UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) [ ] Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 or [ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number 1-9789 TECH/OPS SEVCON, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 04-2985631 (State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation or Organization) Identification Number) 155 NORTHBORO ROAD, SOUTHBOROUGH, Massachusetts 01772 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's Area Code and Telephone Number (508) 281 5510 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: (Title of Each Class) (Name of Exchange on Which Registered) Common stock, par value $.10 PER SHARE American Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark 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 any amendment to this form 10-K. [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) Yes [ ] No [X] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) Yes [ ] No [X] As of April 2, 2005, 3,172,051 common shares were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the common shares (based upon the closing price on the American Stock Exchange) held by non-affiliates was $15,010,000. As of December 14, 2005, 3,197,051 common shares were outstanding. Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held January 24, 2006 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report. INDEX ITEM PART I PAGE 1. BUSINESS General description 3 Marketing and sales 3 Patents 3 Backlog 3 Raw materials 3 Competition 3 Research and development 4 Environmental regulations 4 Employees and labor relations 4 2. PROPERTIES 4 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 4 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 4 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 4 PART II 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 4 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 5 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 5 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 12 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2005 and 2004 13 Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 14 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 14 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Investment for the Years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 15 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 16 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 17 Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms 29 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 30 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 30 PART III 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 30 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 31 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 31 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS 31 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES 31 PART IV 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Exhibits 31 Financial statements and schedules 31 Signatures of registrant and directors 33 SCHEDULES II RESERVES 36 Schedules other than the one referred to above have been omitted as inapplicable or not required, or the information is included elsewhere in financial statements or the notes thereto. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each reference to "year" in this Annual Report is to the fiscal year ending on the respective September 30. PART I ITEM 1 BUSINESS - General Description Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. ("Tech/Ops Sevcon" or the "Company"), is a Delaware corporation organized on December 22, 1987 to carry on the electronic controls business previously performed by Tech/Ops, Inc. (Tech/Ops). Through wholly-owned subsidiaries located in the United States, England, France and South Korea the Company designs, manufactures, sells, and services, under the Sevcon name, solid-state products which control motor speed and acceleration for battery powered electric vehicles in a number of applications, primarily electric fork lift trucks, aerial lifts and underground coal-mining equipment. Through another subsidiary located in the United Kingdom, Tech/Ops Sevcon manufactures special metallized film capacitors for electronics applications. These capacitors are used as components in the power electronics, signaling and audio equipment markets. Approximately 95% of the Company's revenues are derived from the controls business, with the remainder derived from the capacitor business. The largest customer accounted for 16% of sales in fiscal 2005 compared to 11% in fiscal 2004 and 10% in fiscal 2003. In fiscal 2005 sales were $31,675,000, an increase of $2,525,000, or 9%, compared to the previous year. Foreign currency fluctuations, principally the strength of the Euro and the British Pound compared to the US Dollar, accounted for an increase of $640,000, or 2%, in reported sales. As a result, volumes grew by 7% compared to fiscal 2005. Most of the markets for the Company's products are cyclical and, although the aerial lift market has shown strong growth in fiscal 2005, performance in other markets has been generally poor with declines in the fork lift truck, airport ground support and capacitor markets. Research and development expense in fiscal 2005 was $3,499,000 compared to $3,952,000 in the prior year, a decrease of $453,000, or 11%. This decrease was mainly due to a change in emphasis in the Company's advanced new product development program, using the Company's own engineering resources in place of external consultants, to complete the development of a new range of AC controls. Operating income in fiscal 2005 was $999,000, compared to $972,000 in the previous year. Net income was $641,000, or $.20 per diluted share, compared to $611,000, or $.19 per diluted share, last year. See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a more detailed analysis of fiscal 2005 performance. - Marketing and sales Sales are made primarily through a small full-time marketing staff. Sales in the United States were $12,893,000, $10,577,000 and $8,141,000, in fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which accounted for approximately 41%, 36% and 35%, respectively, of total sales. Approximately 59% of sales are made to 10 manufacturers of electric vehicles in the United States, Europe and the Far East. Approximately 86% of the Company's sales are direct to end customers, with 14% made to the Company's international dealer network. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Segment Information) in this Annual Report for an analysis of sales by segment, geographic location and major customers. - Patents Although the Company has international patent protection for some of its product ranges, the Company believes that its business is not significantly dependent on patent protection. The Company is primarily dependent upon technical competence, the quality of its products, and its prompt and responsive service performance. - Backlog Tech/Ops Sevcon's backlog at September 30, 2005 was $4,957,000 compared to $3,601,000 at September 2004, and $2,682,000 at September 2003. - Raw materials Tech/Ops Sevcon's products require a wide variety of components and materials. The Company has many sources for most of such components and materials and produces certain of these items internally. However, the Company relies on certain suppliers and subcontractors for all of its requirements for certain components, subassemblies, and finished products. - Competition The Company has global competitors which are divisions of larger public companies including Danaher's Motion division, Sauer Danfoss, Hitachi and the motors division of General Electric. It also competes on a worldwide basis with Curtis Instruments Inc., Zapi SpA. and Iskra, private companies based in U.S., Italy and Slovenia respectively that have international operations. In addition, some large fork lift truck manufacturers make their own controls and system products. The Company differentiates itself by providing highly reliable, technically innovative products which the Company is prepared to customize for a specific customer or application. The Company believes that it is one of the largest independent suppliers of controls for battery operated vehicles. - Research and development Tech/Ops Sevcon's technological expertise is an important factor in its business. The Company regularly pursues product improvements to maintain its technical position. Research and development expenditures amounted to $3,499,000 in 2005 compared to $3,952,000 in 2004 and $2,976,000 in 2003. The decrease in research and development spending of $453,000, or 11%, in fiscal 2005 was principally due to lower consultancy costs on advanced new product development. - Environmental regulations The Company complies, to the best of its knowledge, with federal, state and local provisions which have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise protecting the environment. This compliance has not had, nor is it expected to have, a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position of Tech/Ops Sevcon. - Employees and labor relations As of September 30, 2005, the Company employed 170 full-time employees, of whom 16 were in the United States, 140 were in the United Kingdom, 10 were in France, and 4 were in the Far East. Tech/Ops Sevcon believes its relations with its employees are good. ITEM 2 PROPERTIES The US subsidiary of the Company leases approximately 13,500 square feet in Southborough, Mass., under a lease expiring in 2013. The United Kingdom electronic controls business of Tech/Ops Sevcon is carried on in two adjacent buildings owned by it located in Gateshead, England, containing 40,000 and 20,000 square feet of space respectively. The land on which these buildings stand are held on leases expiring in 2068 and 2121 respectively. The French subsidiary leases 5,000 square feet of space near Paris, France under a lease expiring in December 2009. The capacitor subsidiary of the Company owns a 9,000 square foot building, built in 1981, in Wrexham, Wales. The South Korean subsidiary of the Company leases approximately 1,000 square feet of office space in Inchon City, near Seoul, under a lease due to expire in 2007. The Company also leases approximately 600 square feet of office space in Tokyo, Japan under a lease due to expire in 2007. The properties and equipment of the Company are in good condition and, in the opinion of the management, are suitable and adequate for the Company's operations. ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, but believes that these matters will be resolved without a material effect on its financial position. ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Name of Officer Age Position --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew Boyle 43 President & Chief Executive Officer Paul A. McPartlin 60 Vice President, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer --------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are no family relationships between any director or executive officer and any other director or executive officer of the Company. All officers serve until the next annual meeting and until their successors are elected and qualified. Mr. Boyle has been President and Chief Executive Officer since 1997 and was Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from 1996 to 1997. Mr. McPartlin has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 1990 and Treasurer since 2000. PART II ITEM 5 MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES The Common Stock of the Company is traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol TO. A summary of the market prices of, and dividends paid on, the Company's Common Stock is shown below. At December 14, 2005, there were approximately 250 shareholders of record. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Year --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 Quarters Cash dividends per share $ .03 $ .03 $ .03 $ .03 $ .12 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common stock price per share - High $ 6.60 $ 7.15 $ 6.30 $ 6.10 $ 7.15 - Low 5.65 6.20 5.10 5.70 5.10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2004 Quarters Cash dividends per share $ .03 $ .03 $ .03 $ .03 $ .12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common stock price per share - High $ 6.28 $ 6.75 $ 6.70 $ 6.40 $ 6.75 - Low 5.05 5.40 5.75 5.80 5.05 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA A summary of selected financial data for the last five years is set out below: For the Years ended September 30 (in thousands except per share data) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $31,675 $29,150 $23,113 $21,872 $27,002 Operating income 999 972 151 45 1,652 Net income 641 611 83 57 1,101 Basic income per share $ .21 $ .20 $ .03 $ .02 $ .35 Cash dividends per share $ .12 $ .12 $ .12 $ .30 $ .72 Average shares outstanding 3,125 3,125 3,125 3,117 3,110 Stockholders' investment 10,589 10,464 9,648 9,453 9,959 Total assets $16,446 $16,608 $13,784 $13,521 $15,750 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements in this discussion and analysis about the Company's anticipated financial results and growth, as well as those about the development of its products and markets, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These include the risks discussed under 'Risk Factors' below and throughout this Item 7. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS The Company adopted the following new accounting pronouncements in fiscal 2005. See Note (1)P. to Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed description of these new accounting pronouncements. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Staff Position 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109), to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" - Currently the Company does not expect this to have a material impact on its effective tax rate. FASB Staff Position 109-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" - Currently the Company does not expect the potential repatriation to have a material impact on its effective tax rate. SFAS #151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43" - The Company is evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements. SFAS#123R, "Share-Based Payment" - Adoption was planned for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 but, following a change announced by the SEC on April 15, 2005, adoption has been deferred to the start of fiscal 2006. The Company will adopt the modified prospective application transition method. Under this method the Company expects to incur expense relating to previously issued stock options of approximately $30,000 in fiscal 2006. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES The Company's significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 of its Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report. While all these significant accounting policies impact its financial condition and results of operations, certain of these policies require management to use a significant degree of judgment and/or make estimates, consistently with generally accepted accounting principles, that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. Since these are judgments and estimates, they are sensitive to changes in business and economic realities, and events may cause actual operating results to differ materially from the amounts derived from management's estimates and judgments. The Company believes the following represent the most critical accounting judgments and estimates affecting its reported financial condition and results of operations: Bad Debts The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts based on known factors related to the credit risk of each customer and management's judgment about the customer's business. Ten customers account for approximately 59% of the Company's sales. At September 30, 2005 the allowance for bad debts amounted to $144,000, which represented 2% of receivables. Because of the Company's long term relationships with the majority of its customers, in most cases, the principal bad debt risk to the Company arises from the insolvency of a customer rather than its unwillingness to pay. In addition, in certain cases the Company maintains credit insurance covering up to 90% of the amount outstanding from specific customers. The Company also carries out some of its foreign trade, particularly in the Far East, using letters of credit. The Company reviews all accounts receivable balances on a regular basis, concentrating on any balances that are more than 30 days overdue, or where there is an identified credit risk with a specific customer. A decision is taken on a customer-by-customer basis as to whether a bad debt reserve is considered necessary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each account. In general, the Company would reserve 100% of the receivable, net of any recoverable value added taxes or insurance coverages, for a customer that becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy, and lesser amounts for less imminent defaults. To a lesser degree, the Company maintains a small bad debt reserve to cover the remaining balances based on historical default percentages. If the financial condition of any of the Company's customers is worse than estimated or were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, the Company's results may be adversely affected and additional allowances may be required. With the exception of a significant loss of $562,000 in fiscal 2001 relating to one US customer, credit losses have not been significant in the past ten years. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs include materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, and are relieved from inventory on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company carries out a significant amount of customization of standard products and also designs and manufactures special products to meet the unique requirements of its customers. This results in a significant proportion of the Company's inventory being customer specific. The Company's reported financial condition includes a provision for estimated slow-moving and obsolete inventory that is based on a comparison of inventory levels with forecast future demand. Such demand is estimated based on many factors, including management judgments, relating to each customer's business and to economic conditions. The Company reviews in detail all significant inventory items with holdings in excess of estimated normal requirements. It also considers the likely impact of changing technology. It makes an estimate of the provision for slow moving and obsolete stock on an item-by-item basis based on a combination of likely usage based on forecast customer demand, potential sale or scrap value and possible alternative use. This provision represents the difference between original cost and market value at the end of the financial period. In cases where there is no estimated future use for the inventory item and there is no estimated scrap or resale value, a 100% provision is recorded. Where the Company estimates that only part of the total holding of an inventory item will not be used, or there is an estimated scrap, resale or alternate use value, then a proportionate provision is recorded. Once an item has been written down, it is not subsequently revalued upwards. The provision for slow moving and obsolete inventories at September 30, 2005 was $803,000, or 18% of the original cost of gross inventory. At September 30, 2004 the provision was $951,000, or 19% of gross inventory. If actual future demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, or if product designs change more quickly than forecast, additional inventory write-downs may be required, which may have a material adverse impact on reported results Warranty Costs The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. While the Company engages in product quality programs and processes, the Company's warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates and repair or replacement costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Accordingly, the provision for warranty costs is based upon anticipated in-warranty failure rates and estimated costs of repair or replacement. Anticipating product failure rates involves making difficult judgments about the likelihood of defects in materials, design and manufacturing errors, and other factors that are based in part on historical failure rates and trends, but also on management's expertise in engineering and manufacturing. Estimated repair and replacement costs are affected by varying component and labor costs. Should actual product failure rates and repair or replacement costs differ from estimates, revisions to the estimated warranty liability may be required and the Company's results may be materially adversely affected. In the event that the Company discovers a product defect that impacts the safety of its products, then a product recall may be necessary, which could involve the Company in substantial unanticipated expense significantly in excess of the reserve. There were no significant safety related product recalls during the past three fiscal years. Goodwill Impairment The Company carries out an annual assessment to determine if the goodwill relating to the controls business amounting to $1,435,000 has been impaired, in accordance with the requirements of SFAS #142. In fiscal 2004 the Company retained an investment banking firm specializing in valuations to assist the Company in performing this impairment assessment. The assessment was based on three separate methods of valuing the controls business based on expected free cash flows, the market price of the Company's stock and an analysis of precedent transactions. These estimates require estimates of future revenues, profits, capital expenditures and working capital requirements which are based on evaluation of historical trends, current budgets, operating plans and industry data. Based on all of these valuation methods the conclusion was that the goodwill had not been impaired. Management updated the analysis in 2005 using similar methodologies and again concluded that the goodwill had not been impaired. If, in future periods, the Company's results of operations, cash flows or the market price of the Company's stock were to decrease significantly then it may be necessary to record an impairment charge relating to goodwill of up to $1,435,000. Pension Plan Assumptions The Company makes a number of assumptions relating to its pension plans in order to measure the financial position of the plans and the net periodic benefit cost. The most significant assumptions relate to the discount rate, the expected long term return on plan assets and the rate of future compensation increase. If these assumptions prove to be incorrect then the Company may need to record additional expense relating to the pension plans which could have a material effect on the Company's results of operations. The Company's pension plans are significant relative to the size of the Company. Pension plan assets were $14,210,000 at September 30, 2005 and the total assets of the Company were $16,446,000. Although the plan assets are not included in the assets of the Company they are 86% of size of the Company's total assets. If, as a result of changes in assumptions, the accumulated benefit obligation of either of its US or UK plans were to exceed the fair value of assets of that plan, then an adjustment to record this additional liability and corresponding decrease in stockholders' equity would be necessary, which could have a material effect on the Company's financial position. At September 30, 2005 a decrease in the assumed discount rate of 0.25% would result in the Company recording a minimum liability of approximately $725,000 relating to its UK plan, but no additional liability would be recognized in the smaller US plan. RISK FACTORS In addition to the market risk factors relating to foreign currency and interest rate risk set out in Item 7A on page 12, the Company believes that the following represent the most significant risk factors for the Company: Capital goods markets are cyclical The Company's customers are mainly manufacturers of capital goods such as fork lift trucks, aerial lifts and railway signaling equipment. These markets are cyclical and are currently showing modest growth, but demand in these markets could decrease or customers could decide to purchase alternative products. In this event the Company's sales could decrease below its current break-even point and there is no certainty that the Company would be able to decrease overhead expenses to enable it to operate profitably. Single source materials and sub-contractors may not meet the Company's needs The Company relies on certain suppliers and sub-contractors for all of its requirements for certain components, sub-assemblies and finished products. In the event that such suppliers and sub-contractors are unable or unwilling to continue supplying the Company, or to meet the Company's cost and quality targets or needs for timely delivery, there is no certainty that the Company would be able to establish alternative sources of supply in time to meet customer demand. Damage to the Company's or sub-contractor's buildings would hurt results In the controller business the majority of product is produced in a single plant in England and uses sub-assemblies sourced from a sub-contractor with single plant in Poland. The capacitor business is located in a single plant in Wales. In the event that any of these plants was to be damaged or destroyed, there is no certainty that the Company would be able to establish alternative facilities in time to meet customer demand. The Company does carry property damage and business interruption insurance but this may not cover certain lost business due to the long-term nature of the relationships with many customers. A) Results of Operations 2005 compared to 2004 The following table compares results, for both the controls and capacitor segments, for fiscal 2005 with the prior year, showing separately the percentage variances due to currency and volume / other. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- % change due to: Volume/ 2005 2004 Total Currency other ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales Controls - to external customers $30,009 $27,101 11% 2% 9% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capacitors- to external customers 1,666 2,049 -19% 2% -21% Capacitors - inter-segment 199 218 -9% 2% -11% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capacitors - total 1,865 2,267 -18% 2% -20% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total sales to external customers 31,675 29,150 9% 2% 7% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Profit Controls 11,259 10,546 7% -1% 8% Capacitors 777 999 -22% 2% -24% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 12,036 11,545 4% -1% 5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selling research and administrative expenses Controls 9,916 9,572 4% 1% 3% Capacitors 745 704 6% 2% 4% Unallocated corporate expense 376 297 27% 0% 27% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 11,037 10,573 4% 2% 2% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income Controls 1,343 974 38% -25% 63% Capacitors 32 295 -89% 1% -90% Unallocated corporate expense (376) (297) 27% 0% 27% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 999 972 3% -24% 27% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other income and expense (48) (54) -11% -56% 45% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes 951 918 4% -23% 27% Income taxes (310) (307) 1% -22% 23% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income $ 641 $ 611 5% -23% 28% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- In fiscal 2005 sales increased by $2,525,000, or 9%, to $31,675,000. Because these foreign sales were denominated in currencies other than the US Dollar, principally the Euro and the British Pound, they were subject to fluctuation when translated into US Dollars. The Dollar weakened compared to the British Pound in 2005 and the net effect of these changes in average foreign currency exchange rates was devaluation in the average exchange rate of the Dollar compared to the British pound of 3%. As a result, foreign currency fluctuations accounted for a 2% increase in reported sales, while volumes were 7% higher than the previous year. In the controls business segment revenues were 11% higher than in fiscal 2004, including a 2% increase due to foreign currency fluctuations and a 9% increase in volumes shipped. In the United States controller business, sales were $12,893,000 compared to $10,577,000 in 2004, an increase of 22%. Sales volumes in the foreign controller businesses improved by 4% compared to last year. In the aerial lift market volumes were 45% ahead of the prior year and volumes also increased in the mining and other electric vehicle markets. Volumes in the fork lift truck and airport ground support markets declined compared to fiscal 2004. In the capacitor business segment sales were down by $383,000, or 19%. Due to difficult market conditions, particularly in specialist audio and railway signaling markets for capacitors, volumes were down by 21% compared to last year, but were partially offset by positive foreign currency fluctuations. Cost of sales was $19,639,000 compared to $17,605,000 in fiscal 2004, an increase of $2,034,000, or 12%. Approximately 80% of this cost of sales was denominated in British pounds. As a result foreign currency fluctuations increased cost of sales by $720,000, or 4%. The remaining 8% increase in cost of sales was mainly due to higher volumes. Sales mix was adverse, with volume gains concentrated in the lower than average margin aerial lift market and sales decreases in some of the more profitable market segments. Within each major market segment a year-to-year comparison revealed improved percentage margins. Gross profit was $12,036,000, or 38.0% of sales, compared to $11,545,000, or 39.6% of sales in fiscal 2004. Foreign currency fluctuations adversely impacted the gross profit percentage by 0.5% with adverse sales mix the main cause of the remaining 1.1% decrease in the gross profit percentage. This was offset slightly by the positive margin impact of a refined calculation of overheads in inventory in connection with the implementation of a new ERP computer system. In the controls segment gross profit of $11,259,000 was 7% ahead of last year, and after adjusting for currency fluctuations increased by 8% compared to an increase in volumes of 9%. In the capacitor segment gross profit was $777,000, a decrease of $222,000, or 22% compared to fiscal 2004. Capacitor business gross profit was 41.7% of sales in fiscal 2005 compared to 44.1% of sales in the prior year. Lower volumes, foreign exchange fluctuations and sales mix all contributed to decrease the capacitor segment gross profit percentage. Selling, research and administrative expenses (operating expenses) were $11,037,000, an increase of $464,000, or 4%, compared to fiscal 2004. Foreign currency fluctuations increased reported operating expenses by $210,000, or 2%. Excluding the currency impact operating expenses increased by $254,000. In fiscal 2005 the Company reduced its spending on engineering consultancy by $915,000, as development of advanced new products was completed and these products moved into the testing and customer prototyping phases. To support these new product activities internal engineering resources were increased resulting in higher spending on in-house engineering of $379,000, excluding the impact of currency fluctuations. Spending on sales and marketing resources in fiscal 2005, mainly to support the introduction of these new products, increased by $450,000, before the impact of currency fluctuations. Included in administrative expense was a charge of $87,000 relating to restricted stock granted to employees and directors in fiscal 2005. An analysis of the year-to-year change in selling, research and administrative expenses is set out below: Selling, research and administrative expenses (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reported expense in fiscal 2005 $ 11,037 Reported expense in fiscal 2004 10,573 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase in expense 464 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) due to: Effect of exchange rate changes 210 Lower engineering consultancy costs in fiscal 2005, net of currency effect (915) Additional internal engineering expense, net of currency effect 379 Additional sales and marketing expense, net of currency effect 450 Charge for restricted stock grants in fiscal 2005 87 Other increases in operating expense - net, 253 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total increase in selling research and administrative expenses in fiscal 2005 464 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income was $999,000 compared to $972,000 in fiscal 2004, an increase of $27,000. Foreign currency fluctuations adversely impacted operating income by $240,000 in fiscal 2005. Excluding the currency effect, operating income increased by 27% compared to fiscal 2004. In the controller business, and excluding the currency impact, operating income was 63% ahead of fiscal 2004. Capacitor business operating income declined from $295,000 to $32,000, mainly due to a 20% decrease in volumes. Other expense was $48,000 in fiscal 2005 compared to $54,000 in the previous year. Interest expense increased by $27,000 to $56,000 and there was a foreign currency gain of $4,000 compared to a foreign currency loss of $26,000 in 2004. Income before income taxes was $ 951,000 compared to $918,000 in 2004. Foreign currency fluctuations adversely impacted pre tax income by $240,000 in fiscal 2005. Before the effect of currency fluctuations pre-tax income was 26% ahead of the prior year. Income taxes were 32.6% of pre-tax income compared to 33.4% in fiscal 2004. The lower average tax rate was mainly due to a reduction in the corporate tax rate in France. Net income was $641,000, an increase of $30,000 compared to last year. Basic income per share was $.21 per share and diluted income per share was $.20 per share. Both basic and diluted income per share were $.01 per share ahead of fiscal 2004. 2004 compared to 2003 The following table compares results for fiscal 2004 with the prior year showing separately the percentage variances due to currency and volume / other. The results are shown for both the controls and capacitor business segments. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- % change due to: Volume/ 2004 2003 Total Currency other ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales Controls - to external customers $27,101 $20,730 31% 9% 22% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capacitors- to external customers 2,049 2,383 -14% 10% -24% Capacitors - inter-segment 218 326 -33% 7% -40% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capacitors - total 2,267 2,709 -16% 10% -26% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total sales to external customers 29,150 23,113 26% 9% 17% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross Profit Controls 10,546 7,510 40% 3% 37% Capacitors 999 1,295 -23% 8% -31% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 11,545 8,805 31% 4% 27% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selling research and administrative expenses Controls 9,572 7,563 27% 9% 18% Capacitors 704 819 -14% 8% -22% Unallocated corporate expense 297 272 9% 0% 9% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 10,573 8,654 22% 8% 14% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income Controls 974 (53) 1938% -830% 2768% Capacitors 295 476 -38% 8% -46% Unallocated corporate expense (297) (272) 9% 0% 9% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 972 151 544% -265% 809% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other income and expense (54) (23) 135% 248% -113% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes 918 128 617% -357% 974% Income taxes (307) (45) 582% -337% 919% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Income $ 611 $ 83 636% -368% 1004% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- In fiscal 2004, sales were $29,150,000 compared to $23,113,000 in 2003, an increase of 26%. Revenues in the United States were $10,577,000, a volume increase of $2,436,000, or 30%, compared to $8,141,000 in fiscal 2003. In Europe and the Far East revenues of $18,573,000 were $3,601,000, or 24%, higher than the revenues of $14,972,000 reported in the prior fiscal year. Because these foreign sales were denominated in currencies other than the US Dollar, principally the Euro and the British Pound, they were subject to fluctuation when translated into US Dollars. The Dollar weakened compared to both the Euro and the British Pound in 2004 and the net effect of these changes in average foreign currency exchange rates was a devaluation of the Dollar of 12%. Fiscal 2004 sales increased by $2,027,000, or 9%, due to the impact of exchange rates on reported sales in foreign currencies. Therefore, shipment volumes in foreign markets were ahead of fiscal 2003 by $1,574,000, or 11%. On a global basis volumes were $4,010,000, or 17%, higher than in the prior fiscal year. In the controls business segment sales were $27,101,000, compared to $20,730,000 the prior fiscal year, an increase in reported revenues of $6,371,000, or 31%. Foreign currency changes increased reported controls segment revenues by $1,791,000, or 9%. Therefore, shipment volumes in the controls business segment increased by $4,580,000, or 22%. In the fork lift truck market, the largest end user market for the controls business, sales volumes decreased by 6% compared to the prior fiscal year mainly due to business decreases in the United States. Aerial lift volumes grew by 125% compared to the prior year with new business gains in the USA, the Far East and Europe. Volumes in the airport ground support market were ahead by 61%, with this market showing some recovery from the depressed conditions of the previous two years. Sales into the mining equipment end user market in the United States grew by 41% due to increased demand for coal. Sales into other electric vehicle markets, such as burden carriers, neighborhood electric vehicles and sweepers, increased by 26% compared to fiscal 2003. In the capacitor business segment sales were $2,049,000 compared to $2,383,000 in the prior fiscal year, a decrease of $334,000, or 14%. The change in the exchange rate of the British Pound compared to the US Dollar increased sales measured in Dollars by $236,000, or 10%, compared to the prior fiscal year, therefore capacitor shipment volumes were down by $570,000, or 24%. This decrease in volumes was due to both a change in raw material technology resulting in lower selling prices and decreased demand in both the railway signaling and professional high-end audio equipment end markets. Cost of sales was $17,605,000, compared to $14,308,000 in fiscal 2003 an increase of $3,297,000 compared to the prior fiscal year. The 23% increase in cost of sales was mainly due to higher volumes and foreign currency fluctuations and compares to an increase in sales of $6,037,000, or 26%. Gross profit in fiscal 2004 was $11,545,000, or 39.6% of sales, compared to $8,805,000, or 38.1%, in the previous year. Foreign currency fluctuations increased reported gross profit by $310,000 compared to the prior year. Excluding the effects of foreign currency changes, gross profit increased by $2,430,000 and gross profit before currency changes was 38.5% of sales, an increase of 1.5% compared to fiscal 2003 due to both increased volumes and manufacturing unit cost efficiencies. Selling, research and administrative expenses (operating expenses) were $10,573,000 compared to $8,654,000 the prior fiscal year, an increase of $1,919,000, or 22%. Foreign currency fluctuations resulted in an increase in reported operating expenses of $721,000, or 8%. Adjusting for the effects of foreign currencies operating expenses increased by $1,198,000, or 14%. In fiscal 2004 the Company incurred consultancy costs of $1,179,000 related to accelerated new product engineering, which compares to $915,000 in the prior year. In the third quarter of fiscal 2004 the major portion of this consultancy work was completed. During fiscal 2004 the Company increased its internal engineering resources to support both increased levels of sales in 2004 and the introduction of advanced new products. In the second half of fiscal 2004 the Company strengthened its sales and marketing activities with the appointment of a new manager of worldwide sales and marketing for the controls business, in preparation for the launch of the advanced new product range. An analysis of the year-to-year change in selling, research and administrative expenses is set out below: Selling, research and administrative expenses (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reported expense in fiscal 2004 $ 10,573 Reported expense in fiscal 2003 8,654 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase in expense 1,919 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) due to: Effect of exchange rate changes 721 Additional engineering consultancy costs in fiscal 2004, net of currency effect 139 Additional internal engineering expense, net of currency effect 487 Additional sales and marketing expense, net of currency effect 370 Other increases in operating expense - net, 202 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total increase in selling research and administrative expenses in fiscal 2004 1,919 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income in fiscal 2004 was $972,000 compared to $151,000 in fiscal 2003, an increase of $821,000. Foreign currency changes resulted in a $411,000 decrease in operating income; therefore there was a year-to-year improvement in operating income of $1,232,000 before the impact of currencies. This improvement in operating income before the currency impact was mainly due to a 17% increase in shipment volumes and improved gross profit percentage, partly offset by higher operating expenses. Interest expense in fiscal 2004 was $29,000 compared to $57,000 in the prior year, due to decreased short-term borrowing in Europe. Interest income was $1,000 compared to $2,000 in the prior year, due to lower cash balances. Other expense, mainly due to foreign currency losses, was $26,000 compared to other income of $32,000 in fiscal 2003. Income before income taxes was $918,000 in fiscal 2004, an increase of $790,000 compared to the previous year. Income taxes were 33.4% of pre-tax income in fiscal 2004 compared to 35.2% in fiscal 2003. The lower tax rate was due to most of the income in fiscal 2004 arising in Europe, where average tax rates are lower. Net income in fiscal 2004 was $611,000, compared to $83,000 in the prior fiscal year. In fiscal 2004 basic net income per share was $.20 and diluted net income per share was $.19, a significant improvement compared to the prior fiscal year, when both basic and diluted net income per share were $.03. B) Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company's cash flow from operating activities for fiscal 2005 was $1,324,000 compared to $1,071,000 in the prior fiscal year. Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment amounted to $571,000 compared to $628,000 in fiscal 2004. Quarterly dividend payments were at the rate of $.03 per share throughout both fiscal 2005 and 2004. In fiscal 2005 dividend payments amounted to $379,000 per year compared to $375,000 in 2004. Exchange rate changes decreased cash by $149,000 in fiscal 2005 compared to an increase of $313,000 last year. In fiscal 2005 cash balances increased by $225,000, compared to an increase of $381,000 in 2004. The main changes in operating assets and liabilities in fiscal 2005, which increased by $58,000, were a decrease in inventories of $306,000, offset by lower accounts payable of $401,000. Accounts receivable increased by 1%, or $84,000, based a 9% increase in revenues. Accrued compensation and expenses decreased by $144,000 and accrued income taxes were $2,000 below last year. The Company has no long-term debt and has overdraft facilities in the United Kingdom (UK) amounting to $1,946,000 and in France of $121,000. These facilities were unused at September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2004. The UK overdraft facilities are secured by all of the Company's assets in the UK and are due for renewal in September 2006 but, in line with normal practice in Europe, can be withdrawn on demand by the bank. The French overdraft facilities are unsecured and are due for renewal in September 2006 but, in line with normal practice in Europe, can be withdrawn on demand by the bank. At September 30, 2005 the Company's cash balances were $1,130,000 and there was no short-term or long-term debt. The Company has, since January 1990, maintained a program of regular cash dividends. The dividends amounted to $95,000 per quarter in fiscal 2005. In the opinion of management, the Company's requirements for working capital to meet future business growth can be met by a combination of existing cash resources, future earnings and existing borrowing facilities in Europe. The Company's capital expenditures are not expected, on average over a two to three year period, to exceed the depreciation charge which over the last three fiscal years averaged $622,000. There were no significant capital expenditure commitments at September 30, 2005. Tech/Ops Sevcon's resources, in the opinion of management, are adequate for projected operations and capital spending programs, as well as continuation of cash dividends. C) Off balance sheet arrangements The Company does not have any off balance sheet financing or arrangements. D) Contractual Obligations Set out below are the Company's contractual obligations at September 30, 2005: (in thousands of dollars) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Less than 1 - 3 3 - 5 More than Total 1 year years years 5 years -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term debt obligations $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Capital lease obligations - - - - - Operating lease obligations 2,654 207 399 390 1,658 Purchase Obligations 2,584 2,584 - - - Other long term liabilities - - - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $5,238 $2,791 $ 399 $ 390 $1,658 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK The Company's operations are sensitive to a number of market factors any one of which could materially adversely affect its results of operations in any given year. Other risks dealing with contingencies are described in Notes (1)J and (5) to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 and other risks are described under the caption Risk Factors in Item 7 above. Foreign currency risk The Company sells to customers throughout the industrialized world. In fiscal 2005 approximately 41% of the Company's sales were made in US Dollars, 24% were made in British Pounds and 35% were made in Euros. The majority of the Company's products are assembled in the United Kingdom and approximately 80% of the Company's cost of sales was incurred in British Pounds. This resulted in the Company's sales and margins being exposed to fluctuations due to the change in the exchange rates of the US Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro. In addition, the translation of the sales and income of foreign subsidiaries into US Dollars is subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company undertakes hedging activities to manage the foreign exchange exposures related to forecast purchases and sales in foreign currency and the associated foreign currency denominated receivables and payables. The Company does not engage in speculative foreign exchange transactions. Details of this hedging activity and the underlying exposures are contained in Note (1) J. to the Company's consolidated financial statements included under Item 8. Because the difference between the spot and hedged foreign exchange rates at September 30, 2005 was 2%, and amounted to $21,000, the risk of default by counterparties is not material to the Company. Interest Rate Risk The Company does not currently have any interest bearing debt. The Company does invest surplus funds in instruments with maturities of less than 12 months at both fixed and floating interest rates. The Company incurs short- term borrowings from time-to-time on its overdraft facilities in Europe at variable interest rates. Due to the short-term nature of the Company's investments at September 30, 2005 the risk arising from changes in interest rates was not material. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries September 30, 2005 and 2004 (in thousands of dollars except per share data) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,130 $ 905 Receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $144 in 2005 and $192 in 2004 6,193 6,109 Inventories 3,737 4,043 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 915 931 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current assets 11,975 11,988 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property, plant and equipment, at cost: Land and improvements 25 25 Buildings and improvements 2,139 2,186 Equipment 7,429 7,059 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9,593 9,270 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 6,557 6,085 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net property, plant and equipment 3,036 3,185 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Goodwill 1,435 1,435 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $16,446 $16,608 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 2,599 $ 3,001 Dividend payable 95 94 Accrued expenses 2,685 2,541 Accrued and deferred taxes on income 445 447 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current liabilities 5,824 6,083 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred taxes on income 33 61 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commitments and contingencies (note 5) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stockholders' investment Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share - authorized - 1,000,000 shares; outstanding - none - - Common stock, par value $.10 per share - authorized - 8,000,000 shares; outstanding 3,172,051 shares in 2005 and 3,125,051 shares in 2004 317 313 Premium paid in on common stock 4,310 4,047 Retained earnings 6,394 6,133 Unearned compensation on restricted stock (180) - Cumulative other comprehensive loss (252) (29) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total stockholders' investment 10,589 10,464 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities and stockholders' investment $16,446 $16,608 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries For the Years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands except per share data) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $31,675 $29,150 $23,113 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Costs and expenses: Cost of sales 19,639 17,605 14,308 Selling, research and administrative 11,037 10,573 8,654 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30,676 28,178 22,962 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income 999 972 151 Interest expense (56) (29) (57) Interest income 4 1 2 Foreign currency gain or (loss) 4 (26) 32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes 951 918 128 Income taxes (310) (307) (45) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 641 $ 611 $ 83 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic income per share $ .21 $ .20 $ .03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted income per share $ .20 $ .19 $ .03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries For the Years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 641 $ 611 $ 83 Foreign currency translation adjustment (208) 574 481 Changes in fair market value of cash flow hedges (15) 6 6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comprehensive income $ 418 $ 1,191 $ 570 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries For the Years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands of dollars except per share data) Cumulative Premium Unearned other paid compensa- compre- Total in on tion on hensive stock- Common common Retained restricted income holders' stock stock earnings stock (loss) investment --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance September 30, 2002 $ 313 $4,047 $6,189 - $(1,096) $9,453 Net income - - 83 - - 83 Dividends ($.12 per share) - - (375) - - (375) Currency trans- lation adjustment - - - - 481 481 Change in fair market value of cash flow hedge - - - - 6 6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance September 30, 2003 313 4,047 5,897 - (609) 9,648 Net income - - 611 - - 611 Dividends ($.12 per share) - - (375) - - (375) Currency trans- lation adjustment - - - - 574 574 Change in fair market value of cash flow hedge - - - - 6 6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance September 30, 2004 313 4,047 6,133 - (29) 10,464 Net income - - 641 - - 641 Dividends ($.12 per share) - - (380) - - (380) Currency trans- lation adjustment - - - - (208) (208) Change in fair market value of cash flow hedge - - - - (15) (15) Issuance of re- stricted stock 4 263 - (267) - - Restricted stock expense - - - 87 - 87 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance September 30, 2005 $317 $4,310 $6,394 $ (180) $(252) $10,589 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries For the Years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flow from operating activities: Net income $ 641 $ 611 $ 83 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 661 630 575 Stock-based compensation 87 - - Deferred tax benefit (6) (41) (201) Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables (84) (1,971) (150) Inventories 306 (44) 138 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (21) (138) (32) Accounts payable (401) 1,511 84 Accrued expenses 144 218 (42) Accrued and deferred taxes on income (2) 295 (8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash generated from operating activities 1,324 1,071 447 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flow used by investing activities: Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (571) (628) (564) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used by investing activities (571) (628) (564) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flow used by financing activities: Dividends paid (379) (375) (375) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used by financing activities (379) (375) (375) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (149) 313 321 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash 225 381 (171) Beginning balance - cash and cash equivalents 905 524 695 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ending balance - cash and cash equivalents $ 1,130 $ 905 $ 524 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for income taxes $ 354 $ 44 $ 237 Cash paid for interest $ 56 $ 29 $ 57 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activity: Dividend declared $ 95 $ 94 $ 94 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES A. Basis of presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. (Tech/Ops Sevcon), Sevcon, Inc., Sevcon Limited and subsidiaries, Sevcon SA and Sevcon Asia Limited. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. B. Revenue recognition The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment of its products. The Company's only post shipment obligation relates to warranty in the normal course of business for which ongoing reserves, which management believes to be adequate, are maintained. The movement in warranty reserves was as follows: (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warranty reserves at beginning of year $ 386 $ 404 Decrease in beginning balance for warranty obligations settled during the year (338) (331) Other changes to pre-existing warranties 5 6 Net increase in warranty reserves for products sold during the year 311 307 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warranty reserves at end of year $ 364 $ 386 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. Research and development The cost of research and development programs is charged against income as incurred and amounted to approximately $3,499,000 in 2005, $3,952,000 in 2004 and $2,976,000 in 2003. This expense is included in selling, research and administrative expense in the income statement. Research and development expense was 11.0% of sales in 2005 compared to 13.6% in 2004 and 12.9% in 2003. Research and development expense in fiscal 2005 decreased by $453,000, or 11% compared to last fiscal year. This reduction was mainly due to lower engineering consultancy costs, as our advanced new product developments moved into their production phase. The decrease in engineering consultancy costs in fiscal 2005 was partly offset by the recruitment of additional internal engineers and by foreign currency fluctuations. D. Depreciation and maintenance Plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which are primarily fifty years for buildings, seven years for equipment and four years for computer equipment and software. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense and renewals and betterments are capitalized. E. Stock based compensation plans Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("SFAS") # 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" as amended by SFAS #148 "Accounting for Stock- Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure" and to be replaced by SFAS # 123R "Share-Based Payment" defines a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock options or similar equity instruments and encourages all entities to adopt that method of accounting. However, it also allows an entity to continue to measure compensation costs using the method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board ("APB") #25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". Until SFAS # 123R becomes effective at the beginning of fiscal 2006 the Company will continue to account for its stock- based compensation plans under APB #25, under which no compensation cost has been recognized. Had compensation cost for these plans been determined consistent with SFAS #123R, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have equaled the following pro forma amounts: (in thousands of dollars except per share data) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income - As reported $ 641 $ 611 $ 83 Pro-forma effect of expensing stock options (net of tax) $ (52) $ (66) $ (66) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income - Pro forma $ 589 $ 545 $ 17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic net income per share - As reported $ .21 $ .20 $ .03 Basic net income per share - Pro forma $ .19 $ .17 $ .01 Diluted net income per share - As reported $ .20 $ .19 $ .03 Diluted net income per share - Pro forma $ .19 $ .17 $ .01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Risk-free interest rate N/A N/A 3.0% Expected dividend yield N/A N/A 2.7% Expected life (years) N/A N/A 7 Expected volatility of N/A N/A 47% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- There were no option grants in either fiscal 2005 or 2004. In November 2004 the Company granted 35,000 shares of restricted stock to five employees which will vest in five equal annual installments providing that the grantee remains an employee of the Company, or as determined by the Compensation Committee. In January 2005 the Company granted 12,000 shares of restricted stock to six non-employee directors which will vest on the day before the 2006 annual meeting, provided that the grantee remains a director of the Company, or as determined by the Compensation Committee. Details of these restricted stock grants are contained in Note 3, Stock Based Compensation Plans, on page 22. During the restriction period, five years for employees and one year for non-employee directors, ownership of unvested shares cannot be transferred. Restricted stock has the same cash dividend and voting rights as other common stock and is considered to be currently issued and outstanding. For the purposes of calculating average issued shares for earnings per shares these shares are only considered to be outstanding when the forfeiture conditions lapse and the shares vest. The stock-based compensation expense in the last three fiscal years was as follows: (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stock option expense under SFAS # 123 * $ - $ - $ - Restricted stock grants: Employees $ 30 $ - $ - Non-employee directors $ 57 $ - $ - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total stock based compensation expense $ 87 $ - $ - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- * The pro-forma effect of expensing stock options (net of tax) accounted for under APB # 25 was $52,000 in 2005, $66,000 in 2004 and $66,000 in 2003. F. Income taxes Tech/Ops Sevcon files tax returns in the respective countries in which it operates. The financial statements reflect the current and deferred tax consequences of all events recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. G. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs include materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, and are relieved from inventory on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company's reported financial condition includes a provision for estimated slow-moving and obsolete inventory that is based on a comparison of inventory levels with forecast future demand. Such demand is estimated based on many factors, including management judgments, relating to each customer's business and to economic conditions. The Company reviews in detail all significant inventory items with holdings in excess of estimated normal requirements. It also considers the likely impact of changing technology. It makes an estimate of the provision for slow moving and obsolete stock on an item-by-item basis based on a combination of likely usage based on forecast customer demand, potential sale or scrap value and possible alternative use. This provision represents the difference between original cost and market value at the end of the financial period. In cases where there is no estimated future use for the inventory item and there is no estimated scrap or resale value, a 100% provision is recorded. Where the Company estimates that only part of the total holding of an inventory item will not be used, or there is an estimated scrap, resale or alternate use value, then a proportionate provision is recorded. Once an item has been written down, it is not subsequently revalued upwards. The provision for slow moving and obsolete inventories at September 30, 2005 was $803,000, or 18% of the original cost of gross inventory. At September 30, 2004 the provision was $951,000, or 19% of gross inventory. Inventories were comprised of: (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Raw materials $ 1,596 $ 2,076 Work-in-process 174 177 Finished goods 1,967 1,790 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 3,737 $ 4,043 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- H. Accounts receivable In the normal course of business, the Company provides credit to customers, performs credit evaluations of these customers, monitors payment performance, and maintains reserves for potential credit losses in the allowance for doubtful accounts which, when realized, have historically been within the range of the Company's reserves. I. Translation of foreign currencies Tech/Ops Sevcon translates the assets and liabilities of its foreign subsidiaries at the current rate of exchange, and income statement accounts at the average exchange rates in effect during the period. Gains or losses from foreign currency translation are credited or charged to cumulative translation adjustment included in the statement of comprehensive income and as a component of cumulative other comprehensive income in stockholders' investment in the balance sheet. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in costs and expenses. J. Derivative instruments and hedging The Company accounts for derivative instruments and hedging under SFAS #133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which requires that all derivatives, including foreign currency exchange contracts, be recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be recorded at fair value through earnings. If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are either offset against the change in fair value of assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. The Company sells to customers throughout the industrialized world. The majority of the Company's products are manufactured in the United Kingdom. Approximately 41% of the Company's sales are made in US Dollars, 24% are made in British Pounds and 35% are made in Euros. Over 80% of the Company's cost of sales is incurred in British Pounds. This results in the Company's sales and margins being exposed to fluctuations due to the change in the exchange rates of the US Dollar, the British Pound and the Euro. Forward foreign exchange contracts are used primarily by the Company to hedge the operational ("cash-flow" hedges) and balance sheet ("fair value" hedges) exposures resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates described above. These foreign exchange contracts are entered into to hedge anticipated intercompany product purchases and third party sales and the associated accounts payable and receivable made in the normal course of business. Accordingly, these forward foreign exchange contracts are not speculative in nature. As part of its overall strategy to manage the level of exposure to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, the Company hedges a portion of its foreign currency exposures anticipated over the ensuing 9-month period. At September 30, 2005, the Company had effectively hedged approximately 8% of its estimated foreign currency exposures that principally relate to anticipated cash flows to be remitted to the UK over the next year, using foreign exchange contracts that have maturities of twelve months or less. The Company does not hold or transact in financial instruments for purposes other than risk management. Under hedge accounting, the Company records its foreign currency exchange contracts at fair value in its consolidated balance sheet as other current assets and a portion of the related gains or losses on these hedge contracts related to anticipated transactions are deferred as a component of other comprehensive income. These deferred gains and losses will be recognized in income in the period in which the underlying anticipated transaction occurs. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from the impact of currency exchange rate movements on forward foreign exchange contracts designated to offset certain functional currency denominated assets are recognized as other income or expense in the period in which the exchange rates change and offset the foreign currency losses and gains on the underlying exposures being hedged. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (1) it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of a hedged item (including forecasted transactions); (2) the derivative is sold or terminated; (3) the derivative is de-designated as a hedge instrument, because it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will occur or a balance sheet exposure ceases to exist; or (4) management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate. The following table provides information about the Company's foreign currency derivative financial instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2005 and 2004. The information is provided in US Dollar amounts, as presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The table presents the notional amount (at contract exchange rates) and the weighted average contractual foreign currency exchange rates. All contracts mature within twelve months. Foreign currency spot/forward contracts: (in thousands, except average contract rates) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notional Average Notional Average Amount Contract Rate Amount Contract Rate ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sell Euros (EUR) for British Pounds (GBP) $ - - $1,984 EUR1.47 = GBP1 Sell US Dollars for British Pounds $ 1,050 $1.80 = GBP1 $2,450 $ 1.75 = GBP1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 1,050 $4,434 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Estimated fair value * $ (21) $ 62 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amount recorded as other comprehensive income $ - $ 6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- *The estimated fair value is based on the estimated amount at which the contracts could be settled based on forward exchange rates. K. Cash equivalents and short-term investments The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Highly liquid investments with maturities greater than 90 days and less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Such investments are generally money market funds, bank certificates of deposit, US Treasury bills and short-term bank deposits in Europe. L. Earnings per share Basic and diluted net income per common share for the three years ended September 30, 2005 are calculated as follows: (in thousands except per share data) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 641 $ 611 $ 83 Weighted average shares outstanding 3,125 3,125 3,125 Basic income per share $ .21 $ .20 $ .03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common stock equivalents 27 22 4 Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 3,152 3,147 3,129 Diluted income per share $ .20 $ .19 $ .03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the years ended 2005, 2004 and 2003 respectively, approximately 105,000, 106,000 and 116,000 shares attributable to the exercise of outstanding options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect was antidilutive. M. Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements The presentation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant estimates and assumptions made by management include bad debt, inventory and warranty reserves, goodwill impairment assessment, pension plan assumptions and income tax assumptions. Operating results in the future could vary from the amounts derived from management's estimates and assumptions. N. Fair value of financial instruments The Company's financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amount of these financial instruments as of September 30, 2005, approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. O. Goodwill The amount by which the cost of purchased businesses included in the accompanying financial statements exceeded the fair value of net assets at the date of acquisition has been recorded as "goodwill". The Company assesses the carrying value of this asset whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that this value has diminished. The Company considers the future profitability of the business in assessing the value of this asset. In accordance with SFAS #142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" the Company performs an annual assessment of goodwill impairment and has determined that goodwill has not been impaired. P. New Accounting Pronouncements In October 2004, the President signed into law the American Jobs Creation Act (the Act). The Act allows for a federal income tax deduction for a percentage of income earned from certain domestic production activities. The Company's domestic, or U.S., production activities may qualify for the deduction. Based on the effective date of the Act, the Company would be eligible for this deduction in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. Additionally, on December 21, 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 109- 1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109), to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" (FSP 109-1). FSP 109-1, which was effective upon issuance, states that the deduction under this provision of the Act should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS 109. The Company has not yet quantified the benefit that may be realized from this provision of the Act. The Act also allows for an 85% dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain earnings of foreign subsidiaries. On December 21, 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 109-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004" (FSP 109-2). FSP 109-2, which was effective upon issuance, allows companies time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS No. 109. Additionally FSP 109-2 provides guidance regarding the required disclosures surrounding a company's reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings. The Company continues to evaluate this provision of the Act to determine the amount of foreign earnings to repatriate. Currently the Company does not expect the potential repatriation to have a material impact on its effective tax rate. In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS #151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43" ("SFAS #151"), which is the result of its efforts to converge U.S. accounting standards for inventories with International Accounting Standards. SFAS #151 requires idle facility expenses, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage) costs to be recognized as current-period charges. It also requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. SFAS #151 will be effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements. In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)#123R, "Share-Based Payment". This Statement, when effective, will replace SFAS #123, "Accounting for Stock based Compensation" and supersede APB #25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". This Statement establishes fair value on the grant date as the measurement objective in accounting for share-based payment arrangements and requires all entities to apply a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees except for equity instruments held by employee share ownership plans. This Statement is effective for public entities that do not file as small business issuers as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005. In addition, in March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, "Share-Based Payment" (SAB 107). SAB 107 provides supplemental implementation guidance on Statement 123R, including guidance on valuation methods, classification of compensation expense, inventory capitalization of share-based compensation cost, income tax effects, disclosures in Management's Discussion and Analysis and several other issues. The Company will adopt the provisions of SFAS #123R effective at the beginning of fiscal 2006. The Company will adopt the modified prospective application transition method. Under this method the Company expects to incur expense relating to previously issued stock options of approximately $30,000 in fiscal 2006. The accounting for restricted stock issued in fiscal 2005 will be substantially unchanged by the application of SFAS #123R. (2) CAPITAL STOCK Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. has two classes of capital stock, preferred and common. There are authorized 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.10 par value and 8,000,000 shares of common stock, $.10 par value. The company issued 47,000 shares of restricted stock to employees and directors in fiscal 2005. (3) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Under the Company's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan there were 100,000 shares reserved and available for grant at September 30, 2005. No options were granted or exercised in fiscal 2005 or 2004. In fiscal 2003 options for 77,000 shares were granted to employees and options for 5,000 shares were granted to a new director. Options for a total of 25,000 shares granted to 5 directors in 1998 are also outstanding. Recipients of grants or options must execute a standard form of non- competition agreement. This plan provides for the grant of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Options, and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs). Stock Appreciation Rights may be awarded either separately, or in relation to options granted, and for the grant of bonus shares. Options granted are exercisable at a price not less than fair market value on the date of grant. Option transactions under the plans for the three years ended September 30, 2005 were as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average Shares under option exercise price ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at September 30, 2002 114,500 $ 12.79 Granted in 2003 82,000 $ 4.47 Cancelled in 2003 (3,500) $ 10.91 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at September 30, 2003 193,000 $ 9.29 Cancelled in 2004 (5,000) $ 4.37 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at September 30, 2004 188,000 $ 9.42 Cancelled in 2005 (6,000) $ 14.48 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at September 30, 2005 182,000 $ 9.26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exercisable at September 30, 2005 100,500 $ 10.73 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Details of options outstanding at September 30, 2005 were as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Weighted average Price range under option remaining contractual life ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 4.37 - $ 6.56 77,000 8 years $ 6.57 - $ 9.85 10,000 6 years $ 9.86 - $14.79 75,000 3 years $14.80 - $22.20 20,000 2 years ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 182,000 4 years ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- In November 2004 the Company granted 35,000 shares of restricted stock to five employees which will vest in five equal annual installments providing that the grantee remains an employee of the Company, or as determined by the Compensation Committee. The estimated fair value of the stock on the date of grant was $182,000 based on the fair market value of the stock on date of issue and estimated forfeitures of 4% per year. The estimated forfeitures are based on the historical rate of turnover of the relevant group of employees. This amount was credited to common stock and paid in surplus and the $182,000 was recorded as "Unearned compensation on restricted stock", a deduction from stockholders equity. The unearned compensation is being charged to income on a straight line basis over the five year period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The charge to income for employee restricted stock grants in fiscal 2005 was $30,000 and the subsequent charge will be approximately $36,000 per year. In January 2005 the Company granted 12,000 shares of restricted stock to six non-employee directors which will vest on the day before the 2006 annual meeting, provided that the grantee remains a director of the Company, or as determined by the Compensation Committee. The estimated fair value of the stock on the date of grant was $85,000 based on the fair market value of the stock on date of issue. Due to the short-term vesting period no forfeitures have been estimated. This amount was credited to common stock and paid in surplus and the $85,000 was recorded as "Unearned compensation on restricted stock", a deduction from stockholders equity. The unearned compensation is being charged to income on a straight line basis over the one year period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The charge to income for non- employee directors' restricted stock grants in fiscal 2005 was $57,000 and there will be a further charge to income in fiscal 2006 of $28,000. During the restriction period, five years for employees and one year for non-employee directors, ownership of unvested shares cannot be transferred. Restricted stock has the same cash dividend and voting rights as other common stock and is considered to be currently issued and outstanding. For the purposes of calculating average issued shares for earnings per share these shares are only considered to be outstanding when the forfeiture conditions lapse and the shares vest. Restricted stock transactions under the plans for the three years ended September 30, 2005 were as follows: (in thousands of shares) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beginning Balance - - - Granted to employees - 5 year vesting 35 - - Granted to non-employee directors - 1 year vesting 12 - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Balance 47 - - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted-average fair value for shares granted during the year $ 5.68 $ - $ - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (4) INCOME TAXES The domestic and foreign components of income before income taxes are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Domestic $ 1 $ 5 $(497) Foreign 950 913 625 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 951 $ 918 $ 128 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The components of the provision / (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Deferred Total Federal $ 24 $ (32) $ (8) State 7 8 15 Foreign 338 (35) 303 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 369 $ (59) $ 310 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Deferred Total Federal $ 26 $ (25) $ 1 State 21 (5) 16 Foreign 299 (9) 290 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 346 $ (39) $ 307 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Deferred Total Federal $ - $ (151) $ (151) State 5 (31) (26) Foreign 241 (19) 222 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 246 $ (201) $ 45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The provision for income taxes in each period differs from that which would be computed by applying the statutory US Federal income tax rate to the income before income taxes. The following is a summary of the major items affecting the provision: (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statutory Federal income tax rate 34% 34% 34% Computed tax provision at statutory rate $ 323 $ 312 $ 44 Increases (decreases) resulting from: Foreign tax rate differentials (20) (28) (23) State taxes net of federal tax benefit (7) 1 (17) Change in deferred tax valuation allowance 7 (15) - Foreign tax credits and other 7 37 41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income tax provision in the Statement of Income $ 310 $ 307 $ 45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will either expire before the Company is able to realize the benefit, or that future deductibility is uncertain. The significant items comprising the domestic and foreign deferred tax accounts at September 30, 2005 and 2004 are as follows: (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Domestic Foreign Foreign current current long-term ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets: Pension accruals (prepaid) $ 274 $ 22 $ - Inventory basis differences 49 30 - Warranty reserves 42 - - Foreign tax credit carry forwards 150 - - Other (net) 126 1 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 641 53 - Liabilities: Property basis differences - - (33) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset (liability) 641 53 (33) Valuation allowance (131) - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ 510 $ 53 $ (33) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Domestic Foreign Foreign current current long-term ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets: Pension accruals (prepaid) $ 252 $ (8) $ - Inventory basis differences 105 31 - Warranty reserves 47 - - Foreign tax credit carry forwards 181 - - Other (net) 103 29 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 688 52 - Liabilities: Property basis differences - - (61) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset (liability) 688 52 (61) Valuation allowance (205) - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ 483 $ 52 $ (61) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (5) ACCRUED EXPENSES The analysis of accrued expenses at September 30, 2005 and 2004, showing separately any items in excess of 5% of total current liabilities, was as follows: (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accrued compensation and related costs $ 1,101 $ 979 Warranty reserves 364 386 Other accrued expenses 1,220 1,176 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 2,685 $ 2,541 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (6) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES In fiscal 2002 the Company received a demand for repayment of an alleged preference payment of $180,000 received from a customer in the 90 days prior to their filing for protection under Chapter 11 during fiscal 2000. At the time this customer filed for Chapter 11 protection it owed the Company $50,000 and this amount was fully reserved in the fiscal 2000 financial statements. The Company settled this claim in October 2005 and the cost of settlement of $90,000 was fully reserved at September 30, 2005. Tech/Ops Sevcon is involved in various other legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business but believes that it is remote that the outcome will be material to operations. The Company maintains a directors' retirement plan which provides for certain retirement benefits to non-employee directors. Effective January 1997 the plan was frozen and no further benefits are being accrued. While the cost of the plan has been fully charged to expense, the plan is not separately funded. The estimated maximum liability which has been recorded based on the cost of buying deferred annuities at September 30, 2005 was $204,000. Minimum rental commitments under all non-cancelable leases are as follows for the years ended September 30: 2006 - $207,000; 2007 - $204,000; 2008 - $195,000; 2009 - $195,000; 2010 - $195,000 and $1,658,000 thereafter. Net rentals of certain land, buildings and equipment charged to expense were $214,000 in 2005, $207,000 in 2004, and $195,000 in 2003. The UK subsidiaries of the Company have given to a bank a security interest in all of their assets as security for overdraft facilities of $1,991,000. There were no amounts outstanding on the overdraft facilities at September 30, 2005 or 2004. (7) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Tech/Ops Sevcon has defined benefit plans covering the majority of its US and UK employees. There is also a small defined contribution plan. The following table sets forth the estimated funded status of these defined benefit plans and the amounts recognized by Tech/Ops Sevcon. The Company uses a September 30 measurement date for its pension plans. (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $14,418 $12,486 Service cost 419 446 Interest cost 867 844 Plan participants contributions 234 199 Actuarial (gain) loss 514 (487) Benefits paid (252) (38) Foreign currency exchange rate changes (290) 968 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Benefit obligation at end of year 15,910 14,418 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 12,899 10,797 Return on plan assets 1,148 555 Employer contributions 444 518 Plan participants contributions 234 199 Benefits paid (252) (38) Foreign currency exchange rate changes (263) 868 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fair value of plan assets at end of year 14,210 12,899 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Funded status (1,700) (1,519) Unrecognized transition obligation (asset) (3) (5) Unrecognized prior service cost 593 661 Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss 629 462 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accrued benefit cost $ (481) $ (401) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Tech/Ops Sevcon net pension cost included the following components as defined by SFAS #132. (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 434 $ 443 $ 432 Interest cost 901 840 773 Expected return on plan assets (845) (844) (775) Amortization of transition obligation (2) (2) (2) Amortization of prior service cost 55 54 49 Recognized net actuarial gain (loss) - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net periodic benefit cost $ 543 $ 491 $ 477 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cost of defined contribution plans $ 29 $ 28 $ 27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The weighted average assumptions used to determine plan obligations and net periodic benefit cost for the years ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were as set out below: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plan obligations: Discount rate 5.80% 6.02% Rate of compensation increase 3.93% 4.23% Net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 6.02% 6.25% Expected long term return on plan assets 6.05% 6.43% Rate of compensation increase 4.23% 4.30% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The reductions in these assumptions reflect actuarial advice and changing market conditions and experience. The weighted average asset allocations by asset category are set out below for both the UK and US plans: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (percentage of total assets) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- US Plan UK Plan Total US Plan UK Plan Total Equity securities 40% 30% 31% 44% 32% 33% Debt securities 56% 49% 50% 54% 45% 46% Real estate - 18% 16% - 20% 18% Other 4% 3% 3% 2% 3% 3% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the US plan the target asset allocations are 40% - 45% equity securities and 55% - 60% debt securities. The UK plan is invested in an insurance company with-profits unit fund which holds various investments as decided by the insurance company's fund manager, who is responsible for the asset allocation within the fund. The asset allocations of the insurance company with-profits units are included in the table above. The overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets has been based on the expected returns on equities, bonds and real estate based broadly on the current asset allocation, with a small reduction in the expected rate to reflect the conservative nature of the distributions from the insurance company with profits unit fund. The following benefit payments, which reflect future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid: (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 $ 49 2007 98 2008 128 2009 164 2010 238 2011 - 2015 2,425 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- In fiscal 2006 it is estimated that the Company will make contributions to the plans of $564,000, and that there will be employee contributions to the UK plan of $246,000. (8) SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company has two reportable segments: electronic controls and capacitors. The electronic controls segment produces control systems for battery powered vehicles. The capacitor segment produces electronic components for sale to electronic equipment manufacturers. Each segment has its own management team, manufacturing facilities and sales force. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1. Intersegment sales are accounted for at current market prices. The Company evaluates the performance of each segment principally based on operating income. The Company does not allocate income taxes, interest income and expense or foreign currency translation gains and losses to segments. Information concerning operations of these businesses is as follows: (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Controls Capacitors Corporate Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales to external customers $30,009 $ 1,666 $ - $31,675 Inter-segment revenues - 199 - 199 Operating income 1,343 32 (376) 999 Depreciation and amortization 611 50 - 661 Identifiable assets 14,948 951 547 16,446 Capital expenditures 536 35 - 571 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2004 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Controls Capacitors Corporate Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales to external customers $27,101 $ 2,049 $ - $29,150 Inter-segment revenues - 218 - 218 Operating income 974 295 (297) 972 Depreciation and amortization 580 50 - 630 Identifiable assets 14,938 1,026 644 16,608 Capital expenditures 612 16 - 628 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Controls Capacitors Corporate Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales to external customers $20,730 $ 2,383 $ - $23,113 Inter-segment revenues - 326 - 326 Operating income (53) 476 (272) 151 Depreciation and amortization 531 44 - 575 Identifiable assets 12,039 1,238 507 13,784 Capital expenditures 549 15 - 564 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Company has businesses located in the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Korea. The analysis of revenues set out below is by the location of the business selling the products rather than by destination of the products. (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales:- US sales $12,893 $10,577 $ 8,141 Foreign sales: United Kingdom 9,477 13,529 11,687 France 9,305 5,044 3,274 Korea - - 11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Foreign 18,782 18,573 14,972 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total sales $31,675 $29,150 $23,113 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-lived assets: USA $ 1,543 $ 1,571 $ 1,571 United Kingdom 2,866 2,970 2,740 France 51 71 46 Korea 11 8 4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 4,471 $ 4,620 $ 4,361 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The business located in the United States services customers in North and South America. The business located in France services customers in France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and North Africa. The business located in Korea supports customers in Asia, however, sales to these customers are made from the United Kingdom. The businesses located in the United Kingdom service customers in the rest of the world, principally Europe and the Far East. During the past two fiscal years the responsibility for dealing with two large customers in Europe was transferred from the United Kingdom to the French subsidiary which accounted for approximately 50% of the decrease in United Kingdom sales in 2005. In fiscal 2005 Tech/Ops Sevcon's largest customer accounted for 16% of sales and for 20% of receivables. In 2004 the largest customer accounted for 11% of sales and 13% of receivables. In 2003 the largest customer accounted for 10% of sales and 5% of receivables. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Shareholders Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2005 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' investment and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. 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 audit provides 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 Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2005 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have also audited Schedule II for the year ended September, 2005. In our opinion, this schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information therein. /s/ Vitale, Caturano & Company, Ltd. Boston, Massachusetts December 2, 2005 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Shareholders Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2004 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' investment and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2004. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2004 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have also audited Schedule II for each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2004. In our opinion, this schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information therein. /s/ Grant Thornton LLP Boston, Massachusetts December 3, 2004 SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Selected quarterly financial data for fiscal years 2005 and 2004 is set out below: (in thousands except per share data) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- First Second Third Fourth Total Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 Quarters ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $ 7,542 $ 8,094 $ 8,453 $ 7,586 $31,675 Gross profit 2,842 3,126 3,160 2,908 12,036 Operating income 20 285 381 313 999 Net income 20 172 216 233 641 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic income per share * $ .01 $ .05 $ .07 $ .07 $ .21 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted income per share $ .01 $ .05 $ .07 $ .07 $ .20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2004 Quarters ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $ 6,466 $ 7,273 $ 7,486 $ 7,925 $29,150 Gross profit 2,608 2,985 2,961 2,991 11,545 Operating income 173 280 121 398 972 Net income 81 142 103 285 611 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic income per share $ .03 $ .05 $ .03 $ .09 $ .20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted income per share * $ .03 $ .05 $ .03 $ .09 $ .19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- * The sum of quarterly basic income per share in 2005 and the sum of quarterly diluted income per share in 2004 is $.01 different from the annual diluted income per share due to roundings. ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE In 2005, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviewed the Company's independent auditors as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce operating costs and expenses. As a result, on September 1, 2005, the Audit Committee voted to replace Grant Thornton LLP with Vitale, Caturano & Company, Ltd. (VCC) as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately. The Company's Audit Committee selected VCC based, among other things, on the fee estimates provided by VCC and the closure by Grant Thornton UK LLP of its office in Newcastle, near the Company's UK facilities. The Company expects to lower its audit costs as a result of the change in accounting firms. ITEM 9 A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES (a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company's "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e)) have concluded that, as of September 30, 2005, the disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods. (b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. The Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have identified no change in the Company's "internal control over financial reporting" (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. PART III ITEM 10 DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The requisite information regarding the Company's directors, executive officers and audit committee members is contained in part under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Part I hereof and the remainder is incorporated by reference from the discussion responsive thereto under the captions "Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We have adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Officers that applies to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and controllers. We have also adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, including, but not limited to, our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and controllers. A copy of either Code is available without charge upon request from the Chief Financial Officer at Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc., 155 Northboro Road, Southborough, MA 01772. If we make any substantive amendments to the Code of Ethics for Senior Officers or grant any waiver from a provision of such Code, or if we make any substantive amendment to a provision of the Code of Conduct that applies to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer or controller, or if we grant any waiver from a provision of such Code for any such persons we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver in a report on Form 8-K. ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION This information is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions "Election of Directors - Director Compensation," "Executive Compensation," "Compensation Committee Report" and "Performance Graph" in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The requisite information concerning security ownership is incorporated by reference from the information responsive thereto under the captions "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock" and "Election of Directors" in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The following table sets out the status of shares authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans at September 30, 2005. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plan Category Number of Weighted- Number of Number of securities average securities securities to be exercise remaining remaining issued upon price of available available exercise of outstanding for future for future outstanding options, issuance issuance options warrants under equity under equity warrants and rights compensation compensation and rights plans plans (excluding (excluding securities securities reflected in reflected in column (a))at column (a))at beginning of end of year year ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (a) (b) (c) (d) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Equity compensation plans approved by security holders: 1996 Equity Incentive Plan 157,000 $ 8.62 141,000 100,000 1998 Director Stock Option Plan 25,000 $13.23 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sub Total 182,000 $ 9.42 141,000 100,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 182,000 $ 9.42 141,000 100,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS This information (if any) is incorporated by reference from the discussion responsive thereto under the caption "Election of Directors" in the Company's Proxy Statement relating to the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES This information is incorporated by reference from the discussion responsive thereto under the caption "Auditors" in the Company's Proxy Statement relating to the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. PART IV ITEM 15 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) Financial statements and schedule The financial statements and financial statement schedule listed under Item 8 in the index following the cover page are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. (b) Exhibits The exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed on the Exhibit Index below. INDEX TO EXHIBITS *(3)(a)Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3)(a) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 3, 2004). *(3)(b)By-laws of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3)(b) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000). *(4)(a)Specimen common stock of registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4)(a) to Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994). *(10)(a)Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Registrant's 2004 Proxy Statement filed on December 29, 2003). *(10)(b)Form of Option for 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(b) to Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2002). *(10)(c)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for employees for 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(c) to Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004). *(10)(d)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for non-employee directors for 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(d) to Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004). *(10)(e)Form of Indemnification Agreement dated January 4, 1988 between the registrant and each of its directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(e) to Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994). *(10)(f)Directors' Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(b) to Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1990). *(10)(g)Board resolution terminating Directors' Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10)(e) to Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997). *(10)(h)Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. 1998 Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998). *(10)(i)Summary of Director and Executive Officer Non-Plan Compensation (filed herewith). *(21) Subsidiaries of the registrant (incorporated by reference to exhibit (21) to Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001). (23) Consent of Vitale Caturano & Company, Ltd. (filed herewith). Consent of Grant Thornton LLP (filed herewith). (31.1) Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith) (31.2) Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith) (32.1) Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Furnished herewith) *Indicates exhibit previously filed and incorporated by reference. Exhibits filed with periodic reports were filed under File No. 1-9789. Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements: Exhibits (10)(a) - (i) are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements in which the executive officers or directors of the registrant participate. A copy of these exhibits may be obtained on the SEC's EDGAR database (at www.sec.gov) or will be furnished without charge to any stockholder upon written request to Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. attention Paul A. McPartlin, Chief Financial Officer, 155 Northboro Road, Southborough MA 01772, Telephone: (581) 281 5510. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. TECH/OPS SEVCON, INC. By /s/ Matthew Boyle December 14, 2005 Matthew Boyle President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated: SIGNATURE TITLE DATE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- /s/ Matthew Boyle President, Chief Executive December 14, 2005 ----------------- Officer and Director Matthew Boyle (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Paul A. McPartlin Vice President, Treasurer December 14, 2005 --------------------- and Chief Financial Officer Paul A. McPartlin (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) /s/ Maarten D. Hemsley Director December 14, 2005 ---------------------- Maarten D. Hemsley /s/ Paul B. Rosenberg Director December 14, 2005 --------------------- Paul B. Rosenberg /s/ Marvin G. Schorr Director December 14, 2005 ------------------- Marvin G. Schorr /s/ Bernard F. Start Director December 14, 2005 -------------------- Bernard F. Start /s/ David R. A. Steadman Director December 14, 2005 ------------------------ David R. A. Steadman /s/ Paul O. Stump Director December 14, 2005 -------------------- Paul O. Stump EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Matthew Boyle, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: December 14, 2005 /s/ Matthew Boyle Matthew Boyle President and Chief Executive Officer EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 I, Paul A. McPartlin, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: December 14, 2005 /s/ Paul A. McPartlin Paul A. McPartlin Chief Financial and Accounting Officer EXHIBIT 32.1 Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Each of the undersigned officers of Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. (the "Company") certifies, under the standards set forth in and solely for the purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended September 30, 2005 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in that Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Dated: December 14, 2005 /s/ Matthew Boyle Matthew Boyle Chief Executive Officer Dated: December 14, 2005 /s/ Paul A. McPartlin Paul A. McPartlin Chief Financial Officer SCHEDULE II TECH/OPS SEVCON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reserves for the three years ended September 30, 2005 (in thousands of dollars) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts 2005 2004 2003 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at beginning of year 192 245 306 Additions charged to costs and expense 73 27 24 Deductions from reserves: Accounts collected (8) (56) - Write off of uncollectible accounts (111) (34) (91) Foreign currency translation adjustment (2) 10 6 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance at end of year 144 192 245 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exhibit 10(i) Summary of Director and Executive Officer Non-Plan Compensation Non-Employee Directors Non-employee directors of the Company are each paid $16,000 per year for their services. The Chairmen of the Board of Directors and of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board each receive an additional $3,000 per year. Executive Officers The annual salaries of the executive officers for 2006 are as follows: Matthew Boyle, President and Chief Executive Officer -- British Pounds 136,000 Paul A. McPartlin, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer -- British Pounds 85,000 Annual cash bonuses will be determined at the end of the year. * * * * * Further information about compensation of directors and executive officers is found in the Company's proxy statements on file with the Commission, as well as in periodic Form 8-K filings by the Company. Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm As independent registered public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report, dated December 2, 2005, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. as of September 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' investment and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2005, included in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File No. 33-42960, File No. 333-02113, File No. 333-61229, and File No. 333- 104785). /s/ Vitale Caturano & Company, Ltd. Boston, Massachusetts December 22, 2005 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm We have issued our report dated December 3, 2004, accompanying the consolidated financial statements and schedule in the Annual Report of Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. on Form 10-K as of September 30, 2004 and for each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2004. We hereby consent to the inclusion of said report in the Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2005 for Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statements of Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. on Forms S-8 (File No. 33-42960, File No. 333-02113, File No. 333-61229, and File No. 333-104785). /s/ Grant Thornton LLP Boston, Massachusetts December 22, 2005