( Dollar Amounts in Thousands )

August 31,

November 30,

2004

2003

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 23,348

$ 24,779

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $1,145

  in 2004 and $919 in 2003

13,241

11,521

Inventories

14,421

13,110

Deferred income taxes

1,404

1,404

Income tax refund receivable

-

822

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

750

578

Total current assets

53,164

52,214

Property, plant and equipment, net

13,532

12,646

Other assets

Goodwill, net

20,884

18,019

Other noncurrent assets

879

492

Total other assets

21,763

18,511

Total assets

$ 88,459

$ 83,371

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

$ 3,751

$ 3,147

Income taxes payable

35

114

Accrued liabilities

3,104

2,126

Current portion of long-term debt

285

285

Total current liabilities

7,175

5,672

Long-term debt

1,831

2,106

Deferred income taxes

3,906

3,549

Stockholders' equity

Common stock, no par value, authorized

25,000,000 shares, issued 13,705,552

shares in 2004 and 13,634,585 in 2003

44,162

43,916

Retained earnings

35,107

31,970

Treasury stock, 676,000 shares in 2004

and 2003, at cost

(3,628)

(3,628)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(94)

(214)

Total stockholders' equity

75,547

72,044

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$ 88,459

$ 83,371

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

( Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Data )

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

August 31,

2004

2003

2004

2003

Net sales

$20,180

$15,354

$58,789

$46,070

Cost of products sold

14,604

12,349

42,262

36,315

Gross margin

5,576

3,005

16,527

9,755

Selling, general and

  administrative expense

3,984

2,977

11,520

9,200

Income from operations

1,592

28

5,007

555

Other income ( expense ) :

Interest expense

(29)

(32)

(86)

(89)

Other income and expense, net

49

48

146

251

20

16

60

162

Income before provision

for income taxes

1,612

44

5,067

717

Provision for income taxes

615

15

1,930

272

Net income

$ 997

$ 29

$ 3,137

$ 445

Earnings per common share :

Basic

$ 0.08

$ -

$ 0.24

$ 0.03

Diluted

$ 0.08

$ -

$ 0.24

$ 0.03

Average number of common shares

outstanding :

Basic

13,026

12,929

13,006

12,936

Diluted

13,177

13,004

13,168

12,975

Dividends per common share

$ -

$ -

$ -

$ -

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

( Dollar Amounts in Thousands )

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

2004

2003

Cash Flows From Operating Activities :

Net income

$ 3,137

$ 445

Adjustments to reconcile net income to

 net cash provided by operating activities :

Depreciation

2,534

2,853

Amortization

93

44

Deferred income taxes

357

51

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding

   effects of business acquisitions :

      Accounts receivable

(1,096)

261

      Inventories

(983)

1,817

      Prepaid expenses and other assets

775

(415)

      Accounts payable and accrued expenses

1,257

197

Net cash provided by operating activities

6,074

5,253

Cash Flows From Investing Activities :

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(1,894)

(608)

Payment for acquired businesses, net of cash received

(5,577)

  -

Net cash used in investing activities

(7,471)

(608)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities :

Repayment of long-term debt

(275)

(274)

Purchase of common stock

-

(91)

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

246

  -

Net cash used in financing activities

(29)

(365)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

(5)

(13)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(1,431)

4,267

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

24,779

19,934

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$ 23,348

$ 24,201

Cash paid during the period for :

Interest

$ 115

$ 101

Income taxes

1,698

214

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments which are normal, recurring and necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Spectrum Control, Inc. and its Subsidiaries ("the Company"). To facilitate timely reporting, the fiscal quarters of the Company's German subsidiary, Spectrum Control GmbH, are based upon a fiscal year which ends October 31. All significant intercompany accounts are eliminated upon consolidation.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The balance sheet at November 30, 2003 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Spectrum Control, Inc. and Subsidiaries annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2003.

Note 2 - Nature of Operations

The Company designs and manufactures control products and systems for the electronics industry, and has operations in the United States, Mexico, China and Germany. The Company offers a broad line of signal, power, and frequency control products which are used to condition, regulate, transmit, receive, or govern electronic performance. Although its products are used in many industries worldwide, the Company's largest markets are telecommunications equipment and military/aerospace.

Note 3 - Revenue Recognition and Product Warranties

Product sales are generally recorded at the time of shipment when title passes under the terms FOB shipping point. Sales of consigned inventories are recorded when the customer has taken title and assumed the risks and rewards of ownership as specified in the customer's purchase order or sales agreement. Sales to third party distributors are made under contractual agreements which allow for limited rights of return and replacement. The contractual agreements do not provide any price protection for unsold inventory held by the distributor. Service revenues are recorded when the related services are performed. Patent licensing fees are recorded when the related technology rights are transferred.

The Company's contracts and customer purchase orders do not include any customer acceptance clauses. In addition, the Company does not offer or grant any discounts. The Company's product warranties generally extend for one year, and are limited to the repair and replacement value of the product. The Company does not have any other post shipment obligations. Sales returns and warranty expense are recorded as incurred and were not material in any of the periods presented herein.

Note 4 - Acquisition

On February 27, 2004, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Salisbury Engineering, Inc. ("SEI"). SEI, based in Delmar, Delaware, designs and manufactures a full line of radio frequency ("RF") and microwave components and systems used primarily in military and aerospace applications. SEI's current products include microwave synthesizers, multiple channel filter banks and preselectors, and global positioning system ("GPS") noise amplifiers. These complex systems incorporate advanced technologies and significantly expand the Company's microwave capabilities. In addition, SEI's microwave component offerings (miniature chip filters, lumped element filters, band reject filters, cavity filters, and waveguides) are a natural complement to the Company's existing frequency control product offerings. As a result of offering a more comprehensive RF and microwave product line to customers, the Company believes that it can gain market share and increase revenues. In addition, the Company believes that its low-cost manufacturing capability and established sales channels will provide additional revenue opportunities and improved profitability for SEI products. These factors contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill.

The aggregate cash purchase price for SEI was approximately $5,607,000. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair market values. The fair market values of land, buildings and improvements were determined by an independent appraisal. For machinery and equipment, fair market values were primarily determined by reference to published market quotations. The fair market values of identifiable intangible assets were determined by estimating the present value of future cash flows. The excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair values of the net assets acquired was recognized as goodwill. The aggregate cash purchase price, which includes legal fees and other costs directly related to the acquisition, was funded through available cash reserves.

A preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows (in thousands):

The identifiable intangible assets (principally consisting of customer-related intangible assets such as customer lists, sales order backlog, and noncontractual customer relationships) will be amortized to expense over their weighted average estimated useful life of six years.

The goodwill acquired has been assigned to the Company's Frequency Control Products Group reportable operating segment. For tax purposes, the Company expects to amortize the acquired goodwill ratably over a 15-year period.

The results of operations of the acquired business have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information has been prepared as if the acquisition had occurred on December 1, 2002 (in thousands, except per share data):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

August 31,

2004

2003

2004

2003

Net sales

$20,180

$16,210

$59,950

$48,819

Net income (loss)

997

(25)

3,225

438

Earnings per common share:

    Basic

0.08

-

0.25

0.03

    Diluted

0.08

-

0.24

0.03

Pro forma amounts are based upon certain assumptions and estimates, and do not reflect any benefits from economies which might be achieved from combined operations. The pro forma information does not necessarily represent results which would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place on the basis assumed above, nor are they necessarily indicative of the results of future combined operations.

Note 5 - Inventories

Inventories by major classification are as follows (in thousands): 

Inventories are presented net of aggregate inventory reserves of $3,060,000 at August 31, 2004 and $2,043,000 at November 30, 2003.

Note 6 - Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment by major classification are as follows (in thousands):

Note 7 - Goodwill

Goodwill consists of the following (in thousands):

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the periods ended August 31, 2004 and 2003, in total and for each reportable segment, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

Note 8 - Other Noncurrent Assets

Other noncurrent assets by major classification are as follows (in thousands):

Amortization of intangible assets is expected to be approximately $152,000 for each of the next five fiscal years.

Note 9 - Debt Agreement

The Company maintains a $6,000,000 line of credit with its principal lending institution (the "Bank"), with borrowings secured by accounts receivable, and interest rates on borrowings at or below the prevailing prime rate. During the periods ended August 31, 2004 and 2003, no borrowings were outstanding under this line of credit arrangement. The line of credit agreement contains certain covenants, the most restrictive of which require the Company to maintain designated minimum levels of net worth and profitability and impose certain restrictions on the Company regarding additional indebtedness. At August 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with these debt covenants. The current line of credit agreement expires April 30, 2005.

The Company's wholly-owned German subsidiary maintains an unsecured Euro line of credit with a German financial institution aggregating $1,206,000 (Euro 1,000,000). During the periods ended August 31, 2004 and 2003, no borrowings were outstanding under this line of credit arrangement. Future borrowings, if any, will bear interest at rates below the prevailing prime rate and will be payable upon demand.

Note 10 - Derivatives and Hedging Activities

From time to time, the Company enters into forward currency exchange contracts in the regular course of business to manage its exposure against foreign currency fluctuations on sales denominated in foreign currencies. The terms of these contracts are generally nine months or less.

At August 31, 2004, the Company had no forward contracts outstanding.

Note 11 - Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods indicated:

Options to purchase 576,800 shares of Common Stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $9.44 per share, were outstanding at August 31, 2004, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would be antidilutive. At August 31, 2003, options to purchase 474,800 shares of Common Stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $9.12 per share, were similarly excluded.

Note 12 - Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows (in thousands):

Note 13 - Stock Options

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation issued to its employees and directors in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related Interpretations. Accordingly, the Company has elected to adopt the "disclosure only" provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure" ("SFAS No. 148"). SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 requires prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results.

For SFAS No. 148 purposes, the fair value of each option granted under the Company's stock option plans is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk free interest rate of 2.00% in 2004 and 2003; volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company's Common Stock of 0.32 in 2004 and 0.50 in 2003; dividend yield of 0.00% each year; and a weighted average expected option life of five years.

If the Company had elected to recognize the compensation cost of its stock option plans based on the fair value method of accounting, net income and earnings per common share would have been decreased to the pro forma amounts below (in thousands, except per share data):

Note 14 - Reportable Operating Segments

The Company was founded as a solutions- oriented company, designing and manufacturing products to suppress or eliminate electromagnetic interference ("EMI"). In recent years, the Company has broadened its focus and product lines to become a control products and systems company, providing a wide range of components and systems used to condition, regulate, transmit, receive, or govern electronic performance.

The Company's current operations are conducted in three reportable segments: signal integrity products; power integrity products and management systems; and frequency control products. The Company's Signal Integrity Products Group designs and manufactures a broad range of low pass EMI filters, surface mount EMI filters, filtered arrays, filtered connectors, gaskets, specialty ceramic capacitors, and our recently developed motor line feed-thru ("MLFT") filters. The Power Integrity Products and Management Systems Group designs and manufactures numerous power integrity products (power line filters, power entry modules, multisection filters, power terminal blocks, and custom power filter assemblies) and power management systems (power distribution units, remote power management systems, fuse interface panels, breaker interface panels, and custom power distribution systems). Our Frequency Control Products Group designs and manufactures ceramic resonators and bandpass filters, ceramic patch antennas, duplexers, lumped element filters, cavity filters, waveguide filters, synthesizers, multiple channel filter banks, and related products and systems. The reportable segments are each managed separately because they manufacture and sell distinct products with different production processes.

The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources to its reportable segments based upon numerous factors, including segment income or loss before income taxes. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those utilized in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements. However, substantially all of the Company's selling expenses, general and administrative expenses, and nonoperating expenses are not allocated to the Company's reportable operating segments and, accordingly, these expenses are not deducted in arriving at segment income or loss.

For each period presented, the accounting policies and procedures used to determine segment income (loss) have been consistently applied. Reportable segment information for the periods ended August 31, 2004 and 2003 is as follows (in thousands):

A reconciliation of total reportable segment income to consolidated income before provision for income taxes for the periods ended August 31, 2004 and 2003 is as follows (in thousands):

Note 15 - Contingencies

The Company is subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The following discussion and analysis may be understood more fully by reference to the consolidated financial statements, notes to the consolidated financial statements, and management's discussion and analysis contained in the Spectrum Control, Inc. and Subsidiaries annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2003. All references to "we", "us", "our", or the "Company" in the following discussion and analysis mean Spectrum Control, Inc. and its Subsidiaries.

Company Profile 

We were founded as a solutions-oriented company, designing and manufacturing products to suppress or eliminate electromagnetic interference ("EMI"). In recent years, we broadened our focus and product lines to become a control products and systems company, providing a wide range of components and systems used to condition, regulate, transmit, receive, or govern electronic performance. Although our components and systems are used in many industries worldwide, our largest markets are telecommunications equipment and military/aerospace which represented 40.0% and 32.0%, respectively, of our fiscal 2003 sales. In telecommunications, our products are used in numerous systems including wireless base stations, broadband switching equipment, global positioning systems, and optical networks. Military/aerospace applications for our products include missile defense systems, smart weapons and munitions, secure communications, simulation equipment, and avionic upgrades. Automotive represents an emerging market for our products, with significant applications in DC motors, telematics, and electronic safety controls. Other markets for our products include medical instrumentation, industrial equipment, computers, and storage devices.

Our operations are currently conducted in three reportable segments: signal integrity products; power integrity products and management systems; and frequency control products. Our Signal Integrity Products Group designs and manufactures a broad range of low pass EMI filters, surface mount EMI filters, filtered arrays, filtered connectors, gaskets, specialty ceramic capacitors, and our recently developed motor line feed-thru ("MLFT") filters. Our Power Integrity Products and Management Systems Group designs and manufactures numerous power integrity products (power line filters, power entry modules, multisection filters, power terminal blocks, and custom power filter assemblies) and power management systems (power distribution units, remote power management systems, fuse interface panels, breaker interface panels, and custom power distribution systems). Our Frequency Control Products Group designs and manufactures ceramic resonators and bandpass filters, ceramic patch antennas, duplexers, lumped element filters, cavity filters, waveguide filters, synthesizers, multiple channel filter banks, and related products and systems.

Acquisition 

On February 27, 2004, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Salisbury Engineering, Inc. ("SEI"). SEI, based in Delmar, Delaware, designs and manufactures a full line of RF and microwave components and systems used primarily in military and aerospace applications. SEI's current products include microwave synthesizers, multiple channel filter banks and preselectors, and GPS noise amplifiers. These complex systems incorporate advanced technologies and significantly expand our microwave capabilities. In addition, SEI's microwave component offerings (miniature chip filters, lumped element filters, band reject filters, cavity filters, and waveguides) are a natural complement to our existing frequency control product offerings.

The aggregate cash purchase price for SEI was approximately $5.6 million, including legal fees and other costs directly related to the acquisition. The purchase price was entirely funded through our available cash reserves. The results of operations of the acquired business have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Accordingly, SEI net sales of $1.1 million for the three month period ended August 31, 2004, and $2.4 million for the nine month period ended August 31, 2004 have been included in the Company's consolidated net sales, and are reported within the Company's Frequency Control Products Group for operating segment purposes.

Forward-Looking Information 

The following discussion includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding: (1) our belief as to future market conditions and operating margins, (2) our anticipated capital expenditures, and (3) our expected future operating requirements and financing needs. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed in "Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results", as well as those discussed elsewhere herein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Executive Summary 

During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, our sales increased $4.8 million or 31.4% from the same period last year. In addition to SEI product sales of $1.1 million, our increased sales reflect additional shipment volume throughout most of our business segments and major product lines. Shipments of our products to original equipment manufacturers in the telecommunications equipment industry were a significant driver of our increased sales. Our gross margin also increased to 27.6% of sales, from 19.6% of sales a year ago, reflecting improved operating efficiencies and economies of scale realized with additional production and shipment volumes. As a result, our overall profitability improved with net income and earnings per share of $997,000 or eight cents per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, compared to a breakeven performance a year ago.

Despite additional working capital requirements from increased shipments and production, we generated net cash from operations of $6.1 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2004, up $821,000 from the comparable period last year.

Our financial position and liquidity remain strong. At August 31, 2004, our cash and cash equivalents were $23.3 million, our current ratio was 7.41 to 1.00, and our total debt to equity was 0.17 to 1.00.

Results of Operations 

The following table sets forth certain financial data, as a percentage of net sales, for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):

The following table sets forth the Company's net sales by reportable operating segments for the three months and nine months ended August 31, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):

Net Sales 

Our net sales increased by $4.8 million during the period, with consolidated net sales of $20.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 and $15.4 million in the comparable quarter of 2003. In addition to SEI product sales of $1.1 million, our increased sales reflect additional shipment volume for our signal integrity products, frequency control products and power management systems. During the current quarter, sales of signal integrity products were $12.9 million, an increase of $2.5 million from the comparable period last year. Excluding SEI product sales, shipments of frequency control products were up $616,000 from a year ago. Our signal integrity and frequency control products are used in numerous applications and industries including telecommunications, military, aerospace, automotive and medical. Sales of power management systems were $1.2 million during the third quarter of 2004, an increase of $971,000 from the third quarter of 2003. These advanced systems include power distribution units, fuse and breaker interface panels, and remote monitoring systems used in wireless base stations and other telecommunication infrastructure equipment. Sales of our power integrity products amounted to $2.7 million in the current quarter, compared to $3.0 million in the comparable period last year. Overall, average selling prices remained relatively stable throughout all of our product lines.

Customer orders received in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 amounted to $20.0 million, up 28.6% from the comparable period of 2003. Our sales order backlog at August 31, 2004, was $27.2 million. At November 30, 2003, our consolidated sales order backlog was $24.6 million.

Gross Margin 

In the third quarter of 2004, gross margin was $5.6 million or 27.6% of sales. For the third quarter of last year, gross margin was $3.0 million or 19.6% of sales. The improvement in gross margin percentage primarily reflects decreases in manufacturing overhead costs, from numerous cost reduction programs, and economies of scale realized with additional production and shipment volumes. Total manufacturing overhead expense was $6.9 million or 34.0% of sales in the third quarter of 2004, versus $6.3 million or 41.3% of sales for the comparable period of 2003.

At August 31, 2004, we had a total workforce of 952 employees, including SEI personnel of 46. We expect to continually review our organization and cost structure to further improve operating efficiencies, while maintaining flexibility for future capacity expansion.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense 

As a percentage of sales, selling expense remained relatively stable throughout the period. In the third quarter of 2004, selling expense amounted to $2.3 million or 11.3% of sales, compared to $1.7 million or 11.2% of sales in the same quarter of 2003. General and administrative expense was approximately $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2004, versus $1.3 million in the comparable quarter of 2003. The increase in general and administrative expense primarily reflects higher personnel costs and additional expenditures for legal and professional services.

Nine Months 2004 Versus Nine Months 2003

Net Sales 

For the first nine months of fiscal 2004, our net sales increased by $12.7 million or 27.6%, with consolidated sales of $58.8 million in 2004 and $46.1 million in 2003. In addition to SEI product sales of $2.4 million, our increased sales reflect greater shipment volume for substantially all of our major product lines. This additional shipment volume was primarily driven by increased product demand among our customers in the telecommunication equipment industry. Compared to the first nine months of last year, sales of power integrity products increased by $3.4 million or 43.6% during the first nine months of fiscal 2004, sales of power management systems grew by $1.5 million or 55.8%, signal integrity product sales increased by $4.0 million or 12.4%, and sales of frequency control products (excluding SEI product sales) grew $1.4 million or 26.9%. Average selling prices remained relatively constant throughout most of our product lines. Total customer orders received in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 amounted to $59.1 million, compared to $46.2 million in the same period last year.

Gross Margin 

For the first nine months of fiscal 2004, gross margin was $16.5 million or 28.1% of sales. In the first nine months of fiscal 2003, gross margin was $9.8 million or 21.2% of sales. The improvement in gross margin percentage principally reflects decreases in manufacturing overhead costs, from consolidation and cost reduction programs, and economies of scale realized with additional production and shipment volumes. With greater utilization of our low-cost manufacturing centers in Juarez, Mexico and Dong Guan, China, our direct labor costs have also decreased. During the first nine months of fiscal 2004, our direct labor costs were approximately 9.0% of sales, compared to 9.6% of sales for the same period of fiscal 2003.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense 

During the first nine months of fiscal 2004, selling expense amounted to $6.5 million or 11.1% of sales, compared to $5.4 million or 11.6% of sales for the same period last year. The decrease in selling expense, as a percentage of sales, principally reflects the impact of higher sales volume and certain fixed selling expenses. In addition, effective sales commission rates decreased slightly in 2004. General and administrative expense was $5.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, versus $3.8 million in the comparable period of 2003. The $1.2 million increase in general and administrative expense primarily reflects higher personnel costs, additional expenditures for legal and professional services, and other operating expenses related to increased business levels.

Other Income and Expense 

We hold numerous United States and foreign patents relating to polymer multilayer ("PML") technology. We realized license fee income of $19,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2004 upon the granting of PML technology licenses, compared to $98,000 in the same period last year. Although these licenses require certain royalties to be paid to us upon the sale of products utilizing PML technology, it is not known what commercial value, if any, these patents and related licenses may have.

Investment income of $105,000 in 2004 and $157,000 in 2003 was realized from temporary cash investments.

Income Taxes 

Our effective income tax rate was 38.1% in 2004 and 37.9% in 2003, compared to an applicable statutory federal and state income tax rate of approximately 40.0%. Differences between the effective tax rate and statutory income tax rate principally arise from state tax provisions and foreign income tax rates.

Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results 

In fiscal year 2003, approximately 40.0% of our sales were to customers in the telecommunications industry. Our three largest customers, original equipment manufacturers of telecommunications equipment, represented an aggregate 15.9% of our total consolidated net sales in 2003. Throughout most of the last three years, the telecommunications equipment industry experienced a severe slowdown. Recently, market conditions in the industry have demonstrated improvement, but overall market trends and forecasts remain unpredictable. If the current market conditions deteriorate, it will have a material negative impact on our future operating performance. In addition, our results of operations may be negatively affected in the future by a variety of other factors including: competitive pricing pressures, new technologies which decrease the demand for our products, new product offerings by our competitors, product cost changes, changes in the overall economic climate, cancellation of existing customer order backlog, unanticipated impairment of assets, difficulties in integrating acquired businesses and product lines, changes in the availability of raw materials, and changes in product mix.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Financial Condition 

We maintain a $6.0 million line of credit with our principal lending institution, PNC Bank, N.A. of Erie, Pennsylvania (the "Bank"), with borrowings secured by accounts receivable, and with interest rates on borrowings at or below the prevailing prime rate. At August 31, 2004, no borrowings were outstanding under the line of credit. The line of credit agreement contains certain covenants, the most restrictive of which require us to maintain designated minimum levels of net worth and profitability and impose certain restrictions on us regarding additional indebtedness. At August 31, 2004, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. Our ability to borrow in the future under this credit facility is dependent on our ongoing compliance with the restrictive covenants. Whether we continue to comply with these covenants is largely dependent on our ability to attain certain levels of operating performance and profitability in the future, for which there can be no assurance. The current line of credit agreement expires on April 30, 2005.

Our wholly-owned German subsidiary maintains an unsecured Euro line of credit with a German financial institution aggregating approximately $1.2 million (Euro 1.0 million). At August 31, 2004, no borrowings were outstanding under this line of credit. Future borrowings, if any, will bear interest at rates below the prevailing prime rate and will be payable upon demand.

At August 31, 2004, we had net working capital of $46.0 million, compared to $46.5 million at November 30, 2003. Our current ratio remained very strong throughout the first nine months of fiscal 2004. At August 31, 2004, current assets were 7.41 times current liabilities, compared to 9.21 at the end of fiscal 2003.

In the first nine months of fiscal 2004, our capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment amounted to $1.9 million. These capital expenditures were primarily for routine replacement of fixed assets, as well as manufacturing equipment and tooling for our recently established China manufacturing operations. At August 31, 2004, we had not entered into any material commitments for capital expenditures.

As previously indicated, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of SEI on February 27, 2004. The net cash purchase price for SEI of approximately $5.6 million was entirely funded through available cash reserves.

We have adopted a stock repurchase program. Under this program, we may repurchase up to $6.0 million of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. Acquired shares are to be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at prevailing market prices. Funding for these repurchases is expected to come from available cash reserves and borrowings under our revolving line of credit facilities. The amount and timing of the shares repurchased are based on our ongoing assessment of the Company's capital structure, liquidity, and the market price of the Company's Common Stock. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock. During the first nine months of fiscal 2004, no shares were purchased. Since the adoption of the stock repurchase program, 676,000 shares have been repurchased at a total cost of $3.6 million.

As of August 31, 2004, our obligations and firm commitments are as follows (in thousands):

Current financial resources, including working capital and existing lines of credit, and anticipated funds from operations are expected to be sufficient to meet operating cash requirements throughout the next twelve months, including scheduled long-term debt repayment, lease commitments, planned capital equipment expenditures and possible stock repurchases. There can be no assurance, however, that unplanned capital replacement or other future events will not require us to seek additional debt or equity financing and, if so required, that it will be available on terms acceptable to us.

Despite increased working capital requirements, net cash generated by operating activities amounted to $6.1 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2004. As a result of increased shipments and production requirements during the first three quarters of fiscal 2004, accounts receivable and inventories increased by $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Net cash generated by operating activities amounted to $5.3 million during the comparable period of fiscal 2003. This positive cash flow was primarily achieved through improved inventory turnover rates and related inventory reductions. During the first nine months of fiscal 2003, as a result of numerous inventory control procedures, aggregate inventories decreased by $1.8 million.

At August 31, 2004, the aggregate carrying value of goodwill was $20.9 million or 23.6% of our total assets and 27.6% of our total stockholders' equity. This amount includes approximately $2.9 million of goodwill recognized in connection with our acquisition of SEI. On an annual basis, and when there is a reason to suspect that the carrying value of goodwill has been diminished or impaired, goodwill must be tested for impairment and a writedown of the asset may be necessary. We have performed the required tests and we have determined that no impairment losses need be recognized in any of the periods presented herein.

Critical Accounting Policies 

The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our financial statements. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has defined the most critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and require us to make our most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on this definition, we believe our most critical accounting policies relate to the valuation and carrying amounts of accounts receivable, inventories, long-lived assets, and deferred tax assets.

We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors including an assessment of the customer's financial condition and the length of time a receivable is past due. At August 31, 2004, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $1.1 million, or approximately 8.0% of our aggregate accounts receivable. In determining the adequacy of this allowance, we have assumed that market conditions in the telecommunications equipment industry will continue to improve throughout fiscal 2004 and 2005. If this improvement does not occur, or if market conditions deteriorate, our customers may not be able to meet their financial obligations to us. Accordingly, our estimate of the recoverability of amounts due us could be reduced by a material amount.

At August 31, 2004, we had recorded inventory reserves in the aggregate amount of $3.1 million for excess and slow-moving items. In determining the adequacy of these reserves, we considered numerous factors including current customer forecasts and estimated usage. Should these forecasts and estimates change due to market, technological or other factors, the net realizable value of our inventories may be materially less than our current carrying values.

We review goodwill for possible impairment at least annually. Impairment losses are recognized when the implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. The implied fair value of goodwill is contingent upon many factors, including estimates of future discounted operating cash flows. Long-lived assets other than goodwill are reviewed for impairment whenever indicators of possible impairment exist. Impairments are recognized when the expected future operating cash flows derived from such assets are less than their carrying values. No impairment losses have been recognized in any of the periods presented herein. However, our future cash flow expectations assume that market conditions throughout the telecommunications equipment industry will continue to improve. If long-term market conditions do not improve, our long-lived assets may become materially impaired.

We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion of the asset may not be realized. Presently, we believe that all deferred tax assets will more likely than not be realized and a valuation allowance is not required. We evaluate the need for valuation allowances on a regular basis and make adjustments as needed. These adjustments, when made, may have a materially negative impact on our financial statements.

Foreign Currency 

Certain of our European sales and related selling expenses are denominated in Euros, British Pounds Sterling, and other local currencies. In addition, certain of our operating expenses are denominated in Mexican Pesos. As a result, fluctuations in currency exchange rates may affect our operating results and cash flows. To manage our exposure to the Euro and British Pound Sterling, we occasionally enter into forward currency exchange contracts. At August 31, 2004, no forward currency exchange contracts were outstanding. For each of the periods presented herein, currency exchange rate gains and losses were not material.

Interest Rate Exposure 

We have market risk exposure relating to possible fluctuations in interest rates. From time to time, we utilize interest rate swap agreements to minimize the risks and costs associated with variable rate debt. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The interest rate swap agreements are entered into with major financial institutions thereby minimizing the risk of credit loss. At August 31, 2004, no interest rate swap agreements were outstanding.

Certification

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20549

In accordance with the requirements of Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350), each of the undersigned hereby certifies that:

  this Current Report on Form 10-Q of Spectrum Control, Inc. for the period ended August 31, 2004, (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o (d)); and 

  the information contained in this Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Spectrum Control, Inc. 

Dated as of this 30th day of September 2004.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Spectrum Control, Inc. and will be retained by Spectrum Control, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.