UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
⌧
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2004
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 1-11750
AEROSONIC CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
74-1668471
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1212 North Hercules Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33765
(Address of principal executive offices and Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (727) 461-3000
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes S No £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes £ No ⌧
As of May 21, 2004, the issuer had 3,921,019 shares of Common Stock outstanding, net of treasury shares.
PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
3 | ||
Item 1 | ||
4 | ||
5 | ||
6 | ||
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) | 7 | |
Item 2 | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 11 |
Item 3 | 15 | |
Item 4 | 15 | |
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION | |
Item 1 | 16 | |
Item 2 | 16 | |
Item 3 | 16 | |
Item 4 | 16 | |
Item 5 | 16 | |
Item 6 | 17-18 |
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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Forward-Looking Statements
THIS DOCUMENT INCLUDES CERTAIN “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO OUR PLANS, OBJECTIVES, EXPECTATIONS AND INTENTIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS AS WELL AS STATEMENTS IDENTIFIED BY WORDS SUCH AS “EXPECTS,” “ANTICIPATES,” “INTENDS,” “PLANS,” “BELIEVES,” “SEEKS,” “ESTIMATES” OR WORDS OF SIMILAR MEANING. THESE STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON OUR CURRENT BELIEFS OR EXPECTATIONS AND ARE INHERENTLY SUBJECT TO SIGNIFICANT UNCERTAINTIES AND CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES, MANY OF WHICH ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL. ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THESE EXPECTATIONS DUE TO CHANGES IN GLOBAL POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, BUSINESS, COMPETITIVE, MARKET AND REGULATORY FACTORS.
Significant Events.
On February 25, 2004, Aerosonic Corporation (the “Company”) refinanced all of its short-term and long-term bank debt obligations with Wachovia Bank, N.A. Note 4 of Item 1 of Part I includes a discussion of the nature and certain details of the debt refinancing.
Note 6 of Item 1 of part 1 and Item 1 of Part II of this report include discussions of: (i) an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding certain accounting issues, and (ii) securities class action lawsuits filed against the Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, The Company’s former independent accountant, and four former employees of the Company, two of whom were directors.
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Item 1 Financial Statements
AEROSONIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
Three Months ended April 30, | |||
2004 | 2003 | ||
Revenue, net | $ 7,096,000 | $ 8,744,000 | |
Cost of sales | 5,088,000 | 5,831,000 | |
Gross profit | 2,008,000 | 2,913,000 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 1,779,000 | 2,343,000 | |
Operating income | 229,000 | 570,000 | |
Other income (expense): | |||
Interest expense, net | (6,000) | (53,000) | |
Miscellaneous income | 121,000 | 3,000 | |
115,000 | (50,000) | ||
Income before income taxes | 344,000 | 520,000 | |
Income tax expense | (135,000) | (17,000) | |
Net income | $ 209,000 | $ 503,000 | |
Basic and diluted earnings per share | $ 0.05 | $ 0.13 | |
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 3,921,019 | 3,921,019 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
4
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
5
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
AEROSONIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Aerosonic Corporation (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and in Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The January 31, 2004 consolidated balance sheet has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all of the disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. The financial statements are prepared on a consistent basis (including normal recurring adjustments) and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004 (the “2004 Form 10-K”) that the Company filed with the SEC on April 6, 2004. Operating results for the three months ended April 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended January 31, 2005.
Note 2 – Business
The Company is principally engaged in one business segment: The manufacture and service of aircraft instruments. The Company consists of four operating divisions in three locations. The divisions are: the Clearwater, Florida Instrument Division (“Clearwater Instruments”), the Aerosonic Wichita, Kansas Division (“Kansas Instruments”), Avionics Specialties, Inc., a Virginia corporation wholly owned by the Company (“Avionics”), and the Precision Component Division (“Precision Components”).
Clearwater Instruments primarily manufactures altimeters, airspeed indicators, rate of climb indicators, microprocessor controlled air data test sets, and a variety of other flight instrumentation. Kansas Instruments is the source inspection location for our Wichita customers and is the primary location for Clearwater Instruments’ repair business. Avionics maintains three major product lines: (1) angle of attack stall warning systems; (2) integrated multifunction probes, which are integrated air data sensors; and (3) other aircraft sensors and monitoring systems. In August 1998, the Company formed a new division called Precision Components, to perform high volume precision machining of mechanical components, which was less than 10% of operations during the three months ended April 30, 2004 and 2003.
During the three months ended April 30, 2004, sales to Lockheed represented approximately 20% of total revenues.
The Company has a January 31 fiscal year end. Accordingly, all references in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q to the first quarter mean the first quarter ended on April 30 of the referenced fiscal year. For example, references to the first quarter of fiscal year 2005 mean the first quarter ended April 30, 2004.
Note 3 – Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using a method that approximates the first-in, first-out method. Provisions are made for any inventory deemed excess or obsolete. Management employs certain methods to estimate the value of work in process inventories for financial reporting purposes. At fiscal year end, these estimates are affected by the nature of the operation at which the items are located and the time at which a physical inventory is conducted, and are subject to judgment. This practice was employed for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004. For interim reporting periods, the Company utilizes monthly work in process inventory reports to estimate the value of such inventories.
Inventories at April 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004 consisted of the following:
April 30, 2004 | January 31, 2004 | |||
Raw materials | $ 3,359,000 | $ 3,756,000 | ||
Work in process | 2,019,000 | 1,719,000 | ||
Finished goods | 100,000 | 208,000 | ||
$ 5,478,000 | $ 5,683,000 |
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Note 4– Long Term Debt and Notes Payable
The Company completed a refinancing of its existing debt with Wachovia Bank, N.A. (“Wachovia”) on February 25, 2004. The new facilities total approximately $5.7 million, and include a 15 year term loan of approximately $3.0 million that is collateralized by the Company’s real estate in Clearwater, Florida, a revolving credit facility of approximately $2.5 million, and a seven year equipment loan of approximately $0.2 million. These facilities replace all of the Company’s debt that was previously held by First Commercial Bank and SunTrust Bank, N.A.
Long term debt and notes payable at April 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004 consisted of the following:
April 30, 2004 | January 31, 2004 | |||
Mortgage note payable - Wachovia | $ 2,983,000 | $ - | ||
Note payable | - | 717,000 | ||
Industrial development revenue bonds | - | 668,000 | ||
Mortgage note payable - SunTrust | - | 391,000 | ||
Note payable, equipment | - | 205,000 | ||
Note payable, II | - | 353,000 | ||
Capitalized leases | 59,000 | 82,000 | ||
3,042,000 | 2,416,000 | |||
Less current maturity | 259,000 | 1,497,000 | ||
Long-term debt and notes payable, less current maturity | $ 2,783,000 | $ 919,000 |
Covenants
The Company’s long-term debt agreements with Wachovia contain certain financial and other restrictive covenants, including the requirement to maintain: (i) at all times, a ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth that does not exceed 1.30 to 1.00: and (ii) at the end of each fiscal quarter, a “cash flow coverage ratio” (with regard to the debt service) of at least 1.25 to 1.00. As of April 30, 2004, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants.
The Wachovia loan agreement subjects the Company to a number of additional covenants that, among other things, require the Company to obtain consent from the lender prior to making a material change of management, guarantee or otherwise become responsible for obligations of any other person or entity or assuming or becoming liable for any debt, contingent or direct, in excess of $100,000.
The Company’s ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and compliance with covenants in fiscal year 2005 and beyond is highly dependent upon achieving expected operating results. Failure to achieve expected operating results and compliance with covenants could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and operations in fiscal year 2005 and beyond, and could require implementation of further measures, including deferring planned capital expenditures, reducing discretionary spending, and/or, if necessary, selling assets.
Note 5– Commitments and Contingencies
In accordance with a consent agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection signed by the Company in 1993, the Company’s environmental consultant has developed an interim remedial action plan to contain and remediate certain contamination on and underlying the Company’s property in Clearwater, Florida. During 1997, the Company recorded a provision of approximately $175,000 related to the estimated costs to be incurred under this plan. As of January 31, 2000, the Company had utilized all amounts originally recorded in other accrued expenses, and Phase I remediation had been completed.
During the third quarter of 2001, management determined the post-remediation monitoring expense related to the environmental cleanup of 1993 would cost approximately $125,000. This amount was accrued and expensed during the third quarter of 2001. As of January 31, 2004, all existing reserve balances had been utilized. Based upon information provided by the Company’s environmental consultants, management estimates that the Company will incur post-remediation monitoring expenses of approximately $38,000, for which a reserve has been established as of January 31, 2004.
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The Company’s contractual obligations for future minimum payments under our long-term debt and operating leases as of April 30, 2004 are as follows:
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||
Contractual Obligations | Total | Less than One Year | 1 - 3 years | 4 - 5 years | > 5 years | |||||
Purchase commitments | $ 6,703,000 | $ 6,227,000 | $ 458,000 | $ 18,000 | $ - | |||||
Long-term debt | 3,042,000 | 259,000 | 600,000 | 400,000 | 1,783,000 | |||||
Operating leases | 1,116,000 | 398,000 | 718,000 | - | - | |||||
Total | $10,861,000 | $ 6,884,000 | $1,776,000 | $ 418,000 | $ 1,783,000 | |||||
The Company is the subject of a Formal Order of Investigation issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 13, 2003 with respect to potential violations of the federal securities laws in connection with the accounting misstatements and contributing causes disclosed by the Company in its 2003 Form 10-K that was filed with the SEC on October 31, 2003 and other potential issues. The Company brought these potential violations to the attention of the SEC in conjunction with management’s internal investigation. The Company continues to cooperate fully with the SEC.
On November 12, 2003, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida by Sebastian P. Gaeta, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated (the “Gaeta Suit”), against the Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s former independent accountant, J. Mervyn Nabors, a former director and former President and CEO of the Company, Eric J. McCracken, a former Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and Michael T. Reed, a former Controller of the Company. The action alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under that act, including, among other things, that the Company made materially false statements concerning the Company’s financial condition and its future prospects. The plaintiff alleges that he suffered damages as the result of his purchase and sale of the Company’s Common Stock during the asserted “Class Period” from November 13, 1998 through March 17, 2003. The action seeks compensatory and other damages, and costs and expenses associated with the litigation.
Shortly after the Gaeta Suit was filed, two other putative class actions (the "Pratsch Suit" and "Suarez Suit") were filed against the same defendants as in the Gaeta Suit and predicated upon alleged violations of the same securities laws, asserting that plaintiffs purchased the Company’s stock at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period and have been damaged thereby. The Pratsch Suit and Suarez Suit assert a Class Period from May 3, 1999 through March 17, 2003. At a February 27, 2004 hearing, plaintiffs in the Suarez Suit voluntarily withdrew their complaint. On February 27, 2004, the Court entered an order consolidating the Gaeta Suit and Pratsch Suit into one case entitled "In re Aerosonic Corporation Securities Litigation," appointing Lead Plaintiffs (the "Miville Group"), and approving the selection of Lead Plaintiffs’ Counsel (Berger & Montague P.C.). On April 27, 2004, Lead Plaintiffs filed an amended and consolidated class action complaint that alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 including, among other things, that the Company made materially false statements concerning the Company’s financial condition and its future prospects. The amended complaint also added as a defendant Andrew Nordstrud, a former employee of the company. The Company has not yet responded to the amended complaint. The outcome of the consolidated class action lawsuit cannot be adequately determined, and the impact upon the Company cannot be assessed, at this time. Any resolution of such litigation could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flow.
Note 7 – Subsequent Events
Subsequent to April 30, 2004 and as of the date of this report, the seven year equipment loan of approximately $0.2 million that was included as part of the February 25, 2004 refinancing of the Company’s debt obligations with Wachovia (as described in Note 4) had been drawn to purchase equipment for the Company’s subsidiary in Earlysville, Virginia.
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In June 2003, the Company had a small fire in its machine shop that resulted primarily in smoke damage to its machinery and equipment. The Company’s machining processes were disrupted for approximately one month, after which production resumed. During the shutdown, the machine shop was restored to operating capacity. The costs for this restoration were borne by the Company’s insurance carrier, except for a deductible of $2,500. In addition to the restoration costs, the Company received reimbursement for business interruption expenses of approximately $10,000, $68,000 and $139,000 in July 2003, October 2003 and January 2004, respectively. These reimbursements were recorded in the Company’s financial statements in the periods when the reimbursements were received. In March 2004, the Company retained the services of a business interruption specialist and then submitted a claim to its insurance carrier in April 2004 for the reimbursement of additional business interruption expenses that were identified as having been incurred as a result of the fire. In May 2004, after further negotiations, the Company and the insurance carrier reached a settlement whereby the Company would be reimbursed a total of approximately $1,214,000 as a result of the business interruption. The Company received the remaining payment of approximately $997,000 on May 25, 2004, which will be included in the results of operations for the fiscal quarter ending July 31, 2004.
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Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Results of Operations
Revenues for the first quarter decreased approximately $1,648,000 when compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2003, as restated. This resulted primarily from core instrument sales decreasing by approximately $708,000 and revenue from the Joint Strike Fighter (“JSF”) development program decreasing by approximately $867,000, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2003. These decreases in revenue were due to reduced production throughput in the Company’s Clearwater operations as well as reduced progress on the JSF program.
Gross profit for the three months ended April 30, 2004 decreased by approximately 31%, or approximately $905,000, when compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2004. Approximately $549,000 of this change is due to a reduction in volume, while the remaining change of approximately $355,000 is due to changes in sales mix as well as some reductions in manufacturing efficiency in the Clearwater operations.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter decreased approximately $564,000 when compared to the three months ended April 30, 2003. This decrease is attributable to the reductions in audit fees of approximately $285,000 and legal fees of approximately $267,000 as well as the completion of engineering software amortization of approximately $85,000. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits expense in sales and marketing due to the personnel additions.
Interest expense decreased approximately $47,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2004 when compared to the three months ended April 30, 2003. This decrease is partially due to lower interest rates, but is largely due to the receipt of interest payments of approximately $41,000 in conjunction with the Company’s receipt of income tax refunds in April 2004.
Miscellaneous income increased approximately $118,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2004 when compared to the three months ended April 30, 2003. The Company’s sale of its Engine Vibration Monitoring System (“EVMS”) product line inventory in February 2004 resulted in miscellaneous income of approximately $170,000 while a miscellaneous expense of approximately $35,000 was recorded to settle a claim that was previously asserted by Mrs. Miriam Frank, widow of the Company’s founder, Herbert J. Frank. The Company also recognized an expense of approximately $33,000 for capitalized loan costs that were written off when the long-term debt for which the expenses were incurred was refinanced with Wachovia in February 2004.
Income tax expense increased approximately $118,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2004 when compared to the three months ended April 30, 2003. The Company recognized a non-recurring benefit through a reduction in its deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the three months ended April 30, 2003.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash used in operating activities was approximately $1,478,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2004 an increase of approximately $2,919,000 when compared to the three months ended April 30, 2003. This decrease is primarily attributable to:
—
A decrease in net income of approximately $294,000
—
A decrease due to accounts payable of approximately $1,761,000 as the Company paid the remainder of its audit and legal fees related to the financial restatement as reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2003
—
A decrease due to accrued expenses and other liabilities of approximately $1,177,000 as the Company decreased its liabilities to suppliers for the JSF contract by approximately $772,000 and auditors of approximately $404,000
—
A decrease due to accounts receivable of approximately $781,000
—
A decrease in net income taxes receivable and payable of approximately $408,000 due to the receipt of refunds from the filing of amended tax returns
—
An increase in compensation and benefits of approximately $107,000
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—
An increase due to the recording of additional costs and estimated profits in excess of billings of approximately $226,000 resulting from a comparative reduction in development project activity
—
An increase of approximately $307,000 due to reductions in inventories
Cash used in investing activities decreased approximately $68,000 due to lower investment in Machinery and Equipment.
Cash provided by financing activities increased approximately $631,000 as the Company completed the refinancing of its debt obligations.
Future capital requirements depend on numerous factors, including research and development, expansion of product lines, the resolution of the recently filed class action suits and potential related litigation, and other factors. Management believes that cash and cash equivalents, together with the Company’s cash flow from operations and current borrowing arrangements will provide for these necessary expenditures. Furthermore, the Company may develop and introduce new or enhanced products, respond to competitive pressures, invest or acquire businesses or technologies or respond to unanticipated requirements or developments, which would require additional resources.
As a consequence of the Company’s restatement of results of operations and the pending class action lawsuit, the Company’s creditworthiness may be diminished from what existed prior to the restatement. The Company’s ability to maintain sufficient liquidity in fiscal year 2005 and beyond is highly dependent upon achieving expected operating results. Failure to successfully achieve these results could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and operations in fiscal year 2005, and could require implementation of further measures, including deferring planned capital expenditures, reducing discretionary spending, and/or, if necessary, selling assets.
Critical Accounting Policies
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principals generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of those financial statements and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure items, including disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and as a result of trends and uncertainties identified above under “RESULTS OF OPERATIONS” and “LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES”. Further, such differences could be material.
Set forth below is a discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies. The Company considers critical accounting policies to be those (i) that require the Company to make estimates that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, (ii) for which a different estimate which could have been made would have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements, (iii) that are the most important and pervasive policies utilized, and (iv) that are the most sensitive to material change from external factors. Additionally, the policies discussed below are critical to an understanding of the financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment, with financial reporting results relying on estimates about the effect of matters that are highly uncertain. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are described in the following paragraphs. The impact and any associated risks related to these policies on business operations is discussed throughout this MD&A where such policies affect reported and expected financial results.
Senior management has discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting estimates and the related disclosure included herein with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Revenue Recognition
The Company manufactures most of its products on a build-to-order basis and ships products upon completion. The Company has a policy of strict adherence to the provisions of SAB 101 in order to accurately state its revenues in each accounting period. For certain situations, some judgment is required, but most sales have clear revenue recognition criteria.
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Revenue sources for product sales are largely from sales to commercial and government customers. The majority of customer sales terms are F.O.B. origin, although some customer terms are F.O.B. destination. For those customers where terms are “origin”, revenue is generally recognized upon shipment, unless additional prevailing factors would not be in accordance with the revenue recognition requirements of SAB 101. For those customers whose terms are “destination”, revenue is generally not recognized until goods arrive at the customers’ premises and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
The Company experiences a certain degree of sales returns that varies over time. Generally such returns occur within no more than 90 days after shipment by the Company to its customers. In accordance with SFAS 48 — Revenue Recognition When Right of Return Exists, the Company is able to make a reasonable estimation of expected sales returns based upon history and as contemplated by the requirements of SFAS 48. For example, sales returns may occur if delivery schedules are changed by customers after products have shipped or if products are received by customers but do not meet specifications. In such cases, customers may choose to return products to the Company. Absent such circumstances, customers do not have a right to return products if the Company has met all contractual obligations. The Company has established a sales return reserve that approximates an expected level of sales returns over a 90-day period.
From time to time, the Company will jointly develop products with its customers for future applications. In such circumstances, the Company recognizes revenue on a percentage-of-completion basis, measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs for the contract. This method is used because management considers expended costs to be the best available measure of progress on the contracts. The percentage of completion contract costs include direct labor, material, subcontracting costs, test facilities, and other indirect costs as allocated. Other operating costs are charged to expense as incurred. During fiscal 2003, the Company secured one long-term fixed-price contract for the development of instrumentation for the Joint Strike Fighter program.
Occasionally the Company enters into research and development contracts with customers. The Company accounts for such contracts on the basis of the lesser of non-refundable cash versus percentage of completion.
Accounts Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Credit Losses
The Company continuously evaluates its customers and provides reserves for anticipated credit losses as soon as collection becomes compromised. The Company does maintain a limited reserve in anticipation that smaller accounts may become a collection issue, which occurs from time to time based on historical experience. However, most of the Company’s customers are financially sound and the Company’s history of bad debts is relatively low. While credit losses have historically been within expectations and the provisions established, the Company cannot guarantee that it will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that have been experienced in the past. Measurement of such losses requires consideration of historical loss experience, including the need to adjust for current conditions, and judgments about the probable effects of relevant observable data, including present economic conditions such as delinquency rates and financial health of specific customers.
Provisions for Excess and Obsolete Inventory Losses and Residual Value Losses
The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost (using a method that approximates the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Reviews of inventory quantities on hand have been conducted to determine if usage or sales history supports maintaining inventory values at full cost or if it has instead become necessary to record a provision for slow moving, excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on estimated forecasts of product demand and production requirements for the subsequent twenty four months. Estimates of future product demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case the Company may understate or overstate the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory. Although the Company endeavors to ensure the accuracy of forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand or technological developments could have a significant impact on the value of inventory and consequently reported operating results.
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Work In Process Inventories
Management employs certain methods to estimate the value of work in process inventories for financial reporting purposes. Company practice is to conduct cycle counts of inventory at its Clearwater, Florida and Earlysville, Virginia operations throughout the year. Generally, for items that are in process at the end of a fiscal year, management will make an estimate regarding the percentage of completion of such items in order to accurately reflect costs incurred to date on the production of the items that are still in process. These estimates are affected by the nature of the operation at which the items are located at the time a physical inventory is conducted, and are subject to judgment.
Manufacturing Overhead Cost Application
The Company establishes its inventoriable cost of manufacturing overhead by calculating its overhead costs as a percentage of direct labor and applying that percentage to direct labor that has been charged to inventory on a twelve month rolling average basis. This application percentage is reviewed at least quarterly and is adjusted at least annually.
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided against the future benefit of deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the future tax benefits associated with the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Long-Lived Assets
Management periodically evaluates long-lived assets for potential impairment and will record an impairment charge whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. As of April 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004, management does not believe that any assets are impaired.
The Company will capitalize production costs for computer software that is to be utilized as an integral part of a product when both; (a) technological feasibility is established for the software and (b) all research and development activities for the other components of the product have been completed. Amortization is charged to expense at the greater of the expected unit sales versus units sold or the straight line method for a period of three years from the date the product becomes available for general release to customers.
Other Accounts Affected by Management Estimates
From time to time, management will utilize estimates when preparing the financial statements of the Company. Such areas include allowances for doubtful accounts, reserves for warranty and sales returns, depreciation, amortization and other accruals.
The Company has established a provision for warranty claims in anticipation of a certain degree of warranty activity, which generally is a minimal expense. This provision is based upon recent warranty experience.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not maintain off-balance sheet arrangements nor does it participate in non-exchange traded contracts requiring fair value accounting treatment.
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Contractual Obligations
The Company’s contractual obligations for future minimum payments under our long-term debt and operating leases as of April 30, 2004 are as follows:
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||
Contractual Obligations | Total | Less than One Year | 1 - 3 years | 4 - 5 years | > 5 years | |||||
Purchase commitments | $ 6,703,000 | $ 6,227,000 | $ 458,000 | $ 18,000 | $ - | |||||
Long-term debt | 3,042,000 | 259,000 | 600,000 | 400,000 | 1,783,000 | |||||
Operating leases | 1,116,000 | 398,000 | 718,000 | - | - | |||||
Total | $10,861,000 | $ 6,884,000 | $1,776,000 | $ 418,000 | $ 1,783,000 | |||||
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
The primary market risk exposure for the Company is interest rate risk. The Company does not currently utilize any financial instruments to manage interest rate risk.
Item 4 Controls and Procedures.
As of April 30, 2004, Aerosonic’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of Aerosonic’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 Legal Proceedings.
SEC Formal Investigation
The Company is the subject of a Formal Order of Investigation issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 13, 2003 with respect to potential violations of the federal securities laws in connection with the accounting misstatements and contributing causes disclosed by the Company in its 2003 Form 10-K that was filed with the SEC on October 31, 2003 and other potential issues. The Company brought these potential violations to the attention of the SEC in conjunction with management’s internal investigation. The Company continues to cooperate fully with the SEC.
Class Action Litigation
On November 12, 2003, a class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida by Sebastian P. Gaeta, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated (the “Gaeta Suit”), against the Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s former independent accountant, J. Mervyn Nabors, a former director and former President and CEO of the Company, Eric J. McCracken, a former Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and Michael T. Reed, a former Controller of the Company. The action alleges violations of
Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated under that act, including, among other things, that the Company made materially false statements concerning the Company’s financial condition and its future prospects. The plaintiff alleges that he suffered damages as the result of his purchase and sale of the Company’s Common Stock during the asserted “Class Period” from November 13, 1998 through March 17, 2003. The action seeks compensatory and other damages, and costs and expenses associated with the litigation.
Shortly after the Gaeta Suit was filed, two other putative class actions (the "Pratsch Suit" and "Suarez Suit") were filed against the same defendants as in the Gaeta Suit and predicated upon alleged violations of the same securities laws, asserting that plaintiffs purchased the Company’s stock at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period and have been damaged thereby. The Pratsch Suit and Suarez Suit assert a Class Period from May 3, 1999 through March 17, 2003. At a February 27, 2004 hearing, plaintiffs in the Suarez Suit voluntarily withdrew their complaint. On February 27, 2004, the Court entered an order consolidating the Gaeta Suit and Pratsch Suit into one case entitled "In re Aerosonic Corporation Securities Litigation," appointing Lead Plaintiffs (the "Miville Group"), and approving the selection of Lead Plaintiffs’ Counsel (Berger & Montague P.C.). On April 27, 2004, Lead Plaintiffs filed an amended and consolidated class action complaint that alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 including, among other things, that the Company made materially false statements concerning the Company’s financial condition and its future prospects. The amended complaint also added as a defendant Andrew Nordstrud, a former employee of the company. The Company has not yet responded to the amended complaint. The outcome of the consolidated class action lawsuit cannot be adequately determined, and the impact upon the Company cannot be assessed, at this time. Any resolution of such litigation could have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flow.
Additional Proceedings and Matters
In addition to the foregoing, from time to time, the Company is involved in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, at this time, there are no claims or legal actions that will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
16
Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Instrument Technology Corporation, filed on January 12, 1970, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003.
3.2
Certificate of Agreement of Merger between Instrument Technology Corporation and Aerosonic Corporation, filed on January 12, 1970, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003.
3.3
Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, changing the name Instrument Technology Corporation to Aerosonic Corporation, filed on September 21, 1970, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003.
3.4
Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Aerosonic Corporation, filed on August 6, 1971, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003.
3.5
Certificate of Reduction of Capital of Aerosonic Corporation, filed on June 5, 1978, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003.
3.6
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Aerosonic Corporation, filed on February 12, 1993, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003.
3.7
Composite of Amendments to Articles of Incorporation of Aerosonic Corporation (prepared by the Registrant and not filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware) , incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003.
3.8
Bylaws of the Company, incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, filed on October 31, 2003.
10.31
Loan Agreement, dated February 24, 2004, between Aerosonic Corporation and Wachovia Bank N.A., incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004
10.32
Promissory Note, dated February 16, 2004, issued by Aerosonic Corporation and Avionics Specialties, Inc. to Wachovia Bank N.A., incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004
10.33
Term Promissory Note, dated February 16, 2004, issued by Aerosonic Corporation and Avionics Specialties, Inc. to Wachovia Bank N.A., incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004
10.34
Revolving Promissory Note, dated February 16, 2004, issued by Aerosonic Corporation and Avionics Specialties, Inc. to Wachovia Bank N.A., incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004
10.35
Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement dated February 24, 2004 between Aerosonic Corporation and Wachovia Bank, N.A., incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004.
17
Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (continued).
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
10.36
Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents and Security Agreement dated February 24, 2004 by and among Avionics Specialties, Inc. TRSTE, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, N.A., incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004, filed on April 6, 2004
31.1
Section 302 Certifications
31.2
Section 302 Certifications
32 1
Section 906 Certifications
32.2
Section 906 Certifications
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2005, the Company filed no Current Reports on Form 8-K.
18
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.
Date: June 1, 2004
AEROSONIC CORPORATION
/s/ David A. Baldini
David A. Baldini, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: June 1, 2004
AEROSONIC CORPORATION
/s/ Gary E. Colbert
Gary E. Colbert, Chief Financial Officer
19
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, David A. Baldini, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Aerosonic Corporation;
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 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 most recent 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:
(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: June 1, 2004
/s/ David A. Baldini
David A. Baldini
Chief Executive Officer
20
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Gary E. Colbert, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Aerosonic Corporation;
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 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 most recent 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:
(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: June 1, 2004
/s/ Gary E. Colbert
Gary E. Colbert
Chief Financial Officer
21
Exhibit 32.1
AEROSONIC CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Aerosonic Corporation (the “registrant”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending April 30, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “report”), I, David A. Baldini, Chief Executive Officer of the registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1)
The report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: and
(2)
The information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material aspects, the financial condition and result of operations of the registrant.
Date: June 1, 2004
/s/ David A. Baldini
David A. Baldini
Chief Executive Officer
22
Exhibit 32.2
AEROSONIC CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Aerosonic Corporation (the “registrant”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending April 30, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “report”), I, Gary E. Colbert, Chief Financial Officer of the registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1) The report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: and
(2) The information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material aspects, the financial condition and result of operations of the registrant.
Date: June 1, 2004
/s/ Gary E. Colbert
Gary E. Colbert
Chief Financial Officer
23