In other areas of the world, such as Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim, periods of heavy rain, known as monsoons, can impair seismic operations. We are able, in many cases, to transfer our equipment from one region to another in order to deal with seasonal demand and to increase our equipment utilization.

     Business Outlook

     Prior to the turmoil in global financial markets that arose in the fall of 2008, the oil and gas exploration industry enjoyed generally sustained growth, fueled primarily by historically high commodity prices for oil and natural gas. We, along with much of the seismic industry, benefited from this growth. These higher commodity prices resulted in increased activity within the oil and gas industry and, in turn, resulted in an increased demand for seismic services. Following the onset of the financial crisis, we saw significant declines in the prices for oil and natural gas. While crude oil prices have recovered somewhat, they remain significantly below the levels seen prior to the fall of 2008. This decline is generally believed to be the result of a slow-down in the global economy, which, in turn, was impacted by unrest and uncertainty in global financial markets. Natural gas prices in North America have not recovered to the same extent as have crude oil prices. This is believed to be the result of the contraction of the U.S. economy and the resulting decline in demand for natural gas.

     Our revenues are directly related to the level of worldwide oil and gas exploration activities and the profitability and cash flows of oil and gas companies and seismic contractors, which in turn are affected by expectations regarding the supply and demand for oil and natural gas, energy prices and finding and development costs. Land seismic data acquisition activity levels are measured in terms of the number of active recording crews, known as the “crew count,” and the number of recording channels deployed by those crews, known as “channel count.” Because an accurate and reliable census of active crews does not exist, it is not possible to make definitive statements regarding the absolute levels of seismic data acquisition activity. Furthermore, a significant number of seismic data acquisition contractors are either private or state-owned enterprises and information about their activities is not available in the public domain. Because of these factors it is difficult to assess the impact of recent petroleum price changes on our business. However, there have been declines in oil and gas exploration activities, especially in certain geographic areas, such as North America and Russia. This is contrasted with indications of continued robust exploration activity in other parts of the world such as South America and Asia.

     Historically, our first fiscal quarter, which ends on April 30, has generally been the strongest quarter for our equipment leasing business, with the fourth fiscal quarter, which ends January 31, the next strongest quarter. This is due to the normal seasonal increase in seismic acquisition operations in Canada and Russia during these periods. Our second fiscal quarter, which ends July 31, and our third fiscal quarter, which ends October 31, have historically been the weakest quarters for our equipment leasing business due to these same seasonal factors. In the quarter ended April 30, 2009, however, we did not experience the normal increase in our equipment leasing business. In the quarter ended July 31, 2009, we did experience this seasonal decline from the quarter ended April 30, 2009, but the percentage decline was not as large as in the previous year. We believe that this is an indication of the aforementioned decline in oil and gas exploration activity. In the quarter ended October 31, 2009 we

experienced a significant increase in our equipment leasing business, despite the seasonal factors that normally negatively affect this period. This increase resulted from the impact of one particularly large contract and, we believe, to a lesser extent, strengthening of demand for our services. Demand for our services remains generally weak in the United States and Canada. However, we have seen indications of improving demand in other geographic areas, including South America, Mexico, Southeast Asia and Russia. While these indications are encouraging, there can be no assurance that this trend will continue or result in increased equipment leasing business.

     The market for products sold by Seamap and the demand for the leasing of marine seismic equipment is dependent upon activity within the offshore, or marine, seismic industry, including the re-fitting of existing seismic vessels and the equipping of new vessels. The ability of our customers to build or re-fit vessels depends, in part, on their ability to obtain appropriate financing. Continued uncertainty in global financial markets could make such financing more difficult to obtain. There have been announcements from some marine seismic contractors of decisions to retire older vessels and to delay the introduction of new vessels, resulting in a decline in the number of seismic vessels operating. This could result in a decline in the demand for Seamap’s products. As with our equipment leasing business, we have recently seen indications of increasing demand for Seamap’s products, such as increased inquiries from existing and potential customers. There can be no assurance, however, as to the magnitude or timing of new orders, if any, that will result from this increased activity.

     Due to the factors discussed above, the current outlook for our business remains uncertain. However, we believe the geographic breadth of our operations and our expansive lease pool of equipment, as well as our generally stable financial position and our $25.0 million credit line, position us to address a sustained downturn in the seismic industry.

     During the fiscal years ended January 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we added approximately $34.9 million, $26.0 million and $25.5 million, respectively, of equipment to our lease pool in response to the strong demand for our equipment and services during those periods. We have responded to the decline in demand for our services and products by reducing our additions to our lease pool of equipment. During the nine months ended October 31, 2009, we added approximately $11.4 million of equipment to our lease pool, as compared to $20.5 million during the nine months ended October 31, 2008. Despite the recent decline in demand, we have added, and expect to add during fiscal 2010, certain types of equipment to our lease pool, such as down-hole seismic tools and three component digital sensors. We expect that the cost of these additions will be approximately $17.4 million for all of fiscal 2010; however, if demand warrants, we could acquire additional equipment during the balance of this fiscal year.

     In September 2009, we entered into a revised exclusive equipment lease agreement with Sercel, Inc. (“Sercel”). Our previous agreement with Sercel expired on December 31, 2008. Under the new agreement, we are Sercel’s exclusive third party lessor for its DSU3 428XL system throughout the world, except China and the Commonwealth of Independent States, and for its down-hole tools in North and South America until the agreement expires in December 2011. Under the terms of the agreement, Sercel will refer to us any customers seeking short-term leases (12 months or less) for these products in the exclusive territory. Furthermore, Sercel will not sell these products to other companies that would compete with us for the rental of these products in the exclusive territory. We have agreed to purchase a total of 9,000 stations of DSU3 428XL and 300 levels of down-hole tools during the term of the agreement. We estimate that the cost for this equipment will total approximately $21 million, of which we have spent, or expect to spend, approximately $9.6 million in fiscal 2010. Should we fail to fulfill these purchase commitments, Sercel may terminate our exclusivity and other terms of the agreement.

     In response to increased activity in South America, we have recently established branch operations in Peru and in Colombia. We believe the establishment of these branches will allow us to more effectively serve our customers in those countries and in other parts of South America. The cost to establish these branches was not material.

     A significant portion of our revenues is generated from sources outside the U.S. For the three months ended October 31, 2009, revenues from international customers totaled approximately $9.2 million. This amount represents 63% of consolidated revenues for this period, as compared to 69% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. For the first nine months of fiscal 2010, revenues from international customers totaled approximately $27.6 million, or 73% of consolidated revenues, as compared to 74% for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. The majority of our transactions with international customers are denominated in U.S., Australian and Canadian dollars, Russian rubles and British pounds sterling.

     Results of Operations

     Revenues for each of the three-month periods ended October 31, 2009 and 2008 were approximately $14.5 million. For the nine months ended October 31, 2009, revenues were approximately $37.8 million, compared to

approximately $50.6 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2008. The decline between the nine-month periods is attributable primarily to a decrease in equipment leasing revenues and lower sales of lease pool equipment and new seismic equipment, offset by an increase in Seamap equipment sales. For the three months ended October 31, 2009, leasing revenues began to recover from the lower levels experienced earlier in the year and Seamap sales continued to exceed those in the prior year period. For the three months ended October 31, 2009, we generated operating income of approximately $1.4 million as compared to approximately $2.7 million for the three months ended October 31, 2008. For the nine months ended October 31, 2009, our operating income was essentially break-even as compared to an operating profit of approximately $11.3 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2008. The decline in operating profit in the three and nine month periods was due primarily to the decline in leasing revenues and an increase in lease pool depreciation. A more detailed explanation of these variations follows.

     Revenues and Cost of Sales

          Equipment Leasing

     Revenue and cost of sales from our Equipment Leasing segment were as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		October 31,								October 31,
		2009				2008				2009				2008
		($ in thousands)								($ in thousands)
Revenue:
Equipment leasing		$	9,037			$	10,043			$	20,165			$	29,916
Lease pool equipment sales			808				333				978				2,738
New seismic equipment sales			19				117				46				3,764
SAP equipment sales			425				1,670				2,741				3,207
			10,289				12,163				23,930				39,625
Cost of sales:
Lease pool depreciation			4,657				3,822				13,266				11,214
Direct costs-equipment leasing			748				810				2,201				1,595
Cost of lease pool equipment sales			473				143				570				1,375
Cost of new seismic equipment sales			43				64				62				2,549
Cost of SAP equipment sales			333				1,279				2,345				2,356
			6,254				6,118				18,444				19,089
Gross profit		$	4,035			$	6,045			$	5,486			$	20,536
Gross profit %			39	%			50	%			23	%			52	%

     Equipment leasing revenues decreased approximately 10% in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 from the third quarter of fiscal 2009. For the first nine months of fiscal 2010, leasing revenues declined approximately 33% from the first nine months of fiscal 2009. In October 2008, we began to experience a decline in the demand for our equipment leasing services. The demand for seismic equipment is primarily driven by the global oil and gas exploration activity as previously discussed. Due to this decline, our leasing revenues in each of the fiscal 2010 periods have been less than in the comparable periods of fiscal 2009. However, in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 we began to experience a return of such demand, although not to the pre-October 2008 levels. A significant portion of the third quarter improvement, as compared to the earlier quarters of fiscal 2010, resulted from one particular contract. Under this contract, we provided three-component recording equipment for a large seismic acquisition program in North America. This contract commenced in July 2009 and was completed in November 2009.

     From time to time, we sell equipment from our lease pool based on specific customer demand and as opportunities present themselves in order to redeploy our capital in other lease pool assets. Accordingly, these transactions are difficult to predict. In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, we entered into one transaction for the sale of certain equipment. Apart from this transaction, the sale of lease pool equipment has not been material in fiscal 2010 due to the decline in general activity in the seismic industry. Often, the equipment that is sold from our lease pool has been in service, and therefore depreciated, for some period of time. Accordingly, the equipment sold may have a relatively low net book value at the time of the sale, resulting in a relatively high gross margin from the transaction. The amount of the margin on a particular transaction varies greatly based primarily upon the age of the equipment

     Periodically, we sell new seismic equipment that we acquire from others. On occasion, these sales may be structured with a significant down payment and the balance financed over a period of time at a market rate of

interest. These sales are also difficult to predict and do not follow any seasonal patterns. Due to the current conditions in the energy industry and in global financial markets, these transactions were not material in the first nine months of fiscal 2010.

     SAP regularly sells new hydrographic and oceanographic equipment and provides system integration services to customers in Australia and throughout the Pacific Rim. For the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2009, SAP generated a gross profit of approximately $92,000 from these transactions as compared to a gross profit of approximately $391,000 in the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2008. For the nine months ended October 31, 2009, SAP produced a gross profit of approximately $396,000 versus approximately $851,000 in the nine months ended October 31, 2008. The decline in gross profit in the three and nine month periods was due primarily to the decline in sales volumes.

     In May 2008, SAP entered into a contract with the Royal Australian Navy to provide certain equipment to the Republic of the Philippines. We account for this contract using the percentage of completion method. In the three months ended October 31, 2009, we did not recognize any revenue or costs related to this contract. The contract is essentially complete pending final documentation approval and billing of the final contract milestone of approximately $400,000. In the nine months ended October 31, 2009, we recognized approximately $1.0 million in revenues related to this contract. We have incurred approximately $200,000 in unexpected costs in the fulfillment of this contract and have submitted claims for reimbursement of these costs. However, until our claims are approved and accepted, we have not included the benefit from these claims in our calculation of expected profits from the contract. We expect to recognize additional contract revenues of approximately $340,000 upon final completion of the contract, excluding the effect of the pending claims, and gross profit of approximately $46,000. In the three and nine months ended October 31, 2008, we recognized approximately $1.1 million in revenues related to this contract. The sales of hydrographic and oceanographic equipment by SAP are generally not related to oil and gas exploration activities and are often made to governmental entities. Accordingly, these sales are not impacted by global economic and financial issues to the same degree as are other parts of our business.

     Overall, our Equipment Leasing segment generated a gross profit of approximately $4.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared to approximately $6.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. For the first nine months of fiscal 2010, our Equipment Leasing segment generated a gross profit of approximately $5.5 million, as compared to approximately $20.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2009. The gross profit for the three and nine month periods declined due primarily to lower leasing revenues and higher depreciation expense related to our lease pool equipment. During fiscal 2009, we added significant amounts of new equipment to our lease pool. Once new equipment is initially placed in service, we begin depreciating the equipment on a straight-line basis for the balance of its estimated useful life. Therefore, in periods of lower equipment utilization, such as in the first nine months of fiscal 2010, we experience depreciation expense that is disproportionate to our equipment leasing revenues.

     Direct costs related to equipment leasing for the three months ended October 31, 2009 decreased approximately 8% over the same period in the prior year, which is comparable to the decrease in equipment leasing revenues. For the nine months ended October 31, 2009, direct costs increased approximately 38% over the same period last year, despite the decrease in leasing revenues. This increase was due to the subleasing of certain equipment during the fiscal 2010 period. Direct costs typically fluctuate with leasing revenues, as the three main components of direct costs are freight, repairs and sublease expense.

          Seamap

     Revenues and cost of sales for our Seamap segment were as follows:

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		October 31,								October 31,
		2009				2008				2009				2008
		($ in thousands)								($ in thousands)
Equipment sales		$	4,360			$	2,601			$	14,215			$	11,208
Cost of equipment sales			2,262				1,325				6,602				5,766
Gross profit		$	2,098			$	1,276			$	7,613			$	5,442
Gross profit %			48	%			49	%			54	%			49	%

     The sale of Seamap products, while not generally impacted by seasonal factors, can vary significantly from quarter to quarter due to customer delivery requirements. In the three months ended October 31, 2009, we shipped one GunLink 4000 system related to orders from the Polarcus group of Companies (“Polarcus”) for the third of

four vessels for which we are providing GunLink and BuoyLink RGPS systems. This shipment produced revenues of approximately $1.4 million. In the nine months ended October 31, 2009, we shipped three GunLink 4000 systems and two BuoyLink RGPS Systems to Polarcus, generating revenues of approximately $5.1 million. Changes in product prices did not contribute materially to the difference in sales between the fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 periods. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we expect to ship the remaining GunLink 4000 and two BuoyLink RGPS systems related to this order, which we expect will generate revenues of approximately $3.0 million. The balance of the revenues relates primarily to parts, repairs and support services.

     The gross profit from the sale of Seamap equipment amounted to approximately 48% and 54% of Seamap revenues for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009, respectively, as compared to approximately 49% and 49% of Seamap revenues for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2008, respectively. The variations in the gross profit percentage result from the higher level of revenues compared to certain fixed costs, differences in product mix between the periods and continued improvements in the cost structure of our Singapore production facility.

     Operating Expenses

     General and administrative expenses for the quarter ended October 31, 2009 were approximately $3.8 million, compared to approximately $3.9 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2008. For the nine months ended October 31, 2009, general and administrative expenses were approximately $11.3 million, compared to approximately $13.1 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2008. The decreases in the three and nine month periods resulted primarily from lower stock-based compensation expense, lower incentive compensation expense and reduced travel costs. In the three months ended October 31, 2009, we recorded an additional provision for doubtful accounts receivable of approximately $730,000. Of this amount, approximately $590,000 relates to a reduction in the estimated net realizable value of certain equipment that secured a contract receivable and that we are repossessing from a customer. We had previously sold this equipment to the customer who failed to make the payments required under the sales agreement. The customer released the equipment, which is located in Portugal, back to us and we are in the process of retrieving the equipment. In the second quarter of fiscal 2010 we provided for approximately $649,000 of doubtful accounts. This amount relates primarily to two customers who filed for bankruptcy during that period.

     Other Income (Expense)

     Net interest expense for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2010 amounted to approximately $122,000 and $303,000, respectively. In the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009, we had approximately $36,000 and $409,000, respectively, of net interest income. The decreases in the three and nine month periods were due to higher interest expense related to higher average borrowings under our line of credit and the absence of interest income related to a contract receivable that went into default in fiscal 2009. The proceeds from the line of credit were used primarily to purchase lease pool equipment. Recognition of interest income has been deferred until these amounts are realized. The increase in other income for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009 relates primarily to foreign exchange gains at our foreign subsidiaries.

     Provision for Income Taxes

     Our tax provision for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009 was approximately $388,000 and $86,000, respectively, which indicates effective tax rates of approximately 27% and 391% for the respective periods. For the three months ended October 31, 2008, we had a benefit for income taxes of approximately $20,000. For the nine months ended October 31, 2008, we had a tax provision of approximately $3.1 million which indicates an effective tax rate of 27%. The effective tax rates for the three months ended October 31, 2009 and the nine months ended October 31, 2009 differ from that expected from the statutory rate of 34% due primarily to the effect of foreign taxes. In the three months ended October 31, 2008, we recognized a tax benefit of approximately $900,000 related to the recognition of specific uncertain tax positions. The recognition of these positions arose upon the expiration of the time period in which certain of our U.S. federal tax returns could be examined by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Pursuant to accounting standards, we have estimated and recorded the potential effect on our liabilities for income taxes should specific uncertain tax positions be resolved not in our favor. We are further required to estimate and record potential penalties and interest that could arise from these positions. During the nine months ended October 31, 2009, the effect of these estimated potential penalties and interest and the minimal amount of income before taxes combined to produce a provision for income taxes significantly different than that expected based on the U.S. statutory rate of 34%.

     Our Canadian income tax returns for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been examined by the Canadian Revenue Agency (“CRA”). CRA has assessed additional taxes for those years and for subsequent years as a result of that audit. We intend to protest certain aspects of the assessments. In addition, since the issues raised in the audits potentially impact our U.S. federal tax returns, we intend to seek resolution of these matters through the competent authority process under the U.S. — Canadian tax treaties. We believe that we have adequately provided for the probable outcome of these matters in our financial statements. Accordingly, we do not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a negative effect on our financial position or results of operations. We will be required, however, to make payment to the CRA for a portion of the assessed amounts, pending the resolution of the issues. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     As of October 31, 2009, we had working capital of approximately $21.5 million, including cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of approximately $6.9 million, as compared to working capital of approximately $11.2 million including cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of approximately $6.0 million at January 31, 2009. Our working capital increased during the nine months ended October 31, 2009 primarily due to working capital generated from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit agreement.

     Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $13.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 as compared to approximately $10.1 million in the same nine months in fiscal 2009. This increase, despite the significant decrease in net income in the first nine months of fiscal 2010, resulted primarily from non-cash items, a change in accounts payable, accounts receivable and inventories between the periods and the receipt of income tax refunds in the fiscal 2010 period.

     Net cash flows from investing activities for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 included purchases of seismic equipment held for lease totaling approximately $18.8 million. This amount reflects approximately $10.5 million attributable to equipment purchased in fiscal 2009, but not paid for until fiscal 2010. There were approximately $3.1 million in accounts payable at October 31, 2009 related to lease pool purchases made during the first nine months of fiscal 2010. Accordingly, additions to our lease pool amounted to approximately $11.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010, as compared to approximately $20.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2009. Due to the decline in demand for our equipment and services, we have materially reduced our purchases of lease pool equipment in fiscal 2010. We have, however, continued to add certain equipment to our lease pool, including additional three-component land recording systems and down-hole equipment. We expect the cost of purchases of new lease pool equipment to total approximately $17.4 million for all of fiscal 2010. However, should demand warrant, we may acquire more lease pool equipment. As of October 31, 2009, approximately $1.5 million related to lease pool purchases made in fiscal 2009 remained in accounts payable. We have arranged extended payment terms for these purchases and expect to make payment for all remaining amounts prior to December 31, 2009.

     In the first nine months of fiscal 2010, proceeds from the sale of lease pool equipment amounted to approximately $1.0 million. We generally do not seek to sell our lease pool equipment, but may do so from time to time. In particular, we may sell lease pool equipment in response to specific demand from customers if the selling price exceeds the estimated present value of projected future leasing revenue from that equipment.

     During the nine months ended October 31, 2009, we incurred net borrowings of $5.3 million under our revolving credit agreement. In September 2008, we entered into a $25.0 million revolving credit agreement with First Victoria National Bank (the “Bank”). Amounts available for borrowing are determined by a borrowing base. The borrowing base is computed based upon eligible accounts receivable and eligible lease pool assets. Based upon the latest calculation of the borrowing base, we believe that the entire $25.0 million of the facility is available to us. The revolving credit facility matures on September 24, 2010. However, at any time prior to maturity, we can convert any or all outstanding balances into a series of 48-month notes. Amounts converted into these notes are due in 48 equal monthly installments. The revolving credit facility is secured by essentially all of our domestic assets. Interest is payable monthly at the prime rate. The revolving credit agreement contains certain financial covenants that require us, among other things, to maintain a debt to shareholders’ equity ratio of no more than 0.7 to 1.0, maintain a current assets to current liabilities ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1.0 and produce quarterly earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) of not less than $2.0 million.

     As indicated by the following chart, we were in compliance with all financial covenants as of October 31, 2009:

				Actual as of October
Description of				31, 2009 or for the
Financial Covenant		Required Amount		period then ended
Ratio of debt to shareholder’s equity		Not more than 0.7:1.0		0.14:1.0
Ratio of current assets to current liabilities		Not less than 1.25:1.0		2.99:1.0
Quarterly EBITDA		Not less than $2.0 million		$6.4 million

     The revolving credit agreement also provides that we may not incur or maintain indebtedness in excess of $1.0 million without the prior written consent of the Bank, except for borrowings related to the revolving credit agreement. As of December 4, 2009, we had approximately $10.7 million outstanding under this revolving credit agreement.

     We have had discussion with the Bank regarding the extension of the maturity of the facility and expect to conclude such discussions in the near future. However, there can be no assurance that any such extension can be successfully completed. In the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2009 we have classified a portion of the outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility as long-term, based on the assumption that any outstanding balance at maturity is converted into a 48-month amortizing note as is allowed at our option in the underlying credit agreement.

     In connection with the assessment of additional income taxes arising from an examination of our Canadian income tax returns by the CRA, we are required to pay a portion of the assessed amount pending resolution of the issues through an appeal or through the competent authority process under the U.S. — Canadian tax treaty. We currently estimate the required payments to be approximately $3.0 million and that such payments will be made during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. See “Results of Operations — Provision for income taxes” for additional information.

     We believe that the working capital requirements, contractual obligations and expected capital expenditures discussed above, as well as our other liquidity needs for the next twelve months, can be met from cash flows provided by operations and from amounts available under our revolving credit facility discussed above. Should we make additional substantial purchases of lease pool equipment or should we purchase other businesses, we may seek other sources of debt or equity financing.

     As of October 31, 2009, we had deposits in foreign banks consisting of both U.S. dollar and foreign currency deposits equal to approximately $6.9 million. These funds may generally be transferred to our accounts in the United States without restriction. However, the transfer of these funds may result in withholding taxes payable to foreign taxing authorities. Any such withholding taxes generally may be credited against our federal income tax obligations in the United States. Additionally, the transfer of funds from our foreign subsidiaries to the United States may result in currently taxable income in the United States.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     Market Risk

     We are exposed to market risk, which is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates. We have not entered, or intend to enter, into derivative financial instruments for hedging or speculative purposes.

     Foreign Currency Risk

     We operate in a number of foreign locations, which gives rise to risk from changes in foreign exchange rates. To the extent possible, we attempt to denominate our transactions in foreign locations in U.S. dollars. For those cases in which transactions are not denominated in U.S. dollars, we are exposed to risk from changes in exchange rates to the extent that non-U.S. dollar revenues exceed non-U.S. dollar expenses related to those operations. Our non-U.S. dollar transactions are denominated primarily in British pounds sterling, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Singapore dollars and Russian rubles. As a result of these transactions, we generally hold cash balances that are denominated in these foreign currencies. At October 31, 2009, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents included foreign currency denominated amounts equivalent to approximately $4.7 million in U.S. dollars. A 10% increase in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to the value of each of these currencies would result in a loss of approximately $0.5 million in the U.S. dollar value of these deposits, while a 10% decrease would result in an equal amount of gain. We do not currently hold or issue foreign exchange contracts or other derivative instruments as we do not believe it is cost efficient to attempt to hedge these exposures.

     Some of our foreign operations are conducted through wholly owned foreign subsidiaries that have functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We currently have subsidiaries whose functional currencies are the Canadian dollar, British pound sterling, Australian dollar, Russian ruble and the Singapore dollar. Assets and liabilities from these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at each balance sheet date. The resulting translation gains or losses are reflected as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the shareholders’ equity section of our consolidated balance sheets. Approximately 56% of our net assets are impacted by changes in foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon the evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of October 31, 2009 at the reasonable assurance level.

     Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     There was no change in our system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended October 31, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     From time to time, we are a party to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently a party to any litigation that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     The Risk Factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2009 have not materially changed other than the addition of the following risk factor. In addition to the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2009, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.

     The financial soundness of our customers could materially affect our business and operating results.

     There have been no material changes in our risk factors as previously disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our 2009 Form 10-k and “Item 1A.-Risk Factors” in our Second Quarter Form 10-Q.

     In addition to the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in our 2009 Form 10-K and Second Quarter Form 10-Q, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this Form 10-Q, Second Quarter Form 10-Q and 2009 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and future results.

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

     (a) Not applicable.

     (b) Not applicable.

     (c) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.

     The following table provides information about purchases of equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended October 31, 2009:

(c)

(d)

Total number of

Maximum

shares

number of

(a)

(b)

purchased as

shares that may

Total

Average

part of publicly

yet be

number of

price

announced

purchased

shares

paid per

plans or

under the plans

Period

purchased

share

programs

or programs(1)

August 1-31, 2009

—

—

—

—

September 1-30, 2009

1,058

(2)

$

6.10

—

—

October 1-31, 2009

—

—

—

—

Total

1,058

$

6.10

—

—

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     Not applicable.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

     Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits

     Exhibits

     The exhibits required to be filed pursuant to the requirements of Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth in the Exhibit Index accompanying this Form 10-Q and are incorporated herein by reference.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

EXHIBIT INDEX

     Each exhibit indentified below is part of this Form 10-Q. Exhibits filed (or furnished in the case of Exhibit 32.1) with this Form 10-Q are designated by the cross symbol (†). All exhibits not so designated are incorporated herein by reference to a prior filing as indicated.

						SEC File or
Exhibit						Registration		Exhibit
Number		Document Description		Report or Registration Statement		Number		Reference
3.1		Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Mitcham Industries, Inc.		Incorporated by reference to Mitcham Industries, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on August 9, 2001.		333-67208			3.1
3.2		Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mitcham Industries, Inc.		Incorporated by reference to Mitcham Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004, filed with the SEC on May 28, 2004.		000-25142			3.2
10.1		Exclusive Equipment Lease Agreement dated September 4, 2009 between Mitcham Industries, Inc. and Sercel Inc.		Incorporated by reference to Mitcham Industries, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on September 9, 2009.		000-25142			10.2
31.1†		Certification of Billy F. Mitcham, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended
31.2†		Certification of Robert P. Capps, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended
32.1†		Certification of Billy F. Mitcham, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, and Robert P. Capps, Chief Financial Officer, under Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. § 1350