UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K10-K/A
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR |
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 20032008
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 0-13200Number 0-12965
Astro-Med, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Rhode Island | 05-0318215 | |||
(State of incorporation) |
| |||
| (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
600 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island | 02893 | |||
(Address of principal executive offices) |
|
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (401) 828-4000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
|
| |||||||
|
|
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.05$.01 Par Value
(Title of Class)
Indicated by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes: ¨ No: x
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filersthe registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Item 405Section 13 or Section 15(d) of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.Act. Yes: ¨ No: x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrantRegistrant (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 thatthan the registrantRegistrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YesYes: x No No: ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer: ¨ Accelerated filer: ¨ Non-accelerated filer: ¨ Smaller reporting company: x
Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer. Yes a shell company: Yes: ¨ No No: x
StateAs of August 3, 2007, the aggregate market value of the voting stockcommon equity of the Registrant held by
non-affiliates of the registrant asRegistrant, based on the closing price on the Nasdaq Global Market was $47,900,025.
As of March 21, 2003.
Common Stock, $0.05 Par Value: $9,954,805
Indicate the number ofApril 4, 2008 there were 6,992,191 shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares)
of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as(par value $0.05 per share) of March 21, 2003.
Common Stock, $0.05 Par Value: 4,270,712 shares
the Registrant issued and outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 20032008 annual meeting of shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.
ASTRO-MED, INC. See pages 20 through 22 for the exhibit index.
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
| ||||
| ||||
|
| |||
|
| |||
|
| |||
|
|
| ||
| ||||
|
|
| ||
|
| |||
|
|
| ||
|
| |||
|
| |||
|
|
| ||
| ||||
|
| |||
|
| |||
|
|
| ||
|
| |||
| ||||
|
| |||
|
|
|
ASTRO-MED, INC.
PART I
General
Astro-Med, Inc., (the Company)“Company”) for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008 is an enterprise that is strategically structuredbeing filed to design, develop, manufacture and distribute a diverse line of technology-advanced products and services. The Company is organized around a suite of core competencies including Research & Development, Manufacturing, Information Technology and Administrative Management. The Company markets and sells its products and services through three distinct product groups; Test & Measurement (T&M), QuickLabel® Systems (QLS), and Grass-Telefactor (G-T). T&M develops and manufactures data acquisition instruments that serve the test and measurement market. QLS develops and manufactures digital printers and consumable products that serve the product identification market. Grass-Telefactor develops and manufactures clinical neurophysiology (EEG and epilepsy monitoring), polysomnography (PSG – Sleep monitoring), biomedical research instrumentation and supplies that serve the life sciences market. The Company’s products are distributed both in North America and internationally through its direct sales force and authorized distributors and agents located in approximately forty countries. Approximately 27% ofcorrect the Company’s sales were made outside of the United States.
The Company and its subsidiaries and their representatives may from time to time make written or oral statements, including statements contained in the Company’s filingsSummary Compensation Table as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in its reports to shareholders which constitute or contain “forward-looking statements”(“SEC”) on April 24, 2008 as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the SEC in its rules, regulations and releases.
All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this annual report regarding the Company’s financial position and operating and strategic initiatives and addressing industry developments are forward-looking statements. Where, in any forward-looking statement, the Company or its management expresses an expectation or belief as to future results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement of expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial and business conditions; declining demand in the test and measurement markets, especially defense and aerospace; competition in the specialty printer industry; ability to develop market acceptance of the QLS color printer products and effective design of customer required features; competition in the data acquisition industry; competition in the neurophysiology industry; the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the results of operations; the ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; the ability to realize the anticipated cost reductions from restructuring and streamlining the business; the business abilities and judgment of personnel and changes in business strategy.
Narrative Description of Business
Products
Overview
The Company develops and manufactures systems that have the ability to acquire electronic data, process, analyze, store and present the data in a variety of useable forms. The T&M data acquisition systems record scientific signals and print the output onto charts or electronic media. The QLS digital printer systems and media products create product and packaging labels and tags in one or many colors. The Grass-Telefactor products electronically record signals that reflect the physiological status of living creatures for digital or analog access. The Company supplies a range of products that include the hardware, software, and supplies to customers who are in a variety of industries.
T&M Products
The Company’s T&M products are a comprehensive line of data recording instruments for the aerospace, automotive, pulp and paper, metal mill, transportation and manufacturing industries. These recording solutions provide customers with a complete record of their data, whether they are troubleshooting a process, performing preventative maintenance or gathering mission critical data. Using contemporary technologies, T&M products are designed to handle customers ever-changing requirements now and into the future.
Telemetry Recorders
The Everest Telemetry-Recorder Workstation is the flagship product of T&M’s line of telemetry recorders. Designed for the unique requirements of the aerospace and defense industries, the Everest provides engineers with vital data on test products during pre-flight checkout and flight tests. Intended to seamlessly integrate into off-the-shelf telemetry systems, the Everest is used to test fighter planes, missiles, helicopters, satellites and commercial aircraft.
During flight test, the Everest provides engineers with real-time access to data to allow them to make split second decisions and prevent costly retesting. After flight test, data from the Everest is available in both paper and digital formats, allowing engineers to analyze data faster than ever before.
Dash Series Data Acquisition Recorders
The Company’s Dash Series recorders are used as maintenance and troubleshooting tools for pulp and paper mills, power plants, transportation test centers, steel mills, automotive R&D centers and manufacturing plants. With downtime costing these facilities tens of thousands of dollars per day, the Dash Series data acquisition recorders can pay for themselves by preventing a single outage. Completely self-contained in rugged aluminum cases, the Dash Series data acquisition recorders are ideally suited for use in harsh environments where computer-based or other systems will not perform.
Seven data acquisition recorders form the Dash series line: the Dash 2, Dash 4u, Dash 8n, Dash 8u, Dash 8X, Dash 16u and Dash 18. Priced from $8,000 to $23,000, the Company offers a product for any budget. The Dash 8X is the latest portable data acquisition recorder to be introduced. With such leading edge technology as a touchscreen display, integral web browser and network interface, the Dash 8X is an important troubleshooting tool for virtually any environment.
Ruggedized Printers and Ethernet Switches
The Company also manufactures a line of ruggedized printers and Ethernet switches. The ToughWriter 3 is a ruggedized airborne cockpit printer used to print weather maps, communications and other flight critical information. The ToughWriter 3 meets MIL-STD requirements for shock, vibration and temperature, making it ideal for use on both commercial and military aircraft.
The ToughSwitch is an eight port, ruggedized Ethernet switch that also meets MIL-STD requirements for shock, vibration and temperature. Designed to withstand the rigors of commercial/military aviation and the harsh environments of the battlefield, the ToughSwitch is ideally suited for applications where standard or industrial grade hubs will not survive.
QLS Products
The Company’s QLS product line is composed of an array of high-technology digital color label printers, automatic labelers, and print and apply systems, as well as labeling software and consumables. Innovative QLS products continue to change the way companies do business by providing just-in-time, in-plant label production capabilities and labeling automation through the Company’s advanced digital thermal transfer printing technologies. QLS’s packaging, barcoding and labeling solutions are used throughout the world.
Digital Color Label Printers
QLS digital color labels printers are designed to print multiple colors, text and barcodes in a single pass on labels, tags and tickets of all kinds. Using Astro-Med’s proprietary MicroCell™ color halftoning technology, these printers create near lithographic quality labels that can be generated on and printed directly from a customer’s personal computer, mainframe or AS/400 midrange computing platform.
In late fiscal year 2002, the Company introduced the new advanced four-color digital label printer, theQLS-4100X. The QLS-4100X, priced at $17,995, is the Company’s fourth-generation process color printer, which incorporates new features deriving from the Company’s research and development, thermal printing experience, and feedback from users around the world.
With the Company’s patented Ribbon Ration™ technology for economizing thermal transfer ribbon, enhanced mechanical design for precise color registration, robust performance for long runs, and more user-friendly operation, the QLS-4100X is QLS’s flagship.
QLS’s digital color label printer offering also includes the following models: the QLS-2000, QLS-2001, QLS-3000, and QLS-3001. With either two or three print stations, the QLS-2000 and QLS-3000 printers represent the Company’s value line of color printers, providing color-labeling solutions for general product identification applications at price points of $6,550 and $10,995 respectively. The QLS-2001 and QLS-3001 models, priced at $6,995 and $9,995, are used in specialty and niche applications, including the printing of Tyvek pouches used in the packaging of surgical instruments. These models also comprise the core of QLS’s Apparel Printing Systems, designed to print apparel care tags, hang tags and price tickets in manufacturing environments, retail applications, and service bureau operations worldwide.
Marketing of the QLS printers targets applications such as the private labeling of foods and beverages, chemicals and cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical and medical products, personal care products, and others.
Barcode Label Printers
QLS has a new family of barcode label printers: thePronto series. This new line of low-cost, feature-rich barcode printers includes the Pronto 442 and Pronto 472. Both of these printers have 203 dpi resolution. The Pronto series also includes the high-resolution 400 dpi Pronto 474 and the 8.6” wide Pronto 843. These competitively-priced Pronto models mark the Company’s re-entry into mainline barcode printing applications and serve as important vehicles for the sale of QLS’s thermal transfer ribbon and label products.
QLS’s barcode printer line also includes the robust, industrial monochrome barcode printer, the Top Hand™ QLS-500 printer. With a rugged design for harsh environment applications, the $2,995 Top Hand printer produces labels up to 5 inches wide at speeds of up to 10 inches per second.
QuickLabel Software
An important componentpart of the Company’s digital printing systems isProxy Statement for the software2008 Annual Shareholders Meeting. The Summary Compensation Table as filed therein incorrectly included incentive compensation awards for the named executive officers that produceswere accrued during the label formatting and the printing functionality required for successful in-plant printing. This software, marketed under the brand name Color QuickLabel™, allows customers to tap the true power inherentfiscal year ended January 31, 2007 in the QuickLabel printers. CQL99, a 32-bit Windows®-based label creation and printing suite, supports high-color imaging, MicroCell™ image halftoning, full network printing, and multiple database compatibility. CQL99 software further advances integration ofamounts reported as salary paid for the QuickLabel Systems printers within today’s high-technology production environments.
QuickLabel Automatic Label Applicators and Print & Apply Systems
To complementfiscal year ended January 31, 2008. Such awards were also correctly reported in the QLS printers,Summary Compensation Table as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” for the Company manufacturesfiscal year ended January 31, 2007. This amendment also has attached, as Exhibit 3.2, a complete line of automatic labelers that can apply labels to all types of products, from cartons to primary product packaging to cylindrical containers. Applicator models include the AD-2800 and AD-2600 roll-on label applicators. The Company also offers a high-speed bottle labeling system utilizing its AD-2800 label applicator. The CPA-350, the Company’s ruggedized print and apply system, offers companies the ability to print a label on-demand and apply it to a product as it passes on a conveyor. The CPA-350 can be configured with air tamp, air blast, dual apply or corner wrap applicator heads to apply a label to two sides of the same carton or pallet.
Consumables: Thermal Transfer Ribbon and Labels
Rounding out the QLS products is a wide array of printer consumables including thermal transfer ribbons in many colors and formulations, and both paper and synthetic labels and tags. A full line of high quality materials, developed and qualified by the Company, is available to guarantee a finished label that meets almost any requirements from single-use paper labels to garment labels, to outdoor signage and product labels.
Grass-Telefactor Products
The Grass-Telefactor product group offers a range of instrumentation and supplies for clinical and biomedical research applications.
Grass-Telefactor enjoys a reputation built on decades of innovative technology and thoughtful design. The clinical product line includes in-lab or in-hospital integrated systems for clinical EEG and PSG (Polysomnography), epilepsy diagnosis and surgery, critical care and intraoperative neuromonitoring. These products offer a variety of features including networking, database and report generation capabilities in addition to powerful data acquisition and analysis tools. Grass-Telefactor utilizes a Windows®-based product line which includes the Beehive™ Millennium used for long term epilepsy monitoring, the Aurora™ digital EEG system and the recently introduced Aurora™ digital PSG system. The products and services offered by Grass-Telefactor are used worldwide by universities, medical centers, and companies engaged in a variety of clinical and research activities.
On the research side, Grass-Telefactor offers a complete solution for any biomedial research project. This product line includes transducers which read signals directly off of a subject, amplifiers that clean up the signals and amplify them to appropriate recording levels, and software that records the information and allows for straightforward analysis and review.
Grass-Telefactor offers a complete line of clinical and research supplies, including stimulators, transducers, electrodes and consumables. The supplies and accessories product line now uses e-commerce to reach an even wider market through the Grass-Telefactor Online Store,www.grass-telefactor.com.
Technology
The core technologies of the Company relate to (1) acquiring data, (2) conditioning the data, (3) displaying the data on hard copy monitor, or electronic storage media, and finally (4) analyzing the data. All three-product groups of the Company—T&M, QLS and G-T use these technologies.
The Company is continually improving the performance and functionality of core technologies, enabling the Company to lead the competition with innovative products.
Patents and Copyrights
The Company holds a number of product patents in the United States and in foreign countries. It has filed applications for other patents that are pending. The Company has patents covering its T&M recording products as well as several patents for its QLS dual sided label printers and four-color label printers. In addition, the Company has two other patents pending on its multi-color printing technology. The Company considers its patents to be important but does not believe that its business is materially dependent on them. The Company copyrights its extensive software and registers its trademarks.
Manufacturing and Supplies
The Company designs its products and manufactures many of the component parts. The balance of the parts is produced to the Company’s specifications by suppliers. Raw materials required for the manufacture of products, including parts produced to the Company’s specifications, are generally available from numerous suppliers.
Product Development
The Company has maintained an active program of product research and development since its inception. During fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company incurred costs of $4.3 million, $3.7 million, and $4.3 million, respectively, on Company-sponsored product development. The Company is committed to product development as a requisite to its growth and expects to continue its focus on research and development efforts in fiscal 2004.
Marketing and Competition
The Company competes worldwide in many markets including clinical and research medicine, aerospace, automotive and general manufacturing. The Company retains a competitive position in its respective markets by virtue of proprietary technology, product reputation, delivery, technical assistance and service to customers.
The products of the Company are marketed worldwide by advertising and promotion using major national and international trade journals, scientific meetings and trade shows, direct mailing campaigns, and the Internet.
The products are sold by direct field sales persons as well as independent dealers and representatives. In the United States, the Company has twenty-two direct field sales people located in major cities from coast to coast specializing in either T&M’s Recorders and Data Acquisitions systems, QLS’s Color Label printers and media systems, or G-T Neurological Instrumentation products. Additionally, the Company has direct field sales and service centers in Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy and Holland. In the remaining parts of the world, the Company utlitizes approximately 80 independent dealers and representatives selling and marketing its products in 40 countries. In fiscal 2003, 27% of the Company’s revenues wereBy-laws as amended to date which was unintentionally omitted from international sales.
The Company has a number of competitors in each of the three products groups and markets that it serves. In the T&M area, the Company feels that it leads the field in Data Acquisition Recorders. It competes with the Gould Instrument Division of Nicolet, a Thermo Electron company and Western Graphtec, the US subsidiary of Graphtec, a Japanese company.
In the Color Label Printer product group, the Company believes it leads the world in color printing using the thermal transfer printing technology. The Company introduced the very first thermal transfer color printers late in 1995 and to this date faces only one competitor, TEC.
The Grass-Telefactor products of the Company are devoted to clinical applications in EEG, Polysomnography (PSG), and Long Term Epilepsy Monitoring (LTM). There are about fourteen companies that compete in one or more of the three modalities (EEG, PSG, LTM) but none are the clear leader. The Company feels it offers superior products based upon its long history and pioneering the field since 1935. The Company, unlike most of its competitors, designs, manufactures, and produces complete systems including transducers, amplifiers, sensors, and Windows based application software. Additionally, the Company produces a range of life science products for the research market. Many of the latter products eventually find their way into clinical applications.
No single customer accounted for 10% of the Company’s net sales in any of the last three fiscal years. The Company’s products were sold to approximately 5,000 customers.
International Sales
The Company had a Foreign Sales Corporation subsidiary that qualified for certain tax benefits on its exports. Effective December 31, 2001, the Company dissolved this subsidiary as a result of rule changes made by the World Trade Organization and tax authorities.
In fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, net sales to customers in various geographic areas outside the United States, primarily in Canada and Western Europe, amounted to $13.0 million, $13.8 million, and $13.9 million, respectively.
Order Backlog
The backlog fluctuates regularly. It consists of a blend of orders for end user customers as well as original equipment manufacturer customers. Manufacturing is geared to forecasted demands and applies a rapid turn cycle to meet customer expectations. Accordingly, the amount of order backlog does not indicate future sales trends and the Company does not normally carry any material backlog.
Other Information
The Company’s business is not seasonal in nature.
Most of the Company’s products are generally warranted for one year against defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty expenses have generally averaged approximately $240,500 a year for the Company’s last five fiscal years.
As of March 21, 2003 the Company employed approximately 335 persons. The Company is generally able to satisfy its employment requirements. No employees are represented by a union. The Company believes that employee relations are good.
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s principal owned properties, all of which are included in the consolidated balance sheet appearing elsewhere in this report.
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
The Company also leases facilities in eight locations. The following information pertains to each location:
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
The Company believes its facilities are well maintained, in good operating condition and generally adequate to meet its needs for the foreseeable future.
There are no pending or threatened legal proceedings against the Company believed to be material to the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company’s security holders, through solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the last quarter of the period covered by this report.
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters
The Company’s common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol ALOT. The following table sets forth dividend data and the range of high and low closing prices, as furnished by NASDAQ, for the periods indicated.
Years Ended January 31, | High | Low | Dividends Per Share | |||
2003 | ||||||
First Quarter | $4.30 | $3.55 | $0.04 | |||
Second Quarter | $4.45 | $3.40 | $0.04 | |||
Third Quarter | $4.10 | $3.10 | $0.04 | |||
Fourth Quarter | $4.25 | $2.99 | $0.04 | |||
2002 | ||||||
First Quarter | $5.00 | $3.87 | $0.04 | |||
Second Quarter | $4.94 | $4.10 | $0.04 | |||
Third Quarter | $4.40 | $3.40 | $0.04 | |||
Fourth Quarter | $4.48 | $3.50 | $0.04 |
The Company had approximately 390 shareholders of record on March 21, 2003, which does not reflect shareholders with beneficial ownership in shares held in nominee name.
Shareholder Services
Shareholders of Astro-Med, Inc. who desire information about the Company are invited to contact the Investor Relations Department, Astro-Med, Inc., 600 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI 02893 or call (401) 828-4000. Visit our Investor Relations website atwww.astro-med.com. We make available free of charge on our Internet website our annual report on Form 10-K quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) offor the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
Dividend Policy
The Company began a program of paying annual cash dividends in the second quarter of fiscal 1992. Previously, no cash dividends had been declared or paid by the Company since inception. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay cash dividends on a annual basis.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | |||||||||||||
Results of Operations: | |||||||||||||||||
Net Sales | $ | 48,973 |
| $ | 49,391 |
| $ | 51,688 | $ | 46,143 | $ | 42,166 | |||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | (1,882 | ) | $ | (233 | ) | $ | 302 | $ | 937 | $ | 496 | |||||
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share—Basic and Diluted | $ | (0.44 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.11 | |||||
Dividends Declared per Common Share | $ | 0.16 |
| $ | 0.16 |
| $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.16 | |||||
Financial Condition: | |||||||||||||||||
Working Capital | $ | 18,825 |
| $ | 21,455 |
| $ | 21,908 | $ | 22,453 | $ | 25,507 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 35,210 |
| $ | 38,404 |
| $ | 41,059 | $ | 45,385 | $ | 41,754 | |||||
Long-Term Debt, less Current Maturities | $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 25 | $ | 72 | $ | 17 |
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Results of Operations
Fiscal 2003 compared to Fiscal 2002
The Company’s sales in fiscal 2003 were $49.0 million, down less than 1.0% from the prior year’s sales of $49.4 million. Domestic sales increased $0.3 million to $36.0 million, a 1.0% increase over fiscal 2002, while international sales declined $0.7 million to $13.0 million.
Gross profit decreased 5.3% to $18.1 million in fiscal 2003 from $19.1 million in fiscal 2002. The Company’s gross profit margin declined to 36.9% from 38.7%. The decline in gross profit can be attributed primarily to the change in sales mix.
Selling, general and administrative spending (SG&A) declined 7.5% to $14.9 million from $16.1 million. The decline in SG&A expenses can be attributed to lower personnel costs, lower advertising expenses, lower commissions and the elimination of goodwill amortization. Research & Development (R&D) expenses increased to $4.3 million in fiscal 2003 from $3.7 million in fiscal 2002. R&D as a percentage of sales increased to 8.8% in this fiscal year as compared 7.6% in the prior year.
In fiscal year 2003, the Company implemented an organizational restructuring in an effort to reduce costs and streamline operations. The restructuring included workforce reductions in all areas of the Company and a significant curtailment of its Pennsylvania research facility. The Company eliminated 28 employees or approximately 8% of its workforce. In fiscal 2003, the Company recorded $490,000 of restructuring and impairment charges. These charges included $364,000 of severance and related termination benefit costs and a $126,000 charge to write-down the value of equipment used at the research facility. Atended January 31, 2003, $336,000 of severance and related termination benefit costs were accrued. The majority of these costs will be paid in the first quarter of fiscal year 2004. The Company anticipates eliminating approximately $2.0 million of payroll and other costs through the workforce reduction.
Interest and dividend income declined in fiscal 2003 to $198,000 from $248,000 in fiscal 2002. The decrease is due to lower yields on investments. Other income/expense, net for fiscal 2003 was $329,000 as compared to last fiscal year’s other income/expense, net of $192,000. The favorable $137,000 change in other income/expense, net is attributed primarily to $145,000 of favorable foreign exchange gains during fiscal 2003.
The Company recorded a tax expense of $0.8 million for fiscal 2003. This provision was primarily the result of providing a full valuation allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets. The Company had previously provided valuation allowances only for certain foreign losses. As a result of a review undertaken at January 31, 2003 and our cumulative loss position at that date, management concluded that it was appropriate to establish a full valuation allowance for its net deferred tax assets.
The Company reports three segments that mirror the Company’s sales product groups (i.e., T&M, QLS and G-T). The Company evaluates segment performance based on the operating segment’s profit before corporate and financial administration expenses.
The following table summarizes selected financial information by segment:
(in thousands) | Sales | Segment Operating Profit | Operating Profit % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | |||||||||||||||||||||
T&M | $ | 11,943 | $ | 12,057 | $ | 13,905 | $ | 1,021 |
| $ | 675 |
| $ | 1,639 | 8.5 | % | 5.6 | % | 11.8 | % | |||||||||
QLS |
| 21,546 |
| 20,928 |
| 19,891 |
| 114 |
|
| 863 |
|
| 1,295 | 0.5 | % | 4.1 | % | 6.5 | % | |||||||||
Grass-Telefactor |
| 15,484 |
| 16,406 |
| 17,892 |
| 316 |
|
| 817 |
|
| 535 | 2.0 | % | 5.0 | % | 3.0 | % | |||||||||
Total | $ | 48,973 | $ | 49,391 | $ | 51,688 | $ | 1,451 |
| $ | 2,355 |
| $ | 3,469 | 3.0 | % | 4.8 | % | 6.7 | % | |||||||||
Corporate Expenses |
| 3,039 |
|
| 3,083 |
|
| 3,388 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating (Loss) Income |
| (1,588 | ) |
| (728 | ) |
| 81 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other Income |
| 526 |
|
| 436 |
|
| 321 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes |
| (1,062 | ) |
| (292 | ) |
| 402 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income Taxes Expense (Benefit) |
| 820 |
|
| (59 | ) |
| 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net (Loss) Income | $ | (1,882 | ) | $ | (233 | ) | $ | 302 | |||||||||||||||||||||
The operating results of each segment are summarized as follows:
T&M’s sales decreased to $11.9 million in fiscal 2003 from $12.1 million, approximately a 1% decrease from the previous year. Both T&M’s domestic and international sales were 1% lower than the prior year. T&M’s segment profit margin improved to 8.5% in fiscal 2003 from 5.6% in the previous year. The improvement in T&M’s margin can be attributed to a favorable change in sales mix resulting from the increased sales of the Dash 18 recorder and the ruggedized airborne cockpit printer, partially offset by a decline in Everest sales. In addition, T&M’s margins improved as a result of lower materials costs resulting from bringing the production of certain components in-house.
QLS’s sales increased to $21.6 million in fiscal 2003 from $20.9 million, a 3.0% increase over the previous year. Fiscal 2003 domestic sales were 2.3% higher than the previous year. International sales were 4.3% higher than the previous year. Although, QLS’s sales were up for the year there was a significant change in the composition of QLS’s sales. QLS’s media sales increased 16.6% over the prior year while QLS’s printer system sales declined by 18.9%. QLS’s fiscal 2003 segment profit margin declined to 0.5% down from 4.1% in the previous year. The decline in margin is primarily attributed to the significant change in sales mix between QLS’s printer system and media products. In addition, QLS’s results include a restructuring charge of $30,000.
G-T’s sales decreased to $15.5 million in fiscal 2003 from $16.4 million, a 5.5% decrease over the previous year. The decline in G-T’s sales is attributed to a 23.3% decrease in G-T international sales. Domestic sales were up 1.1% over the previous year. The G-T’s segment operating margin declined to 2.0% in fiscal 2003 from 5.0% in the previous year. The decline in margin is primarily attributed to the $413,000 restructuring and impairment charge incurred in fiscal 2003.
Fiscal 2002 compared to Fiscal 20012008.
The Company’s sales in fiscal 2002 decreased $2.3 million to $49.4 million, a 4.7% decrease over fiscal 2001 sales of $51.7 million. Domestic sales declined $2.2 million to $35.6 million a 6.6% decrease over fiscal 2001, while international sales declined $0.1 million to $13.8 million.
Gross profit decreased 8.2% to $19.1 million in fiscal 2002 from $20.8 million in fiscal 2001. The Company’s gross profit margin declined to 38.7% from 40.2%. The decline in gross profit can be attributed primarily to the decline in sales, lower margins on T&M’s new products and lower margins on QLS products.
Selling, general and administrative spending (SG&A) declined 2.4% to $16.1 million from $16.5 million. Research & Development (R&D) expenses declined to $3.7 million in fiscal 2002 from $4.3 million in fiscal 2001. R&D as a percentage of sales declined to 7.6% in this fiscal year as compared 8.2% in the prior year. The decline in both the SG&A and R&D expenses can be attributed to the workforce reductions undertaken over the past two years and certain temporary lay-offs at the end of fiscal 2002.
Interest and dividend income declined in fiscal 2002 to $248,000 from $458,000 in fiscal 2001. The decrease is due to lower investment levels and lower yields on investments. Other income for fiscal 2002 was $192,000 as compared to last fiscal year’s expense of $126,000. The favorable $318,000 change in other income/expense, net is attributed primarily to the following; a $165,000 gain on the settlement of litigation, $68,000 of grant income relating to research performed for the National Institute of Health, and a $94,000 improvement in foreign exchange losses. In the prior year, the net foreign exchange loss was $116,000 as compared to a net foreign exchange loss for the current year of $22,000.
The Company reports three segments that mirror the Company’s sales product groups (i.e., T&M, QLS and G-T). The Company evaluates segment performance based on the operating segment’s profit before corporate and financial administration expenses.
The operating results of each segment are summarized as follows:
T&M’s sales decreased to $12.1 million in fiscal 2002 from $13.9 million, a 12.9% decrease from the previous year. Both T&M’s domestic and international sales were lower as a result of the delays in the introduction of the new Dash 18 recorder. The decline in T&M sales can also be attributed to the 34% decrease in international sales. T&M’s segment profit margin declined to 5.6% in fiscal 2002 from 11.8% in the previous year. The decline in T&M’s margin is attributed to higher material costs and manufacturing inefficiencies associated with its new state-of-the-art products.
QLS’s sales increased to $20.9 million in fiscal 2002 from $19.9 million, a 5.0% increase over the previous year. Fiscal 2002 domestic sales were essentially flat with the previous year and fiscal 2002 international sales were 17.8% higher than the previous year. QLS’s fiscal 2002 segment profit margin declined to 4.1% down from 6.5% in the previous year. The decline in margin is attributed to higher international sales with lower margins.
G-T’s sales decreased to $16.4 million in fiscal 2002 from $17.9 million, an 8.4% decrease over the previous year. The decline in G-T’s sales is attributed to the lower domestic clinical sales resulting from the delay in the introduction of the new PSG (sleep) software application and high turnover in the clinical sales force. The G-T segment operating margin improved to 5.0% in fiscal 2002 from 3.0% in the previous year. The margin improvement can be attributed to the workforce reduction undertaken over the last two years.
Changes in the effective income tax rate from year to year are explained in Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company expects to finance its future working capital needs, capital expenditures and acquisition requirements through internal funds. To the extent the Company’s capital and liquidity requirements are not satisfied internally, the Company may utilize a $2.0 million unsecured bank line of credit, all of which is currently available. Borrowings under this line of credit bear interest at the bank’s prime rate.
The Company’s Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ending January 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 are included on page 30. Net cash flow provided by operating activities in fiscal year 2003 and 2002 were $2.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The increase in net cash flow from operations in fiscal 2003 is attributed primarily to the lower accounts receivable and inventory balances and the timing of payments to vendors. Working capital balances at January 31, 2003 were $18.8 million, a 13% reduction from the $21.5 million at January 31, 2002. The composition of fiscal 2003 year-end working capital balance includes cash and marketable securities of $7.3 million as compared to $5.9 million of cash and marketable securities at the end of last year. The Company’s cash collection cycle decreased to 53 days sales outstanding from the prior year’s 60 days.
Net cash flow used by investing activities was $1.3 million in fiscal 2003. Net cash flow provided by investing activities in fiscal 2002 and 2001 were $1.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The significant change in the cash flow in investing activities in 2003 versus the previous two years is attributed to the fact the Company liquidated certain securities available for sale in 2002 and 2001 to fund its cash requirements. Capital expenditures were $0.6 million, $0.9 million and $1.2 million in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Net cash used by financing activities was $0.7 million in fiscal 2003, $0.7 million in fiscal 2002 and $1.5 million in fiscal 2001. Dividends paid for the three-years ended fiscal 2003, 2002, and 2001 were $0.7 million, respectively. The Company’s annual dividend per share was $0.16 in all three years. In fiscal 2001, the Company repurchased common stock at a cost of $0.8 million. Since the inception of the stock buy back program in fiscal 1997, the Company has repurchased 867,824 shares of its common stock. At January 31, 2003, the Company has Board of Directors’ authorization to purchase an additional 290,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the future.
Other
The Company has a contingent obligation relating to the Telefactor acquisition that requires the Company to pay additional consideration to the sellers if certain sales amounts are achieved during the seventy-two months following the closing of the transaction. The purchase and sales agreement contains a clause which will require the Company to pay additional purchase price of up to $3,000,000 if certain sales levels are achieved. The earnout provision is effective over a period of 72 months. At January 31, 2003, no additional consideration was owed to the sellers.
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that our most critical accounting policies upon which our financial condition depends, and which involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments are as follows:
Revenue Recognition: The majority of the Company’s product sales are recorded at the time of shipment and when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Provisions are made at the time the related revenue is recognized for the cost of any installation obligations. When other significant obligations remain after products are delivered, revenue is recognized only after such obligations are fulfilled.
Warranty Claims and Bad Debts: Provisions for the estimated costs for future product warranty claims and bad debts are recorded in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense, respectively, at the time a sale is recorded. The amounts recorded are generally based upon historically derived percentages while also factoring in any new business conditions that might impact the historical analysis such as new product introduction for warranty and bankruptcies of particular customers for bad debts. The Company also periodically evaluates the adequacy of its reserves for warranty and bad debts recorded in its consolidated balance sheet as a further test to ensure the adequacy of the recorded provisions. Warranty claims can extend far into the future and bad debt analysis often involves subjective analysis of a particular customer’s ability to pay. As a result, significant judgment is required by the Company in determining the appropriate amounts to record and such judgments may prove to be incorrect in the future. The Company believes that its procedures for estimating such amounts are reasonable and historically have not resulted in material adjustments in subsequent periods when the estimates are adjusted to the actual amounts.
Customer Returns: Customer returns are recorded on an actual basis throughout the year and also include an estimate at the end of each reporting period for future customer returns related to sales recorded prior to the end of the period. The Company generally estimates customer returns based upon its historical experience while making adjustments for any changes in business conditions.
Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. The Company records provisions to write-down obsolete and excess inventory to its estimated net realizable value. The process for evaluating obsolete and excess inventory consists of the Company analyzing the inventory supply on hand and estimating the net realizable value of the inventory based on historical experience, current business conditions and anticipated future sales.
Income taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This SFAS requires that deferred income taxes be determined based on estimated future tax effects of differences between the tax and book bases of assets and liabilities considering the provisions of enacted tax laws. The Company has historically had prepaid income tax assets due principally to the unfavorable tax consequences of recording expenses for required book reserves for such things as, bad debts, inventory valuation, and warranty that cannot be deducted for income tax purposes until such expenses are actually paid. The Company’s deferred tax liabilities consist primarily of favorable tax consequences associated with accelerated depreciation methods for tax purposes. SFAS No. 109 requires that a valuation allowance be established when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. A review of all available positive and negative evidence needs to be considered, including the Company’s performance, the market environment in which the Company operates, length of carryforwards periods, existing sales backlog and future sales projections. We had previously provided valuation allowances only for future tax benefits resulting from certain foreign losses. However, where there are cumulative losses in recent years, SFAS 109 creates a strong presumption that a valuation allowance is needed. This presumption can be overcome in very limited circumstances. As a result of our cumulative loss position at January 31, 2003 and the increased uncertainty relative to the timing of profitability in future periods, we concluded that is was appropriate to establish a valuation allowance for our entire net deferred tax asset. The Company established a full valuation allowance for our remaining deferred tax assets. As a result, the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets increased from $105,000 at January 31, 2002 to $1.4 million at January 31, 2003. We expect to record a full valuation allowance on future tax benefits until we can sustain an appropriate level of profitability and until such time, we would not expect to recognize any significant tax benefits in our future results of operations, except as those benefits are realized on the tax return.
Long-Lived Asset and Goodwill: The impairment of Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. Goodwill impairment reviews are performed in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. The Company performs the goodwill impairment review in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, unless events or circumstances change.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2002, FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” was issued. The interpretation provides guidance on the guarantor’s accounting and disclosure requirements for guarantees, including indirect guarantees of indebtedness of others. The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements of the interpretation as of January 31, 2003. The accounting guidelines are applicable to guarantees issued after December 31, 2002 and require that the Company record a liability for the fair value of such guarantees in the balance sheet.
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure” which amended SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. This
Statement provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. It also amends the disclosure provisions to require prominent disclosure about the effects on reported net income of an entity’s accounting policy decisions with respect to stock-based employee compensation. The provisions of this Statement are to be applied to financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. As permitted by the Statement, the Company does not plan to adopt the fair value recognition provisions at this time. The Company has adopted the disclosure provisions of this Statement as of January 31, 2003.
In January 2003 FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” was issued. This interpretation requires a company to consolidate variable interest entities (“VIE”) if the enterprise is a primary beneficiary (holds a majority of the variable interest) of the VIE and the VIE passes specific characteristics. It also requires additional disclosures for parties involved with VIEs. The provisions of this interpretation are effective in fiscal year 2004. The Company does not expect the adoption of this interpretation will have an impact on its consolidated financial position or results in operation.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company’s financial results are affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in the foreign markets in which products are sold. The Company’s primary currency exposures are European Common Currency (Euro), British Pound, and Canadian Dollar. At January 31, 2003, the Company’s investment in foreign assets was $0.8 million. An overall unfavorable change in foreign exchange rates of 10% would have resulted in an additional net loss of approximately $86,000 and a $240,000 reduction in shareholders’ equity as a result of the impact on the cumulative translation adjustment.
The Company, on occasion, utilizes foreign exchange option contracts to minimize its exposure associated with unfavorable changes in foreign exchanges rates on certain foreign denominated receivables. At January 31, 2003, the Company did not have any open contracts. The functional currencies of the Company’s foreign affiliates are their respective local operating currencies, which are translated for consolidated financial reporting purposes into U.S. dollars.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The consolidated financial statements required under this item are submitted as a separate section of this report on the pages indicated at Item 15(a)(1). The supplementary data regarding annual results of operations is set forth in the following table.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Quarters Ended | ||||||||||||||||
May 4, 2002 | August 3, 2002 | November 2, 2002 | January 31, 2003* | |||||||||||||
Net Sales | $ | 11,381 |
| $ | 12,923 |
| $ | 11,747 |
| $ | 12,922 |
| ||||
Gross Profit | $ | 3,808 |
| $ | 4,856 |
| $ | 4,390 |
| $ | 5,031 |
| ||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | (632 | ) | $ | 156 |
| $ | (311 | ) | $ | (1,095 | ) | ||||
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share—Basic and Diluted | $ | (0.15 | ) | $ | 0.04 |
| $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.26 | ) | ||||
May 5, 2001 | August 4, 2001 | November 3, 2001 | January 31, 2002 | |||||||||||||
Net Sales | $ | 12,436 |
| $ | 12,132 |
| $ | 12,399 |
| $ | 12,424 |
| ||||
Gross Profit | $ | 5,052 |
| $ | 4,766 |
| $ | 4,441 |
| $ | 4,847 |
| ||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 150 |
| $ | (194 | ) | $ | (230 | ) | $ | 41 |
| ||||
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share—Basic and Diluted | $ | 0.04 |
| $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | 0.01 |
|
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
On June 28, 2002, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting under Item 4—changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant that the Board of Directors replaced Arthur Andersen LLP as Astro-Med, Inc.’s independent public accountants and on July 9, 2002, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting under Item 4—changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant that the Board of Directors engaged Ernst & Young LLP to serve as Astro-Med, Inc.’s independent public accountants for its fiscal year ending January 31, 2003.
PART III
Item 11. | Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers |
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the RegistrantCOMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
The response to this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2003 annual meeting of shareholders.
The following is a list of the names and ages of, and the positions and offices presently held by, all executive officers of the Company. All officers serve at the pleasureCompensation Committee of the Board of Directors.Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) is charged with the responsibility for establishing, implementing and monitoring adherence to the Company’s compensation philosophy and assuring that executives and key management personnel are effectively compensated in a manner which is internally equitable. The Committee also is responsible for reviewing and recommending to the Board the compensation of directors.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives.Our overall philosophy in terms of executive compensation is to link management incentives with the actual financial performance of the Company. Similarly, the compensation should attract, retain and motivate highly qualified individuals to achieve the Company’s business goals and link their interests with shareholder interests. In setting compensation for our executive officers, the Committee considers the executive’s performance, awards, if any, made during prior years and other relevant factors. We seek to have the long-term performance of our common stock reflected in executive compensation through our equity incentive programs.
Elements of Compensation. Our total compensation program for executive officers consists of the following:
salary;
cash incentive and bonus awards tied to the Company’s and employee’s annual performance;
long-term incentive compensation, historically in the form of stock options; and
retirement and other benefits.
We choose to pay each element of compensation in order to attract and retain the necessary executive talent, reward annual performance and provide incentive for both long-term strategic goals as well as short-term performance. Our policy for allocating between currently paid and long-term compensation is to ensure adequate base compensation to attract and retain personnel, while providing incentives to maximize long-term value for our shareholders.
Setting Executive Compensation. The Committee is responsible for establishing and periodically reviewing the compensation of our executive officers and approving all equity awards. The Committee annually reviews the performance of the executive officers and, based on these reviews, the Committee determines salary adjustments and annual award amounts of our executive officers.
Salary. Base salaries for our executive officers were established a number of years ago. Historically, base salaries have been increased at annual rates which approximate the general rates of increase of compensation for all employees of the Company. For fiscal year 2008, we increased the compensation of the Company’s employees and executive officers by 3%. Historically, annual salary adjustments were approved to be effective on the anniversary of the executive’s original date of hire. Commencing with fiscal 2009, annual salary adjustments have been made effective April 1 of each year.
Cash Incentive and Bonus Awards. The Committee has adopted a management bonus plan for the purpose of providing incentive compensation to employees of the Company. Awards under the management bonus plan are based on the Company’s achieving specified financial objectives, such as net income and return on net assets, as well as each individual’s specific business objectives. The specified threshold and target financial objectives and business objectives and the related bonus payouts are established annually by the Committee and, accordingly, individual awards may vary, up or down, from year to year. Bonuses paid or accrued for fiscal year 2008 under our management bonus plan to all executive officers was $169,976 which represented approximately 23% of their maximum bonus opportunity. Bonuses paid to our “Named Executive Officers” (as defined on page 8 below) under our management bonus plan, except for Michael Morawetz who is not a participant in the Company’s management bonus plan, are reflected in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table below.
In addition, to our management bonus plan, we have sometimes awarded cash bonus awards to our executive officers to reward their efforts in extraordinary circumstances. Such cash awards are made at the discretion of the Committee. For fiscal year 2008, Michael Morawetz was awarded a cash bonus due to the performance of the Company’s international sales branches for the 2008 fiscal year. This bonus was awarded under a plan established by the Company which awards cash bonuses to the Company’s branch offices based on certain financial objectives to be obtained by those branches. Upon attainment of the objectives, bonuses awarded to any branch office are then allocated amongst a pool of individuals at such offices at the discretion of the CEO.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation. Total compensation at the executive level also includes long-term incentive awards granted under the Company’s Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. The objectives of the equity incentive program are to align executive and shareholder long-term interests by creating a strong and direct link between executive pay and total shareholder return, and to enable executives to develop and maintain a long-term stock ownership position in our common stock. Historically, all equity awards have been in the form of stock options which have generally been granted in March of each year at an exercise price of not less than 100% of the market price on the date of grant. Under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, the exercise price of all stock options must be at least 100% of the market price on the date of grant, provided that the exercise price for incentive stock options (ISOs) granted to any ten percent beneficial owner of our stock, which includes Mr. Ondis, must be not less than 110% of the market price on the date of grant. Since 2004, all options granted vest in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Prior to 2004, options vested seven months following the grant date. Under the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company is also able to make equity awards in the form of restricted stock, restricted units and performance units in addition to stock options, but has not done so to date.
Retirement and Other Benefits.In order to attract and retain key executives, we offer retirement benefits through a Profit-Sharing Plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plan for employees, including our executive officers.
Profit-Sharing Plan. We maintain a qualified Profit-Sharing Plan which provides retirement benefits to substantially all our employees and provides for contributions into a trust fund in such amounts as the Board of Directors may annually determine. Each eligible employee shares in contributions on the basis of relative (limited to $220,000) compensation. In addition, participants are permitted to defer up to 50% of their cash compensation and make contributions of such deferral to this plan through payroll deductions. The Company makes matching contributions equal to 50% of the first percent of compensation contributed and 25% of the second through fifth percent. The deferrals are made within the limits prescribed by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). The Profit-Sharing Plan provides for the vesting of 100% of matching contributions made by the Company to the account of the employee after three years of service. Contributions by an employee are 100% vested immediately. Effective April 1, 2007, we amended our Profit-Sharing Plan to increase the amount of our matching contributions to 50% of the first percent of compensation contributed and 25% of the second through the seventh percent.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan. We also have an Employee Stock Ownership Plan which provides retirement benefits to substantially all employees of the Company. Contributions in such amounts as the Board of Directors may annually determine are allocated among eligible employees on the basis of relative (limited to $100,000) compensation. Participants are 100% vested in any and all allocations to their accounts. Contributions, which may be in cash or stock, are invested by the Plan’s Trustee in shares of common stock of the Company.
Perquisites. In addition to the benefits described above, we provide automobile allowances to certain of our executive officers. Furthermore, prior to the adoption of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we made interest free loans to certain of our executive officers. As of April 25, 2007, all such loans were repaid in full. The amounts of any aforesaid automobile allowances to our Named Executive Officers are reflected in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table below.
We have no employment agreements with any of our executive officers and we do not provide any severance benefits to our executives other than those provided to employees generally. Severance benefits will vary based upon salary levels and length of service.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion & Analysis included above. Based on these reviews and discussions, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion & Analysis be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008 for filing with the SEC through incorporation by reference of this Proxy Statement.
| ||||||
|
| |||||
|
| |||||
| ||||||
|
|
| ||||
|
|
| ||||
|
| |||||
| ||||||
|
|
| ||||
|
|
| ||||
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
All
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table provides information regarding the total compensation paid or accrued by the Company to each of the persons named above have held the positions identified since January 31, 1985, except as indicated below.
Mr. Ondis has been a Director andits Chief Executive Officer since 1969. He was previously President and the(“CEO”), Chief Financial Officer (Treasurer)(“CFO”) and its three other highest paid executive officers other than the CEO and CFO (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”).
Because the Company’s management bonus plan is based on achieving specified performance goals, awards under the plan are not considered “Bonuses” for purposes of SEC rules and are listed below as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.”
Summary Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($)(a) | Stock Awards ($) | Option Awards ($)(b) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(c) | Change in Pension Value and Non- Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||||
Albert W. Ondis Chairman and CEO | 2008 | 256,685 | — | — | 46,557 | 33,983 | — | 16,407 | (d) | 353,632 | |||||||||
2007 | 245,624 | 397,422 | — | 37,554 | 40,574 | — | 34,124 | (e) | 755,298 | ||||||||||
Everett V. Pizzuti President and COO | 2008 | 239,029 | — | — | 46,557 | 32,181 | — | 28,837 | (f) | 346,604 | |||||||||
2007 | 238,733 | 168,332 | — | 37,554 | 38,412 | — | 33,641 | (g) | 516,672 | ||||||||||
Joseph P. O’Connell Senior Vice President, Treasurer and CFO | 2008 | 199,674 | — | — | 31,482 | 28,400 | — | 23,733 | (h) | 283,289 | |||||||||
2007 | 177,863 | 20,000 | — | 25,128 | 22,988 | — | 28,781 | (i) | 274,760 | ||||||||||
Elias G. Deeb Vice President – Media Products | 2008 | 149,605 | — | — | 27,201 | 20,810 | — | 2,764 | (j) | 200,380 | |||||||||
2007 | 146,181 | — | — | 22,345 | 18,628 | — | 3,691 | (k) | 190,845 | ||||||||||
Michael Morawetz Vice President – International Branches | 2008 | 175,708 | 52,582 | — | 5,884 | — | — | 24,706 | (l) | 258,880 | |||||||||
2007 | 158,424 | — | — | 3,714 | — | — | — | 162,138 |
(a) | Reflects discretionary cash bonuses. |
(b) | The amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, in accordance with SFAS 123R for stock options granted pursuant to the Company’s stock plans. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 6 to the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or around April 16, 2008. |
(c) | Reflects cash awards to the named individuals under the Company’s management bonus plan which is discussed in further detail under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above. |
(d) | Includes automobile allowance of $13,865, employer match under Profit Sharing Plan of $2,011 and employer contribution to Employee Stock Ownership Plan of $531. |
(e) | Includes imputed interest calculated at 4.71% in the amount of $15,149 on loan from Company in original principal amount of $321,640, automobile allowance of $15,290, employer match under Profit Sharing Plan of $3,115 and employer contribution to Employee Stock Ownership Plan of $570. |
(f) | Includes automobile allowance of $16,397, non-cash automobile income related to personal use of $9,910, employer match under Profit Sharing Plan of $1,999 and employer contribution to Employee Stock Ownership Plan of $531. |
(g) | Includes imputed interest calculated at 4.71% in the amount of $6,200 on loan from Company in original principal amount of $131,624, automobile allowance of $16,460, non-cash automobile income related to personal use of $10,075, employer match under Profit Sharing Plan of $336 and employer contribution to Employee Stock Ownership Plan of $570. |
(h) | Includes automobile allowance of $19,352, employer match under Profit Sharing Plan of $3,850 and employer contribution to Employee Stock Ownership Plan of $531. |
(i) | Includes automobile allowance of $25,595, employer match under Profit Sharing Plan of $2,616 and employer contribution to Employee Stock Ownership Plan of $570. |
(j) | Includes employer match under Profit Sharing Plan of $2,233 and employer contribution to Employee Stock Ownership Plan of $531. |
(k) | Includes imputed interest calculated at 4.71% in the amount of $942 on loan from Company in original principal amount of $20,000, employer match under Profit Sharing Plan of $2,179 and employer contribution to Employee Stock Ownership Plan of $570. |
(l) | Reflects non-cash automobile income related to personal use. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information on all outstanding equity awards held by each of the Company from 1969 to 1985.Named Executive Officers as of January 31, 2008.
Name | Option Grant Date | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) Exercisable | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) Unexercisable(a) | Option Exercise Price($) | Option Expiration Date | ||||||
Albert W. Ondis | 03/25/1998 | 34,375 | — | 5.9091 | 03/25/2008 | (b) | |||||
03/23/1999 | 34,375 | — | 3.5909 | 03/23/2009 | (b) | ||||||
03/20/2000 | 103,125 | — | 5.4546 | 03/20/2010 | (b) | ||||||
03/19/2001 | 85,250 | — | 3.1364 | 03/19/2011 | (b) | ||||||
03/18/2002 | 85,250 | — | 2.6909 | 03/18/2012 | (b) | ||||||
04/19/2004 | 30,938 | 10,312 | 8.7273 | 04/19/2014 | (c) | ||||||
03/20/2006 | 5,313 | 15,937 | 7.9316 | 03/20/2016 | (c) | ||||||
04/12/2007 | 0 | 14,000 | 11.4450 | 04/12/2017 | (c) | ||||||
Everett V. Pizzuti | 03/25/1998 | 34,375 | — | 5.9091 | 03/25/2008 | (b) | |||||
03/23/1999 | 34,375 | — | 3.5909 | 03/23/2009 | (b) | ||||||
11/27/1999 | 12,375 | — | 4.5455 | 11/27/2009 | (b) | ||||||
03/20/2000 | 103,125 | — | 5.4546 | 03/20/2010 | (b) | ||||||
03/19/2001 | 85,250 | — | 3.1364 | 03/19/2011 | (b) | ||||||
03/18/2002 | 14,300 | — | 2.6909 | 03/18/2012 | (b) | ||||||
04/19/2004 | 30,938 | 10,312 | 8.7273 | 04/19/2014 | (c) | ||||||
03/20/2006 | 5,313 | 15,937 | 7.9316 | 03/20/2016 | (c) | ||||||
04/12/2007 | 0 | 14,000 | 11.4450 | 04/12/2017 | (c) | ||||||
Joseph P. O’Connell | 03/25/1998 | 13,750 | — | 5.9091 | 03/25/2008 | (b) | |||||
03/23/1999 | 27,500 | — | 3.5909 | 03/23/2009 | (b) | ||||||
03/20/2000 | 34,375 | — | 5.4546 | 03/20/2010 | (b) | ||||||
03/20/2000 | 34,375 | — | 5.4546 | 03/20/2010 | (b) | ||||||
03/19/2001 | 55,000 | — | 3.1364 | 03/19/2011 | (b) | ||||||
03/18/2002 | 66,687 | — | 2.6909 | 03/18/2012 | (b) | ||||||
03/31/2003 | 13,750 | — | 2.4000 | 03/31/2013 | (b) | ||||||
04/19/2004 | 15,469 | 5,156 | 8.7273 | 04/19/2014 | (c) | ||||||
03/21/2005 | 4,688 | 4,687 | 6.7680 | 03/21/2015 | (c) | ||||||
03/20/2006 | 3,516 | 10,546 | 7.9316 | 03/20/2016 | (c) | ||||||
04/12/2007 | 0 | 10,000 | 11.4450 | 04/12/2017 | (c) |
Mr. Pizzuti was previously a Vice President
Name | Option Grant Date | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) Exercisable | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) Unexercisable(a) | Option Exercise Price($) | Option Expiration Date | ||||||
Elias G. Deeb | 03/25/1998 | 10,312 | — | 5.9091 | 03/25/2008 | (b) | |||||
03/23/1999 | 10,312 | — | 3.5909 | 03/23/2009 | (b) | ||||||
11/27/1999 | 4,125 | — | 4.5455 | 11/27/2009 | (b) | ||||||
03/20/2000 | 20,625 | — | 5.4546 | 03/20/2010 | (b) | ||||||
03/19/2001 | 20,625 | — | 3.1364 | 03/19/2011 | (b) | ||||||
03/18/2002 | 6,875 | — | 2.6909 | 03/18/2012 | (b) | ||||||
03/31/2003 | 13,750 | — | 2.4000 | 03/31/2013 | (b) | ||||||
04/19/2004 | 10,313 | 3,437 | 8.7273 | 04/19/2014 | (c) | ||||||
03/21/2005 | 3,125 | 3,125 | 6.7680 | 03/21/2015 | (c) | ||||||
03/20/2006 | 2,344 | 7,031 | 7.9316 | 03/20/2016 | (c) | ||||||
04/12/2007 | 0 | 10,000 | 11.4450 | 04/12/2017 | (c) | ||||||
Michael Morawetz | 04/19/2004 | 1,546 | 516 | 8.7273 | 04/19/2014 | (c) | |||||
03/21/2005 | 469 | 468 | 6.7680 | 03/21/2015 | (c) | ||||||
03/20/2006 | 234 | 703 | 7.9316 | 03/20/2016 | (c) | ||||||
04/12/2007 | 0 | 3,500 | 11.4450 | 04/12/2017 | (c) |
(a) | Option awards are adjusted to reflect Company’s May 2004 stock dividend and June 2006 stock split. |
(b) | Options vested in full on the seven month anniversary of the Option Grant Date. |
(c) | Options vest in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the Option Grant Date. |
Grants of the Company functioning as Chief Operating Officer since 1971.Plan Based Awards
Mr. O’Connell joined the Company in 1996. He previously held senior financial management positions with Cherry Tree Products Inc., IBI Corporation and Dennison Manufacturing Company. Mr. O’Connell is also Assistant SecretaryThe following table provides information on all grants of the Company.
Mr. Chatten joined the Company in December 1999 as President of Grass-Telefactor Product Group. Prior to that, Mr. Chatten was founder and President of Telefactor Corporation which was acquired by Astro-Med in December 1999.
Mr. Deeb has held the position identified since 1987. In 1985, he was named General Manager—Media Products after having been Vice President and General Manager since 1981 of a business soldplan based awards by the Company in 1984.fiscal year 2008 to each Named Executive Officer.
Name | Grant Date | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) | All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) | Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards($) (a) | |||||
Albert W. Ondis | 04/12/07 | — | 14,000 | 11.45 | 64,820 | |||||
Everett V. Pizzuti | 04/12/07 | — | 14,000 | 11.45 | 64,820 | |||||
Joseph P. O’Connell | 04/12/07 | — | 10,000 | 11.45 | 46,300 | |||||
Elias G. Deeb | 04/12/07 | — | 6,500 | 11.45 | 30,095 | |||||
Michael Morawetz | 04/12/07 | — | 3,500 | 11.45 | 16,205 |
Mr. Sullivan was appointed Vice President
(a) | Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 6 to the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or around April 16, 2008. |
Option Exercises and Chief Technology Officer in 2000. He is an electronic engineer and has been with the Company for eighteen years.
Mr. Petrarca was appointed Vice President of Instrument Manufacturing in November 1998. He has previously held positions as General Manager of Manufacturing, Manager of Grass Operations and Manager of Grass Sales. He has been with the Company since 1980.
Mr. Silveira joined the Company in 2000. He previously held financial management positions with Textron Inc., most recently serving in the Industrial Products, Mergers & Acquisitions group and with KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. He is a certified public accountant.
Item 11. Executive CompensationStock Vested
The response to this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2003 annual meeting of shareholders.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The response to this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2003 annual meeting of shareholders.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forthprovides information abouton all exercises of options by the Named Executive Officers during the Company’s equity compensation plans as of January 31, 2003:2008 fiscal year.
Plan Category | Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuances Under Equity Compensation Plans | |||
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders | (1) | $6.03 | (2) | |||
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders | — | N/A | — | |||
Total | (1) | $6.03 | (2) |
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||
Name | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)(a) | Value Realized on Exercise($)(b) | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting(#) | Value Realized on Vesting($) | ||||
Albert W. Ondis | 34,375 | 185,343 | — | — | ||||
Everett V. Pizzuti | 34,375 | 170,562 | — | — | ||||
Joseph P. O’Connell | 10,312 | 59,313 | — | — | ||||
Elias G. Deeb | 13,750 | 125,950 | — | — | ||||
Michael Morawetz | — | — | — | — |
(b) | Based on difference between the closing market price of |
Compensation of Directors
The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending to the Board of Directors the compensation of the directors of the Company. Messrs. Hopkins, MacLetchie and Viets are paid an annual retainer of $3,500 plus $500 for each Board and committee meeting attended (including attendance through telephonic means). Directors who are also officers or employees of the Company are not entitled to receive any compensation in addition to their compensation for services as officers or employees.
Those directors who are not also officers and employees of the Company have received options to purchase common stock under the Company’s Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Plan”) as compensation for their services to the Company. Under the Director Plan, Messrs. Hopkins and Viets each received non-qualified options to purchase 1,375 shares of common stock on May 20, 1996, the date the Company’s shareholders approved the Director Plan and Mr. MacLetchie received a non-qualified option to purchase 1,375 shares of common stock upon his initial election to the Board of Directors on May 14, 2002. These options vested six months after the grant date. The Director Plan expired on May 31, 2006. Under the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, each non-employee director receives non-qualified options to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock upon the adjournment of each annual meeting or special meeting in lieu of an annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company. These options have a term of ten years and become exercisable immediately prior to the occurrence of the next annual meeting following the date the option is granted.
The following Director Compensation table provides information regarding the compensation paid or accrued by each individual who was a director during the 2008 fiscal year.
Name | Total ($) | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Option Awards ($)(a)(b) | All Other Compensation | ||||||||
Jacques Hopkins | $ | 25,032 | $ | 8,000 | $ | 17,032 | $ | 0 | ||||
Graeme MacLetchie | 25,032 | 8,000 | 17,032 | 0 | ||||||||
Albert W. Ondis(c) | — | — | — | 0 | ||||||||
Everett V. Pizzuti(c) | — | — | — | 0 | ||||||||
Hermann Viets | 25,032 | 8,000 | 17,032 | 0 |
(a) | The amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, in accordance with SFAS 123R for stock options granted |
(c) | See Summary Compensation Table and Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End Table for disclosure relating to compensation and outstanding option awards of Messrs. Ondis and Pizzuti. |
Additional information regarding these equity compensation plans is contained in Note 5 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15 hereto.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The response to this item is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2003 annual meeting of shareholders.
PART IV
Item 14. Controls