STARRETT L S CO - Quarter Report: 2005 December (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 24, 2005
OR
[ ] 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 1-367
THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
MASSACHUSETTS 04-1866480
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
121 CRESCENT STREET, ATHOL, MASSACHUSETTS 01331-1915
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 978-249-3551
Former name, address and fiscal year, if changed since last report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES X NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES X NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES NO X
Common Shares outstanding as of January 31, 2006:
Class A Common Shares 5,591,730
Class B Common Shares 1,076,300
Page 1 of 17
THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY
CONTENTS
Page No.
Part I. Financial Information:
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Operations -
thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended
December 24, 2005 and December 25, 2004
(unaudited) 3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended
December 24, 2005 and December 25, 2004
(unaudited) 4
Consolidated Balance Sheets –
December 24, 2005 (unaudited) and
June 25, 2005 5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders'
Equity - twenty-six weeks ended
December 24, 2005 and December 25, 2004
(unaudited) 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7-8
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 9-15
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk 15
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 15
Part II. Other information:
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
and Use of Proceeds 16
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 16
SIGNATURES 17
Page 2 of 17
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands of dollars except per share data)(unaudited)
13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended
12/24/05 12/25/04 12/24/05 12/25/04
Net sales 51,611 49,255 99,142 96,050
Cost of goods sold (40,345) (35,431) (77,860) (68,868)
Selling and general expense (12,814) (12,067) (25,404) (23,916)
Other income (expense) (331) (124) (425) 381
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (1,879) 1,633 (4,547) 3,647
Provision (benefit) for federal,
foreign and state income taxes (883) 321 (1,707) 671
Net earnings (loss) (996) 1,312 (2,840) 2,976
Basic and diluted earnings (loss)
per share (.15) .20 (.43) .45
Average outstanding shares used in per
share calculations (in thousands):
Basic 6,660 6,638 6,661 6,643
Diluted 6,660 6,652 6,661 6,657
Dividends per share .10 .10 .20 .20
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page 3 of 17
THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands of dollars)(unaudited)
13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended
12/24/05 12/25/04 12/24/05 12/25/04
(as
restated)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss) (996) 1,312 (2,840) 2,976
Non-cash items included:
Gain from sale of real estate - - - (662)
Depreciation and amortization 2,566 2,651 5,102 5,212
Deferred taxes 488 119 (395) 171
Unrealized transaction (gains) (139) - (195) -
Retirement benefits (54) (475) (131) (951)
Working capital changes:
Receivables (3,545) 714 (2,727) 1,647
Inventories 1,695 (1,977) (180) (4,345)
Other current assets (693) 46 (303) 1,555
Other current liabilities 1,957 (929) 730 (2,727)
Prepaid pension cost and other 131 513 284 790
Net operating cash flows 1,410 1,974 (655) 3,666
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to plant and equipment (1,178) (1,718) (3,211) (3,398)
Proceeds from sale of real estate - - - 1,522
(Increase) decrease in short-term
investments (425) (88) 4,562 (568)
Net investing cash flows (1,603) (1,806) 1,351 (2,444)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Short-term borrowings 850 207 - 640
Short-term repayments (454) - (84) -
Long-term debt borrowings 71 - 71 -
Long-term debt repayments (181) (491) (314) (576)
Common stock issued 124 247 139 373
Treasury shares purchased - (394) (170) (394)
Dividends (666) (665) (1,332) (1,330)
Net financing cash flows (256) (1,096) (1,690) (1,287)
Exchange rate change effect on cash 4 113 36 104
Net increase (decrease) in cash (445) (815) (958) 39
Cash, beginning of period 3,966 3,337 4,479 2,483
Cash, end of period 3,521 2,522 3,521 2,522
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page 4 of 17
THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands of dollars except share data)
Dec. 24 June 25
2005 2005
ASSETS (unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash 3,521 4,479
Investments 23,718 28,627
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $1,195 and $1,125) 33,559 30,627
Inventories:
Finished goods 23,418 23,145
Goods in process and finished parts 18,642 17,763
Raw materials and supplies 16,114 16,075
58,174 56,983
Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets 10,251 9,820
Total current assets 129,223 130,536
Property, plant and equipment, at cost (less
accumulated depreciation of $113,916
and $109,715) 59,597 60,774
Prepaid pension cost 32,314 32,297
Other assets 547 507
221,681 224,114
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable and current maturities 4,041 3,772
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 16,450 16,867
Accrued salaries and wages 4,483 4,596
Total current liabilities 24,974 25,235
Deferred income taxes 11,534 10,551
Long-term debt 2,924 2,885
Accumulated postretirement medical benefit obligation 16,926 17,017
Total Liabilities 56,358 55,688
Stockholders' equity:
Class A Common $1 par (20,000,000 shrs. authorized)
5,586,892 outstanding on 12/24/05,
5,457,786 outstanding on 6/25/05, 5,587 5,458
Class B Common $1 par (10,000,000 shrs. authorized)
1,076,300 outstanding on 12/24/05,
1,206,266 outstanding on 6/25/05, 1,076 1,206
Additional paid-in capital 50,543 50,466
Retained earnings reinvested and employed in
the business 126,112 130,361
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (17,995) (19,065)
Total stockholders' equity 165,323 168,426
221,681 224,114
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
For the Twenty-six Weeks Ended December 24, 2005 and December 25, 2004
(in thousands of dollars except per share data)
(unaudited)
Common Addi- Accumulated
Stock Out- tional Other
standing Paid-in Retained Comprehensive
($1 Par) Capital Earnings Loss Total
Balance June 26, 2004 6,647 49,934 129,282 (23,580) 162,283
Comprehensive income(loss):
Net earnings 2,976 2,976
Unrealized net gain
on investments 78 78
Translation gain, net 4,041 4,041
Total comprehensive income 7,095 Dividends ($.20 per share) (1,330) (1,330)
Treasury shares:
Purchased (25) (210) (159) (394)
Issued 9 118 127
Options exercised 16 281 297
Balance Dec. 25, 2004 6,647 50,123 130,769 (19,461) 168,078
Balance June 25, 2005 6,664 50,466 130,361 (19,065) 168,426
Comprehensive income(loss):
Net loss (2,840) (2,840)
Unrealized net gain
(loss) on investments (50) (50)
Translation gain, net 1,120 1,120
Total comprehensive loss (1,770)
Dividends ($.20 per share) (1,332) (1,332)
Treasury shares:
Purchased (10) (83) (77) (170)
Issued 5 88 93
Options exercised 4 72 76
Balance Dec. 24, 2005 6,663 50,543 126,112 (17,995) 165,323
Cumulative Balance:
Translation loss (14,419)
Unrealized gain on investments 8
Minimum pension liability (3,584)
(17,995)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements contain
all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary
to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of December 24,
2005 and June 25, 2005; the results of operations and cash flows for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended December 24, 2005 and December 25, 2004; and changes in stockholders' equity for the twenty-six weeks ended December 24, 2005 and December 25, 2004.
The Company follows the same accounting policies in the preparation of interim statements as described in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended June 25, 2005, and these financial statements should be read in conjunction with said annual report. The cash flow statement for the December 2004 six month period has been restated to properly reflect the gain on the sale of the Company’s Skipton, England manufacturing facility.
Note that this restatement was first recorded in the Company's First Quarter Form 10-Q.
In the December 2005 quarter as well as the December 2005 six month period, shares used to compute diluted loss per share were the same as shares used to compute basic loss per share since inclusion of common stock equivalents (5,150 and 6,001 shares, respectively) is antidilutive in periods with a loss.
Included in investments at December 24, 2005 is $2.3 million of AAA rated Puerto Rico debt obligations that have maturities greater than one year but carry the benefit of possibly reducing repatriation taxes. These investments represent “core cash” and are part of the Company’s overall cash management and liquidity program and, under SFAS 115, are considered “available for sale.” The investments themselves are highly liquid, carry no early redemption penalties, and are not designated for acquiring non-current assets.
Other income (expense) is comprised of the following (in thousands):
Thirteen Weeks Twenty-six Weeks
Ended December Ended December
2005 2004 2005 2004
Interest income 242 257 534 492
Interest expense and com-
mitment fees (316) (186) (652) (381)
Realized and unrealized
exchange losses (324) (116) (283) (263)
Gain on sale of real estate - - - 662
Other 67 (79) (24) (129)
(331) (124) (425) 381_
Net periodic benefit costs (benefits) for the Company's defined benefit pension plans consists of the following (in thousands):
Thirteen Weeks Twenty-six Weeks
Ended December Ended December
2005 2004 2005 2004
Service cost 957 804 1,914 1,608
Interest cost 1,624 1,648 3,248 3,296
Expected return on plan assets (2,613) (2,578) (5,226) (5,156)
Amort. of transition obligation (1) (245) (2) (490)
Amort. of prior service cost 107 107 214 214
Amort. of unrecognized loss 79 - 158 -
153 (264) 306 (528)
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Net periodic benefit costs (benefits) for the Company's postretirement medical plan consists of the following (in thousands):
Thirteen Weeks Twenty-six Weeks
Ended December Ended December
2005 2004 2005 2004
Service cost 138 129 276 258
Interest cost 206 238 412 476
Amort. of prior service cost (119) (118) (238) (236)
Amort. of unrecognized loss 32 16 64 32
257 265 514 530
Approximately 57% of all inventories are valued on the LIFO method. At December 24, 2005 and June 26, 2005, total inventories are approximately
$22 million less than if determined on a FIFO basis. The Company has not realized any material LIFO layer liquidation profits in the periods presented.
Long-term debt is comprised of the following (in thousands):
December June
2005 2005
Revolving credit agreement - -
Capitalized lease obligations payable in
Brazilian currency due 2006-2010, 15%-22% 3,726 3,655
Less current portion (802) (770)
2,924 2,885
Current notes payable, primarily in Brazilian currency, carry interest at up to 15%.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R which requires all share-based payments to employees to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. SFAS No. 123R replaces SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 ("APB Opinion No. 25"), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company will recognize stock-based compensation costs ratably over the service period, which is the earlier of the retirement eligibility date, if the grant contains provisions such that the award becomes fully vested upon retirement, or the stated vesting period. For grants issued to retirement eligible employees prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company will recognize compensation costs over the stated vesting period with acceleration of any unrecognized compensation costs if and when an employee elects to retire. This statement also amends SFAS No. 95, "Statement of Cash Flows," to require that excess tax benefits be reflected as financing cash inflows rather than operating cash inflows. The Company has adopted SFAS No. 123R effective with the first quarter of Fiscal 2006. The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R resulted in a minor compensation charge for the first six months of fiscal year 2006.
Page 8 of 17
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
QUARTERS ENDED DECEMBER 24, 2005 AND DECEMBER 25, 2004
Overview
As more fully discussed below, the Company had a net loss of $1.0 million, or $.15 per share,in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to net earnings of $1.3 million, or $.20 per share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2005.
Sales
Sales for the fiscal 2006 December quarter are up $2.3 million or 5% compared to the fiscal 2005 December quarter. Domestic sales are down 1% while foreign sales are up 14% (2% increase in local currency).
The decrease in domestic sales reflects lower pricing to major customers and lower pricing due to pressure from foreign competitors on certain product categories. The Company's domestic sales may have also been affected by the impact of U.S. manufacturing plants moving to lower cost foreign locations. The increase in foreign sales reflects strong export sales from the Brazilian operations.
Earnings (loss) before taxes
The current quarter's pretax loss of $1.9 million represents a decrease of pre-tax earnings of $3.5 million from last year's pretax earnings of $1.6 million. Approximately $2.6 million of this decrease is at the gross margin line. The gross margin percentage dropped from 28.1% in the prior year to 21.8% in the current quarter. This is primarily driven by the Evans Division which had lower pricing, and in addition, has only been able to pass along a portion of its higher material costs to its customers. Also, although not as significant as in the first quarter of this fiscal year, the continued impact of costs associated with the transfer of manufacturing operations to the Dominican Republic adversely impacted Evan's results. Gross margin from other domestic operations were comparable on a quarter to quarter basis. International operations showed a net decline in gross margins, with decreases caused by the inability to pass along material cost increases to customers and a non-recurring inventory adjustment recorded at the Suzhou, China plant, offset partially by an increase in gross margin at the Brazilian operations associated with higher sales volume. Management expects that the overall gross margin percentage of 21.8% will increase over the next quarter as a result of the continued decline of the Dominican transfer costs. In addition, the gross margin percentage is not expected to be negatively impacted by any inventory adjustments relating to the Suzhou plant since the adjustment recorded in the current period is considered to be a one-time event.
Income Taxes
The current quarter's benefit reflects the impact of permanent book/tax differences and the phasing out of the Puerto Rico tax incentives as those operations were moved to the Dominican Republic. In addition, the decision in the current quarter to have our wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary pay an intercompany dividend (results in local tax deduction) will reduce our overall tax expense for the full 2006 fiscal year by approximately $.8 million. A similar benefit was recognized in the December 2004 quarter. As described in the six month period discussion on page 10, a year to date benefit has been calculated based upon an effective rate using management’s best estimate for the full 2006 fiscal year. The current quarter’s benefit represents the difference between the calculated year to date benefit and the benefit previously recorded for the September 2005 quarter. Despite the loss in this quarter, the Company continues to believe it is more likely
Page 9 of 17
than not that it will be able to utilize its tax operating loss carry forwards generated in the current and prior periods. This is continually monitored and could change in the future.
Net earnings (loss) per share
As a result of the above factors, the Company had a loss of $.15 per share in the December 2005 quarter compared to $.20 of basic and diluted earnings per share in the December 2004 quarter, a $.35 decline.
SIX MONTH PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 24, 2005 AND DECEMBER 25, 2004
Sales
Sales for the first six months of fiscal 2006 are up $3.1 million or 3% compared to the first six months of fiscal 2005. Domestic sales are down 3% and foreign sales are up 14% (1% increase in local currency). The decrease in domestic sales reflects lower pricing to major customers and lower pricing due to pressure from foreign competitors on certain product categories and the impact of U.S. manufacturing plants moving to lower cost foreign locations. The increase in foreign sales is driven by the strengthening of the Brazilian Real against the U.S. dollar and strong export sales from the Brazilian operations.
Earnings (loss) before taxes (benefit)
The pretax loss for the first six months of fiscal 2006 was $4.6 million compared to $3.6 million of pretax earnings for the first six months of fiscal 2005.
This represents a decrease of pre-tax earnings of $8.2 million. Approximately $5.9 million of this decrease is at the gross margin line. The gross margin percentage dropped from 28.3% in the prior year to 21.5% in the current six month period. This is primarily driven by the Evans Division which had lower pricing, and in addition, has only been able to pass along a portion of its higher material costs to its customers. The impact of costs associated with the transfer of manufacturing operations to the Dominican Republic, although at a declining rate from the first 3 months compared to the last 3 months, continued to adversely impact the Evans results. Gross margin declines also occurred at various domestic and international locations caused primarily by the inability to pass along material cost increases to customers and a non-recurring inventory adjustment recorded at the Suzhou, China plant. Management expects that the overall gross margin percentage of 21.5% will increase over the next six months as a result of the continual decline and eventual elimination of the Dominican transfer costs. In addition, the gross margin percentage is not expected to be negatively impacted by any inventory adjustments relating to the Suzhou plant since the adjustment recorded in the current period is considered to be a one-time event.
Income taxes
The effective income tax rate is 38% in the December 2005 six month period versus 18% in the December 2004 six month period. This reflects management's current best estimate of the effective rate for fiscal 2006. The current six month rate reflects the impact of permanent book/tax differences and the phasing out of the Puerto Rico tax incentives as those operations were moved to the Dominican Republic. In addition, the decision in the current quarter to have our wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary pay an intercompany dividend (results in local tax deduction) will reduce our tax expense for the full 2006 fiscal year by approximately $.8 million and the tax rate has been adjusted accordingly in the December 2005 quarter. The rate for the prior year's six months reflects the permanent benefit of no tax cost on the $.7 million gain on the sale of real estate mentioned above as a result of U.K. indexing rules. In addition, a similar benefit from
Page 10 of 17
the Brazilian intercompany dividend as described above was recognized in the December 2004 six month period. Despite the loss in the current six month period, the Company continues to believe it is more likely than not that it will be able to utilize its tax operating loss carry forwards generated in the current and prior periods. This is continually monitored and could change in the future.
Net earnings (loss) per share
As a result of the above factors, the Company had a loss per share for the first six months of fiscal 2006 of $.43 per share compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $.45 in the first six months of fiscal 2005, a decline of $.88 per share.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See disclosure above on page 8.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash flows (in thousands) 13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended
12/24/05 12/25/04 12/24/05 12/25/04
Operating cash flow 1,410 1,974 (655) 3,666
Investing cash flow (1,603) (1,806) 1,351 (2,444)
Financing cash flow (256) (1,096) (1,690) (1,287)
Cash provided by operations in the current quarter decreased compared to the same quarter a year ago. This decrease is primarily a result of the decline
in net earnings and the increase in accounts receivable. Similarly, cash provided by operations for the December 2005 six month period decreased compared to the same six month period a year ago. This decrease is primarily a result of the decline in net earnings, the increase in accounts receivable and offset by an increase in current liabilities during the current six month period.
The Company's investing activities consist of expenditures for plant and equipment and the investment of cash not immediately needed for operations. Expenditures for plant and equipment were relatively consistent when comparing the current quarter and the December 2005 six month period to the same periods a year ago.
Although the six month period ending in December 2005 used $4.6 million of cash from the liquidation of short-term investments, the most recent quarter within that period provided a $.4 million increase in those investments. This offsets the $5.0 million liquidation which occurred in the first quarter of Fiscal 2005 as disclosed in the Company's First Quarter Form
10-Q.
Within the six month period ending December 2004 $1.5 million of cash was provided by the proceeds on the sale of the Company's Skipton England manufacturing facility in July 2004.
Cash flows related to financing activities are primarily the payment of dividends and repayments of debt.
Liquidity and credit arrangements
The Company believes it maintains sufficient liquidity and has the resources
to fund its operations in the near term. If the Company is unable to maintain consistent profitability, additional steps will have to be taken in
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order to maintain liquidity, including plant consolidations and further
work force and dividend reductions (see Reorganization Plans below). In addition to its cash and investments, the Company maintains a $15 million line of credit, of which, as of December 24, 2005, $975,000 is being utilized in the form of standby letters of credit for insurance purposes. Although the credit line is not currently collateralized, it is possible, based on the Company's financial performance, that in the future the Company will have to provide collateral in order to maintain the credit agreement. The Company has a working capital ratio of 5.2 to one as of December 24,2005 and 5.2 to one as of June 25, 2005.
REORGANIZATION PLANS
The continued migration of manufacturing to low wage countries has adversely affected the Company's customer base and competitive position, particularly in North America. As a result, the Company is in the process of implementing plans to lower wage costs, consolidate operations, move its strategic focus from manufacturing locations to product group and distribution channel, as well as to achieving the goals of enhanced marketing focus and global procurement. The Company is trying to sell its Alum Bank, Pennsylvania level manufacturing plant and has relocated the manufacturing to the Dominican Republic, where production began in fiscal 2005. The tape measure production of the Evans Division facility in Charleston, South Carolina is being transferred to the Dominican Republic at an adjacent site. After the move is complete, the Company plans to sell its Charleston facility. The Company's goal is to achieve labor savings and maintain margins while satisfying the demands of its customers for lower prices. However, it is expected that this move will continue to adversely effect the Company's earnings over the next six months.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company does not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements as
defined under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The footnotes to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K describe the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Judgments, assumptions, and estimates are used for, but not limited to, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and returned goods; inventory allowances; income tax reserves; employee turnover, discount, and return rates used to calculate pension obligations; and normal expense accruals for such things as workers compensation and employee medical expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
The allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns is based on our assessment of the collectibility of specific customer accounts, the aging of our accounts receivable and trends in product returns. While we believe that our allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns is adequate, if there is a deterioration of a major customer’s credit worthiness, actual defaults are higher than our previous experience, or actual future returns do not
reflect historical trends, our estimates of the recoverability of the amounts due us and our sales could be adversely affected.
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Inventory purchases and commitments are based upon future demand forecasts. If there is a sudden and significant decrease in demand for our products or there is a higher risk of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and requirements, we may be required to increase our inventory reserve and, as a result, our gross profit margin could be adversely affected.
Accounting for income taxes requires estimates of our future tax liabilities. Due to timing differences in the recognition of items
included in income for accounting and tax purposes, deferred tax assets or liabilities are recorded to reflect the impact arising from these differences on future tax payments. With respect to recorded tax assets, we assess the likelihood that the asset will be realized. If realization is in doubt because of uncertainty regarding future profitability or enacted tax rates, we provide a valuation allowance related to the asset. Tax reserves are also established to cover risks associated with activities or transactions that may be at risk for additional taxes. Should any significant changes in the tax law or our estimate of the necessary valuation allowances or reserves occur, we would record the impact of the change, which could have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Pension and postretirement medical costs and obligations are dependent on assumptions used by our actuaries in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, healthcare cost trends, inflation, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, retirement rates, mortality rates, and other factors. These assumptions are made based on a combination of external market factors, actual historical experience, long-term trend
analysis, and an analysis of the assumptions being used by other companies with similar plans. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions would affect our pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the fiscal 2005 annual report to stockholders, including the President’s letter, and the fiscal 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K, contain forward-looking statements about the Company’s business, competition, sales, expenditures, foreign operations, plans for reorganization, interest rate sensitivity, debt service, liquidity and capital resources, and other operating and capital requirements. In addition, forward-looking statements may be included in future Company documents and in oral statements by Company representatives to security analysts and investors. The Company is subject to risks that could cause actual events to vary materially from such forward-looking statements, including the following risk factors:
Risks Related to Reorganization: The Company continues to evaluate and implement possible consolidations and reorganizations of its manufacturing and distribution operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in these efforts or that any consolidation or reorganization will result in cost savings to the Company. The implementation of these reorganization measures may disrupt the Company's manufacturing and distribution activities, could adversely affect operations, and could result in asset impairment charges and other costs that will be recognized if and when reorganization or restructuring plans are implemented or obligations are incurred. If the Company is unable to maintain consistent profitability, additional steps will have to be taken, including further plant consolidations and workforce and dividend reductions.
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Risks Related to Technology: Although the Company’s strategy includes investment in research and development of new and innovative products to meet technology advances, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in competing against new technologies developed by competitors.
Risks Related to Foreign Operations: Approximately 40% of the Company’s sales and 20% of net assets relate to foreign operations. Foreign operations are subject to special risks that can materially affect the sales, profits, cash flows, and financial position of the Company, including taxes and other restrictions on distributions and payments, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and economic instability, inflation, minimum capital requirements, and exchange controls. In particular, the Company’s Brazilian operations, which constitute over half of the Company’s revenues from foreign operations, can be very volatile. As a result, the future performance of the Brazilian operations is inherently unpredictable.
Risks Related to Manufacturing Sector: The market for most of the Company’s products is subject to economic conditions affecting the industrial manufacturing sector, including the level of capital spending by industrial companies and the general movement of manufacturing to low wage foreign countries where the Company does not have a substantial market presence. Economic weakness in the industrial manufacturing sector as well as the shift of manufacturing to low wage counties where the Company does not have a substantial market presence may, and in some cases has, resulted in decreased demand for certain of the Company’s products, which adversely affects performance. Economic weakness in the consumer market could adversely impact the Company’s performance as well. In the event that demand
for any of Company's products declines significantly, the Company could be required to recognize certain costs as well as asset impairment charges on long-lived assets related to those products.
Risks related to Shifts in Manufacturing: The Company's primary customers are in the manufacturing business and, in particular, in the metal working industry. Manufacturing is shifting to low wage countries where the Company does not have a substantial market presence. As a result, unless the Company can penetrate these markets, the Company's sales and performance may be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Competition: The Company’s business is subject to direct and indirect competition from both domestic and foreign firms. In particular, low-wage foreign sources have created severe competitive pricing pressures. Under certain circumstances, including significant changes in U.S. and foreign currency relationships, such pricing pressures tend to reduce unit sales and/or adversely affect the Company’s margins.
Risks Related to Customer Concentration: Sales to the Company's two biggest customers accounted for approximately 16% of revenues for the six month period ended December 2005. The Company has ended its relationship with W.W.Grainger, which was previously one of the three largest customers, during fiscal 2005. The loss or reduction in orders by any of the remaining customers, including reductions due to market, economic or competitive conditions, or the failure of the Company to replace the Grainger sales could adversely affect business and results of operations. Indeed, the Company's major customers have, and may continue to, place pressure on the Company to reduce its prices. This pricing pressure may affect the Company's margins and revenues and could adversely affect business and results of operations.
Risks Related to Insurance Coverage: The Company carries liability, property damage, workers' compensation, medical, and other insurance coverages that management considers adequate for the protection of its assets and
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operations. There can be no assurance, however, that the coverage limits of such policies will be adequate to cover all claims and losses. Such uncovered claims and losses could have a material adverse effect on the
Company. The Company self-insures for health benefits and retains risk in
the form of deductibles and sublimits. Depending on the risk, deductibles can be as high as $.5 million and, in certain circumstances, 5% of the loss.
Risks Related to Raw Material and Energy Costs: Steel is the principal raw material used in the manufacture of the Company’s products. The price of steel has historically fluctuated on a cyclical basis and has often depended on a variety of factors over which the Company has no control. During fiscal 2005, the cost of steel rose approximately 10%. The cost of producing the Company's products is also sensitive to the price of energy for which the Company has recently experienced increases. The selling prices of the Company’s products have not always increased in response to raw material, energy or other cost increases, and the Company is unable to determine to what extent, if any, it will be able to pass future cost increases through to its customers. Indeed, the Company has recently experienced difficulty in passing along the increases in steel and energy costs to its major customers. The Company's inability to pass increased costs through to its customers could materially and adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Related to Stock Market Performance: Although the Company's domestic defined benefit pension plan is significantly overfunded, a significant (over 30%) drop in the stock market, even if short in duration, could cause the plan to become temporarily underfunded and require the temporary reclassification of prepaid pension cost on the balance sheet from an asset to a contra equity account, thus reducing stockholders' equity and book value per share.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk is the potential change in a financial instrument’s value caused by fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates, and equity and
commodity prices. The Company's operating activities expose it to risks that
are continually monitored, evaluated, and managed. Proper management of these risks helps reduce the likelihood of earnings volatility. At December 2005 and 2004, the Company was not a party to any derivative arrangement and the Company does not engage in trading, market-making or other speculative activities in the derivatives markets. The Company does not enter into long-term supply contracts with either fixed prices or quantities. The Company does not engage in regular hedging activities to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Net foreign monetary assets are approximately $4 million.
A 10% change in interest rates would not have a significant impact on the aggregate net fair value of the Company's interest rate sensitive financial instruments (primarily variable rate investments of $21.4 million and debt of $2.7 million at December 24, 2005) or the cash flows or future earnings associated with those financial instruments. A 10% change in interest rates would impact the fair value of the Company's fixed rate investments of approximately $2.3 million by $30,000.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company's management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 24, 2005, and they have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective. There have been no significant changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are
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reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over
financial reporting. The action to be taken by management relating to the material weakness surrounding the accounting for income taxes as outlined in the Remediation Plan included in the Company's fiscal 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K has been completed as of the filing for this Form 10-Q.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
A summary of the Company's repurchases of shares of its common stock for the three months ended December 24, 2005 is as follows:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Shares Purchased Shares yet to be
Shares Average Under Announced Purchased Under
Period Purchased Price Programs Announced Programs
9/25/05-
10/29/05 none none
10/30/05-
11/26/05 none none
11/27/05-
12/24/05 none none
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a)
Exhibits
31a Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule
13a-14(a), filed herewith.
31b Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule
13a-14(a), filed herewith.
32
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section
1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), filed
herewith.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K -
The following report on Form 8-K was filed with or furnished
to the SEC in the quarter covered by this report:
1. The Company filed a report on Form 8-K on November 3, 2005
containing a Quarterly Shareholder's Letter with the financial
results of the first quarter of fiscal 2006.
2. The Company filed a report on Form 8-K on December 7, 2005
which announced the quarterly dividend of the Company's common
Stock payable on December 29, 2005. This also disclosed
the process by which the presiding director over the executive
sessions of the independent directors is selected.
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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.
THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY
(Registrant)
Date January 31, 2006 S/R. J. HYLEK
R. J. HYLEK (Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer)
Date January 31, 2006 S/S. G. THOMSON
S. G. THOMSON (Chief Accounting Officer)
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