STARRETT L S CO - Quarter Report: 2013 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

CONTENTS

PART I.                      FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.                      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands except share data)

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands except per share data) (unaudited)

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 (in thousands) (unaudited)

THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012

(in thousands except per share data) (unaudited)

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands of dollars) (unaudited)

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2013

Note 1:   Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Account 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 amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2013 describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. There were no changes in any of the Company’s significant accounting policies during the three months ended September 30, 2013.

Note 2: Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." ASU No. 2013-11 resolves the diversity in practice regarding the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU comes into effect for the first annual period beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not expect adoption of ASU No. 2013-11 to affect our results of operations or cash flows.

Note 3:  Stock-based Compensation

On September 5, 2012 the Board of Directors adopted The L.S. Starrett Company 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 Stock Plan”). The 2012 stock plan was approved by shareholders October 17, 2012. The 2012 Stock Plan permits the granting of the following types of awards to officers, other employees and non-employee directors: stock options; restricted stock awards; unrestricted stock awards; stock appreciation rights; stock units including restricted stock units; performance awards; cash-based awards; and awards other than previously described that are convertible or otherwise based on stock. The 2012 Stock Plan provides for the issuance of up to 500,000 shares of common stock. 

Options granted vest in periods ranging from one year to three years and expire ten years after the grant date. Restricted stock units (“RSU”) granted generally vest from one year to three years. Vested restricted stock units will be settled in shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2013, there were 20,500 stock options and 8,200 restricted stock units outstanding. In addition, there were 471,300 shares available for grant under the 2012 Stock Plan as of September 30, 2013.

For the stock option grant, the fair value of each grant was estimated at the date of grant using the Binomial Options pricing model. The Binomial Options pricing model utilizes assumptions related to stock volatility, the risk-free interest rate, the dividend yield and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the model are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s stock price. The risk free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury Yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected life is determined using the average of the vesting period and contractual term of the options (Short-cut method).

The fair value of stock options as of September 30, 2013 of $3.82 was estimated using the following assumptions:

The weighted average contractual term for stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2013 was 9.25 years.  The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2013 was $0.1 million. There were no options exercisable as of September 30, 2013.

The Company accounts for RSU awards by recognizing the expense of the fair value ratably over vesting periods generally ranging from one year to three years. The related expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. 

There were no RSU awards settled during the three months ended September 30, 2013. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSU awards outstanding as of September 30, 2013 was $0.1 million. There were no RSU awards vested as of September 30, 2013.

On February 5, 2013, the Board of Directors adopted The L.S. Starrett Company 2013 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “2013 ESOP”). The purpose of the plan is to supplement existing Company programs through an employer funded individual account plan dedicated to investment in common stock of the Company, thereby encouraging increased ownership of the Company while providing an additional source of retirement income.  The plan is intended as an employee stock ownership plan within the meaning of Section 4975 (e) (7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. U.S. employees who have completed a year of service as of December 31, 2012 are eligible to participate.

On June 5, 2013 the Board of Directors approved a contribution to the 2013 ESOP for fiscal 2013 in the amount of two percent of each participant’s compensation (as defined in the Plan). Compensation expense related to the 2013 ESOP of $.8 million was recognized in the year ended June 30, 2013. The $.8 million liability was included in other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet on June 30, 2013. Shares of Class B common stock were contributed to the 2013 ESOP on July 30, 2013 in order to fund this liability.

Compensation expense related to all stock based plans for the three month period ended September 30, 2013 was $0.1 million.  As of September 30, 2013, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to outstanding stock-based compensation arrangements. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.

Note 4:   Inventories

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

LIFO inventories were $12.9 million at September 30, 2013 and June 30, 2013, or approximately $30.6 million and $30.8 million, respectively, less than their balances accounted for on a FIFO basis.  The use of LIFO, as compared to FIFO, resulted in a $0.2 million decrease in cost of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2013 compared to no effect in the three months ended September 30, 2012.

Note 5:   Goodwill and Intangibles

The Company performed a qualitative analysis in accordance with ASU 2011-08 for its Bytewise reporting unit for its October 1, 2012 annual assessment of goodwill (commonly referred to as “Step Zero”). From a qualitative perspective, in evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units is not less than their respective carrying amount, relevant events and circumstances were taken into account, with greater weight assigned to events and circumstances that most affect the fair value of Bytewise or the carrying amounts of its assets. Items that were considered included, but were not limited to, the following: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in management or key personnel, and other Bytewise specific events. After assessing these and other factors the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Bytewise reporting unit was not less than the carrying amount as of October 1, 2012. The company is currently performing its annual impairment test for fiscal 2014 and expects to have it completed by December 31, 2013.

Amortizable intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

Amortizable intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of expected economic benefit.

The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets subject to amortization are 14 years for trademarks and trade names, 8 years for non-compete agreements, 10 years for completed technology,  8 years for customer relationships and 5 years for software development.

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 2014, for each of the next five years and thereafter, is as follows (in thousands):

Note 6:  Pension and Post-retirement Benefits

Net periodic benefit costs for the Company's defined benefit pension plans consist of the following (in thousands):

Net periodic benefit costs for the Company's postretirement medical plan and life insurance consists of the following (in thousands): 

The Company’s pension plans use fair value as the market-related value of plan assets and recognize net actuarial gains or losses in excess of ten percent (10%) of the greater of the market-related value of plan assets or of the plans’ projected benefit obligation in net periodic (benefit) cost as of the plan measurement date, which is the same as the fiscal year end of the Company. Net actuarial gains or losses that are less than 10% of the thresholds noted above are accounted for as part of the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Note 7:   Debt

Debt, including capitalized lease obligations, is comprised of the following (in thousands):

On May 9, 2013, the Company further amended the agreement to adjust the current funded debt to EBITDA ratio from 1.45 to 1, to 2.25 to 1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Thereafter, and through the end of the agreement on April 30, 2015, the funded debt to EBITDA covenant reverts to 1.45 to 1.

The effective interest rate on the Line of Credit under the Loan and Security Agreement for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was 2.0% and 1.9%, respectively.

On November 22, 2011, in conjunction with the Bytewise acquisition, the Company entered into a $15.5 million term loan (the “Term Loan”) under the existing Loan and Security Agreement with TD Bank N.A.  The term loan is a ten year loan bearing a fixed interest rate of 4.5% and is payable in fixed monthly payments of principal and interest of $160,640.  The term loan, which had a balance of $13.2 million at September 30, 2013, is subject to the same financial covenants as the Loan and Security Agreement.

The Company was in compliance with its debt covenants as of September 30, 2013.

Note 8:   Income Tax

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and various state, local and foreign income taxes in numerous jurisdictions.  The Company’s domestic and foreign tax liabilities are subject to the allocation of revenues and expenses in different jurisdictions and the timing of recognizing revenues and expenses.  Additionally, the amount of income taxes paid is subject to the Company’s interpretation of applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which it files.

The Company provides for income taxes on an interim basis based on an estimate of the effective tax rate for the year. This estimate is reassessed on a quarterly basis. Discrete tax items are accounted for in the quarterly period in which they occur.

The tax expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was $629,000 on a profit before tax for the quarter of $845,000 (an effective tax rate of 74.4%). The tax expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was a benefit of $387,000 on a loss before tax of $738,000 (an effective tax rate of 52.4%). The primary reason for the high effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 is a discrete tax charge of $278,000 for the effect of a tax rate decrease in the UK applied to the net deferred tax assets in that jurisdiction. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, a discrete tax benefit was booked reducing the Company’s net tax liability for uncertain tax positions of $91,000.

U.S. Federal tax returns through fiscal 2009 are generally no longer subject to review by tax authorities; however, tax loss carryforwards from years before fiscal 2010 are still subject to review. As of September 30, 2013, the Company has substantially resolved all open income tax audits and there were no other local or federal income tax audits in progress as of September 30, 2013. In international jurisdictions including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK, which comprise a significant portion of the Company’s operations, the years that may be examined vary by country. The Company’s most significant foreign subsidiary in Brazil is subject to audit for the years 2008 – 2013.

The Company has identified no new uncertain tax positions during the three month period ended September 30, 2013 for which it is currently likely that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months.

No valuation allowance has been recorded for the Company’s domestic federal net operating loss (NOL) carry forwards. The Company continues to believe that due to forecasted future taxable income and certain tax planning strategies available, it is more likely than not that it will be able to utilize the federal NOL carry forwards. The valuation allowance for subsidiary NOL’s in certain foreign countries, notably China, are being released in fiscal 2014 to the extent of forecasted taxable income in fiscal 2014.

Note 9:  Contingencies

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012

Overview

Net Sales

North American sales increased a modest $0.7 million from $30.2 million in fiscal 2013 to $30.9 million in fiscal 2014. A rebound in the capital equipment sector, particularly custom engineered granite and optical and vision products, accounted for the improved performance. International sales declined $0.1 million or 1% from $26.7 million in fiscal 2013 to $26.6 million in fiscal 2014. Unfavorable exchange rates represented $2.1 million, with the Brazilian Real weakening by 10% and negatively impacting comparable sales by $2.0 million.

Gross Margin

Gross margin improved $0.1 million with higher revenue representing growth of $0.2 million and margin erosion accounting for $0.1 million. North American fiscal 2014 gross margin of $9.4 million was flat with fiscal 2013 as improved margins in the saw business were offset by higher costs for precision tools. The higher precision tool costs were the result of an inventory reduction program implemented in the second half of fiscal 2013 without a corresponding decrease in fixed overhead costs. International gross margins improved $0.1 million to $8.4 million despite a $0.7 million unfavorable impact due to exchange rates. Reduced overhead cost was the key driver in the international margin improvement.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Other Income 

Net Earnings (Loss)

The Company recorded net earnings of $0.2 million or $0.03 per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to a net loss of $0.4 million or $0.05 per share in fiscal 2013 principally due to lower selling, general and administrative expenses.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash increased $1.4 million as profits and improved working capital management were sufficient to invest $1.5 million in capital equipment and repay $1.9 million in debt. The $1.6 million improvement in cash flow compared to the same period one year ago was primarily due to improved profitability, lower working capital and reduced capital expenditures more than offsetting increased debt repayments.

Liquidity and Credit Arrangements

The Company believes it maintains sufficient liquidity and has the resources to fund its operations.  In addition to its cash and investments, the Company maintains a $23 million line of credit in connection with its Loan and Security Agreement, of which, $10.4 million was outstanding as of September 30, 2013.  Availability under the agreement is further reduced by open letters of credit totaling $0.6 million. The Loan and Security Agreement matures in April of 2015.  The Loan and Security Agreement contains financial covenants with respect to leverage, tangible net worth, and interest coverage, and also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions, asset dispositions and fundamental corporate changes, and certain customary events of default.  As of September 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants related to its loan and Security Agreement.

The effective interest rate on the borrowings under the Loan and Security Agreement during the three months ended September 30, 2013 was 2.0%.

INFLATION

The Company has experienced modest inflation relative to its material cost, much of which cannot be passed on to the customer through increased prices.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements, other than operating leases, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources.

ITEM 3.             QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in qualitative and quantitative disclosures about market risk from what was reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

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, has evaluated the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2013, and they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date. All information required to be filed in this report was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period required by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2013, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.            OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A.          RISK FACTORS

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains 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 securities analysts and investors.  The Company is subject to risks that could cause actual events to vary materially from such forward-looking statements.  You should carefully review and consider the information regarding certain factors which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results set forth under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2013. There have been no material changes from the factors disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2013.

ITEM 6.             EXHIBITS

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.

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