OPTICAL CABLE CORP - Quarter Report: 2014 January (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2014



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

For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission file number 0-27022

OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Virginia		54-1237042
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5290 Concourse Drive

Roanoke, Virginia 24019

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(540) 265-0690

(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.

(1) Yes ý No ¨, (2) Yes ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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 ý No ¨

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



Large Accelerated Filer ¨	Non-accelerated Filer ¨	Smaller Reporting Company x	Accelerated Filer ¨

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

As of March 7, 2014, 6,572,871 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, no par value, were outstanding.

OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION

Form 10-Q Index

Three Months Ended January 31, 2014



			Page

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

	Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited)

		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets—January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013	2

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations—Three Months Ended January 31, 2014 and 2013	3

		Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity—Three Months Ended January 31, 2014	4

		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Three Months Ended January 31, 2014 and 2013	5

		Condensed Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6

	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	11

	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	18

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	19

	Item 5.	Other Information	20

	Item 6.	Exhibits	21

SIGNATURES			22

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)



Assets	January 31, 2014			October 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash	$	726,562		$	750,303
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $66,818 at January 31, 2014 and $74,073 at October 31, 2013	8,705,466			9,951,970
Other receivables	140,930			225,016
Income taxes refundable	886,247			590,569
Inventories	19,212,037			18,234,279
Prepaid expenses	533,346			331,141
Deferred income taxes – current	1,708,632			1,726,695
Total current assets	31,913,220			31,809,973
Property and equipment, net	12,656,107			12,827,198
Intangible assets, net	352,607			340,807
Deferred income taxes – noncurrent	149,955			161,063
Other assets, net	237,956			275,858
Total assets	$	45,309,845		$	45,414,899
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	$	261,447		$	258,628
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	4,105,651			3,267,812
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	1,415,275			1,297,591
Total current liabilities	5,782,373			4,824,031
Note payable to bank	2,000,000			2,500,000
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	7,431,288			7,497,042
Deferred income taxes - noncurrent	90,353			83,158
Other noncurrent liabilities	883,506			950,952
Total liabilities	16,187,520			15,855,183
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding	—			—
Common stock, no par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 6,547,871 shares at January 31, 2014 and 6,570,734 at October 31, 2013	8,816,869			8,679,435
Retained earnings	20,975,949			21,519,238
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Optical Cable Corporation	29,792,818			30,198,673
Noncontrolling interest	(670,493		)	(638,957		)
Total shareholders’ equity	29,122,325			29,559,716
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	45,309,845		$	45,414,899

See accompanying condensed notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended
	January 31,
	2014			2013
Net sales	$	16,534,930		$	17,295,453
Cost of goods sold	11,127,268			10,771,514
Gross profit	5,407,662			6,523,939
Selling, general and administrative expenses	6,045,635			6,188,635
Royalty expense, net	29,502			48,317
Amortization of intangible assets	9,290			23,224
Income (loss) from operations	(676,765		)	263,763
Other expense, net:
Interest expense	(112,929		)	(107,598		)
Other, net	22,221			(4,671		)
Other expense, net	(90,708		)	(112,269		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(767,473		)	151,494
Income tax expense (benefit)	(323,801		)	40,262
Net income (loss)	$	(443,672	)	$	111,232
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(31,536		)	(18,588		)
Net income (loss) attributable to OCC	$	(412,136	)	$	129,820
Net income (loss) attributable to OCC per share: Basic and diluted	$	(0.07	)	$	0.02
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.02		$	0.02

See accompanying condensed notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended January 31, 2014
	Common Stock				Retained Earnings			Total Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to OCC			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Shareholders’ Equity
	Shares		Amount		Retained Earnings			Total Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to OCC			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Shareholders’ Equity
Balances at October 31, 2013	6,570,734		$	8,679,435	$	21,519,238		$	30,198,673		$	(638,957	)	$	29,559,716
Share-based compensation, net	(22,863	)	134,135		—			134,135			—			134,135
Common stock dividends declared, $0.02 per share	—		—		(131,153		)	(131,153		)	—			(131,153		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	—		3,299		—			3,299			—			3,299
Net loss	—		—		(412,136		)	(412,136		)	(31,536		)	(443,672		)
Balances at January 31, 2014	6,547,871		$	8,816,869	$	20,975,949		$	29,792,818		$	(670,493	)	$	29,122,325

See accompanying condensed notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended
	January 31,
	2014			2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(443,672	)	$	111,232
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	478,576			495,112
Bad debt recovery	(7,255		)	(7,095		)
Deferred income tax expense	36,366			42,871
Share-based compensation expense	155,412			336,798
Impact of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(3,299		)	(40,205		)
Loss on sale of property and equipment	990			—
(Increase) decrease in:
Trade accounts receivable	1,253,759			3,400,146
Other receivables	84,086			114,911
Income taxes refundable	(292,379		)	(19,425		)
Inventories	(977,758		)	(995,794		)
Prepaid expenses	(202,205		)	(26,113		)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	792,524			193,907
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	117,684			(2,075,733		)
Income taxes payable	—			17,268
Other noncurrent liabilities	(77,714		)	(35,371		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	915,115			1,512,509
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of and deposits for the purchase of property and equipment	(205,335		)	(1,487,958		)
Investment in intangible assets	(21,090		)	(36,230		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(226,425		)	(1,524,188		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payroll taxes withheld and remitted on share-based payments	(21,277		)	(287,151		)
Proceeds from note payable to bank	—			2,300,000
Principal payments on long-term debt and note payable to bank	(562,935		)	(1,360,232		)
Repurchase of common stock	—			(543,420		)
Impact of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	3,299			40,205
Common stock dividends paid	(131,518		)	(222,429		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(712,431		)	(73,027		)
Net decrease in cash	(23,741		)	(84,706		)
Cash at beginning of period	750,303			591,038
Cash at end of period	$	726,562		$	506,332

See accompanying condensed notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION

Condensed Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Three Months Ended January 31, 2014

(Unaudited)


(1)	General

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Optical Cable Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “OCC^®”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended January 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2014 because the following items, among other things, may impact those results: changes in market conditions, seasonality, changes in technology, competitive conditions, ability of management to execute its business plans, as well as other variables, uncertainties, contingencies and risks set forth as risks in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013 (including those set forth in the “Forward-Looking Information” section), or as otherwise set forth in other filings by the Company as variables, contingencies and/or risks possibly affecting future results. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and condensed notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013.


(2)	Stock Incentive Plans and Other Share-Based Compensation

As of January 31, 2014, there were approximately 418,000 remaining shares available for grant under the Optical Cable Corporation Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan ("Amended 2011 Plan").

Share-based compensation expense for employees and non-employee Directors recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $155,412 and $336,798, respectively, and was entirely related to expense recognized in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company has granted, and anticipates granting from time to time, restricted stock awards subject to approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

Restricted stock award activity during the three months ended January 31, 2014 consisted of 22,863 restricted shares forfeited or withheld for taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted shares.

As of January 31, 2014, the maximum amount of compensation cost related to unvested equity-based compensation awards in the form of service-based and operational performance-based shares that the Company will have to recognize over a 3.2 year weighted-average period is approximately $2.0 million.


(3)	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Trade Accounts Receivable

A summary of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade accounts receivable for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 follows:



	Three Months Ended
	January 31,
	2014			2013
Balance at beginning of period	$	74,073		$	92,148
Bad debt recovery	(7,255		)	(7,095		)
Losses charged to allowance	—			387
Balance at end of period	$	66,818		$	85,440


(4)	Inventories

Inventories as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 consist of the following:



	January 31, 2014		October 31, 2013
Finished goods	$	5,858,984	$	5,569,539
Work in process	3,705,894		3,617,124
Raw materials	9,411,923		8,828,072
Production supplies	235,236		219,544
Total	$	19,212,037	$	18,234,279


(5)	Product Warranties

As of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, the Company’s accrual for estimated product warranty claims totaled $160,000 and $190,000, respectively, and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Warranty claims expense for the three months ended January 31, 2014 totaled $20,539. Warranty claims recovery for the three months ended January 31, 2013 totaled $9,656.

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s accrual for product warranties during the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013:



	Three Months Ended January 31,
	2014			2013
Balance at beginning of period	$	190,000		$	250,000
Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period	104,777			139,834
Warranty claims and costs paid during the period	(50,539		)	(30,344		)
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period	(84,238		)	(149,490		)
Balance at end of period	$	160,000		$	210,000


(6)	Long-term Debt and Note Payable to Bank

The Company has credit facilities consisting of a real estate term loan, as amended (the “Virginia Real Estate Loan”), a supplemental real estate term loan, as amended (the “North Carolina Real Estate Loan”) and a revolving credit facility, as amended (the “Commercial Loan”).

Both the Virginia Real Estate Loan and the North Carolina Real Estate Loan are with Valley Bank, have a fixed interest rate of 4.25% and are secured by a first priority lien on all of the Company's personal property and assets, except for the Company's inventory, accounts, general intangibles, deposit accounts, instruments, investment property, letter of credit rights, commercial tort claims, documents and chattel paper, as well as a first lien deed of trust on the Company's real property.

Long-term debt as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 consists of the following:



	January 31, 2014		October 31, 2013
Virginia Real Estate Loan ($6.5 million original principal) payable in monthly installments of $36,426, including interest (at 4.25%), with final payment of $4,858,220 due April 30, 2018	$	5,721,142	$	5,767,947
North Carolina Real Estate Loan ($2.24 million original principal) payable in monthly installments of $12,553, including interest (at 4.25%), with final payment of $1,674,217 due April 30, 2018	1,971,593		1,987,723
Total long-term debt	7,692,735		7,755,670
Less current installments	261,447		258,628
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	$	7,431,288	$	7,497,042

The Commercial Loan provides the Company with a revolving line of credit for the working capital needs of the Company. Under the terms of the Commercial Loan, the Company may borrow an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the lesser of (i) $9.0 million, or (ii) the sum of 85% of certain receivables aged 90 days or less plus 35% of the lesser of $1.0 million or certain foreign receivables plus 25% of certain raw materials inventory. Within the revolving loan limit of the new Commercial Loan, the Company may borrow, repay and reborrow, at any time from time to time until August 31, 2015, the extended maturity date of the new Commercial Loan.

Advances under the Commercial Loan accrue interest at LIBOR plus 2.2% (resulting in a 2.37% rate at January 31, 2014). Accrued interest on the outstanding principal balance is due on the first day of each month, with all then outstanding principal, interest, fees and costs due at the Commercial Loan maturity date of August 31, 2015.

The Commercial Loan is secured by a first priority lien on all of the Company’s inventory, accounts, general intangibles, deposit accounts, instruments, investment property, letter of credit rights, commercial tort claims, documents and chattel paper.

As of January 31, 2014, the Company had $2.0 million of outstanding borrowings on its Commercial Loan and $6.6 million in available credit. As of October 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $2.5 million on its Commercial Loan and $6.5 million in available credit.


(7)	Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 for cash, trade accounts receivable, other receivables and accounts payable and accrued expenses, including accrued compensation and payroll taxes, approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying values of the Company’s note payable to bank and long-term debt approximate fair value based on similar long-term debt issues available to the Company as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013. Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.


(8)	Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the net income (loss) of the Company.

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the net income (loss) per share computations for the periods presented:



	Three months ended January 31,
	2014			2013
Net income (loss) attributable to OCC (numerator)	$	(412,136	)	$	129,820
Shares (denominator)	6,014,075			6,309,421
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	$	(0.07	)	$	0.02

There were no stock options that could potentially dilute net income (loss) per share in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share for the three months ended January 31, 2013.

Unvested shares as of January 31, 2014 totaling 548,969 were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the three months ended January 31, 2014 (because to include such shares would have been antidilutive, or in other words, to do so would have reduced the net loss per share for that period).


(9)	Shareholders’ Equity

The Company has a plan, approved by its Board of Directors on September 20, 2012, to purchase and retire up to 320,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, or approximately 4.9% of the shares then outstanding. The Company anticipates that the purchases will be made over a 12- to 24-month period unless the entire number of shares expected to be purchased under the plan is sooner acquired. As of January 31, 2014, the Company had 123,500 shares of its outstanding common stock remaining to purchase under this plan.

On January 15, 2014, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share on its common stock totaling $131,153. This amount is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 31, 2014.


(10)	Segment Information and Business and Credit Concentrations

The Company provides credit, in the normal course of business, to various commercial enterprises, governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the Company’s large number of customers. The Company also manages exposure to credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. Management believes that credit risks as of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 have been adequately provided for in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales during the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013.

For the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately 73% and 66%, respectively, of consolidated net sales were from customers in the United States, and approximately 27% and 34%, respectively, were from customers outside of the United States.

The Company has a single reportable segment for purposes of segment reporting, exclusive of Centric Solutions LLC (“Centric Solutions”). For the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, Centric Solutions generated revenues, net of intercompany sales, totaling $189,814 and $253,522, respectively, and operating losses of $131,839 and $77,710, respectively. Total assets of Centric Solutions of approximately $215,201 (net of intercompany amounts) are included in the total consolidated assets of the Company as of January 31, 2014.


(11)	Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is involved in various claims, legal actions and regulatory reviews arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.


(12)	New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). The amendments in ASU 2013-11 clarify that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. If a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date, then the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity or its related financial statement disclosures.

There are no other new accounting standards issued, but not yet adopted by the Company, which are expected to materially impact the Company’s financial position, operating results or financial statement disclosures.

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

Forward-Looking Information

This Form 10-Q may contain certain forward-looking information within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The forward-looking information may include, among other information, (i) statements concerning our outlook for the future, (ii) statements of belief, anticipation or expectation, (iii) future plans, strategies or anticipated events, and (iv) similar information and statements concerning matters that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown variables, uncertainties, contingencies and risks that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our expectations, and such variables, uncertainties, contingencies and risks may also adversely affect Optical Cable Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “OCC^®”), the Company’s future results of operations and future financial condition, and/or the future equity value of the Company. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences from our expectations or risks that could adversely affect the Company include, but are not limited to, the level of sales to key customers, including distributors; timing of certain projects and purchases by key customers; the economic conditions affecting network service providers; corporate and/or government spending on information technology; actions by competitors; fluctuations in the price of raw materials (including optical fiber, copper, gold and other precious metals, and plastics and other materials affected by petroleum product pricing); fluctuations in transportation costs; our dependence on customized equipment for the manufacture of our products and our limited number of production facilities; our ability to protect our proprietary manufacturing technology; market conditions influencing prices or pricing; our dependence on a limited number of suppliers; the loss of or conflict with one or more key suppliers or customers; an adverse outcome in litigation, claims and other actions, and potential litigation, claims and other actions against us; an adverse outcome in regulatory reviews and audits and potential regulatory reviews and audits; adverse changes in state tax laws and/or positions taken by state taxing authorities affecting us; technological changes and introductions of new competing products; changes in end-user preferences for competing technologies, relative to our product offering; economic conditions that affect the telecommunications sector, the data communications sector, certain technology sectors and/or certain industry market sectors; economic conditions that affect certain geographic markets and/or the economy as a whole; changes in demand for our products from certain competitors for which we provide private label connectivity products; terrorist attacks or acts of war, and any current or potential future military conflicts; changes in the level of military spending or other spending by the United States government; ability to retain key personnel; inability to recruit needed personnel; poor labor relations; the impact of changes in accounting policies and related costs of compliance, including changes by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB"), the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), and/or the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"); our ability to continue to successfully comply with, and the cost of compliance with, the provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or any revisions to that act which apply to us; the impact of changes and potential changes in federal laws and regulations adversely affecting our business and/or which result in increases in our direct and indirect costs, including our direct and indirect costs of compliance with such laws and regulations; the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and any revisions to those acts that apply to us and the related legislation and regulation associated with those acts, which directly or indirectly results in increases to our costs; the impact of changes in state or federal tax laws and regulations increasing our costs and/or impacting the net return to investors owning our shares; the impact of future consolidation among competitors and/or among customers adversely affecting our position with our customers and/or our market position; actions by customers adversely affecting us in reaction to the expansion of our product offering in any manner, including, but not limited to, by offering products that compete with our customers, and/or by entering into alliances with, making investments in or with, and/or acquiring parties that compete with and/or have conflicts with our customers; voluntary or involuntary delisting of the Company’s common stock from any exchange on which it is traded; the deregistration by the Company from SEC reporting requirements, as a result of the small number of holders of the Company’s common stock; adverse reactions by customers, vendors or other service providers to unsolicited proposals regarding the ownership or management of the Company; the additional costs of considering and possibly defending our position on such unsolicited proposals; impact of weather or natural disasters in the areas of the world in which we operate, market our products and/or acquire raw materials; an increase in the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding; economic downturns generally and/or in one or more of the markets in which we operate; changes in market demand, exchange rates, productivity, or market and economic conditions in the areas of the world in which we operate and market our products; and our success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

We caution readers that the foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. Furthermore, we incorporate by reference those factors included in current reports on Form 8-K, and/or in our other filings.

Dollar amounts presented in the following discussion have been rounded to the nearest hundred thousand, except in the case of amounts less than one million and except in the case of the table set forth in the “Results of Operations” section, the amounts in which both cases have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

Overview of Optical Cable Corporation

Optical Cable Corporation (or OCC^®) is a leading manufacturer of a broad range of fiber optic and copper data communication cabling and connectivity solutions primarily for the enterprise market, offering an integrated suite of high quality, warranted products which operate as a system solution or seamlessly integrate with other providers’ offerings. Our product offerings include designs for uses ranging from commercial, enterprise network, datacenter, residential and campus installations to customized products for specialty applications and harsh environments, including military, industrial, mining and broadcast applications. Our products include fiber optic and copper cabling, fiber optic and copper connectors, specialty fiber optic and copper connectors, fiber optic and copper patch cords, pre-terminated fiber optic and copper cable assemblies, racks, cabinets, datacom enclosures, patch panels, face plates, multi-media boxes, and other cable and connectivity management accessories, and are designed to meet the most demanding needs of end-users, delivering a high degree of reliability and outstanding performance characteristics.

OCC^® is internationally recognized for pioneering the design and production of fiber optic cables for the most demanding military field applications, as well as of fiber optic cables suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and creating a broad product offering built on the evolution of these fundamental technologies. OCC also is internationally recognized for its role in establishing copper connectivity data communications standards, through its innovative and patented technologies.

Founded in 1983, Optical Cable Corporation is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia with offices, manufacturing and warehouse facilities located in Roanoke, Virginia, near Asheville, North Carolina, and near Dallas, Texas. We primarily manufacture our fiber optic cables at our Roanoke facility which is ISO 9001:2008 registered and MIL-STD-790F certified, our enterprise connectivity products at our Asheville facility which is ISO 9001:2008 registered, and our military and harsh environment connectivity products and systems at our Dallas facility which is ISO 9001:2008 registered and MIL-STD-790F certified.

OCC designs, develops and manufactures fiber optic cables for a broad range of commercial and specialty markets and applications. We refer to these products as our fiber optic cable offering. OCC designs, develops and manufactures fiber and copper connectivity products for the commercial market, including a broad range of commercial and residential applications. We refer to these products as our enterprise connectivity product offering. OCC designs, develops and manufactures a broad range of specialty fiber optic connectors and connectivity solutions principally for use in military and other harsh environment applications. We refer to these products as our applied interconnect systems product offering.

We market and sell the products manufactured at our Dallas facility through our wholly owned subsidiary Applied Optical Systems, Inc. (“AOS”) under the names Optical Cable Corporation and OCC by the efforts of our integrated OCC sales team.

Optical Cable Corporation owns 70% of the authorized membership interests of Centric Solutions LLC (“Centric Solutions”). Centric Solutions is a business founded in 2008 to provide turnkey cabling and connectivity solutions for the datacenter market. Centric Solutions operates and goes to market independently from Optical Cable Corporation; however, in some cases, Centric Solutions may offer products from OCC’s product offering.

Optical Cable Corporation, OCC^®, Procyon^®, Superior Modular Products, SMP Data Communications, Applied Optical Systems, and associated logos are trademarks of Optical Cable Corporation.

Summary of Company Performance for First Quarter 2014


•	Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 were $16.5 million, down 4.4% when compared to net sales of $17.3 million for the same period last year.


•	Gross profit decreased 17.1% to $5.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 compared to $6.5 million for the same period last year.


•	Gross profit margin (gross profit as a percentage of net sales) decreased to 32.7% during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to 37.7% during the same period last year.


•	We reported a net loss attributable to OCC of $412,000 or $0.07, per share during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to net income attributable to OCC of $130,000, or $0.02 per share, for the comparable period last year.


•	OCC generated $915,000 of cash flow from operating activities during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.


•	OCC continued to provide returns to shareholders in the form of a quarterly dividend during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. OCC's current regular quarterly dividend rate is $0.02 per share per quarter, implying an annual dividend rate of $0.08 per share.

Results of Operations

We sell our products internationally and domestically through our sales force to our customers, which include major distributors, various regional and smaller distributors, original equipment manufacturers and value-added resellers. All of our sales to customers outside of the United States are denominated in U.S. dollars. We can experience fluctuations in the percentage of net sales to customers outside of the United States and in the United States from period to period based on the timing of large orders, coupled with the impact of increases and decreases in sales to customers in various regions of the world.

Net sales consist of gross sales of products less discounts, refunds and returns. Revenue is recognized at the time of product shipment or delivery to the customer (including distributors) provided that the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss (based on shipping terms), collection of the relevant receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Our customers generally do not have the right of return unless a product is defective or damaged and is within the parameters of the product warranty in effect for the sale.

Cost of goods sold consists of the cost of materials, product warranty costs and compensation costs, and overhead and other costs related to our manufacturing operations. The largest percentage of costs included in cost of goods sold is attributable to costs of materials.

Our gross profit margin percentages are heavily dependent upon product mix on a quarterly basis and may vary based on both anticipated and unanticipated changes in product mix. Additionally, gross profit margins tend to be higher when we achieve higher net sales levels, as certain fixed manufacturing costs are spread over higher sales volumes.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A expenses”) consist of the compensation costs for sales and marketing personnel, shipping costs, trade show expenses, customer support expenses, travel expenses, advertising, bad debt expense, the compensation costs for administration and management personnel, legal and accounting fees, costs incurred to settle litigation or claims and other actions against us, and other costs associated with our operations.

Royalty income (expense), net consists of royalty income earned on licenses associated with our patented products, net of royalty and related expenses.

Amortization of intangible assets consists primarily of the amortization of developed technology acquired in the acquisition of Superior Modular Products Incorporated, doing business as SMP Data Communications ("SMP Data Communications" or "SMP") on May 30, 2008 (these assets were fully amortized by the end of fiscal year 2013) and the amortization of intellectual property and customer list acquired in the acquisition of AOS on October 31, 2009. Amortization of intangible assets is calculated using an accelerated method and the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the intangible assets.

Other income (expense), net consists of interest expense and other miscellaneous income and expense items not directly attributable to our operations.

The following table sets forth and highlights fluctuations in selected line items from our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated:



	Three Months Ended January 31,					Percent Change
	2014			2013		Percent Change
Net sales	$	16,535,000		$	17,295,000	(4.4	)%
Gross profit	5,408,000			6,524,000		(17.1	)%
SG&A expenses	6,046,000			6,189,000		(2.3	)%
Net income (loss) attributable to OCC	(412,000		)	130,000		(417.5	)%

Three Months Ended January 31, 2014 and 2013

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 decreased 4.4% to $16.5 million compared to net sales of $17.3 million for the same period last year. We experienced an increase in net sales in our commercial markets in the first quarter of

fiscal year 2014 compared to the same period last year, but this increase was offset by decreases in net sales in our specialty markets.

Net sales to customers in the United States increased 5.7% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to the same period last year, while net sales to customers outside of the United States decreased 24.2%.

Subsequent to the end of the first quarter of this year, we have seen an increase in our sales order backlog/forward load—particularly for our fiber optic cable products. Generally, OCC's consolidated sales order backlog/forward load varies throughout the year between approximately 3 to 4 weeks of net sales, or approximately $4 million to $6 million. At the end of February 2014, our sales order backlog/forward load was $8.1 million, or approximately 5 to 6 weeks of net sales (on a trailing 12 month basis). As a result of our elevated sales order backlog/forward load, at this time, we believe it is likely we will see a positive impact on net sales during the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, when compared to net sales reported in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.

Gross Profit

Our gross profit decreased 17.1% to $5.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to $6.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. Gross profit margin, or gross profit as a percentage of net sales, decreased to 32.7% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 from 37.7% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Gross profit margin in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 was negatively impacted by lower net sales, as certain fixed manufacturing costs were spread over lower sales. Furthermore, our gross profit percentages are heavily dependent upon product mix on a quarterly basis and may vary based on both anticipated and unanticipated changes in product mix.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

SG&A expenses decreased 2.3% to $6.0 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to $6.2 million for the same period last year. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 36.6% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 compared to 35.8% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

The decrease in SG&A expenses during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same period last year was primarily due to decreased shipping costs and marketing related expenses. Shipping costs have decreased when comparing the first quarter of fiscal 2014 to the comparable period in fiscal year 2013 largely as a result of the decrease in net sales. Marketing related expenses decreased primarily due to the timing of trade shows and other promotional activities.

Royalty Income (Expense), Net

We recognized royalty expense, net of royalty income, totaling $30,000 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to $48,000 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. We expect the trend of royalty expense largely or completely offsetting royalty income to continue in fiscal year 2014.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

We recognized $9,000 of amortization expense, associated with intangible assets, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to amortization expense of $23,000 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. The decrease in amortization expense, when comparing the two periods, is primarily due to the fact that the purchased developed technology asset, acquired in connection with the acquisition of SMP Data Communications in 2008, was fully amortized during fiscal year 2013.

Other Expense, Net

We recognized other expense, net in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 of $91,000 compared to $112,000 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. Other expense, net is comprised of interest expense and other miscellaneous items which may fluctuate from period to period.

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

We reported a loss before income taxes of $767,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 compared to income before income taxes of $151,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. This change was primarily due to the decrease in gross profit of $1.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, partially offset by the decrease in SG&A expenses of $143,000, compared to the same period in 2013.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income tax benefit totaled $324,000 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 compared to income tax expense of $40,000 for the same period in fiscal year 2013. Our effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 was 42.2% compared to 26.6% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Generally, fluctuations in our effective tax rates are primarily due to permanent differences in U.S. GAAP and tax accounting for various tax deductions and benefits, but can also be significantly different from the statutory tax rate when income or loss before taxes is at a level such that permanent differences in U.S. GAAP and tax accounting treatment have a disproportional impact on the projected effective tax rate.

Net Income (Loss)

Net loss attributable to OCC for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 was $412,000 compared to net income attributable to OCC of $130,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. This change was due primarily to the decrease in income before income taxes of $919,000, partially offset by the decrease in income taxes of $364,000, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to the same period in fiscal year 2013.

Financial Condition

Total assets decreased $105,000, or less than 1.0%, to $45.3 million at January 31, 2014, from $45.4 million at October 31, 2013. This decrease was primarily due to a $1.2 million decrease in trade accounts receivable, net, partially offset by a $978,000 increase in inventories. The decrease in trade accounts receivable, net largely resulted from the decrease in net sales in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 when compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013, as well as the timing of receipts of payments during the quarter and continued efforts to manage collections. The increase in inventories is largely due to the timing of certain raw material purchases.

Total liabilities increased $332,000, or 2.1%, to $16.2 million at January 31, 2014, from $15.9 million at October 31, 2013. The increase in total liabilities was primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses totaling $838,000 largely due to the timing of certain raw material purchases when comparing the two periods, partially offset by a $500,000 decrease in note payable to bank under our revolving line of credit.

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to OCC at January 31, 2014 decreased $406,000 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. The decrease resulted from a net loss attributable to OCC of $412,000 and dividends declared of $131,000, partially offset by share-based compensation, net of $134,000.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary capital needs during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 have been to fund working capital requirements, repay $500,000 of prior advances under our revolving credit facility and capital expenditures. Our primary source of capital for these purposes has been existing cash and cash provided by operations. As of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, we had outstanding loan balances under our revolving credit facility totaling $2.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively. As of January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, we had outstanding loan balances, excluding our revolving credit facility, totaling $7.7 million and $7.8 million, respectively.

Our cash totaled $727,000 as of January 31, 2014, a decrease of $24,000, compared to $750,000 as of October 31, 2013. The decrease in cash for the three months ended January 31, 2014 resulted primarily from capital expenditures totaling $205,000 and net cash used in financing activities totaling $712,000, partially offset by net cash provided by operating activities of $915,000.

On January 31, 2014, we had working capital of $26.1 million compared to $27.0 million on October 31, 2013. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities as of January 31, 2014 was 5.5 to 1 compared to 6.6 to 1 as of October 31, 2013. The decrease in working capital and in the current ratio was primarily due to the $1.2 million decrease in trade accounts receivable, net and the $838,000 increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses, partially offset by the $978,000 increase in inventories.

Net Cash

Net cash provided by operating activities was $915,000 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared to $1.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. Net cash provided by operating activities during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 primarily resulted from certain adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities, including depreciation, amortization and accretion of $479,000 and share-based compensation expense of $155,000. Additionally, the cash flow impact

of decreases in trade accounts receivable of $1.3 million and increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $793,000 further contributed to net cash provided by operating activities. All of the aforementioned factors positively affecting cash provided by operating activities were partially offset by an increase in inventories of $978,000.

Net cash provided by operating activities during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 primarily resulted from net income of $111,000, plus net adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, including depreciation, amortization and accretion of $495,000 and share-based compensation expense of $337,000. Additionally, decreases in accounts receivable of $3.4 million further contributed to net cash provided by operating activities. All of the aforementioned factors positively affecting cash provided by operating activities were partially offset by an increase in inventories of $996,000 and a decrease in accrued compensation and payroll taxes of $2.1 million.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $226,000 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 compared to $1.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. Net cash used in investing activities during the first quarters of fiscal years 2014 and 2013 resulted primarily from purchases of property and equipment and deposits for the purchase of property and equipment.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $712,000 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 compared to $73,000 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. Net cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 resulted primarily from repayments on our revolving credit facility of $500,000 and the $132,000 payment of dividends previously declared. Net cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 resulted primarily from the repurchase and retirement of 129,500 shares of our common stock for $543,000, payroll taxes withheld and remitted on share-based payments of $287,000 and the $222,000 payment of quarterly dividends previously declared, partially offset by proceeds from a note payable to our bank under our revolving credit facility, net of repayments, of $940,000.

Credit Facilities

We have credit facilities consisting of a real estate term loan, as amended (the “Virginia Real Estate Loan”), a supplemental real estate term loan, as amended (the “North Carolina Real Estate Loan”) and a revolving credit facility, as amended (the “Commercial Loan”).

Both the Virginia Real Estate Loan and the North Carolina Real Estate Loan are with Valley Bank, have a fixed interest rate of 4.25% and are secured by a first priority lien on all of our personal property and assets, except for our inventory, accounts, general intangibles, deposit accounts, instruments, investment property, letter of credit rights, commercial tort claims, documents and chattel paper, as well as a first lien deed of trust on the Company's real property.

The Commercial Loan provides us with a revolving line of credit for the working capital needs of the Company. Under the terms of the Commercial Loan, we may borrow an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the lesser of (i) $9.0 million, or (ii) the sum of 85% of certain receivables aged 90 days or less plus 35% of the lesser of $1.0 million or certain foreign receivables plus 25% of certain raw materials inventory. Within the revolving loan limit of the new Commercial Loan, we may borrow, repay, and reborrow, at any time from time to time until August 31, 2015, the extended maturity date of the Commercial Loan.

The Commercial Loan is secured by a first priority lien on all of our inventory, accounts, general intangibles, deposit accounts, instruments, investment property, letter of credit rights, commercial tort claims, documents and chattel paper.

As of January 31, 2014, we had $2.0 million of outstanding borrowings on our Commercial Loan and $6.6 million in available credit.

Capital Expenditures

We did not have any material commitments for capital expenditures as of January 31, 2014. During our 2014 fiscal year budgeting process, we included an estimate for capital expenditures of $2.8 million for the year. These expenditures will be funded out of our working capital or borrowings under our credit facilities. Capital expenditures are reviewed and approved based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, current cash flow considerations, the expected return on investment, project priorities, impact on current or future product offerings, availability of personnel necessary to implement and begin using acquired equipment, and economic conditions in general. Historically, we have spent less than our budgeted capital expenditures in any given year.

Corporate acquisitions and other strategic investments are considered outside of our annual capital expenditure budgeting process.

Future Cash Flow Considerations

We believe that our future cash flow from operations, our cash on hand and our existing credit facilities will be adequate to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months.

From time to time, we are involved in various claims, legal actions and regulatory reviews arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Seasonality

Historically, net sales are relatively lower in the first half of each fiscal year and relatively higher in the second half of each fiscal year, which we believe may be partially due to construction cycles and budgetary considerations of our customers. For example, our trend for the last three fiscal years has been that an average of approximately 48%, 47% and 48% of our net sales occurred during the first half of fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and an average of approximately 52%, 53% and 52% of our net sales occurred during the second half of fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We believe net sales may not follow this pattern in periods when overall economic conditions in the industry and/or in the world are atypical.

As a result, we typically expect net sales to be relatively lower in the first half of each fiscal year and relatively higher in the second half of each fiscal year. We believe this historical seasonality pattern is generally indicative of an overall trend and reflective of the buying patterns and budgetary cycles of our customers. However, this pattern may be substantially altered during any quarter or year by the timing of larger projects, other economic factors impacting our industry or impacting the industries of our customers and end-users and macroeconomic conditions. While we believe seasonality may be a factor that impacts our quarterly net sales results, we are not able to reliably predict net sales based on seasonality because these other factors can also substantially impact our net sales patterns during the year.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying condensed notes that have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2013 provides a summary of our significant accounting policies. Those significant accounting policies detailed in our fiscal year 2013 Form 10-K did not change during the period from November 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014.

New Accounting Considerations

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). The amendments in ASU 2013-11 clarify that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. If a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date, then the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity or our related financial statement disclosures.

There are no other new accounting standards issued, but not yet adopted by us, which are expected to be applicable to our financial position, operating results or financial statement disclosures.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to be effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed and summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of January 31, 2014. Based on this evaluation process, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of January 31, 2014 and that there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

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

On September 20, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to purchase and retire up to 320,000 shares of the Company's common stock, or approximately 4.9% of the shares then outstanding. The Company anticipates that the purchases will be made over a 12- to 24-month period unless the entire number of shares expected to be purchased under the plan is sooner acquired. For the three month period ended January 31, 2014, the Company did not repurchase and retire any shares of its outstanding common stock.

Item 5. Other Information

On March 14, 2014, the Company entered into second amendments (the “amendments”) to the amended and restated employment agreements (the “employment agreements”) with each of Neil D. Wilkin, Jr. and Tracy G. Smith (together, the “Executives”).

The amendments are very similar in scope and were meant to clarify one section in each of the agreements, rather than revise the substance and intent of the agreements.

Each amendment reaffirms that the executive will participate in executive bonus programs, as established from time to time by the Board of Directors, or an appropriate committee thereof. This includes participation in the Optical Cable Corporation annual Senior Leadership Team Annual Bonus Criteria (or similar program) each fiscal year. Mr. Wilkin will be provided with at least a 100% annual target bonus opportunity (as a percentage of annual base salary, as such base salary may have been increased from time to time) for any such executive bonus program, payment of which is contingent on achievement of quantified corporate goals. Mr. Wilkin’s amendment does not increase the annual target bonus opportunity currently included in Mr. Wilkin’s employment agreement. Similarly, Ms. Smith will be provided with at least a 55% annual target bonus opportunity (as a percentage of annual base salary, as such base salary may have been increased from time to time) for any such executive bonus program, payment of which is contingent on achievement of quantified corporate goals. Ms. Smith’s amendment does not increase the annual bonus opportunity currently in effect for Ms. Smith prior to the amendment.

The amendments further provide that the Board of Directors, or an appropriate committee, may increase, from time to time, an Executive’s annual target bonus opportunity percentage, which will become the new minimum annual target bonus opportunity percentage for such Executive; provided that the Board, or an appropriate committee thereof, has indicated in writing its intention for such increase to become the new minimum annual target bonus opportunity percentage. If requested by the Board of Directors, or an appropriate committee, an Executive may (but is not required to) temporarily consent to a lower annual target bonus opportunity for any given year; however, such consent shall not have the effect of modifying or diminishing the annual target bonus opportunity percentage for purposes of other years or, whether in the year for which any such consent is given or otherwise, for purposes of determining any severance payments.

Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index are filed as part of, and incorporated by reference into, this report.

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.



	OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
	(Registrant)

Date: March 14, 2014	/s/ Neil D. Wilkin, Jr.
	Neil D. Wilkin, Jr.
	Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 14, 2014	/s/ Tracy G. Smith
	Tracy G. Smith
	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit Index



Exhibit No.		Description

2.1		Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 30, 2008 by and among Optical Cable Corporation, Aurora Merger Corporation, Preformed Line Products Company and Superior Modular Products Incorporated (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2008).

3.1		Articles of Amendment filed November 5, 2001 to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended through November 5, 2001 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company's Form 8-A12G filed with the Commission on November 5, 2001).

3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Optical Cable Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended July 31, 2011).

4.1		Form of certificate representing Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended July 31, 2004 (file number 0-27022)).

4.2		Form of certificate representing Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended July 31, 2012).

4.3		Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement dated as of October 28, 2011, between Optical Cable Corporation and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent, including as Exhibit A The Forms of Rights Certificate and Election to Exercise (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-A12G filed with the Commission on November 1, 2011).

4.4		Credit Agreement dated May 30, 2008 by and between Optical Cable Corporation and Superior Modular Products Incorporated as borrowers and Valley Bank as lender in the amount of $17,000,000 consisting of a Revolver in the amount of $6,000,000; Term Loan A in the amount of $2,240,000; Term Loan B in the amount of $6,500,000; and a Capital Acquisitions Term Loan in the amount of $2,260,000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.16 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2008 filed January 29, 2009).

4.5		Credit Line Deed of Trust dated May 30, 2008 between Optical Cable Corporation as Grantor, LeClairRyan as Trustee and Valley Bank as Beneficiary (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.17 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2008 filed January 29, 2009).

4.6		Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixtures Filing dated May 30, 2008 by and between Superior Modular Products Incorporated as Grantor, LeClairRyan as Trustee and Valley Bank as Beneficiary (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.18 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2008 filed January 29, 2009).

4.7		Security Agreement dated May 30, 2008 between Optical Cable Corporation and Superior Modular Products Incorporated and Valley Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.19 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2008 filed January 29, 2009).

4.8		Term Loan A Note in the amount of $2,240,000 by Optical Cable Corporation and Superior Modular Products Incorporated dated May 30, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.21 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2008 filed January 29, 2009).

4.9		Term Loan B Note in the amount of $6,500,000 by Optical Cable Corporation and Superior Modular Products Incorporated dated May 30, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.22 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2008 filed January 29, 2009).

4.10		First Loan Modification Agreement dated February 16, 2010 by and between Optical Cable Corporation and Valley Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 22, 2010).



4.11		Second Loan Modification Agreement dated April 30, 2010 by and between Optical Cable Corporation, for itself and as successor by merger to Superior Modular Products Incorporated, and Valley Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2010 filed June 14, 2010).

4.12		Addendum A to Commercial Note dated April 30, 2010 by and between Optical Cable Corporation and SunTrust Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2010 filed June 14, 2010).

4.13		Commercial Note dated April 30, 2010 by and between Optical Cable Corporation and SunTrust Bank in the principal amount of $6,000,000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2010 filed June 14, 2010).

4.14		Security Agreement dated April 30, 2010 by Optical Cable Corporation in favor of SunTrust Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2010 filed June 14, 2010).

4.15		Agreement to Commercial Note dated April 30, 2010 by and between Optical Cable Corporation and SunTrust Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2010 filed June 14, 2010).

4.16		Third Loan Modification Agreement dated April 22, 2011 by and between Optical Cable Corporation, for itself and as successor by merger to Superior Modular Products Incorporated, and Valley Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 28, 2011).

4.17		Binding Letter of Renewal dated July 25, 2011 by and between Optical Cable Corporation and SunTrust Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 26, 2011).

4.18		Binding Letter of Renewal dated July 25, 2012 by and between Optical Cable Corporation and SunTrust Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 26, 2012).

4.19		Fourth Loan Modification Agreement dated July 25, 2011 by and between Optical Cable Corporation, for itself and as successor by merger to Superior Modular Products Incorporated, and Valley Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 26, 2011).

4.20		Fifth Loan Modification Agreement dated August 31, 2012 by and between Optical Cable Corporation, for itself and as successor by merger to Superior Modular Products Incorporated, and Valley Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 31, 2012).

4.21		Commercial Note dated August 30, 2013 by and between Optical Cable Corporation and SunTrust Bank in the principal amount of $9,000,000 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 3, 2013).

4.22		Agreement to Commercial Note dated August 30, 2013 by and between Optical Cable Corporation and SunTrust Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 3, 2013).

4.23		Addendum A to Commercial Note dated August 30, 2013 by and between Optical Cable Corporation and SunTrust Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 3, 2013).

4.24		Sixth Loan Modification Agreement dated August 30, 2013 by and between Optical Cable Corporation, for itself and as successor by merger to Superior Modular Products Incorporated, and Valley Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 3, 2013).

10.1*		Optical Cable Corporation Amended 2004 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the Company's definitive proxy statement on Form 14A filed February 23, 2005).

10.2*		Form of award agreement under the Optical Cable Corporation Amended 2004 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2004 filed January 26, 2005).



10.3*		Optical Cable Corporation 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's definitive proxy statement on Form 14A filed February 23, 2005).

10.4*		Optical Cable Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's definitive proxy statement on Form 14A filed February 23, 2011).

10.5*		Optical Cable Corporation Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's definitive proxy statement on Form 14A filed February 27, 2013).

10.6*		Form of time vesting award agreement under the Optical Cable Corporation 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, 2011 Stock Incentive Plan and Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 30, 2006 filed June 14, 2006).

10.7*		Form of operational performance (Company financial performance measure) vesting award agreement under the Optical Cable Corporation 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, 2011 Stock Incentive Plan and Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 30, 2009 filed June 12, 2009).

10.8		Notice of Exercise of Warrant by the Company to purchase 98,741 shares of common stock of Applied Optical Systems, Inc. dated October 30, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2009 filed January 29, 2010).

10.9		Stock Purchase Agreement dated October 31, 2009 by and among the Company, as buyer and G. Thomas Hazelton, Jr. and Daniel Roehrs as sellers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2009 filed January 29, 2010).

10.10		Buy-Sell Agreement dated October 31, 2009, by and between G. Thomas Hazelton, Jr., as guarantor, and the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2009 filed January 29, 2010).

10.11		Buy-Sell Agreement dated October 31, 2009, by and between Daniel Roehrs, as guarantor, and the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2009 filed January 29, 2010).

10.12		Indemnification Agreement dated October 31, 2009, between the Company and Applied Optical Systems, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2009 filed January 29, 2010).

10.13		Supplemental Agreement dated October 31, 2009, by and among the Company, as buyer, Applied Optical Systems, Inc., George T. Hazelton Family Trust, G. Thomas Hazelton, Jr., and Daniel Roehrs (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2009 filed January 29, 2010).

10.14		Termination Agreement dated October 31, 2009, by and among Applied Optical Systems, Inc., the Company, as lender, and G. Thomas Hazelton, Jr. and Daniel Roehrs (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2009 filed January 29, 2010).

10.15		Warrant Exercise Agreement between the Company and Applied Optical Systems, Inc. dated October 30, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2009 filed January 29, 2010).

10.16		Redemption Agreement by and between Optical Cable Corporation and BB&T Capital Markets dated September 20, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 21, 2012).

10.17*		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Optical Cable Corporation and Neil D. Wilkin, Jr. effective April 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 15, 2011).

10.18*		Amendment, effective December 18, 2012, to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Optical Cable Corporation and Neil D. Wilkin, Jr. effective April 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 31, 2013 filed March 15, 2013).



10.19*		Second Amendment, effective March 14, 2014, to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Optical Cable Corporation and Neil D. Wilkin, Jr. effective April 11, 2011 (as amended December 18, 2012). FILED HEREWITH.

10.20*		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Optical Cable Corporation and Tracy G. Smith effective April 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 15, 2011).

10.21*		Amendment, effective December 18, 2012, to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Optical Cable Corporation and Tracy G. Smith effective April 11, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 31, 2013 filed March 15, 2013).

10.22*		Second Amendment, effective March 14, 2014, to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Optical Cable Corporation and Tracy G. Smith effective April 11, 2011 (as amended December 18, 2012). FILED HEREWITH.

11.1		Statement regarding computation of per share earnings (incorporated by reference to note 8 of the Condensed Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein).

31.1		Certification of the Company's Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. FILED HEREWITH.

31.2		Certification of the Company's Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. FILED HEREWITH.

32.1		Certification of the Company's Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. FILED HEREWITH.

32.2		Certification of the Company's Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. FILED HEREWITH.

101		The following materials from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended January 31, 2014, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, and (v) Condensed Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. FILED HEREWITH.



*	Management contract or compensatory plan or agreement.