STARRETT L S CO - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 FORM 10-K

(check one)

OR

Commission File No. 1-367

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 978-249-3551

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.   Yes  ☐    No   ☒ 

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  ☒    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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or amendment to this Form 10-K.    ☒

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  ☐    Accelerated Filer  ☒

Non-Accelerated Filer (Do not check if smaller reporting company)    Smaller Reporting Company ☐    Emerging Growth Company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The Registrant had 6,286,978 and 766,623 shares, respectively, of its $1.00 par value Class A and B common stock outstanding on December 31, 2016. On December 31, 2016, the last business day of the Registrant’s second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by nonaffiliates was approximately $58,068,772.

There were 6,219,238 and 764,545 shares, respectively, of the Registrant’s $1.00 par value Class A and Class B common stock outstanding as of August 18, 2017.

The exhibit index is located on pages 52-53.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The Registrant intends to file a definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017. Portions of such Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference in Part III.

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

All references in this Annual Report to “Starrett”, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” mean The L.S. Starrett Company and its subsidiaries.  

PART I

Item 1 - Business

General

Founded in 1880 by Laroy S. Starrett and incorporated in 1929, The L.S. Starrett Company (the “Company”) is engaged in the business of manufacturing over 5,000 different products for industrial, professional and consumer markets. The Company has a long history of global manufacturing experience and currently operates 5 major global manufacturing plants. Domestic locations are Athol, Massachusetts (1880) and Mt. Airy, North Carolina (1985) with international operations located in Itu, Brazil (1956) Jedburgh, Scotland (1958) and Suzhou, China (1997). All subsidiaries principally serve the global manufacturing industrial base with concentration in the metalworking, construction, machinery, equipment, aerospace and automotive markets.

The Company offers its broad array of measuring and cutting products to the market through multiple channels of distribution throughout the world. The Company’s products include precision tools, electronic gages, gage blocks, optical vision and laser measuring equipment, custom engineered granite solutions, tape measures, levels, chalk products, squares, band saw blades, hole saws, hacksaw blades, jig saw blades, reciprocating saw blades, M1® lubricant and precision ground flat stock.  The Company primarily distributes its precision hand tools, saw and construction products through distributors or resellers both domestically and internationally. Starrett® is brand recognized around the world for precision, quality and innovation.

In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, Segment Reporting, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 (fiscal 2017), we determined that we have two reportable operating segments (North America and International). Refer to Note 17, Financial Statement Information by Segment & Geographical Area, contained in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for more information on our reportable segments.

Products

The Company’s tools and instruments are sold throughout North America and in over 100 other countries. By far the largest consumer of these products is the manufacturing industry including metalworking, aerospace, medical, and automotive but other important consumers are marine and farm equipment shops, do-it-yourselfers and tradesmen such as builders, carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

For 137 years the Company has been a recognized leader in providing measurement and cutting solutions to industry. Measurement tools consist of precision instruments such as micrometers, vernier calipers, height gages, depth gages, electronic gages, dial indicators, steel rules, combination squares, custom, non-contact and in-process gaging such as optical, vision and laser measurement systems. The Company has expanded its product offering in the field of test and measurement equipment, with force measurement and material test equipment. Skilled personnel, superior products, manufacturing expertise, innovation and unmatched service has earned the Company its reputation as the “Best in Class” provider of measuring application solutions for industry. During fiscal 2015, the Company introduced material test systems consisting of hardware and cutting edge software with capacities up to 50KN, in addition to new manual and automated FOV (Field of View) measurement systems. These systems we believe will be attractive to industry to reduce measurement and inspection time and are ideal for quality assurance, inspection labs, manufacturing and research facilities.

The Company’s saw product lines enjoy strong global brand recognition and market share. These products encompass a breadth of uses. The Company introduced several new products in the recent past including a new line of hand tools for measuring, marking and layout that include tapes, levels, chalk lines and other products for the building trades. In fiscal 2016, the Company introduced new products to its hand tool portfolio to extend its reach into the construction and retail trades. The continued focus on high performance, production band saw applications has resulted in the development of two new ADVANZ carbide tipped products MC5 and MC7 ideal for cutting ferrous materials (MC7) and non-ferrous metals and castings (MC5). These actions are aimed at positioning Starrett for global growth in wide band products for production applications.

As one of the premier industrial brands, the Company continues to be focused on every touch point with its customers. To that end, the Company now offers modern, easy-to-use interfaces for distributors and end-users including interactive catalogs and several online applications.

Personnel

At June 30, 2017, the Company had 1,647 employees, approximately 53% of whom were domestic. This represents a net decrease from June 30, 2016 of 47 employees. The headcount change included a decrease of 13 domestically and a decrease of 34 internationally.

None of the Company’s operations are subject to collective bargaining agreements. In general, the Company considers relations with its employees to be excellent. Domestic employees hold shares of Company stock resulting from various stock purchase plans and employee stock ownership plans. The Company believes that this dual role of owner-employee has strengthened employee morale over the years.

Competition

The Company competes on the basis of its reputation as the best in class for quality, precision and innovation combined with its commitment to customer service and strong customer relationships. To that end, Starrett is increasingly focusing on providing customer centric solutions. Although the Company is generally operating in highly competitive markets, the Company’s competitive position cannot be determined accurately in the aggregate or by specific market since none of its competitors offer all of the same product lines offered by the Company or serve all of the markets served by the Company.

The Company is one of the largest producers of mechanics’ hand measuring tools and precision instruments. In the United States, there are three major foreign competitors and numerous small companies in the field. As a result, the industry is highly competitive. During fiscal 2017, there were no material changes in the Company’s competitive position. The Company’s products for the building trades, such as tape measures and levels, are under constant margin pressure due to a channel shift to large national home and hardware retailers. The Company has responded to such challenges by expanding its manufacturing operations in China.  Certain large customers also offer their own private labels (“own brand”) that compete with Starrett branded products. These products are often sourced directly from low cost countries.

Saw products encounter competition from several domestic and international sources. The Company’s competitive position varies by market and country. Continued research and development, new patented products and processes, strategic acquisitions and investments and strong customer support have enabled the Company to compete successfully in both general and performance oriented applications.

Foreign Operations

The operations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are consolidated in its financial statements. The subsidiaries located in Brazil, Scotland and China are actively engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of precision measuring tools, saw blades, optical and vision measuring equipment and hand tools. Subsidiaries in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Germany and Singapore are engaged in distribution of the Company’s products. The Company expects its foreign subsidiaries to continue to play a significant role in its overall operations. A summary of the Company’s foreign operations is contained in Note 17 to the Company’s fiscal 2017 financial statements.

Orders and Backlog

The Company generally fills orders from finished goods inventories on hand. Sales order backlog of the Company at any point in time is not significant. Total inventories amounted to $58.1 million at June 30, 2017 and $56.3 million at June 30, 2016. 

Intellectual Property

When appropriate, the Company applies for patent protection on new inventions and currently owns a number of patents. Its patents are considered important in the operation of the business, but no single patent is of material importance when viewed from the standpoint of its overall business. The Company relies on its continuing product research and development efforts, with less dependence on its current patent position. It has for many years maintained engineers and supporting personnel engaged in research, product development and related activities. The expenditures for these activities during fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015 were approximately $1.9 million, $1.8 million, and $1.7 million, respectively.

The Company uses trademarks with respect to its products and considers its trademark portfolio to be one of its most valuable assets. All of the Company’s important trademarks are registered and rigorously enforced.

Environmental

Compliance with federal, state, local, and foreign provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to protection of the environment is not expected to have a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position of the Company. Specifically, the Company has taken steps to reduce, control and treat water discharges and air emissions. The Company takes seriously its responsibility to the environment, has embraced renewable energy alternatives and received approval from federal and state regulators in fiscal 2013 to begin using its new hydro – generation facility at its Athol, MA plant to reduce its carbon footprint and energy costs, an investment in excess of $1.0 million.

Strategic Activities

Globalization has had a profound impact on product offerings and buying behaviors of industry and consumers in North America and around the world, resulting in the Company revising its strategy to fit this new, highly competitive business environment. The Company continuously evaluates most aspects of its business, aiming for new ideas to set itself apart from its competition.

Our strategic concentration is on global brand building and providing unique customer value propositions through technically supported application solutions for our customers. Our job is to recommend and produce the best suited standard product or to design and build custom solutions. The combination of the right tool for the job with value added service gives us a competitive advantage. The Company continues its focus on lean manufacturing, plant consolidations, global sourcing, new software and hardware technologies, and improved logistics to optimize its value chain.

The execution of these strategic initiatives has expanded the Company’s manufacturing and distribution in developing economies, resulting in international sales revenues totaling 44% of consolidated sales for fiscal 2017.

SEC Filings and Certifications

The Company makes its public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all exhibits and amendments to these reports, available free of charge at its website, www.starrett.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company files such material with the SEC. Information contained on the Company’s website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A – Risk Factors

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders, including the President’s letter, contain forward-looking statements about the Company’s business, competition, sales, gross margins, capital 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:

Economic and world events could affect our operating results.

The Company’s results of operations may be materially affected by the conditions in the global economy. These include both world - wide and regional economic conditions and geo-political events. These conditions may affect financial markets, consumer and customer confidence. The Company can provide no assurance that current economic trends will or will not continue.

Technological innovation by competitors could adversely affect financial results.

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.

International operations and our financial results in those markets may be affected by legal, regulatory, political, currency exchange and other economic risks.

During 2017, revenue from sales outside of the United States was $91.5 million, representing approximately 44% of total net sales. In addition, a significant amount of our manufacturing and production operations are located, or our products are sourced from, outside the United States. As a result, our business is subject to risks associated with international operations. These risks include the burdens of complying with foreign laws and regulations, unexpected changes in tariffs, taxes or regulatory requirements, and political unrest and corruption. Regulatory changes could occur in the countries in which we sell, produce or source our products or significantly increase the cost of operating in or obtaining materials originating from certain countries. Restrictions imposed by such changes can have a particular impact on our business when, after we have moved our operations to a particular location, new unfavorable regulations are enacted in that area or favorable regulations currently in effect are changed.

Countries in which our products are manufactured or sold may from time to time impose additional new regulations, or modify existing regulations, including:

In addition, political and economic changes or volatility, geopolitical regional conflicts, terrorist activity, political unrest, civil strife, acts of war, public corruption and other economic or political uncertainties could interrupt and negatively affect our business operations. All of these factors could result in increased costs or decreased revenues and could materially and adversely affect our product sales, financial condition and results of operations.

We are also subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, in addition to the anti-corruption laws of the foreign countries in which we operate. Although we implement policies and procedures designed to promote compliance with these laws, our employees, contractors and agents, as well as those companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, may take actions in violation of our policies. Any such violation could result in sanctions or other penalties and have an adverse effect on our business, reputation and operating results.

Economic weakness in the industrial manufacturing sector could adversely affect the Company’s financial results.

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 cost foreign countries where the Company does not have a substantial market presence. Accordingly, economic weakness in the industrial manufacturing sector may, and in some cases has, resulted in decreased demand for certain of the Company’s products, which adversely affects sales and performance. Economic weakness in the consumer market will also adversely impact the Company’s performance. In the event that demand for any of the 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.

Volatility in the price of energy and raw materials could negatively affect our margins.

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. The cost of producing the Company’s products is also sensitive to the price of energy. 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. The Company’s inability to pass increased costs through to its customers could materially and adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations.

The inability to meet expected investment returns and changes to interest rates could have a negative impact on Pension plan assets and liabilities.

Currently, the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plan is underfunded primarily due to lower discount rates which increase the Company’s liability. The Company made contributions of $4.0 million in fiscal 2017, and $3.4 million in fiscal 2016 and will be required to make additional contributions in fiscal 2018 of $3.3 million. The Company could be required to provide more funding to the domestic plan in the future.  The Company froze the domestic defined benefit pension plan as of December 31, 2016. As a result of this decision, no future benefits will accrue to employees under that plan. The Company’s UK plan, which is also underfunded, required Company contributions of $1.0 million and $1.1 million during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company will be required to make a $1.0 million contribution to its UK pension plan in fiscal 2018.

Businesses that we may acquire may fail to perform to expectations.

Acquisitions involve special risks, including the potential assumption of unanticipated liabilities and contingencies, difficulty in assimilating the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses, disruption of the Company’s existing business, dissipation of the Company’s limited management resources, and impairment of relationships with employees and customers of the acquired business as a result of changes in ownership and management. While the Company believes that strategic acquisitions can improve its competitiveness and profitability, the failure to successfully integrate and realize the expected benefits of such acquisitions could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and operating results. 

We are subject to certain risks as a result of our financial borrowings. Under the Company’s credit facility with TD Bank, N.A., the Company is required to comply with certain financial covenants, including: 1) funded debt to EBITDA, excluding non-cash and retirement benefit expenses (“maximum leverage”), cannot exceed 2.25 to 1; 2) annual capital expenditures cannot exceed $15.0 million; 3) maintain a Debt Service Coverage Rate of a minimum of 1.25 to 1 and 4) maintain consolidated cash plus liquid investments of not less than $10.0 million at any time. The Company believes that it will be able to service its debt and comply with the financial covenants in future periods; however, it cannot be assured of results of operations or future credit and financial markets conditions. An event of default under the credit facility, if not waived, could prevent additional borrowing and could result in the acceleration of the Company’s debt. As of June 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all the covenants. The credit facility expires in April of 2018 and the Company intends to negotiate an extension.

Any inadequacy, interruption, integration failure or security failure with respect to our information technology could harm our ability to effectively operate our business. 

The efficient operation of the Company's business is dependent on its information systems, including its ability to operate them effectively and to successfully implement new technologies, systems, controls and adequate disaster recovery systems.  In addition, the Company must protect the confidentiality of data of its business, employees, customers and other third parties. The failure of the Company's information systems to perform as designed or its failure to implement and operate them effectively could disrupt the Company's business or subject it to liability and thereby harm its profitability. The Company continues to enhance the applications contained in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system as well as improvements to other operating systems.

Failure to comply with laws, rules and regulations could negatively affect our business operations and financial performance. 

Our business is subject to federal, state, local and international laws, rules and regulations, such as state and local wage and hour laws, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the False Claims Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), securities laws, import and export laws (including customs regulations) and many others. The complexity of the regulatory environment in which we operate and the related cost of compliance are both increasing due to changes in legal and regulatory requirements, increased enforcement and our ongoing expansion into new markets and new channels. In addition, as a result of operating in multiple countries, we must comply with multiple foreign laws and regulations that may differ substantially from country to country and may conflict with corresponding U.S. laws and regulations. We may also be subject to investigations or audits by governmental authorities and regulatory agencies, which can occur in the ordinary course of business or which can result from increased scrutiny from a particular agency towards an industry, country or practice. If we fail to comply with laws, rules and regulations or the manner in which they are interpreted or applied, we may be subject to government enforcement action, class action litigation or other litigation, damage to our reputation, civil and criminal liability, damages, fines and penalties, and increased cost of regulatory compliance, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial performance.

Our tax rate is dependent upon a number of factors, a change in any of which could impact our future tax rates and net income.

Our future tax rates may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the enactment of certain tax legislation being considered in the U.S. and other countries; other changes in tax laws or the interpretation of such tax laws; changes in the estimated realization of our net deferred tax assets; the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed; the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for U.S. income and non-U.S. withholding taxes; adjustments to estimated taxes upon finalization of various tax returns; increases in expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes, including impairment of goodwill in connection with acquisitions; changes in available tax credits; and the resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities. Losses for which no tax benefits can be recorded could materially impact our tax rate and its volatility from one quarter to another. Any significant change in our jurisdictional earnings mix or in the tax laws in those jurisdictions could impact our future tax rates and net income in those periods.

Item 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2 - Properties

The Company’s principal plant and its corporate headquarters are located in Athol, MA on approximately 15 acres of Company-owned land. The plant consists of 25 buildings, mostly of brick construction of varying dates, with approximately 535,000 square feet.

The Company’s Webber Gage Division in Cleveland, OH, owns and occupies two buildings totaling approximately 50,000 square feet.

The Company-owned facility in Mt. Airy, NC consists of one building totaling approximately 320,000 square feet. It is occupied by the Company’s Saw Division, Ground Flat Stock Division and a distribution center.  

The Company’s subsidiary in Itu, Brazil owns and occupies several buildings totaling 209,000 square feet.

The Company’s subsidiary in Jedburgh, Scotland owns and occupies a 175,000 square foot building.

A wholly owned manufacturing subsidiary in The People’s Republic of China leases a 133,000 square foot building in Suzhou and leases a sales office in Shanghai.   

The Tru-Stone Division owns and occupies a 106,000 square foot facility in Waite Park, MN.

The Kinemetric Engineering Division occupies a 18,000 square foot leased facility in Laguna Hills, CA.

The Bytewise Division occupies a 22,000 square foot leased facility in Columbus, GA.

In addition, the Company operates warehouses and/or sales-support offices in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Singapore and Japan.  

In the Company’s opinion, all of its property, plant and equipment are in good operating condition, well maintained and adequate for its current and foreseeable needs.

Item 3 - Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business the Company is involved from time to time in litigation that is not considered material to its financial condition or operations.

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5 - Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s Class A common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Quarterly dividend and high/low closing market price information is presented in the table below. The Company’s Class B common stock is generally nontransferable, except to lineal descendants of stockholders, and thus has no established trading market, but it can be converted into Class A common stock at any time. The Class B common stock was issued on October 5, 1988, and the Company has paid the same dividends thereon as have been paid on the Class A common stock since that date. On June 30, 2017, there were approximately 1,169 registered holders of Class A common stock and approximately 961 registered holders of Class B common stock.

The Company’s dividend policy is subject to periodic review by the Board of Directors. Based upon economic conditions, the Board of Directors decided to maintain the quarterly dividend at $0.10 for all quarters of fiscal 2017.

The Company repurchased 3,560 shares of Class B and 35,168 shares of Class A stock in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. 

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph sets forth information comparing the cumulative total return to holders of the Company’s Class A common stock based on the market price of the Company’s Class A common stock over the last five fiscal years with (1) the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index (“Russell 2000”) and (2) a peer group index (the “Peer Group”) reflecting the cumulative total returns of certain small cap manufacturing companies as described below. The peer group is comprised of the following companies: Acme United, Q.E.P. Co. Inc., Badger Meter, National Presto Industries, Regal-Beloit Corp., Tennant Company, The Eastern Company and WD-40.

Item 6 - Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with “Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Items 7 and 7A- Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016

Overview

L. S. Starrett is a global company and is subject to the political and economic issues both domestically and internationally. Domestically, the presidential election and subsequent congressional stalemate has resulted in customers postponing investment, especially in capital equipment, while the international markets have stabilized in Brazil and begun to grow in Europe.

Net sales for fiscal 2017 declined $2.7 million or 1% compared to fiscal 2016, with North America posting a shortfall of $5.6 million or 4% and International growing $2.9 million or 4%.  Price increases, predominantly in Brazil, new products and foreign exchange represented sales gains of $6.4, $1.8 and $1.4 million, respectively, which were offset by domestic and international volume declines of $5.8 million and $6.5 million, respectively. Gross margins increased $15.0 million or 32% from $47.0 million or 22% of sales in fiscal 2016 to $62.0 million or 30% of sales in fiscal 2017 with North America and International posting gains of $10.1 million and $4.9 million, respectively.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.3 million or 2% from $63.3 million in fiscal 2016 to $62.0 million in fiscal 2017. Operating income improved $19.4 million from a loss of $20.4 million in fiscal 2016 to a loss of $1.0 million in fiscal 2017. Included in operating income was a $17.5 million pension charge and a $4.1 million asset impairment in fiscal 2016 compared to a $1.0 million restructuring charge in fiscal 2017. The U.S. pension plan was frozen as of December 31, 2016. Consequently the Plan will be closed to new participants and current participants will no longer earn additional benefits after December 31, 2016.

Net Sales

Net sales in North America decreased $5.6 million or 4% from $130.2 million in fiscal 2016 to $124.6 million in fiscal 2017 principally due to declines in maintenance, repair & operating (MRO) products and capital equipment of 3% and 6%, respectively.  International sales grew $2.9 million or 4% from $79.5 million in fiscal 2016 to $82.4 million in fiscal 2017 due to net consolidated currency gains of $1.4 million and $1.5 million of new products.

Gross Margin

Gross margin in North America increased $10.1 million from $24.3 million in fiscal 2016 to $34.4 million in fiscal 2017 primarily due to the comparative absence in fiscal 2017 of a $12.4 million pension charge in fiscal 2016.  International gross margins increased $4.9 million from $22.7 million in fiscal 2016 to $27.6 million in fiscal 2017 with currency exchange rates of $0.6 million and price increases of $6.3 million offsetting volume declines of approximately $2.0 million.

The $1.0 million of restructuring charges in fiscal 2017 are principally related to severance costs, equipment installation and freight which represents expenses associated with the saw plant consolidation. The saw consolidation, discussed in in previous SEC filings, represents reducing saw manufacturing facilities from four to two.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

North American selling, general and administrative expenses declined $2.7 million or 7% principally due to the comparative absence in fiscal 2017 of a $3.0 million pension charge in fiscal 2016.  International selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.4 million or 5% due to increased sales commissions, professional fees and advertising expenses.

Operating Profit

Operating profit improved $19.4 million primarily due to the absence in fiscal 2017 of charges of $17.5 million for pension expense and $4.1 million for the asset impairment of our Mt. Airy facility related to the saw plant consolidation.

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense) in fiscal 2017 decreased $0.6 million compared to fiscal 2016 principally due to lower interest income and legal settlements.

Income Taxes

The income tax rate for fiscal 2017 was 35.6% on pre-tax income of $1.5 million. This compares to a normalized statutory U.S. federal and state rate of 38%. The primary reasons for a lower effective tax rate is due to the benefit of earnings in foreign jurisdictions with lower effective tax rates and a one-time tax benefit in Canada which was offset by discrete tax charges including the impact of a tax rate change in the U.K. applied to deferred tax assets.

In fiscal 2016, the tax benefit rate was 30.7% on pre-tax losses of $20.4 million. The primary reason for the lower tax benefit is due to losses in certain foreign subsidiaries for which no tax benefit was taken due to the uncertainty of future profits in those entities.

The Company continues to recognize the benefit of most U.S. deferred tax assets as, after weighing the positive and negative evidence, it believes it is more likely than not that those benefits will be recognized. 

Fiscal 2016 Compared to Fiscal 2015.  

Overview

L. S. Starrett, as a global company, was negatively impacted by political, economic and currency issues during fiscal 2016. The recession, corruption and currency problems in Brazil significantly reduced the sales and profits of our largest international subsidiary compared to fiscal 2015. The slowdown in China and stagnation in Europe resulted in lower sales compared to fiscal 2015 in both regions, while North America suffered from the cost reductions implemented in the oil industry.

The financial markets, including the timing of Brexit, also reduced earnings in fiscal 2016 as the flight to safety increased the demand for bonds and the associated decrease in interest rates, which significantly contributed to a $17.5 million non-cash pension expense due to higher liabilities. The pension liability is based upon the ten year Corporate Bond Rate and is set on the last day of the fiscal year. This generally accepted accounting principle coupled with the volatility of interest rates results in fourth quarter financial variations which management cannot control. The pension discount rate as of June 30, 2016 was 3.77% compared to 4.00% at the end of May 2016 and 4.49% at the end of June 2015 the total consolidated expense in fiscal 2016 was $21.4 million. Excluding the fourth quarter adjustment of $17.5 million, normal annual pension expense is $3.9 million.

In addition, due to excess saw manufacturing capacity, the Company decided to reduce its manufacturing footprint resulting in a $4.1 million non-cash charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

Net sales for fiscal 2016 were $209.7 million, a decline of $31.9 million or 13% compared to $241.6 in fiscal 2015, with North America and International posting decreases of $7.0 million and $24.9 million, respectively.  Price increases, particularly in Brazil, and new products represented sales gains of $6.5 and $4.7 million, respectively, which were offset by volume declines of $24.3 million and unfavorable exchange rates of $18.9 million. Gross margins declined $29.7 million from $76.7 million, or 31.8%, of sales in fiscal 2015 to $47.0 million, or 22.4% of sales, in fiscal 2016 with North America and International posting decreases of $19.3 and $10.4 respectively.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $4.8 million, or 7%, from $68.1 million in fiscal 2015 to $63.3 million in fiscal 2016 principally due to reduced International expenses expressed in U. S. dollars.   Operating income, including a $4.1 asset impairment charge, declined $29.0 million from profit of $8.6 million in fiscal 2015 to a loss of $20.4 million in fiscal 2016. 

Net Sales

Net sales in North America decreased $7.0 million or 5% from $137.1 million in fiscal 2015 to $130.1 million in fiscal 2016 with a 9% decline in precision hand tools offsetting high end metrology gains of 8%.  International sales decreased $24.9 million or 24% from $104.5 million in fiscal 2015 to $79.6 million in fiscal 2016 with the weak Brazilian Real translated to the strong U. S. dollar representing $16.0 million and the recession in Brazil accounting for a $10.0 million volume decline.

Gross Margin

Gross margin in North America decreased $20.7 million from $43.6 million in fiscal 2015 to $22.9 million in fiscal 2016 with a non-cash pension charge representing $12.4 million or 60% of the margin erosion. Lower sale volume and level fixed overhead costs accounted for the majority of the additional $8.3 million in the deficit. International gross margins decreased $10.4 million from $33.1 million in fiscal 2015 to $22.7 million in fiscal 2016 with unfavorable exchange rates representing $5.3 million. A United Kingdom non-cash pension charge of $1.8 million coupled with a $3.3 million associated with lower sales volume accounted for the additional $5.1 million in the decline.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

North American selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.0 million or 3% as savings in salaries, incentive payments, travel and entertainment of $2.3 million was offset by a $3.0 million non-cash pension charge and higher professional fees.  International selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $6.0 million or 19% with a $5.5 million savings due to the stronger U. S. dollar. Reduced sales commissions due to lower sales, particularly in Brazil, accounted for the additional $0.5 million in savings.

Operating Profit

The operating profit declined $29.0 million with a non-cash fourth quarter pension expense of $17.5 million and a $4.1 million non-cash asset impairment charge representing $21.6 million or 75% of the difference. Lower sales and associated gross margins contributed to the remaining $7.4 million decline.

Other Income, Net

Other income in fiscal 2016 decreased $1.2 million compared to fiscal 2015 principally due to $0.3 million of lower interest income and a $1.1 million loss related to dollar denominated debt of our Chinese subsidiary as a result of the Chinese Yuan currency declining in value relative to the U. S. dollar.

Income Taxes

The income tax rate for fiscal 2016 was 30.7% on pre-tax losses of $20.4 million. This compares to a normalized statutory U.S. federal and state tax rate of 38%. The primary reason for the lower tax benefit is due to losses in certain foreign subsidiaries for which no tax benefit is taken due to the uncertainty of future profits in those entities.

The income tax rate for fiscal 2015 was 47.2% on pre-tax profits of $9.9 million. This compares to a normalized statutory U.S. federal and state tax rate of 38%. The primary reason for the higher tax cost is due to losses in certain foreign subsidiaries for which no tax benefit is taken due to the uncertainty of future profits in those entities.

The Company continues to recognize the benefit of most U.S. deferred tax assets as, after weighing the positive and negative evidence, it believes it is more likely than not that those benefits will be recognized. The valuation allowances relating to carryforwards for foreign NOLs increased by $0.5 million and to foreign tax credits increased by $0.2 million.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT 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.

The Company does not engage in tracking, market-making or other speculative activities in derivatives markets. The Company engages in an immaterial amount of hedging activity to minimize the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and had $1.4 million in forward currency contracts outstanding at June 30, 2017.  Net foreign monetary assets are approximately $17.1 million as of June 30, 2017.

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 or the cash flows or future earnings associated with those financial instruments.  A 10% increase in interest rates would not have a material impact on our borrowing costs.  See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details concerning the Company’s long-term debt outstanding of $6.1 million. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company has a working capital ratio of 3.6 as of June 30, 2017 as compared to 5.5 as of June 30, 2016 due to the reclassification of the line of credit of $9.9 million from long-term to short-term. The reclassification of the line of credit to short-term is required as the agreement expires in April 2018, which is less than twelve months.  Cash, accounts receivable and inventories represent 94% and 91% of current assets in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively.  The Company had accounts receivable turnover of 6.4 in fiscal 2017 and 5.6 in fiscal 2016 and an inventory turnover ratio of 2.5 in fiscal 2017 and 2.7 in fiscal 2016.

Net cash provided by operations of $2.9 million in fiscal 2017 was principally due to the add back of non-cash depreciation and amortization plus reduced accounts receivable more than offsetting increases in inventory and pension funding.

The Company posted a $5.2 million cash flow deficit in fiscal 2017 as $2.9 million provided by operations was offset by $3.8 million in investing, $3.9 million in financing and $0.3 million in currency cash translation.

Effects of translation rate changes on cash primarily result from the movement of the U.S. dollar against the British Pound, the Euro and the Brazilian Real. The Company uses a limited number of forward contracts to hedge some of this activity and a natural hedge strategy of paying for foreign purchases in local currency when economically advantageous.

Liquidity and Credit Arrangements

The Company believes it maintains sufficient liquidity and has the resources to fund its operations in the near term.  In addition to its cash the Company has maintained a $23.0 million line of credit, of which, $0.9 million is reserved for letters of credit and $9.9 million was outstanding as of June 30, 2017.  

The Company amended its Loan and Security Agreement, which includes a Line of Credit and a Term Loan, in January 2015 with changes that took effect on April 25, 2015.  Borrowings under the Line of Credit may not exceed $23.0 million.  The agreement expires on April 30, 2018 and has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.5%.  As of June 30, 2017, $9.9 million was outstanding on the Line of Credit.

Availability under the Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base comprised of accounts receivable and inventory. The Company believes that the borrowing base will consistently produce availability under the Credit Facility in excess of $23.0 million.

The Credit Facility 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. The financial covenants of the amended Loan and Security Agreement are: 1) funded debt to EBITDA, excluding non-cash and retirement benefit expenses (“maximum leverage”), not to exceed 2.25 to 1.0, 2) annual capital expenditures not to exceed $15.0 million, 3) maintain a Debt Service Coverage Rate of a minimum of 1.25 to 1.0 and 4) maintain consolidated cash plus liquid investments of not less than $10.0 million at any time. Upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, the lender may terminate the revolving credit commitment and require immediate payment of the entire unpaid principal amount of the Credit Facility, accrued interest and all other obligations. As of June 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility.    

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 AND ESTIMATES

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. Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements describes 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; long lived assets and goodwill impairment; as well as employee turnover, discount and return rates used to calculate pension obligations.

Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The following sections describe the Company’s critical accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable: Sales of merchandise and freight billed to customers are recognized when products are shipped, title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, no significant post-delivery obligations remain and collection of the resulting accounts receivable is reasonably assured. Sales are net of provisions for cash discounts, returns, customer discounts (such as volume or trade discounts), and other sales related discounts. Cooperative advertising payments made to customers are included as advertising expense in selling, general and administrative in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.9 million at the end of both fiscal 2017 and 2016 is based on our assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and the aging of our accounts receivable. While the Company believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate, if there is a deterioration of a major customer’s credit worthiness, actual write-offs are higher than our previous experience, or actual future returns do not reflect historical trends, the estimates of the recoverability of the amounts due the Company and net sales could be adversely affected.

Inventory Valuation:  The Company values inventories at the lower of the cost of inventory or net realizable value, with cost determined by either the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for most U.S. inventories or the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method for all other inventories. The Company establishes reserves for excess, slow moving, and obsolete inventory based on inventory levels, expected product life, and forecasted sales demand. In assessing the ultimate realization of inventories, we are required to make judgments as to future demand requirements compared with inventory levels. Reserve requirements are developed according to our projected demand requirements based on historical demand, competitive factors, and technological and product life cycle changes. It is possible that an increase in our reserve may be required in the future if there is a significant decline in demand for our products and we do not adjust our production schedule accordingly.

Property Plant and Equipment:  The Company accounts for property, plant and equipment (PP&E) at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Impairment losses are recorded when indicators of impairment, such as plant closures, are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount. The Company continually reviews for such impairment and believes that PP&E is being carried at its appropriate value.

The Company groups PP&E for impairment analysis by division and/or product line.  PP&E are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. Such events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the fair value of the underlying business or change in utilization of property and equipment.

Recoverability of the net book value of property, plant and equipment is determined by comparison of the carrying amount to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows the assets are expected to generate. Those cash flows include an estimated salvage value based on a hypothetical sale at the end of the assets' depreciation period. Estimating these cash flows and terminal values requires management to make judgments about the growth in demand for our products, sustainability of gross margins, and our ability to achieve economies of scale. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. In fiscal 2016 the Company determined that the carrying value of a building exceeded its fair value. Consequently, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $4.1 million, which represents the excess of the carrying value of a building over its fair value. See also Impairment of Assets and Restructuring Costs (Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Depreciation is included in cost of goods sold or selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations based upon the function or use of the specific asset. Depreciation of equipment used in the manufacturing process is a component of inventory cost and included in costs of goods sold upon sale.  Depreciation of equipment used for office and administrative functions is an expense included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Intangible Assets: Identifiable intangible assets are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 5-15 year period. The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets subject to amortization are: 15 years for patents, 14 years for trademarks and trade names, 10 years for completed technology, 8 years for non-compete agreements, 8 years for customer relationships and 5 years for software development.

Recoverability of the net book value of intangible assets is determined by comparison of the carrying amount to estimated future undiscounted net cash flows the assets are expected to generate. Estimating these cash flows requires management to make judgments about the growth in demand for our products, sustainability of gross margins, and our ability to achieve economies of scale. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. No events or circumstances arose in fiscal 2017 which required management to perform an impairment analysis.

Goodwill: Annually, or anytime when events suggest impairment may have occurred, the Company assesses the fair value of its goodwill to determine if the carrying amount of the goodwill is greater than the fair value. An impairment charge would be recognized to the extent the recorded goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill.  

The Company performed a qualitative analysis in accordance with ASU 2011-08 of its Bytewise reporting unit for its October 1, 2016 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 unit is not less than its 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, 2016.

Income Taxes:  Accounting for income taxes requires estimates of future benefits and tax liabilities. Due to temporary differences in the timing of 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, the Company assesses the likelihood that the asset will be realized by evaluating the positive and negative evidence to determine whether realization is more likely than not to occur. Realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on future taxable income, the timing and amount of which are uncertain, in part, due to the variable profitability of certain subsidiaries. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is “more likely than not” that some or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In the event that we were to determine that we would not be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future, an increase in the valuation allowance would be required. In the event we were to determine that we are able to use our deferred tax assets and a valuation allowance had been recorded against the deferred tax assets, a decrease in the valuation allowance would be required. Should any significant changes in the tax law or the estimate of the necessary valuation allowance occur, the Company would record the impact of the change, which could have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. See also Income Taxes (Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Defined Benefit Plans: The Company has two defined benefit pension plans, one for U.S. employees and another for U.K. employees. The Company also has a postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plan for U.S. employees.

On December 21, 2016, the Company amended the U.S. defined benefit pension plan to freeze benefit accruals effective December 31, 2016. Consequently, the Plan will be closed to new participants and current participants will no longer earn additional benefits after December 31, 2016.

Under our current accounting method, both plans use fair value as the market-related value of plan assets and continue to recognize actuarial gains or losses within the corridor in other comprehensive income but instead of amortizing net actuarial gains or losses in excess of the corridor in future periods, excess gains and losses are recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of the plan measurement date, which is the same as the fiscal year end of the Company. This accounting method (MTM adjustment) is a permitted option which results in immediate recognition of excess net actuarial gains and losses in net periodic benefit cost instead of in other comprehensive income.  Immediate recognition in net periodic benefit cost could potentially increase the volatility of net periodic benefit cost. The MTM adjustments to net periodic benefit cost for 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $0.2 million, $17.8 million, and $1.3 million, respectively.

Calculation of pension and postretirement medical costs and obligations are dependent on actuarial assumptions.  These assumptions include discount rates, healthcare cost trends, inflation, salary growth, long-term return on plan assets, employee turnover rates, retirement rates, mortality 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. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions would affect pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations. Effective December 31, 2013, the Company terminated eligibility for employees 55-64 years old in the Postretirement Medical Plan. See also Employee Benefit Plans (Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Cost of Goods Sold:  The Company includes costs of materials, direct and indirect labor and manufacturing overhead in cost of goods sold.  Included in these costs are inbound freight, personnel (manufacturing plants only), receiving costs, internal transferring, employee benefits (including pension expense), depreciation and inspection costs.

Selling General and Administrative Expenses:  The Company includes distribution expenses in selling, general and administrative expenses.  Distribution expenses include shipping labor and warehousing costs associated with the storage of finished goods at each manufacturing facility.  The Company also includes costs for our dedicated distribution centers as selling expenses.  Employee benefits, including pension expense attributable to personnel not involved in the manufacturing process, are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table summarizes future estimated payment obligations by period.

Estimated interest on debt obligations are based on a standard 10 year loan amortization schedule for the $15.5 million term loan, and the current outstanding balance of the Company's credit line at the current effective interest rate through April 2018 when the current credit line agreement ends. See Note 13 for additional details on these debt instruments.

While our purchase obligations are generally cancellable without penalty, certain vendors charge cancellation fees or minimum restocking charges based on the nature of the product or service. The Company’s Brazilian subsidiary has entered into a long-term, volume-based purchase agreement for electricity. Under this agreement the Company is committed to purchase a minimum monthly amount of energy at a fixed price per kilowatt hour. Cancellation of this contract would incur a significant penalty.

Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

The L.S. Starrett Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The L.S. Starrett Company (a Massachusetts corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2017. Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15 (2) of this Form 10-K. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The L.S. Starrett Company and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2017, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated August 25, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

August 25, 2017 

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands except share data) 

 See notes to consolidated financial statements

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 (in thousands except per share data)

See notes to consolidated financial statements 

THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(in thousands)

See notes to consolidated financial statements

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 (in thousands except per share data)

See notes to consolidated financial statements  

THE L. S. STARRETT COMPANY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 (in thousands) 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2017 and 2016

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

The L. S. Starrett Company (the “Company”) is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is in the business of manufacturing industrial, professional and consumer measuring and cutting tools and related products. The Company’s manufacturing operations are primarily in North America, Brazil, China and the United Kingdom. The largest consumer of these products is the metalworking industry, but others include automotive, aviation, marine, farm, do-it-yourselfers and tradesmen such as builders, carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The L. S. Starrett Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All significant intercompany items have been eliminated in consolidation.

Financial instruments and derivatives: The Company’s financial instruments include cash, investments and debt and are valued using level 1 inputs. Investments are stated at cost which approximates fair market value. The carrying value of debt, which is at current market interest rates, also approximates its fair value.  The Company’s U.K. subsidiary utilizes forward exchange contracts to reduce currency risk. The notional amount of contracts outstanding as of June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016 amounted to $1.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Accounts receivable: Accounts receivable consist of trade receivables from customers. The expense for bad debts amounted to $0.3, $0.3, and $0.2 million in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In establishing the allowance for doubtful accounts, management considers historical losses, the aging of receivables and existing economic conditions.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Substantially all United States inventories are valued using the last-in-first-out (“LIFO”) method.  All non-U.S. subsidiaries use the first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) method or the average cost method. LIFO is not a permissible method of inventory costing for tax purposes outside the U.S.

Property Plant and Equipment: The cost of buildings and equipment is depreciated using straight-line and accelerated methods over their estimated useful lives as follows: buildings and building improvements 10 to 50 years, machinery and equipment 3 to 12 years. Leases are capitalized under the criteria set forth in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840, “Leases” which establishes the four criteria of a capital lease.  At least one of the four following criteria must be met for a lease to be considered a capital lease:  a transfer of ownership of the property to the lessee by the end of the lease term; a bargain purchase option; a lease term that is greater than or equal to 75 percent of the economic life of the leased property; present value of the future minimum lease payments equals or exceeds 90 percent of the fair market value of the leased property.  If none of the aforementioned criteria are met, the lease will be treated as an operating lease. Property plant and equipment to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. A gain or loss is recorded on individual fixed assets when retired or disposed of. Included in buildings and building improvements and machinery and equipment at June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016 were $1.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively, of construction in progress.   Repairs and maintenance of equipment are expensed as incurred. A decision to reduce saw manufacturing capacity was made in fiscal 2016 which required management to perform an impairment analysis. Consequently, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $4,114,000, which represents the excess of the carrying value of a building over its fair value. See also Impairment of Assets and Restructuring Costs (Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Intangible assets: Identifiable intangibles are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 5-15 year period. The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets subject to amortization are: 10-15 years for patents, 14-20 years for trademarks and trade names, 5-10 years for completed technology, 8 years for non-compete agreements, 8-16 years for customer relationships and 5 years for software development. The Company tests identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate they may be impaired.

Goodwill: Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but is tested for impairment annually and at any time when events suggest impairment may have occurred. The Company annually tests the goodwill associated with the November 2011 acquisition of Bytewise in October. As of October 1, 2016, the Company performed an analysis of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Bytewise business is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a two-step goodwill impairment test. Based on the Company's analysis of qualitative factors, the Company determined that it was not necessary to perform a two-step goodwill impairment test.

Revenue recognition: Sales of merchandise and freight billed to customers are recognized when products have shipped, title and risk of loss has passed to the customer, no significant post-delivery obligations remain and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Sales are presented net of provisions for cash discounts, returns, customer discounts (such as volume or trade discounts), and other sales related discounts.   Cooperative advertising payments made to customers are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  While the Company does allow its customers the right to return in certain circumstances, revenue is not deferred, rather a reserve for sales returns is provided based on experience, which historically has not been significant.

Advertising costs: The Company’s policy is to generally expense advertising costs as incurred, except catalogs costs, which are deferred until mailed.  Advertising costs were expensed as follows: $5.2 million in fiscal 2017, $5.0 million in fiscal 2016 and $5.7 million in fiscal 2015 and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Freight costs: The cost of outbound freight and the cost for inbound freight included in material purchase costs are both included in cost of sales.

Warranty expense: The Company’s warranty obligation is generally one year from shipment to the end user and is affected by product failure rates, material usage, and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Historically, the Company has not incurred significant warranty expense and consequently its warranty reserves are not material.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits: The Company has two defined benefit pension plans, one for U.S. employees and another for U.K. employees.  The Company also has defined contribution plans.   The Company amended its Postretirement Medical Plan effective December 31, 2013, whereby the Company terminated eligibility for employees under the age of 65.

On December 21, 2016, the Company amended the U.S. defined benefit pension plan to freeze benefit accruals effective December 31, 2016. Consequently, the Plan will be closed to new participants and current participants will no longer earn additional benefits after December 31, 2016.

The Company sponsors funded U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans covering the majority of our U.S. and U.K. employees. The Company also sponsors an unfunded postretirement benefit plan that provides health care benefits and life insurance coverage to eligible U.S. retirees. Under the Company’s current accounting method, both pension plans use fair value as the market-related value of plan assets and continue to recognize actuarial gains or losses within the corridor in other comprehensive income (loss) but instead of amortizing net actuarial gains or losses in excess of the corridor in future periods, such excess gains and losses, if any, are recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of the plan measurement date, which is the same as the fiscal year end of the Company (MTM adjustment). This method is a permitted option which results in immediate recognition of excess net actuarial gains and losses in net periodic benefit cost instead of in other comprehensive income (loss).  Such immediate recognition in net periodic benefit cost increases the volatility of net periodic benefit cost. The MTM adjustments to net periodic benefit cost for 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $0.2 million, $17.8 million, and $1.3 million, respectively.

Income taxes: Deferred tax expense results from differences in the timing of certain transactions for financial reporting and tax purposes. Deferred taxes have not been recorded on approximately $65 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of June 30, 2017 and the related unrealized translation adjustments because such amounts are considered permanently invested. In addition, it is possible that remittance taxes, if any, would be reduced by U.S. foreign tax credits to the extent available. Valuation allowances are recognized if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Research and development: Research and development costs are expensed, primarily in selling, general and administrative expenses, and were as follows: $1.9 million in fiscal 2017, $1.8 million in fiscal 2016, and $1.7 million in fiscal 2015 and are included in selling general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Earnings per share (EPS): Basic EPS is computed by dividing earnings (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution by securities that could share in the earnings. The Company had 32,674, 32,833, and 40,214, of potentially dilutive common shares in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, resulting from shares issuable under its stock option plans. These additional shares are not used in the diluted EPS calculation in loss years.

Translation of foreign currencies: The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated at exchange rates in effect on reporting dates, and income and expense items are translated at average rates or rates in effect on transaction dates as appropriate. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are charged or credited directly to the other comprehensive income (loss) as noted in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Net foreign currency gains (losses) are disclosed in Note 10.

Use of accounting estimates: The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Judgments, assumptions and estimates are used for, but not limited to: the allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and returned goods; inventory allowances; income tax valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions and pension obligations. Amounts ultimately realized could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard related to “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The standard requires entities to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This standard is applicable for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and for interim periods within those years. Earlier application will be permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company expects to adopt this standard on a modified prospective basis for its fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018.

The Company primarily sells goods and recognizes revenues at point of sale or delivery, which will not change under the new standard. The Company does not sell extended warranties to its customers and believes that the majority of its warranties are standard in nature, requiring no separate performance obligations and therefore expects little to no change in the accounting for its warranties under ASU 2014-09. The Company has reviewed a sample of customer contracts that the Company believes is representative of its significant revenue streams identified for the current fiscal year. The assessment of the impact on revenue and expenses based on these reviews to determine the impact to the Company’s results of operations and cash flows as a result of this guidance is ongoing.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." Previous to the issuance of this ASU, ASC 330 required that an entity measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. ASU 2015-11 specifies that “market” is defined as “net realizable value,” or the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Application is to be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”.  The ASU requires that organizations that lease assets recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by those leases.  The ASU will affect the presentation of lease related expenses on the income statement and statement of cash flows and will increase the required disclosures related to leases.  This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements.  It is expected that a key change upon adoption will be the balance sheet recognition of leased assets and liabilities and that any changes in income statement recognition will not be material.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory," which is intended to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. This update removes the current exception in GAAP prohibiting entities from recognizing current and deferred income tax expenses or benefits related to transfer of assets, other than inventory, within the consolidated entity. The current exception to defer the recognition of any tax impact on the transfer of inventory within the consolidated entity until it is sold to a third party remains unaffected. The amendments in this update are effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-16 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business," with the objective to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets versus businesses. The amendments in ASU 2017-01 provide a screen to determine when a set of assets and activities is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. This screen is expected to reduce the number of transactions that need to be further evaluated. If the screen is not met, the amendments in ASU 2017-01 (i) require that to be considered a business, a set of assets and liabilities acquired must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output; and (ii) remove the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for transactions for which the acquisition date occurs before the issuance date of ASU 2017-01, only when the transaction has not been reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." Under the new guidance, if a reporting unit's carrying value amount exceeds its fair value, an entity will record an impairment charge based on that difference. The impairment charge will be limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The standard eliminates the requirement to calculate goodwill impairment using Step 2, which calculates any impairment charge by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount. The standard does not change the guidance on completing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and should be applied prospectively for annual and any interim goodwill impairment tests. Early adoption is permitted for entities for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the update on our consolidated financial statements. 

3. BUSINESS ACQUISITION

In fiscal 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with a private software company to invest $1.5 million in exchange for a 36% equity interest therein. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company entered into a new agreement to invest an additional $3.6 million for the remaining 64% that company’s equity. The Company paid $1.8 million in cash at closing and is obligated to pay an additional $1.8 million in cash three years subsequent to closing (discounted to $1.6 million on the purchase date). In addition, the agreement provides for the former owners to receive a 30% share of operating profits of the business over the next three years so long as they remain employed by the Company. The Company has accrued for such profit sharing as an expense based on results of operations since the date of acquisition.

The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination and the financial results of the company have been included in our consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase price was allocated to net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date.

The table below presents the allocation of the purchase price to the acquired net assets (in thousands):

Pro-forma financial information has not been presented for this acquisition because it is not considered material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

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¹ $1,833 + 1,555 ($1.8 million discounted at 5%) = $3,388 purchase price divided by 64% = $5.294 million.

4.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Long-Term Incentive Plan

During the quarter ended December 31, 2012, the Company implemented The L.S. Starrett Company 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 Stock Incentive Plan”), which was adopted by the Board of Directors September 5, 2012 and approved by shareholders October 17, 2012. The 2012 Stock Incentive 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 Incentive 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 June 30, 2017, there were 20,000 stock options and 105,634 restricted stock units outstanding. In addition, there were 346,600 shares available for grant under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan as of June 30, 2017.

For stock option grants, the fair value of each grant is 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 (simplified method).

There were no stock options granted during fiscal years 2017, 2016 or 2015.

The weighted average contractual term for stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2017 was 5.5 years.  The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2017 was less than $0.1 million. There were 20,000 options exercisable as of June 30, 2017. In recognizing stock compensation expense for the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan management has estimated that there will be no forfeitures of options.

The Company accounts for RSU awards by recognizing the expense of the intrinsic value at award date ratably over vesting periods generally ranging from one year to three years. The related expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. During the year ended June 30, 2017, the Company granted 45,000 RSU awards with fair values of $10.86 per RSU award. During the year ended June 30, 2016, the Company granted 40,200 RSU awards with fair values of $15.11 per RSU award. During the year ended June 30, 2015, the Company granted 39,500 RSU awards with fair values of $17.49 per RSU award.

There were 12,732 and 9,067 RSU awards settled in fiscal years 2017 and 2016 respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSU awards outstanding as of June 30, 2017 was $0.9 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of RSU awards outstanding as of June 30, 2016 was $0.9 million. Compensation expense related to the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan was $223,000, $214,000 and $146,000 for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively. As of June 30, 2017, there was $1.3 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to outstanding stock-based compensation arrangements.

Of this cost $1.1 million relates to performance based RSU grants that are not expected to be awarded. The remaining $0.2 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP) give eligible employees an opportunity to participate in the success of the Company. The Board of Directors renews each Employee Stock Purchase Plan every five years. Under these plans the purchase price of the optioned stock is 85% of the lower of the market price on the date the option is granted or the date it is exercised. Options become exercisable exactly two years from the date of grant and expire if not exercised on such date. No options were exercisable at fiscal year ends. The Board of Directors last approved an ESPP renewal in 2012. No additional options will be granted under the previous 2007 plan. A summary of option activity is as follows:

The following information relates to outstanding options as of June 30, 2017:

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected stock volatility – 40.78% – 43.00%, risk free interest rate – 0.81% – 1.27%, expected dividend yield - 4.11% - 4.42% and expected lives - 2 years. Compensation expense of $0.15 million, $0.14 million and $0.14 million has been recorded for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

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.

There was no compensation expense for the ESOP in 2015, 2016 or 2017.  

5. CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

Cash and investments held by foreign subsidiaries amounted to $9.0 million and $10.2 million at June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively. Of the June 30, 2017 balance, $4.2 million in U.S. dollar equivalents was held in British Pounds Sterling and $2.0 million in U.S. dollar equivalents was held in Brazilian Reals.

The Company plans to permanently reinvest cash held in foreign subsidiaries. Cash held in foreign subsidiaries is not available for use in the U.S. without the likely incurrence of U.S. federal and state income tax consequences.

6.  INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

LIFO inventories were $7.7 million and $10.5 million at June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016, respectively, such amounts being approximately $26.2 million and $28.8 million, respectively, less than if determined on a FIFO basis.  The use of LIFO, as compared to FIFO, resulted in a $2.6 million decrease in cost of sales for the goods sold in fiscal 2017 compared to a $0.8 million increase in fiscal 2016.

7. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

The following tables present information about the Company’s goodwill and identifiable intangible assets on the dates indicated (in thousands):

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

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

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

The Company performed a qualitative analysis in accordance with ASU 2011-08 of its Bytewise reporting unit for its October 1, 2016 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 its 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, 2016. There were no triggering events identified from the annual assessment date through the fiscal year-end.

8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following as of June 30, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

No assets under capital leases are included in machinery and equipment as of June 30, 2017 or June 30, 2016.

Operating lease expense was $2.3 million, $2.3 million and $2.2 million in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Future commitments under operating leases are as follows (in thousands):

9. IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS

In fiscal 2016, the Company adopted a plan to consolidate certain saw manufacturing operations for greater efficiency. This restructuring generally shifted production from facilities in the U.S. and China to facilities in the U.K. and Brazil and was carried out during fiscal 2017. A primary element of the plan involved transfer of production of certain saw products from its facility in Mt. Airy, North Carolina to its facility in Itú, Brazil. Because the transfer left one of the buildings at the Mt. Airy facility vacant, the Company determined in fiscal 2016 that the carrying value of the building exceeded its fair value. Consequently, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $4,114,000, which represents the excess of the carrying value of the building over its fair value. The Company determined the amount of the impairment charge by relating the square footage of the vacated section of the building complex with the values in its fixed asset registers specifically related to that building addition. Fair value of the vacated section of the complex was determined by comparison to the price per square foot obtained in recent sales of similar property in the local region. The impairment loss is recorded as a separate line item (‘‘Impairment of assets’’) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2016.

The vacated building is one within a larger complex of buildings which remains in use. While a particular area of the production floor has been vacated, the Company does not intend to close the facility or to decommission machinery and equipment.

In addition to the impairment loss recognized in fiscal 2016, the Company has incurred $988,000 in related restructuring charges, representing severance compensation, equipment installation and freight costs, in fiscal 2017.

10. OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE

Other income and expense consists of the following (in thousands):

11. INCOME TAXES

Components of earnings (loss) before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

Reconciliations of expected tax expense at the U.S. statutory rate to actual tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):