Tech/Ops Sevcon Form 10-Q Third Quarter fiscal 2006



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended July 1, 2006

o 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 incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

155 Northboro Road, Southborough, Massachusetts, 01772
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(508) 281 5510
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

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

Large accelerated filer o  Accelerated Filer o  Non accelerated filer x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class
Outstanding at August 9, 2006
Common stock, par value $.10
3,211,051


- 1 -


TECH/OPS, SEVCON LTD
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED July 1, 2006
INDEX

PART I -FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE
3
3
4
4
5
6
12
20
21
22
22
22
22
22


- 2 -


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(in thousands of dollars except per share data)
 
 
   
July 1,
2006 
   
September 30,
2005
 
 
 
   
(unaudited) 
   
(derived from audited statements
)
ASSETS
             
Current assets:
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
330
 
$
1,130
 
Receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $ 161 at July 1, 2006
and $144 at September 30, 2005
   
6,819
   
6,193
 
Inventories
   
5,523
   
3,737
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
1,195
   
915
 
Total current assets
   
13,867
   
11,975
 
Property, plant and equipment:
             
At cost
   
10,308
   
9,593
 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
7,130
   
6,557
 
Net property, plant and equipment
   
3,178
   
3,036
 
Goodwill
   
1,435
   
1,435
 
Total assets
 
$
18,480
 
$
16,446
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
             
Current liabilities:
             
Due to banks
 
$
426
 
$
-
 
Accounts payable
   
2,840
   
2,599
 
Dividend payable
   
96
   
95
 
Accrued expenses
   
2,924
   
2,685
 
Accrued and deferred taxes on income
   
427
   
445
 
Total current liabilities
   
6,713
   
5,824
 
Deferred taxes on income
   
35
   
33
 
Commitments and contingencies
             
Stockholder equity
             
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 3,211,051 shares at July 1, 2006 and 3,172,051 shares at
September 30, 2005
   
321
   
317
 
Premium paid in on common stock
   
4,269
   
4,310
 
Retained earnings
   
6,975
   
6,394
 
Unearned compensation on restricted stock
   
-
   
(180
)
Cumulative other comprehensive loss
   
167
   
(252
)
Total stockholder equity
   
11,732
   
10,589
 
Total liabilities and stockholder equity
 
$
18,480
 
$
16,446
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements


- 3 -



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries

(in thousands except per share data)
 
 
 
Three months ended 
Nine months ended
   
July 1,
2006 
   
July 2,
2005
   
July 1,
2006
   
July 2,
2005
 
Net sales
 
$
9,313
 
$
8,453
 
$
25,696
 
$
24,089
 
Costs and expenses:
                         
Cost of sales
   
5,761
   
5,293
   
15,780
   
14,961
 
Selling, research and administrative
   
2,968
   
2,779
   
8,526
   
8,442
 
     
8,729
   
8,072
   
24,306
   
23,403
 
Operating income
   
584
   
381
   
1,390
   
686
 
Interest expense
   
(13
)
 
(13
)
 
(48
)
 
(41
)
Interest income
   
1
   
1
   
3
   
3
 
Foreign currency gain or (loss)
   
(8
)
 
(36
)
 
(10
)
 
(20
)
Income before income taxes
   
564
   
333
   
1,335
   
628
 
Income taxes
   
(195
)
 
(117
)
 
(464
)
 
(220
)
Net income
 
$
369
 
$
216
 
$
871
 
$
408
 
Basic income per share
 
$
.12
 
$
.07
 
$
.28
 
$
.13
 
Fully diluted income per share
 
$
.12
 
$
.07
 
$
.28
 
$
.13
 






CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
 
Three months ended 
Nine months ended
 
   
July 1,
2006 
   
July 2,
2005
   
July 1,
2006
   
July 2,
2005
 
Net income
 
$
369
 
$
216
 
$
871
 
$
408
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
529
   
(568
)
 
418
   
(228
)
Changes in fair market value of cash flow hedges
   
14
   
(3
)
 
1
   
(18
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
912
 
$
(355
)
$
1,290
 
$
162
 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


- 4 -



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. and Subsidiaries

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
 
Nine months ended 
 
   
July 1,
2006 
   
July 2,
2005
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
             
Net income
 
$
871
 
$
408
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
469
   
503
 
Stock-based compensation
   
143
   
56
 
Deferred tax benefit
   
2
   
(1
)
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             
Receivables
   
(626
)
 
(171
)
Inventories
   
(1,786
)
 
371
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
(281
)
 
(270
)
Accounts payable
   
241
   
(468
)
Accrued expenses
   
239
   
248
 
Accrued and deferred taxes on income
   
(18
)
 
179
 
Net cash generated from (used by) operating activities
   
(746
)
 
855
 
Cash flow used by investing activities:
             
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
   
(462
)
 
(345
)
Net cash used by investing activities
   
(462
)
 
(345
)
Cash flow used by financing activities:
             
Dividends paid
   
(287
)
 
(284
)
Exercise of stock options
   
9
   
-
 
Short-term bank borrowings
   
426
   
-
 
Net cash generated from (used by) financing activities
   
148
   
(284
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
260
   
(257
)
Net decrease in cash
   
(800
)
 
(31
)
Beginning balance - cash and cash equivalents
   
1,130
   
905
 
Ending balance - cash and cash equivalents
 
$
330
 
$
874
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
             
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
619
 
$
117
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
48
 
$
41
 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activity:
             
Dividend declared
 
$
96
 
$
95
 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.




- 5 -



TECH/OPS SEVCON, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - July 1, 2006

(Unaudited)

(1)
Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normally recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Tech/Ops Sevcon as of July 1, 2006 and the results of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended July 1, 2006.

The significant accounting policies followed by Tech/Ops Sevcon are set forth in Note 1 to the financial statements in the 2005 Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. Other than as set forth below, there have been no changes since the end of fiscal 2005 to the significant accounting policies followed by Tech/Ops Sevcon.

The results of operations for the nine month periods ended July 1, 2006 and July 2, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

(2)    New Accounting Pronouncements

The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS #123R “Share-Based Payment” effective at the beginning of fiscal 2006 using the modified prospective application transition method. Under this method the Company incurred expense relating to previously issued stock options of approximately $35,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2006. There was no similar expense recorded in the first half of 2005 as, during that period, the Company accounted for options under APB #25. The accounting for restricted stock issued in fiscal 2005 was substantially unchanged by the application of SFAS #123R

In July 2006 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation #48 “Accounting for Uncertain Tax Positions” which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this interpretation on its financial statements.

(3)    Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Under the Company’s 1996 Equity Incentive Plan there were 71,000 shares reserved and available for grant at July 1, 2006. 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.

SFAS #123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, as amended by SFAS #148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure” and replaced by SFAS 123R “Share-Based Payment” defined a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock options or similar equity instruments and encouraged all entities to adopt that method of accounting. However, it also allowed an entity to continue to measure compensation costs using the method of accounting prescribed by APB #25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, until SFAS #123R became effective in fiscal 2006. Prior to fiscal 2006, the Company accounted for its stock-based compensation plans under APB #25, under which no compensation cost was recognized. The Company has not restated prior periods to reflect this change in accounting. Had compensation cost for these plans been determined consistent with SFAS #123, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have equaled the following pro forma amounts for the respective 2005 periods:

- 6 -



(in thousands of dollars except per share data)
 
 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months
ended
 
 
   
July 2,
2005 
   
July 2,
2005
 
Net income - As reported
 
$
216
 
$
408
 
Stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all option awards (net of tax)
   
(11
)
 
(39
)
Net income - Pro forma
 
$
205
 
$
369
 
Basic net income per share - As reported
 
$
.07
 
$
.13
 
Basic net income per share - Pro forma
 
$
.07
 
$
.12
 
Diluted net income per share - As reported
 
$
.07
 
$
.13
 
Diluted net income per share - Pro forma
 
$
.07
 
$
.12
 

The effects of applying SFAS #123R in this pro forma disclosure are not indicative of future amounts. SFAS #123R does not apply to awards prior to fiscal 1996 and additional awards in future years are anticipated.

The adoption of SFAS #123R reduced net income in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 by $35,000 ($.01 per basic and diluted share). The adoption of this statement had no effect on the statement of cash flows for the nine months ended July 1, 2006.

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions.
 
           
   
2006
 
2005
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
Expected dividend yield
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
Expected life (years)
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
Expected volatility
   
N/A
   
N/A
 

No options were granted in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 or in fiscal 2005. When options are exercised the Company normally issues new shares.

A summary of option activity for all plans for the nine months ended July 1, 2006 is as follows:

                           
 
 
 
 
   
Options
# of shares 
   
Weighted
average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years
)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2005
   
182,000
 
$
9.26
             
Granted
   
-
                   
Exercised
   
(2,000
)
$
4.37
             
Cancelled
   
(8,000
)
$
8.46
             
Outstanding at July 1, 2006
   
172,000
 
$
9.35
   
3 years
 
$
132,000
 
Exercisable at July 1, 2006
   
118,400
 
$
10.41
   
3 years
 
$
66,000
 

The aggregate intrinsic value included in the table above represents the difference between the exercise price of the options and the market price of the Company’s common stock for the options that had exercise prices that were lower than the $6.32 market price of the Company’s common stock at July 1, 2006. Options for 2,000 shares were exercised during the nine months ended July 1, 2006. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in fiscal 2006 was $3,000 and the proceeds received on the exercise of these options was $9,000. No options were exercised in the first nine months of last fiscal year. At July 1, 2006 there was $75,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to options granted under all equity compensation plans. The Company expects to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of 3.3 years.

- 7 -



In December 2005, the Company granted 25,000 shares of restricted stock to three 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 $138,000 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 $138,000 was netted off paid in surplus in stockholders equity. This 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 these employee restricted stock grants in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $7,000 and $14,000 respectively, and the subsequent charge will be approximately $7,000 on a quarterly basis.

In January 2006, the Company granted 12,000 shares of restricted stock to six non-employee directors which will vest on the day before the 2007 annual meeting providing 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 $69,000 based on the fair market value of the stock on date of issue. This amount was credited to common stock and paid in surplus and the $69,000 was netted off paid in surplus in stockholders equity. This unearned compensation is being charged to income on a straight line basis over the twelve month period during which the forfeiture conditions lapse. The charge to income for these director restricted stock grants in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $17,000 and $29,000 respectively, and the subsequent charge will be approximately $17,000 on a quarterly basis.

In fiscal 2005 the Company granted 35,000 shares of restricted stock to five employees which will vest in five equal annual installments and 12,000 shares of restricted stock to six non-employee directors which vested on the day before the 2006 annual meeting.

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 activity for the nine months ended July 1, 2006 was as follows:

           
   
Number of shares of Restricted Stock
 
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested balance as of September 30, 2005
   
47,000
 
$
6.18
 
Granted
   
37,000
 
$
5.58
 
Vested
   
(19,000
)
$
6.64
 
Forfeited
   
-
   
N/A
 
Non-vested balance as of July 1, 2006
   
65,000
 
$
5.70
 

As of July 1, 2006, there was $288,000 of total restricted stock compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet recognized, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.5 years.

- 8 -



The stock-based compensation expense was as follows.

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
 
Three Months ended 
Nine Months ended
 
   
July 1,
2006
   
July 2,
2005
   
July 1,
2006
   
July 2,
2005
 
Stock option expense under SFAS # 123R *
 
$
13
 
$
-
 
$
36
 
$
-
 
Restricted stock grants:
                         
Employees
   
14
   
9
   
41
   
21
 
Non-employee directors
   
17
   
14
   
57
   
35
 
Total stock based compensation expense
 
$
44
 
$
23
 
$
134
 
$
56
 
* Pro-forma expense disclosed for options accounted for under APB#25
 
$
N/A
 
$
11
 
$
N/A
 
$
39
 

Upon adoption of SFAS 123R on October 1, 2005, Unearned Compensation on Restricted Stock, which amounted to $180,000 at September 30, 2005, was deducted from Premium Paid in on Common stock.

(4)    Cash Dividends

On June 13, 2006, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $.03 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2006, which was paid on July 13, 2006 to stockholders of record on June 28, 2006. The Company has paid regular quarterly cash dividends since the first quarter of fiscal 1990.

(5)    Calculation of Earnings Per Share and Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

Basic and fully diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows:

   
(in thousands except per share data)
 
 
 
Three Months ended 
Nine Months ended
 
   
July 1,
2006
   
July 2,
2005
   
July 1,
2006
   
July 2,
2005
 
Net income
 
$
369
 
$
216
 
$
871
 
$
408
 
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
   
3,144
   
3,125
   
3,134
   
3,125
 
Basic income per share
 
$
.12
 
$
.07
 
$
.28
 
$
.13
 
Common stock equivalents
   
30
   
24
   
22
   
26
 
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
   
3,174
   
3,149
   
3,156
   
3,151
 
Diluted income per share
 
$
.12
 
$
.07
 
$
.28
 
$
.13
 
No of options that are anti-dilutive excluded from calculation of common stock equivalents
   
105
   
106
   
105
   
109
 

(6)    Segment information

The Company has two reportable segments: electronic controls and capacitors. The electronic controls segment produces control systems and accessories 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.


- 9 -


The significant accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in note (8) to the 2005 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. Inter-segment revenues 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)
 
 
 
Three months ended July 1, 2006 
 
   
Controls 
   
Capacitors
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sales to external customers
 
$
8,901
 
$
412
 
$
-
 
$
9,313
 
Inter-segment revenues
   
-
   
18
   
-
   
18
 
Operating income
   
726
   
(25
)
 
(117
)
 
584
 
Identifiable assets
   
16,992
   
906
   
582
   
18,480
 

   
Three months ended July 2, 2005
 
 
   
Controls 
   
Capacitors
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sales to external customers
 
$
8,005
 
$
448
 
$
-
 
$
8,453
 
Inter-segment revenues
   
-
   
40
   
-
   
40
 
Operating income
   
427
   
56
   
(102
)
 
381
 
Identifiable assets
   
14,796
   
1,010
   
694
   
16,500
 

   
Nine months ended July 1, 2006
 
   
Controls 
   
Capacitors
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sales to external customers
 
$
24,503
 
$
1,193
 
$
-
 
$
25,696
 
Inter-segment revenues
   
-
   
53
   
-
   
53
 
Operating income (loss)
   
1,679
   
(43
)
 
(246
)
 
1,390
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
427
   
42
   
-
   
469
 
Identifiable assets
   
16,992
   
906
   
582
   
18,480
 
Capital expenditures
   
396
   
24
   
-
   
420
 

   
Nine months ended July 2, 2005
 
 
   
Controls 
   
Capacitors
   
Corporate
   
Total
 
Sales to external customers
 
$
22,865
 
$
1,224
 
$
-
 
$
24,089
 
Inter-segment revenues
   
-
   
189
   
-
   
189
 
Operating income (loss)
   
920
   
36
   
(270
)
 
686
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
463
   
40
   
-
   
503
 
Identifiable assets
   
14,796
   
1,010
   
694
   
16,500
 
Capital expenditures
   
263
   
82
   
-
   
345
 

In the controls business segment the revenues were derived from the following products and services.

 
   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
 
Three Months ended 
Nine Months ended
 
   
July 1,
2006 
   
July 2,
2005
   
July 1,
2006
   
July 2,
2005
 
Electronic controllers for battery driven vehicles
 
$
6,260
 
$
5,348
 
$
17,291
 
$
15,906
 
Accessory and aftermarket products and services
   
2,641
   
2,657
   
7,212
   
6,959
 
Total controls segment revenues
 
$
8,901
 
$
8,005
 
$
24,503
 
$
22,865
 


- 10 -


(7)    Research and Development

The cost of research and development programs is charged against income as incurred and was as follows:

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
 
Three Months ended 
Nine Months ended
 
   
July 1,
2006 
   
July 2,
2005
   
July 1,
2006
   
July 2,
2005
 
Research and Development expense
 
$
919
 
$
879
 
$
2,701
 
$
2,659
 
Percentage of sales
   
9.9
%
 
10.4
%
 
10.5
%
 
11.0
%

Research and development expense increased by $42,000 compared to the first nine months of last fiscal year and was 5% higher than last year in the third quarter. Excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, engineering expense increased by 16 % compared to the first nine months of last year. This increase was principally due to increased internal engineering resources devoted to advanced new product development.

(8)    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 components of the net pension cost as defined by SFAS #132R.

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
 
Three Months ended 
Nine Months ended
 
   
July 1,
2006 
   
July 2,
2005
   
July 1,
2006
   
July 2,
2005
 
Service cost
 
$
98
 
$
108
 
$
284
 
$
329
 
Interest cost
   
241
   
223
   
698
   
684
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(227
)
 
(209
)
 
(656
)
 
(640
)
Amortization of transition obligation
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Amortization of prior service cost
   
14
   
13
   
40
   
39
 
Recognized net actuarial gain (loss)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Net periodic benefit cost
   
126
   
135
   
366
   
412
 
Net cost of defined contribution plans
 
$
9
 
$
7
 
$
25
 
$
21
 

Tech/Ops Sevcon contributed $609,000 to its pension plans in the nine months ended July 1, 2006 and presently anticipates contributing a further $175,000 to fund its plans in the remainder of fiscal 2006, for a total contribution of $784,000. In addition employee contributions to the UK plan were $199,000 in the first nine months and are estimated to total $269,000 in fiscal 2006.

(9)    Inventories

Inventories were comprised of:

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
   
July 1,
2006 
   
September 30,
2005
 
Raw materials
 
$
2,666
 
$
1,596
 
Work-in-process
   
315
   
174
 
Finished goods
   
2,542
   
1,967
 
   
$
5,523
 
$
3,737
 


- 11 -



(10)    Accrued expenses

Set out below is an analysis of other accrued expenses at July 1, 2006 and September 30, 2005 which shows separately any items in excess of 5% of total current liabilities.

   
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
   
July 1,
2006 
   
September 30,
2005
 
Accrued compensation and related costs
 
$
1,119
 
$
1,101
 
Warranty reserves
   
522
   
364
 
Other accrued expenses
   
1,283
   
1,220
 
   
$
2,924
 
$
2,685
 

(11)    Warranty reserves

The movement in warranty reserves was as follows:

 
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
July 1,
2006
 
July 2,
2005
 
July 1,
2006
 
July 2,
2005
 
Warranty reserves at beginning of period
$
450
 
$
404
 
$
364
 
$
386
 
Decrease in beginning balance for warranty obligations settled during the period
 
(81
)
 
(64
)
 
(299
)
 
(290
)
Other changes to pre-existing warranties
 
8
   
(7
)
 
55
   
5
 
Net increase in warranty reserves for products sold during the period
 
145
   
88
   
402
   
320
 
Warranty reserves at end of period
$
522
 
$
421
 
$
522
 
$
421
 

Item 2.  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 2.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Company adopted SFAS #123R on October 1, 2006. See Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed description of this new accounting pronouncement.


- 12 -



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The Company's significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 of its Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 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 judgement and/or make estimates, consistent 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 judgements 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 judgements.

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 63% of the Company’s sales in the current fiscal year to date. At July 1, 2006, the allowance for bad debts amounted to $161,000, which represented 2.4% 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 overages, 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.


- 13 -


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 July 1, 2006 was $924,000, or 14% of the original cost of gross inventory. At September 30, 2005 the provision was $803,000, or 18% 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 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. 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 methods 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 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.

- 14 -


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 the plans were to exceed the fair value of assets of that plan, then an adjustment to record this additional liability and a corresponding decrease to 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. Based on current market conditions, it is likely that a decrease in the discount rate relating to the UK plan of between 0.25% and 0.75% may be required when the plan is next measured at September 30, 2006.

In March 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an exposure draft on pension accounting. If this is adopted, then the Company would be required to recognize on its balance sheet the funded status of its pension plans. If adopted, it is proposed that this would become effective for the Company for the year commencing October 1, 2007.

RISK FACTORS

In addition to the market risk factors relating to foreign currency and interest rate risk set out below, 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 two plants 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.

Product liability claims may have a material adverse effect

The Company’s products are technically complex and are installed and used by third parties. Defects in their design, installation, use or manufacturing may result in product liability claims against the Company. Such claims may result in significant damage awards, and the cost of any such litigation could be material.

- 15 -


OVERVIEW OF THIRD QUARTER AND FIRST NINE MONTHS

The Company reported net income of $369,000, or $.12 per share, for the third fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2006. Net income increased by $153,000, or 71% from $216,000 in the comparable period last year. Basic and fully diluted net income was $.12 per share, an increase of $.05 per share compared with the third quarter of last year. Sales in the third quarter were 10% ahead at $9,313,000, the highest quarterly revenues recorded by the Company. Volumes shipped were 10% ahead of the prior year period, and foreign currency fluctuations had a small positive impact on reported revenues.

Operating income for the third quarter was $584,000, an increase of $203,000, or 53%, compared to the third quarter of last year. Gross profit increased by $392,000 compared to last year and was 38.1% of sales compared to 37.4% in the third quarter of last year. The increase in gross profit was mainly due to increased volumes and, to a lesser extent, due to the positive impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Operating expense for the third quarter was $189,000 higher than the same period last year.

For the nine month period, net income was 113% higher at $871,000, or $.28 per diluted share, compared to $408,000, or $.13 per diluted share last year. Revenues in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 were $25,696,000, an increase of $1,607,000, or 7%, compared to last year. Foreign currency fluctuations resulted in a $780,000 decrease in reported sales. Volumes were 10% ahead of the prior year. Gross profit increased by $788,000 due to increased volumes, partially offset by the adverse impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Operating expenses were $84,000 higher than last year, with higher spend on sales and engineering partially offset by the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Operating income for the nine month period was $1,390,000, an increase of $704,000, or 103%, compared to $686,000, in the first nine months of the prior year. Foreign currency fluctuations increased year-to-date reported operating income by $85,000 compared to the same period last year.
 
    Cash balances decreased by $800,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 to $330,000. Furthermore, the Company had bank borrowings in Europe of $426,000 at July 1 2006, compared to no borrowings at the beginning of fiscal 2006. Operating activities used cash of $746,000, principally due to increases in receivables and inventories partially offset by net income and higher payables. Capital expenditures used cash of $462,000 and dividend payments amounted to $287,000. Exchange rate changes increased cash by $260,000.


Results of Operations

Three months ended July 1, 2006
 
The following table compares third quarter results by segment for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 with the prior year period and shows the percentage changes in total and split between the currency impact and volume / other changes.

- 16 -




           
       
% change due to:
 
     
2006
   
2005
   
Total
   
Currency
   
Volume / other
 
Sales:
                               
Controls - to external customers
 
$
8,901
 
$
8,005
   
11
%
 
-
%
 
11
%
Capacitors- to external customers
   
412
   
448
   
-8
%
 
1
%
 
-9
%
Capacitors - inter-segment
   
18
   
40
   
-55
%
 
1
%
 
-56
%
Capacitors - total
   
430
   
488
   
-12
%
 
1
%
 
-13
%
Total sales to external customers
   
9,313
   
8,453
   
10
%
 
-
%
 
10
%
Gross Profit:
                               
Controls
   
3,372
   
2,913
   
16
%
 
5
%
 
11
%
Capacitors
   
180
   
247
   
-27
%
 
1
%
 
-28
%
Total
   
3,552
   
3,160
   
12
%
 
4
%
 
8
%
Selling research and administrative expenses:
                               
Controls
   
2,646
   
2,486
   
6
%
 
1
%
 
5
%
Capacitors
   
205
   
191
   
7
%
 
-2
%
 
9
%
Unallocated corporate expense
   
117
   
102
   
15
%
 
0
%
 
15
%
Total
   
2,968
   
2,779
   
7
%
 
1
%
 
6
%
Operating income:
                               
Controls
   
726
   
427
   
70
%
 
28
%
 
42
%
Capacitors
   
(25
)
 
56
   
-145
%
 
10
%
 
-155
%
Unallocated corporate expense
   
(117
)
 
(102
)
 
15
%
 
0
%
 
15
%
Total
   
584
   
381
   
53
%
 
33
%
 
20
%
Other income and expense
   
(20
)
 
(48
)
 
-58
%
 
-23
%
 
-35
%
Income before income taxes
   
564
   
333
   
69
%
 
41
%
 
28
%
Income taxes
   
(195
)
 
(117
)
 
67
%
 
40
%
 
27
%
Net Income
 
$
369
 
$
216
   
71
%
 
41
%
 
30
%

Sales in the third fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2006 were $9,313,000 compared to $8,453,000 in the same period last year, an increase of $860,000, or 10%. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for an increase in reported sales of $45,000 and volumes were 10% ahead of last year. Volumes in the controller business were 11% better than in the same period last year, mainly due to strong performance in the aerial lift, mining, other electric vehicle markets and airport ground support. Revenues in the fork lift truck market were down compared to the same quarter last year. In the capacitor business, sales to external customers decreased by $36,000, or 8 %, compared to the same period last year. Capacitor volumes were lower by 9%, compared to the same period last year due to slow conditions in most markets. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for a $6,000 increase in reported sales of capacitors.

Revenues in the US controller business increased by 14% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005. This was mainly due to increased demand in the mining and other electric vehicle markets. Controller volumes in foreign markets were ahead of last year’s third quarter by 8%, mainly due to higher demand in the European aerial lift and other electric vehicle markets, partially offset by lower demand in the fork lift truck market.

Gross profit was 38.1% of sales in this period compared to 37.4% in the comparable period in fiscal 2005. Gross profit increased by $392,000 compared to the third quarter of last year. Foreign currency fluctuations increased reported gross profit by $145,000, or 1.6 % of sales. The positive impact of higher volumes was partially offset by lower margins in the aerial lift market and increased warranty expense relating to a product rectification issue at a single customer. In the controller business, gross profit increased by $459,000 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005 and, in the capacitor business, gross profit was lower than the prior year by $67,000.

- 17 -



Selling, research and administrative expenses were $2,968,000, an increase of $189,000 compared to the same period last year. Foreign currency fluctuations increased reported operating expenses by $20,000, or 1%. Therefore, excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, operating expenses were 6%, higher than the same period last year. This was mainly due to increased sales & marketing expense relating to the Company’s new product range.

Operating income for the third quarter was $584,000, an increase of $203,000, or 53 %, compared to the same period last year. Foreign currency fluctuations resulted in a $125,000 increase in reported operating income. Excluding the currency impact, operating income for the controller business increased by $180,000, or 42%. The main cause of this increase in operating income was higher volumes. In the capacitor business segment there was an operating loss of $25,000 compared to operating income of $56,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The decreased profits in the capacitor business were mainly due to lower volumes.

In the third quarter net interest expense was $12,000 was in line with the prior year. There was a foreign currency loss of $8,000 in fiscal 2006 compared to a loss of $36,000 in the same period last year.

Income before income taxes was $564,000 compared to $333,000 in the same period last year, an increase of $231,000, or 69%. Income taxes were 35% of pre-tax income, in line with the same period last year. Net income for the third quarter was $369,000, an increase of $153,000, or 71%, compared to the same period last year. Basic and fully diluted income per share was $.12 per share compared to $.07 per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

Nine months ended July 1, 2006

The following table compares third quarter results by segment for the nine months ended July 1, 2006 with the same period in the prior year, and shows the percentage changes in total and split between the currency impact and volume / other changes.

           
   
        Nine months ended
 
% change due to:
 
 
   
July 1,
2006 
   
July 2,
2005
   
Total
   
Currency
   
Volume / other
 
Sales:
                               
Controls - to external customers
 
$
24,503
 
$
22,865
   
7
%
 
-3
%
 
10
%
Capacitors- to external customers
   
1,193
   
1,224
   
-3
%
 
-5
%
 
2
%
Capacitors - inter-segment
   
53
   
189
   
-72
%
 
-2
%
 
-70
%
Capacitors - total
   
1,246
   
1,413
   
-12
%
 
-5
%
 
-7
%
Total sales to external customers
   
25,696
   
24,089
   
7
%
 
-3
%
 
10
%
Gross Profit:
                               
Controls
   
9,385
   
8,530
   
10
%
 
-3
%
 
13
%
Capacitors
   
531
   
598
   
-11
%
 
-4
%
 
-7
%
Total
   
9,916
   
9,128
   
9
%
 
-3
%
 
12
%
Selling research and administrative expenses:
                               
Controls
   
7,706
   
7,610
   
1
%
 
-4
%
 
5
%
Capacitors
   
574
   
562
   
2
%
 
-5
%
 
7
%
Unallocated corporate expense
   
246
   
270
   
-9
%
 
0
%
 
-9
%
Total
   
8,526
   
8,442
   
1
%
 
-4
%
 
5
%
Operating income:
                               
Controls
   
1,679
   
920
   
83
%
 
9
%
 
74
%
Capacitors
   
(43
)
 
36
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
Unallocated corporate expense
   
(246
)
 
(270
)
 
-9
%
 
0
%
 
-9
%
Total
   
1,390
   
686
   
103
%
 
12
%
 
91
%
Other income and expense
   
(55
)
 
(58
)
 
-5
%
 
12
%
 
-17
%
Income before income taxes
   
1,335
   
628
   
113
%
 
12
%
 
101
%
Income taxes
   
(464
)
 
(220
)
 
111
%
 
12
%
 
99
%
Net Income
 
$
871
 
$
408
   
113
%
 
12
%
 
101
%


- 18 -


Sales in the first nine months ended July 1, 2006 were $25,696,000, an increase of $1,607,000, or 7%, compared the same period last year, when sales were $24,089,000. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for a decrease in reported sales of $780,000, or 3%; volumes were 10 % ahead of last year. Volumes in the controller business were 10% better than in the same period last year, mainly due to strong performance in the aerial lift, other electric vehicle and mining markets. Volumes in the fork lift truck market were down compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005. In the capacitor business, sales to external customers decreased by $31,000 compared to the same period last year. Capacitor volumes in the first nine months were higher by $30,000, or 2%, mainly due to improved conditions in the railway signaling market. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for a $61,000, or 5 %, decrease in reported sales of capacitors.

Revenues in the US controller business increased by 17% compared to the first nine months of last fiscal year. This was mainly due to strong demand in the aerial lift, mining and other electric vehicle markets. Controller volumes in foreign markets were ahead of last year’s first nine months by 6%, mainly due to higher demand in the European aerial lift market, partially offset by decreased demand in the European fork lift truck market.

Gross profit was 38.6% of sales in this period compared to 37.9% in the comparable period in fiscal 2005. Gross profit increased by $788,000 compared to the same period last year. The positive impacts of higher volumes and improved margins were partially offset by foreign currency fluctuations which decreased reported gross profit by $255,000, or 1.0 % of sales. In the controller business warranty expense was $216,000 higher than last year mainly due to higher volumes and to increases in the warranty reserve relating to a product rectification issue at a single customer. In the controller business, gross profit increased by $855,000 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005 and, in the capacitor business, gross profit of $531,000 was $67,000 below the prior year. In the controller business segment, the positive impact of volumes increases was partially offset by adverse foreign currency fluctuations and higher warranty expense. In the capacitor business segment the main reasons for the decrease in gross profit were lower volumes of products shipped and adverse foreign currency fluctuations.

Selling, research and administrative expenses were $8,526,000, an increase of $84,000, or 1%, compared to the same period last year. Foreign currency fluctuations decreased reported operating expenses by $340,000, or 4%. Therefore, excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, operating expenses were $424,000, or 5%, higher than the same period last year. This was mainly due to increased sales, marketing, engineering and R&D expenses relating to the Company’s new product range.

Operating income for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $1,390,000, an increase of $704,000, or 103%, compared to the same period last year. Foreign currency fluctuations resulted in an $85,000 increase in reported operating income. Excluding the currency impact, operating income for the controller business increased by $673,000, or 73%, compared to last year. The main cause of this increase in operating income was higher volumes. In the capacitor business segment there was an operating loss of $43,000 compared to an operating profit of $36,000 in the comparable period of fiscal 2005.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2006 interest expense was $48,000 compared to $41,000 in the same period last year. There was a foreign currency exchange loss of $10,000 in fiscal 2006 compared to a loss of $20,000 in the same period last year. Interest income was in line with last year.

Income before income taxes was $1,335,000 compared to $628,000 in the same period last year, an increase of $707,000, or 113%. Income taxes were 35% of pre-tax income, in line with the same period last year. Net income for the third quarter was $871,000, an increase of $463,000, or 113%, compared to the same period last year. Basic and fully diluted income per share increased by $.15 per share to $.28 per share compared to $.13 per share in the first nine months of fiscal 2005.


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Financial Condition

The Company has, since January 1990, maintained a program of regular cash dividends. The dividend for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was paid on July 13, 2006, and amounted to $96,000. Cash balances at the end of the third quarter of 2006 were $330,000 compared to $1,130,000 on September 30, 2005, a decrease in cash of $800,000. Furthermore, there were bank borrowings at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2006 of $426,000 compared to no borrowings on September 30, 2005. Taking into account both cash and borrowings the net cash position decreased by $1,226,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2006.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2006 net income was $871,000, but operating activities used $746,000 of cash. There was an increase of $626,000 in receivables due to higher volumes and foreign currency fluctuations, partially offset by better collections. The number of days sales in receivables decreased in the first nine months of fiscal 2006 from 68 days to 66 days.

Inventories increased by $1,786,000 mainly due to increased volumes and to a focus in the third quarter on improving on-time delivery to customers. Prepaid expense and other current assets increased by $281,000. Accounts payable increased by $241,000 due to both higher volumes and a decrease in the outstanding credit period to certain vendors. Accrued expenses increased by $239,000. Accrued income taxes decreased by $18,000, mainly due to tax payments in the first nine months of fiscal 2006. Dividends for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 and the first two quarters of 2006, which were paid during the first half year of fiscal 2006, amounted to $287,000. Capital expenditures in the first nine months were $462,000. Exchange rate changes increased cash by $260,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2006.

The Company has no long-term debt and has overdraft facilities in the UK of approximately $1.9 million and of $200,000 in France. At the end of the third quarter the Company was using $426,000 of the UK overdraft facility. The UK overdraft facilities are secured by all of the Company’s assets in the UK and the French overdraft facilities are unsecured.

Tech/Ops Sevcon's capital resources, in the opinion of management, are adequate for projected operations and capital spending programs. Capital spending programs are not expected to be significantly higher than depreciation over the next two years and projected volume growth is not expected to require significant additional cash resources.

Item 3. 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 Note 5 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2005 and other risks are described under the caption Risk Factors in Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations above.

Foreign currency risk

The Company sells to customers throughout the industrialized world. The majority of the Company’s products are manufactured in the United Kingdom. In the first nine months of fiscal 2006, approximately 43% of the Company’s sales were made in US Dollars, 26% were made in British Pounds and 31% were made in Euros. Over 75% 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. The Company has trade accounts receivable and accounts payable denominated in both British pounds and Euros which are exposed to exchange fluctuations.

In addition, the translation of the sales and income of foreign subsidiaries into US Dollars is also subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.


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The Company undertakes hedging activities to manage the foreign exchange exposures related to forecasted 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 set out below.

The following table provides information about the Company’s foreign currency accounts receivable, accounts payable, firmly committed sales contracts and derivative financial instruments outstanding as of July 1, 2006. 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. The contracts mature at varying dates from July 2006 to October 2006.

   
(in thousands, except average contract rates)
 
 
 
Expected maturity or transaction date 
     
 
   
FY2006 
   
FY2007
   
Total
   
Fair Value
 
On balance sheet financial instruments:
                         
In $ US Functional Currency
                         
Accounts receivable in pounds
   
1,604
   
-
   
1,604
   
1,604
 
Accounts receivable in euros
   
3,097
   
33
   
3,130
   
3,130
 
Accounts payable in pounds
   
2,035
   
-
   
2,035
   
2,035
 
Accounts payable in euros
   
359
   
-
   
359
   
359
 
Anticipated Transactions and related derivatives
                         
In $ US Functional Currency
                         
Firmly committed sales contracts
                         
In pounds
   
1,414
   
-
   
1,153
   
-
 
In Euros
   
1,622
   
-
   
1,531
   
-
 
Forward exchange agreements
                         
Sell US Dollars for British Pounds
   
850
   
250
   
1,100
   
76*
 
Sell Euros for British Pounds
   
382
   
-
   
382
   
2*
 
Average contractual exchange rate
 
 
$ 1.73-£1
 
 
$ 1.73-£1
 
 
$ 1.73-£1
       
Amount recorded as other comprehensive income
 
$
1
 
$
-
 
$
1
 
$
1
 

*The estimated fair value is based on the estimated amount at which the contracts could be settled based on forward exchange rates.

Because the difference between the spot and hedged foreign exchange rates at July 1, 2006 was less than 7%, and amounted to $78,000, 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 July 1, 2006 the risk arising from changes in interest rates was not material.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(e)) as of April 1, 2006. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of July 1, 2006, these 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.

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(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have identified no change in our “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 
None


Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
TECH/OPS SEVCON, INC
   
   
Date: August 9, 2006
By: /s/ Paul A. McPartlin
 
Paul A. McPartlin
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal financial and chief accounting officer)
 

 
   
Exhibit
Description
   
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.


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