UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

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

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 20142017

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                    to                    

Commission file number 0-13200

 

 

Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Rhode Island 05-0318215

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

600 East Greenwich Avenue,

West Warwick, Rhode Island

 02893
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (401) 828-4000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

NoneCommon Stock, $.05 Par Value NoneNASDAQ Global Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Common Stock, $.05 Par Value

(Title of Class)

Indicate 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 the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by checkmark 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 the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statement incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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.

 

Large accelerated filer    ¨ Accelerated filer    ¨  Non-accelerated filer    ¨  Smaller reporting company    x
   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common equity held by non-affiliates at August 2, 2013July 29, 2016 was approximately $64,654,717$85,985,000 based on the closing price on the Nasdaq Global Market on that date.

As of March 28, 201424, 2017 there were 7,604,7347,525,046 shares of Common Stock (par value $0.05 per share) of the registrant outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 20142017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K where indicated.

 

 

 


ASTRO-MED,ASTRONOVA, INC.

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

        Page
PART I      
Item 1.    

Business

  3-6
Item 1A.    

Risk Factors

  6-116-13
Item 1B.    

Unresolved Staff Comments

  1113
Item 2.    

Properties

  1214
Item 3.    

Legal Proceedings

  1214
Item 4.    

Mine Safety Disclosures

  1214
PART II      
Item 5.    

Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

  13-1515-17
Item 6.    

Selected Financial Data

  1517
Item 7.    

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  15-2217-27
Item 7A.    

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  2227
Item 8.    

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

  2328
Item 9.    

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

  2328
Item 9A.    

Controls and Procedures

  2328
Item 9B.    

Other Information

  2328
PART III      
Item 10.    

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

  24-2529-30
Item 11.    

Executive Compensation

  2530
Item 12.    

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters

  25-2630
Item 13.    

Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence

  2631
Item 14.    

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

  2631
PART IV      
Item 15.    

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

  2732
Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

32

ASTRO-MED,ASTRONOVA, INC.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We generally use the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “likely,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including those concerning our expectations, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to, those factors set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The reader is cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

PART I

Item 1.Business

General

Unless otherwise indicated, references to “Astro-Med,“AstroNova,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K refer to Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Astro-MedAstroNova designs, develops, manufactures and distributes a broad range of specialty printers and data acquisition and analysis systems, including both hardware and software, which incorporate advanced technologies in order to acquire, store, analyze, and present data in multiple formats. Target markets for hardware and software products of the Company include aerospace, apparel, automotive, avionics, chemicals, computer peripherals, communications, distribution, food and beverage, general manufacturing, packaging and transportation.

The Company’s products are distributed through its own sales force and authorized dealers in the United States. We sell to customers outside of the United States primarily through our branch offices in Canada, Europe and EuropeAsia as well as withthrough independent dealers and representatives. Approximately 30% of the Company’s sales in fiscal 20142017 were to customers located outside the United States.

Astro-Med operates itsWe operate the business through two operating segments, Astro-MedProduct Identification (previously known as the QuickLabel segment) and Test & Measurement (T&M) and QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel). Financial information by business segment and geographic area appears in Note 1213 to the Consolidated Financial Statements ofour audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.report.

On January 31, 2013, the CompanyJune 19, 2015, we completed the sale of substantially allasset purchase of the assets of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass) in order to focus on its existing core businesses. The Grass Technologies Product Group manufactured polysomnography and electroenecephalography systems for both clinical and research use along with the related accessories and proprietary electrodes. Consequently, the Company has classified the results of operationsaerospace printer product line from Rugged Information Technology Equipment Corporation (RITEC). Our aerospace printer product line is part of the Grass Technologies Product GroupT&M product group and is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.part of the T&M segment. We began shipment of the RITEC products in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Refer to Note 19, “Discontinued Operations,2, “Acquisition,” in the Consolidated Financial Statementsour audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

On February 1, 2017, AstroNova completed its acquisition of TrojanLabel ApS (TrojanLabel) a European manufacturer of digital color label presses and specialty printing systems for a further discussion.broad range of end markets. TrojanLabel will be reported as part of our Product Identification segment beginning with the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Refer to Note 20, “Subsequent Event,” in our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

The following description of our business should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” on pages 1517 through 1827 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Description of Business

Product Overview

Astro-Med designs, manufactures,AstroNova leverages its expertise in data visualization technologies to design, manufacture and marketsmarket specialty printers, data acquisitionprinting systems, test and measurement systems and related services that servefor select growing markets on a global basis. OurThe business consists of two segments, Product Identification, which includes specialty printers and data acquisitionprinting systems sold under the brand namesname QuickLabel® Systems (QuickLabel®) and Astro-Med® Test & Measurement (T&M)., which includes test and measurement systems sold under the AstroNova™ brand name. Refer to Note 13, “Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information,” in our audited consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for financial information regarding the Company’s segments.

Products sold under the QuickLabel® brand are used in industrial and commercial product packaging, branding and automatic identificationlabeling applications to digitally print custom labels and corresponding visual content on demand. Products sold under the Astro-Med T&MAstroNova brand acquire and record visual and electronic signal data to electronic mediafrom local and networked data streams and sensors. The recorded data is processed and analyzed and then stored and presented in various visual output formats. In the aerospace market, print the output inCompany has a long history of using its data visualization technologies to provide high-resolution on ruggedized airborne printers.

Product Identification

Products sold under the QuickLabel brand products include tabletop and work cell-ready digital color label printers and specialty OEM printing systems as well as a full line of consumables including labels, tags, ink,inks, toner and thermal transfer ribbon.ribbons. In addition, QuickLabel Systemsthe Product Identification segment sells special software used to design labels for a wide variety of applications especially in the field of packaging. QuickLabeland print them on an automated basis and also provides training and support aroundon a worldwide basis via highly trained service technicians.

Through the clock with its staff of service technicians located at headquarters as well as in the field.

With itsQuickLabel line, our Product Identification segment offers a broad range of entry-level, mid-range, and high-performance digital label printers, QuickLabel Systems is able to provide itsproviding customers a continuous path to upgrade to new labeling products. QuickLabelsolutions designed, manufactured and sold by the Company. Product Identification segment products are primarily sold to manufacturers, processors, and retailers who label products on a short-run basis. Users canQuickLabel’s customers benefit from the timeefficiency, flexibility and cost-savings of digitally printing their own labels on-site and on-demand. IndustriesIndustry segments that commonly benefit from short-run label printing include apparel, chemicals, cosmetics, food and beverage, medical products, and pharmaceuticals, among many other packaged goods.others.

Current QuickLabel models include the Kiaro!, a family of high-speed inkjet color label printer;printers, the Kiaro! 200, a wider format high-speed inkjet color label printer; the Vivo! Touch, a electrophotographicQL-111 industrial color label printer developed to print full-color variable information labels in an office or factory; and the Xe series of digitalQL-800 wide format color label printers utilizing thermal transfer technology. QuickLabel also sells and supports its Pronto!printer, as well as a family of barcode printers which utilize single color-thermal transfer label printing technology.printers.

T&M

Products sold under the Astro-MedAstroNova T&M brand acquire and record visual and electronic signal data to electronic mediafrom local and print thenetworked data streams and sensors. The recorded data is processed and analyzed and then stored and presented in various visual output onto paper.formats. The Company supplies a range of products and services that include hardware, software and consumables to customers who are in a variety of industries.

Astro-Med Test & MeasurementOur T&M products include the DashDaxus® MX portable data acquisition system, TMX® high-speed data acquisition system, DashDDX100 SmartCorder® 8HF-HSportable data recorders, Everest® telemetry recorders,acquisition system, EVX multi-channel chart recording system, ToughWriter® rugged printers, Miltope, Miltope-brand and RITEC-brand airborne printers and ToughSwitch® ruggedized Ethernet switches.

Astro-Med’s ruggedized

AstroNova airborne printers are used primarily in aerospace applications in the flight deck and in the cabin of military, commercial and commercialbusiness aircraft to print hard copies of landing strips,data required for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including navigation maps, arrival and departure procedures, flight itineraries, weather maps, connecting gate information,performance data, passenger data, and ground communications.various air traffic control data. ToughSwitch Ethernet switches are used in military aircraft and military vehicles to connect multiple computers or Ethernet devices together. These productsdevices. The airborne printers and Ethernet switches are ruggedized to comply with rigorous military and commercial flightworthiness standards for operation under extreme environmental conditions. The Company is currently furnishing ToughWriter cockpitairborne printers for numerous aircraft made by Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier, Lockheed, Gulfstream and others. On January 22, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of the Ruggedized Printer Product line from the Miltope Corporation (Miltope), a company of VT Systems. The Miltope line of printers expands Astro-Med’s portfolio of ruggedized printers designed for use in the aviation market to include several models of both wide and narrow format printers.

The Company’s family of portable data recorders areis used in R&Dresearch and development (R&D) and maintenance applications in aerospace and defense, energy discovery and production operations, rapid rail, automotive, R&D centers, and a variety of other transportation and industrial applications. The TMX data acquisition system is designed for data capture of long-term testing

in aerospace, automotive, and other industrial applications where the ability to monitor high channel counts and accept and view a wide variety of input signals, including time-stamped and synchronized video capture data and audio notation is important.

Everest telemetry recorders The Daxus and DDX 100 SmartCorder are used widelyboth powerful instruments designed for portability and ease of use in the aerospace industryfacilities maintenance applications, field work, test cells and transportation. Daxus and DDX100 SmartCorder can be linked to monitorincrease channel count and track space vehicles, aircraft, missiles and other systems in flight.can also be networked for distributed data collection.

Technology

TheOur core technologies of Astro-Medare data visualization technologies that relate to (1) acquiring data, (2) conditioning the data, (3) displaying the data on hard copy, monitor or electronic storage media, and (4) analyzing the data.

Patents and Copyrights

Astro-Med holdsWe hold a number of product patents in the United States and in foreign countries. The Company copyrights its softwareWe rely on a combination of copyright, patent, trademark and registers itstrade secret laws in the United States and other jurisdictions to protect our technology and brand trademarks.name. While we consider our patentsintellectual property to be important to the operation of our business, we do not believe that any existing patent, license, trademark or other intellectual property right is of such importance that its loss or termination would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business taken as a whole.

Manufacturing and Supplies

Astro-Med manufactures mostWe manufacture many of the products that it designswe design and sells.sell. Raw materials and supplies are typically available from a wide variety of sources. Astro-Med manufacturesWe manufacture most of the sub-assemblies and parts in housein-house including printed circuit board assemblies, harnesses, machined parts, and general final assembly. Many parts are standard electronic items available from multiple sources. OthersOther parts are parts designed by us that areand manufactured for us by outside vendors. There are a few parts that are sole source, but these parts could be sourced elsewhere with appropriate changes in the design of our product.

Product Development

Astro-Med maintainsWe maintain an active program of product research and development. During fiscal 20142017, 2016 and 2013,2015, we spent $5,072,000$6.3 million, $6.9 million and $3,816,000,$5.8 million, respectively, on Company-sponsored product development. In fiscal 2013, we also spent an additional $1,054,000 in research and development for our Grass segment, which is now reported as a discontinued operation. We expect our spending in research and development to continue at the same levels as prior years, even with the disposal of our Grass segment, as we are committed to continuous product development as essential to our organic growth.growth and expect to continue our focus on research and development efforts in fiscal 2018 and beyond.

Marketing and Competition

The Company competes worldwide in multiple markets. In the specialty printing field, we believe we lead the worldare a market leader in bench-toptabletop color label printing technology and in aerospace printers. In the data acquisition area, we believe that we are one of the leaders in portable high speed data acquisition systems.

We retain a leadership position by virtue of proprietary technology, product reputation, delivery, technical assistance, and service to customers. The number of competitors varies by product line. Our management believes that we have a market leadership position in many of the markets we serve. Key competitive factors vary among our product lines, but include technology, quality, service and support, distribution network, and breadth of product and service offerings.

Our products are sold by direct field salespersons as well as independent dealers and representatives. In the United States, the Company has factory-trained direct field salespeople located in major cities from coast to coast specializing in either Astro-MedProduct Identification or AstroNova T&M products or QuickLabel products. Additionally, we have direct field sales or service centers in Canada, China, France, Germany, Mexico, Southeast Asia and the United Kingdom staffed by our own

employees. employees, some of whom are third party contractors. In the rest of the world, Astro-Med utilizeswe utilize approximately 7090 independent dealers and representatives selling and marketing our products in 7557 countries.

No single customer accounted for 10% or more of our net salesrevenue in anyeither of the last twothree fiscal years.

International Sales

In fiscal 20142017, 2016 and 2013, net sales to2015, revenue from customers in various geographic areas outside the United States, primarily in Canada and Western Europe, amounted to $19,913,000$28.6 million, $26.4 million and $16,611,000,$26.8 million, respectively. Refer to Note 13, “Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information,” in our audited consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report for further financial information by geographic areas.

Order Backlog

Astro-Med’sOur backlog fluctuatesvaries regularly. It consists of a blend of orders for end userend-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 may not indicate future sales trends. Backlog at January 31, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015 was $14,013,000$17.6 million, $18.2 million and $6,151,000,$18.3 million, respectively.

Employees

As of January 31, 2014, Astro-Med2017, we employed 304 people.312 team members. We are generally able to satisfy our employment requirements. No employees are represented by a union. We believe that employee relations are good.

Other Information

The Company’s business is not seasonal in nature. However, our sales arerevenue is impacted by the size of certain individual transactions, which can cause fluctuations in salesrevenue from quarter to quarter.

Available Information

We make available on our website (www.astro-medinc.com)(www.astronovainc.com) the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and, if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These filings are also accessible on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

The following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating Astro-MedAstroNova, because such factors may have a significant impact on our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition. As a result of

the risk factors set forth below, actual results could differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently consider to be immaterial, may also impact our business operations.

Astro-Med’sAstroNova’s operating results and financial condition could be harmed if the markets into which we sell our productproducts decline or do not grow as anticipated.

Any decline in our customers’ markets or in their general economic conditions would likely result in a reduction in demand for our products. For example, although we have experiencedcontinued to experience measured progress, in fiscal 2014 and 2013, as sales have increased steadily from prior years, we are still affected by the continued global economic uncertainty as someuncertainty. Some of our customers remainmay be reluctant to make capital equipment purchases and are limitingor may defer certain of these purchases to future quarters. Some of our customers may also limit consumable product purchases to quantities necessary to satisfy immediate needs with no provisions to stock supplies for future use. Also, if our customers’ markets decline, we may not be able to collect on outstanding

amounts due to us. Such declines could harm our results of operations, financial position and cash flows and could limit our ability to continue to remain profitable.

Astro-Med’sAstroNova’s future revenue growth depends on our ability to develop and introduce new products and services on a timely basis and achieve market acceptance of these new products and services.

The markets for our products are characterized by rapidly changing technologies and accelerating product introduction cycles. Our future success depends largely upon our ability to address the rapidly changing needs of our customers by developing and supplying high-quality, cost-effective products, product enhancements and services on a timely basis and by keeping pace with technological developments and emerging industry standards. The success of our new products will also depend on our ability to differentiate our offerings from our competitors’ offerings, price our products competitively, anticipate our competitor’scompetitors’ development of new products, and maintain high levels of product quality and reliability. Astro-MedAstroNova spends a significant amount of time and effort related to the development of our Ruggedairborne and Color Printercolor printer products as well as our Test and Measurement data recorder products. Failure to further develop any of our new products and their related markets as anticipated could adversely affect our future revenue growth and operating results.

As Astro-Med introduceswe introduce new or enhanced products, we must also successfully manage the transition from older products to minimize disruption in customers’ ordering patterns, avoid excessive levels of older product inventories and provide sufficient supplies of new products to meet customer demands. The introduction of new or enhanced products may shorten the life cycle of our existing products, or replace sales of some of our current products, thereby offsetting the benefit of even a successful product introduction and may cause customers to defer purchasing existing products in anticipation of the new products. Additionally, when we introduce new or enhanced products, we face numerous risks relating to product transitions, including the inability to accurately forecast demand, manage excess and obsolete inventories, address new or higher product cost structures, and manage different sales and support requirements due to the type or complexity of the new products. Any customer uncertainty regarding the timeline for rolling out new products or Astro-Med’sAstroNova’s plans for future support of existing products may cause customers to delay purchase decisions or purchase competing products which would adversely affect our business and operating results.

Astro-MedAstroNova faces significant competition, and our failure to compete successfully could adversely affect our results of operations and financial conditioncondition..

While we do maintain a dominant position in our markets, weWe operate in an environment of significant competition, driven by rapid technological advances, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions and the demands of customers to become more efficient. Our competitors range from large international companies to relatively small firms. We compete on the basis of technology, performance, price, quality, reliability, brand, distribution and customer service and support. Our success in future performance is largely dependent upon our ability to compete successfully in the markets we

currently serve and to expand into additional market segments. Additionally, current competitors or new market entrants may develop new products with features that could adversely affect the competitive position of our products. To remain competitive, we must develop new products, services and applications and periodically enhance our existing offerings. If we are unable to compete successfully, we could lose market share and important customers to our competitors which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial position.

Astro-MedAstroNova is dependent upon contract manufacturers for some of our products. If these manufacturers do not meet our requirements, either in volume or quality, then we could be materially harmed.

We subcontract the manufacturing and assembly of certain of our products to an independent third partyparties at facilities located in various countries. Relying on subcontractors involves a number of significant risks, including:

 

Loss ofLimited control over the manufacturing process;

Potential absence of adequate production capacity;

 

Potential delays in production lead times;

 

Unavailability of certain process technologies; and

 

Reduced control over delivery schedules, manufacturing yields, quality and costs.

If one of our significant subcontractors becomes unable or unwilling to continue to manufacture these products in required volumes or fails to meet our quality standards, we will have to identify qualified alternate subcontractors or we will have to take over the manufacturing ourselves in as much as we own the designs, drawings, and bills of material for all our products.ourselves. Additional qualified subcontractors may not be available, or may not be available on a timely or cost competitive basis. Any interruption in the supply of, or increase in the cost of the products manufactured by third party subcontractors or failure of a subcontractor to meet quality standards could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

For certain components, and assembled products Astro-Medand consumables, AstroNova is dependent upon single or limited source suppliers. If these suppliers do not meet demand, either in volume or quality, then we could be materially harmed.

Although we use standard parts and components for our products where possible, we purchase certain components, and assembled products and consumables used in the manufacture of our products from a single source or limited supplier sources. If the supply of a key component, or assembled products or certain consumables were to be delayed or curtailed or, in the event a key manufacturing or sole vendor delays shipment of such components or completedassembled products, our ability to ship products in desired quantities and in a timely manner would be adversely affected. Our business, results of operations and financial position could also be adversely affected, depending on the time required to obtain sufficient quantities from the original source or, if possible, to identify and obtain sufficient quantities from an alternative source. Additionally, if any single or limited source supplier becomes unable or unwilling to continue to supply these components, or assembled products or consumables in required volumes, we will have to identify and qualify acceptable replacements or redesign our products with different components. Alternative sources may not be available, or product redesign may not be feasible on a timely basis. Any interruption in the supply of or increase in the cost of the components, and assembled products and consumables provided by single or limited source suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Any future action by the U.S. Congress lowering the federal corporate income tax rate, and/or limiting deductions and credits, and/or eliminating the federal corporate alternative minimum tax could result in the reduction of our deferred tax asset and a corresponding charge against earnings.

The net deferred tax asset reported on our balance sheet represents the net amount of income taxes expected to be received upon the reversal of temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities as measured

by enacted tax laws, and their bases as reported in the financial statements. As of January 31, 2017, the Company’s net deferred tax asset was computed using the federal statutory rate of 34%.

The President of the United States and members of Congress have announced plans to lower the federal corporate income tax rate from its current level of 35% and to eliminate the corporate alternative minimum tax. If these plans ultimately result in the enactment of new laws lowering the corporate income tax rate and/or eliminating the corporate alternative minimum tax, our net deferred tax asset would be re-measured resulting in a reduction of the deferred tax asset in the period of the law change and a corresponding charge against earnings.

The decision by British voters to exit the European Union may negatively impact our operations.

The June 2016 referendum by British voters to exit the European Union (“Brexit”) adversely impacted global markets and resulted in a sharp decline in the value of the British pound, as compared to the U.S. dollar and other currencies. As the U.K. negotiates its exit from the European Union, volatility in exchange rates and in U.K. interest rates may continue. In the near term, a weaker British pound compared to the U.S. dollar during a reporting period causes local currency results of our U.K. operations to be translated into fewer U.S. dollars; a weaker British pound compared to other currencies increases the cost of goods imported into our U.K. operations and may decrease the profitability of our U.K. operations; and a higher U.K. interest rate may have a dampening effect on the U.K. economy. In the longer term, any impact from Brexit on our U.K. operations will depend, in part, on the outcome of tariff, trade, regulatory and other negotiations.

AstroNova has significant inventories on hand.

We maintain a significant amount of inventory. Although we have provided an allowance for slow-moving and obsolete inventory, any significant unanticipated changes in future product demand or market conditions, including obsolescence or the uncertainty in the global market, could have an impact on the value of inventory and adversely impact our business, operating results and financial condition.

Compliance with new rules governing “conflict minerals” could adversely affect the availability of certain product components and our costs and results of operations could be materially harmed.

In July 2010,SEC rules require disclosures regarding the United States federal government enacted the Dodd-Frank Act which contained provisions that mandated the creationuse of rules by the SEC for public companies to ascertain the region of origin of certain minerals, commonly known as “conflict minerals,” used in the production of goods and if those minerals originated inminerals” mined from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or anand adjoining country. It may be possible that conflict minerals may be part of the supply chain in our industry and contained in our products. In August 2012, the SEC adopted a new rule requiring disclosures of conflict minerals that arecountries necessary to the functionality or production of products manufactured or contracted to be manufactured by public companies. The new rule,manufactured. We have determined that we use gold, tin and tantalum, each of which went into effect for calendar year 2013, requires a disclosure report to be filed withare considered “conflict minerals” under the SEC by May 31, 2014 and will requirerules, as they occur in electronic components supplied to us to perform due diligence and disclose whether or not our products contain such minerals and from which countries and source the minerals were obtained. The new rule could adversely affect the sourcing, availability, and pricing of minerals used in the manufacture of certain components usedour products. Because of this finding, we are required to conduct inquiries designed to determine whether any of the conflict minerals contained in Astro-Med’s products. In addition, we will incur additionalour products originated or may have originated in the conflict region or come from recycled or scrap sources. There are costs to complyassociated with thecomplying with these disclosure requirements, for conflict minerals, including costs relatedperforming due diligence in regards to determining the source of any of the relevantconflict minerals and metals used in our products, as well as costsin addition to the cost of possibleremediation or other changes to products, processes or sourcesservices of supplies that may be necessary as a consequence of such verification activities. As we use contract manufacturers for some of our products, we may not be able to sufficiently verify the origins of the relevant minerals used in our products through the due diligence procedures that we implement. We may also encounter challenges to satisfy those customers who require that all of the components of our products be certified as conflict-free, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage if we are unable to do so. As a result, our business, operating results and financial condition could be harmed.

Economic, political and other risks associated with international sales and operations could adversely affect Astro-Med’sAstroNova’s results of operations and financial position.

Because we sell our products worldwide, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. Revenue from international operations, which includes both direct and indirect sales to customers outside the U.S., accounted for approximately 30% of our total revenue for fiscal year 20142017, and we anticipate

that international sales will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenue. In addition, we have employees, suppliers, job functions and facilities located outside the U.S. Accordingly, our futurebusiness, operating results and financial condition could be harmed by a variety of factors, including:

 

Interruption to transportation flows for delivery of parts to us and finished goods to our customers;

 

Customer and vendor financial stability;

 

ChangesFluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

 

Changes in a specific country’s or region’s environment including political, economic, monetary, regulatory or other conditions;

 

Trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements;

 

Negative consequences from changes in tax laws;

 

Difficulty in managing and overseeing operations that are distant and remote from corporate headquarters;

 

Difficulty in obtaining and maintaining adequate staffing;

 

Differing labor regulations;

 

Differing protection of intellectual property;

 

Unexpected changes in regulatory requirements; and

 

Geopolitical turmoil, including terrorism and war.

Astro-Med’sAstroNova’s profitability is dependent upon our ability to obtain adequate pricing for our products and to improvecontrol our cost structure.

Our success depends on our ability to obtain adequate pricing for our products and services which provides a reasonable return to our shareholders. Depending on competitive market factors, future prices we obtain for our products and services may decline from previous levels. In addition, pricing actions to offset the effect of currency devaluations may not prove sufficient to offset further devaluations or may not hold in the face of customer resistance and/or competition. If we are unable to obtain adequate pricing for our products and services, our results of operations and financial position could be materially adversely affected.

We are continually reviewing our operations with a view towards reducing our cost structure, including but not limited to downsizing our employee base, exiting certain businesses, improving process and system efficiencies and outsourcing some internal functions. From time to time we also engage in restructuring actions to reduce our cost structure. If we are unable to maintain process and systems changes resulting from cost reduction and prior restructuring actions, our results of operations and financial position could be materially adversely affected.

Astro-MedAstroNova could incur liabilities as a result of installed product failures due to design or manufacturing defects.

Astro-MedAstroNova has incurred and could incur additional liabilities as a result of installed product failures due to design or manufacturing defects. Our products may have defects despite testing internally or by current or potential customers. These defects could result in among other things, a delay in recognition of sales, loss of sales, loss of market share, failure to achieve market acceptance or substantial damage to our reputation. We could be subject to material claims by customers, and may need to incur substantial expenses to correct any product defects.

In addition, through our acquisitions, we have assumed-andassumed, and may in the future assume, liabilities related to products previously developed by an acquired company that have not been throughsubjected to the same level of product development, testing and quality control processes used by us, and may have known or undetected errors.

Some types of errors may not be detected until the product is installed in a user environment. This may cause Astro-MedAstroNova to incur significant warranty and repair or re-engineering costs, may divert the attention of engineering personnel from product development efforts, and may cause significant customer relations problems such as reputational problems with customers resulting in increased costs and lower profitability.

Astro-MedAstroNova could experience disruptions in, or breach in security of our information technology system or fail to implement new systems or software successfully which could harm our business and adversely affect our results of operations.

Astro-Med employsWe employ information technology systems to support our business, including the ongoing phased implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in fiscal 2014 and 2015 for all of our U.S. operations. Securitybusiness. Any security breaches andor other disruptions to our information technology infrastructure could interfere with operations, compromise our information and that of our customers and suppliers, and expose us to liability which could adversely impact our business and reputation. In the ordinary course of business, we rely on information technology networks and systems, some of which are managed by third parties, to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities. Additionally, weWe also collect and store certain data, including proprietary business information, and may have access to confidential or personal information in certain of our businesses that is subject to privacy and security laws, regulations and customer-imposed controls. While we continually work to safeguard our systems and mitigate potential risks, there is no assurance that such actions will be sufficient to prevent cyber attacks or security breaches and our information technology networks and infrastructure may still be vulnerable to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to attack by hackers or breaches, employee error, power outages, computer viruses, telecommunication or utility failures, systems failures, natural disasters, catastrophic events or other unforeseen events. While we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, these types of threats to our information technology networks and infrastructure, none of them to date has had a material impact. There may be other challenges and risks as we upgrade and implement our new ERP system. Any such events could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or penalties under privacy laws, disruption in operations, and damage to the Company’s brand and reputation, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

Astro-MedAstroNova is subject to laws and regulations; failure to address or comply with these laws and regulations could harm our business and adversely affect our results of operations.

Our operations are subject to laws, rules, regulations, including environmental regulations, government policies and other requirements in each of the jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Changes in laws, rules, regulations, policies or requirements could result in the need to modify our products and could affect the demand for our products, which may have an adverse impact on our future operating results. In addition, we must comply with new regulations restricting our ability to include lead and certain other substances in our products. If we do not comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations we could be subject to costs and liabilities and our business may be adversely impacted.

Certain of our products require certifications by regulators or standards organizations, and our failure to obtain or maintain such certifications could negatively impact our business.

In certain industries and for certain products, such as those used in aircraft, we must obtain certifications for our products by regulators or standards organizations. If we fail to obtain required certifications for our products, or if we fail to maintain such certifications on our products after they have been certified, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Our operations are subject to anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and any determination that the Company or any of its subsidiaries has violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the UK Bribery Act and similar worldwide anti-corruption laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials and others for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Our internal policies mandate compliance

with these anti-corruption laws. We operate in parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree, and in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-corruption laws may conflict with local customs and practices. Despite our training and compliance programs, there can be no assurance that our internal control policies and procedures will protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by those of our employees or agents who violate our policies.

Certain of our operations and products are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, which may result in substantial compliance costs or otherwise adversely affect our business.

Our operations are subject to numerous federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment, including those that impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, establish standards for the use, treatment, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous materials and wastes, and govern the cleanup of contaminated sites. We have used and continue to use various substances in our products and manufacturing operations, and have generated and continue to generate wastes, which have been or may be deemed to be hazardous or dangerous. As such, our business is subject to and may be materially and adversely affected by compliance obligations and other liabilities under environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. These laws and regulations affect ongoing operations and require capital costs and operating expenditures in order to achieve and maintain compliance.

Adverse conditions in the global banking industry and credit markets may adversely impact the value of our investments or impair our liquidity.

At the end of fiscal 2014,2017, we had approximately $27$24.8 million of cash, cash equivalents and investments held for sale. Our cash and cash equivalents are held in a mix of money market funds, and bank demand deposit accounts and foreign bank accounts. Disruptions in the financial markets may, in some cases, result in an inability to access assets such as money market funds that traditionally have been viewed as highly liquid. Any failure of our counterpartcounterparty financial institutions or funds in which we have invested may adversely impact our cash and cash equivalent positions and, in turn, our financial position. Our investment portfolio consists of state and municipal securities with various maturity dates, all of which have a credit rating of AA or above at the original purchase date; however, defaults by the issuers of any of these securities may result in an adverse impact on our portfolio.

Astro-MedThe agreements governing our indebtedness subject us to various restrictions that may limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.

On February 28, 2017, we entered into a secured credit facility with Bank of America, N.A., as lender, pursuant to which we borrowed a term loan in the amount of $9.2 million and established a $10.0 million revolving line of credit. All amounts borrowed pursuant to the credit facility are required to be paid in full no later than January 31, 2022.

The agreements governing our secured credit facility subject us to various restrictions on our ability to engage in certain activities, including, among other things, our ability to:

Incur future indebtedness;

Place liens on assets;

Pay dividends or distributions on our and our subsidiaries’ capital stock;

Repurchase or acquire our capital stock;

Conduct mergers or acquisitions;

Sell assets; and/or

Alter our or our subsidiaries’ capital structure, to make investments and loans, to change the nature of their business, and to prepay subordinated indebtedness.

These restrictions may limit or restrict our cash flow and our ability to pursue business opportunities or strategies that we would otherwise consider to be in our best interests.

AstroNova may not realize the anticipated benefits of past or future acquisitions, divestitures and strategic partnerships, and integration of acquired companies or divestiture of businesses may negatively impact Astro-Med’sAstroNova’s overall business.

Astro-Med has, in the past, acquired orWe have made strategic investments in other companies, products and technologies, including our most recentJune 2015 acquisition in January 2014 of the Ruggedized Printer Product lineaerospace printer business from Miltope.RITEC. We may continue to identify and pursue acquisitions of complementary companies and strategic assets, such as customer bases, products and technology. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify suitable acquisition opportunities. In any acquisition that we complete we cannot be certain that:

 

We will successfully integrate the operations of the acquired business with our own;

 

All the benefits expected from such integration will be realized;

 

Management’s attention will not be diverted or divided, to the detriment of current operations;

 

Amortization of acquired intangible assets or possible impairment of acquired intangibles will not have a negative effect on operating results or other aspects of our business;

 

Delays or unexpected costs related to the acquisition will not have a detrimental effect on our business, operating results and financial condition;

 

Customer dissatisfaction with, or performance problems at, an acquired company will not have an adverse effect on our reputation; and

 

Respective operations, management and personnel will be compatible.

In certain instances as permitted by applicable law and NASDAQ rules, acquisitions may be consummated without seeking and obtaining shareholder approval, in which case shareholders will not have an opportunity to consider and vote upon the merits of such an acquisition. Although we will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular acquisition, there can be no assurance that we will properly ascertain or assess such risks.

Astro-MedWe may also divest certain businesses from time to time. On January 31, 2013, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Grass Technologies Product Group. Divestitures will likely involve risks, such as difficulty splitting up businesses, distracting employees, potential loss of revenue and negatively impacting margins, and potentially disrupting customer relationships. A successful divestiture depends on various factors, including our ability to:

 

Effectively transfer assets, liabilities, contracts, facilities and employees to the purchaser;

 

Identify and separate the intellectual property to be divested from the intellectual property that we wish to keep; and

 

Reduce fixed costs previously associated with the divested assets or business.

All of these efforts require varying levels of management resources, which may divert our attention from other business operations. Further, if market conditions or other factors lead us to change our strategic direction, we may not realize the expected value from such transactions.

If Astro-Med iswe are not able to successfully integrate or divest businesses, products, technologies or personnel that we acquire or divest, or able to realize expected benefits of our acquisitions, divestitures or strategic partnerships, Astro-Med’sAstroNova’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments

NoneNone.

Item 2.Properties

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 annual report.

 

Location

      Approximate     
Square
Footage

Footage
   

Principal Use

West Warwick, Rhode Island, USA

   135,500   Corporate headquarters, research and development, manufacturing, sales and service
*Rockland, Massachusetts, USA36,000Manufacturing
Slough, England1,700Sales and service

*This facility is currently classified as held for sale in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet included in this report.

Astro-MedAstroNova also leases facilities in various other locations. The following information pertains to each location:

 

Location

  Approximate
Square
Footage
   

Principal Use

Rodgau, Germany

   8,300   Manufacturing, sales and service

Brossard, Quebec, Canada

   7,9004,500   Manufacturing, sales and service

Elancourt, France

   4,1444,150Sales and service

Copenhagen, Denmark

2,434Manufacturing, sales and service (T&M only)

Maidenhead, England

1,000   Sales and service

Schaumburg, Illinois, USA

   630   Sales (Product Identification only)

Wilmington, Delaware, USAShanghai, China

   498170   Sales

El Dorado Hills, California, USA

273Sales (T&M only)

Newport Beach, California, USA

   151150   Sales (Product Identification only)

Mexico City, Mexico

65Sales (Product Identification only)

We believe our facilities are well maintained, in good operating condition and generally adequate to meet our needs for the foreseeable future.

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

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. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

 

Item 5.Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Astro-Med’sAstroNova common stock trades on Thethe NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “ALOT.” The following table sets forth the range of high and low closingsales prices and dividend data, as furnished by NASDAQ, for each quarter in the years ended January 31:

 

      High           Low       Dividends
    Per Share    
       High           Low       Dividends
    Per Share    
 

2014

      

2017

      

First Quarter

  $10.75    $9.24    $0.07    $15.69   $11.18   $0.07 

Second Quarter

  $11.47    $10.24    $0.07    $16.17   $13.49   $0.07 

Third Quarter

  $12.75    $10.64    $0.07    $16.41   $14.40   $0.07 

Fourth Quarter

  $14.02    $12.60    $0.07    $14.60   $12.50   $0.07 

2013

      

2016

      

First Quarter

  $8.52    $7.98    $0.07    $15.15   $12.43   $0.07 

Second Quarter

  $8.60    $7.70    $0.07    $15.20   $13.66   $0.07 

Third Quarter

  $8.98    $7.85    $0.07    $14.25   $12.00   $0.07 

Fourth Quarter

  $10.45    $8.40    $0.14    $15.94   $12.68   $0.07 

Astro-MedAstroNova had approximately 281288 shareholders of record as of March 24, 2014,2017, which does not reflect shareholders with beneficial ownership in shares held in nominee name.

Stock Performance Graph

The graph below shows a comparison of the cumulative total return on the Company’s common stock against the cumulative total returns for the NASDAQ Composite Index and the NASDAQ Electronic Components Index for the period of five fiscal years ended January 31, 2014 as prepared by the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP) and provided by NASDAQ.2017. The NASDAQ Total Return Composite Index is calculated using all companies trading on the NASDAQ Global Select, NASDAQ Global Market and the NASDAQ Capital Markets. The Index is weighted by the current shares outstanding and assumes dividends are reinvested. The NASDAQ Electronic Components Index, designated as the Company’s peer group index, is comprised of companies classified as electronic equipment manufacturers.

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*

Among AstroNova, Inc. the NASDAQ Composite Index

and the NASDAQ Electronic Components Index

 

   Cumulative Total Returns* 
   2009   2010   2011   2012   2013   2014 

Astro-Med, Inc.

  $100.00    $106.25    $111.21    $128.25    $166.61    $233.11  

NASDAQ Electronic Index

  $100.00    $155.20    $185.60    $177.86    $170.92    $214.92(a) 

NASDAQ Composite Index

  $100.00    $146.80    $186.46    $196.20    $222.17    $298.68(a) 
   Cumulative Total Returns* 
   FY2012   FY2013   FY2014   FY2015   FY2016   FY2017 

AstroNova, Inc.

  $100.00   $129.33   $180.99   $202.05   $216.33   $194.83 

NASDAQ Composite

  $100.00   $113.29   $151.56   $172.90   $172.62   $211.07 

NASDAQ Electronic Components

  $100.00   $93.49   $125.28   $158.72   $150.27   $221.02 

 

*Assumes $100$100 invested on February 1, 2009 with1/31/12 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividendsdividends.
(a)FiscalThe data used was for the period ended December 31, 2013, the last day this data was available from NASDAQyear ending January 31.

Dividend Policy

Astro-MedAstroNova began a program of paying quarterly cash dividends in fiscal 1992 and has paid a dividend for 90102 consecutive quarters. During fiscal 2014,2017, 2016 and 2015, we paid a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share in each quarter and anticipate that we will continue to pay comparable cash dividends on a quarterly basis. On December 18, 2012, the Board of Directors declared an additional cash dividend of $0.07 per share paid on December 31, 2012.

Stock Repurchases

Pursuant to an authorization approved by Astro-Med’sAstroNova’s Board of Directors in August 2011, the Company is currently authorized to repurchase up to 390,000 shares of common stock.stock, subject to any increase or decrease by the Board of Directors at any time. This is an ongoing authorization without any expiration date.

There were no stock repurchases during the quarter ended January 31, 2017.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company made the following repurchases of its common stock:

Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased
Average
Price paid
Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
Maximum Number
of Shares That
May Be
Purchased
Under The Plans
or  Programs

November 3 – November 30

—  390,000

December 1 – December 28

—  390,000

December 29 – January 31

  (a)   (a) —  390,000

(a)On January 7, 2014, an employee of the Company delivered 8,944 shares of the Company’s common stock to satisfy the exercise price for 13,250 stock options exercised. The shares delivered were valued at $12.93 per share and are included with treasury stock in the consolidated balance sheet. This transaction did not impact the number of shares authorized for repurchase under the Company’s current repurchase program.

Item 6.Selected Financial Data

We are a “smaller reporting company” and, as such, are not required to provide this information.Historical Financial Summary

Income Statement Data

(In thousands, except per share data)

  For the Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 

Revenue

  $98,448   $94,658   $88,347   $68,592   $61,224 

Gross profit

   39,489    38,158    36,977    26,983    23,728 

Operating income

   6,281    5,934    7,231    1,533    2,926 

Income from continuing operations

   6,605    6,909    6,932    1,237    2,038 

Income from discontinued operations

   —      —      —      1,975    8,729 

Net income

   4,228    4,525    4,662    3,212    10,767 

Net income per Common Share—Basic :

        

Continuing operations

  $0.57   $0.62   $0.61   $0.17   $0.28 

Discontinued operations

   —      —      —      0.26    1.18 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per Common Share – Basic

  $0.57   $0.62   $0.61   $0.43   $1.46 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per Common Share – Diluted :

        

Continuing operations

  $0.56   $0.61   $0.60   $0.16   $0.27 

Discontinued operations

   —      —      —      0.26    1.17 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per Common Share—Diluted

  $0.56   $0.61   $0.60   $0.42   $1.44 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends Declared per Common Share

  $0.28   $0.28   $0.28   $0.28   $0.28 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data

 

(In thousands)

  As of January 31, 
   2017   2016   2015   2014   2013 

Cash and Marketable Securities

  $24,821   $20,419   $23,132   $27,107   $39,508 

Current Assets

   61,697    54,514    59,289    65,034    70,122 

Total assets

   83,665    77,963    74,330    77,964    79,913 

Current liabilities

   11,985    9,548    9,569    9,892    13,525 

Shareholders’ equity

   70,537    67,373    63,511    66,614    63,837 

Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

Astro-MedAstroNova is a multi-national enterprise that designs, develops, manufactures, distributesleverages its proprietary data visualization technologies to design, develop, manufacture, distribute and servicesservice a broad range of products that acquire, store, analyze and present data in multiple formats. The Company organizes its structure around a core set of competencies, including research and development, manufacturing, service, marketing and distribution. It markets and sells its products and services through the following two sales product groups:segments:

 

QuickLabel Systems Product Group (QuickLabel)—Identification (previously QuickLabel) – offers product identification and label printer hardware, labeling software, servicing contracts, and label and ink consumable products that digitally print color labels on a broad range of label and tag substrates.products.

 

Test and Measurement Product Group (T&M)offers a suite of ruggedized printer products designed primarily for military and commercial aerospace applications to be used in the aerospaceservices that acquire and defense industry to print weather maps, communicationsrecord visual and other critical flight information. T&M also comprises a suite of telemetry recorder products sold to the aerospaceelectronic signal data from local and defense industries,networked data stream and sensors as well as portablewired and wireless networks. The recorded data acquisition recorders, which offer diagnosticis processed and test functionsanalyzed and then stored and presented in various visual output formats. The T&M segment also includes a line of aerospace printers that are used to a wide rangeprint hard copies of manufacturersdata required for the safe and efficient operation of aircraft including automotive, energy, papernavigation maps, arrival and steel fabrication.departure procedures, flight itineraries, weather maps,

On January 22, 2014, Astro-Med completed the acquisition of the ruggedized printer product line from Miltope Corporation (Miltope), a company of VT Systems, which is engaged in the design, development, manufacture and testing of ruggedized computers and computer peripheral equipment for military, industry and commercial applications. Astro-Med’s ruggedized printer product line is part of the Test & Measurement (T&M) product group and is reported as part of the T&M segment.

performance data, passenger data, and various air traffic control data. Aerospace products also include Ethernet switches which are used in military aircraft and military vehicles to connect multiple computers or Ethernet devices.

The results of the Miltope’s ruggedized printer product line operations since the acquisition date have been included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On January 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass) in order to focus on its existing core businesses. Grass manufactured polysomnography and electroenecephalography systems for both clinical and research use along with the related accessories and proprietary electrodes. Consequently, the Company has classified the results of operations of its Grass segment as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Astro-Med markets and sells its products and services globally through a diverse distribution structure of direct sales personnel, manufacturer’smanufacturers’ representatives and authorized dealers that deliver a full complement of branded products and services to customers in our respective markets.

Our growth strategy centers on organic growth through product innovation made possible by research and development initiatives, as well as strategic acquisitions that fit into or complement existing core businesses. Research and development activities arewere funded and expensed by the Company at approximately 7.4%6.4% of annual salesrevenue for fiscal 2014.2017. We also continue to invest in sales and marketing initiatives by expanding the existing sales force and using various marketing campaigns to achieve our goals of sales growth and increased profitability notwithstanding today’s challenging economic environment.

On June 19, 2015, we completed the asset purchase of the aerospace printer product line from RITEC. AstroNova’s aerospace printer product line is part of the T&M product group and is reported as part of the T&M segment. The Company began shipment of the RITEC products in the third quarter fiscal 2016. Refer to Note 2, “Acquisition,” in the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

On February 1, 2017, AstroNova completed its acquisition of TrojanLabel ApS (TrojanLabel), a European manufacturer of digital color label presses and specialty printing systems for a broad range of end markets. TrojanLabel will be reported as part of our Product Identification segment beginning with the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Refer to Note 20, “Subsequent Event,” in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Results of Operations

Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016

The following table presents the net salesrevenue of each of the Company’s segments, as well as the percentage of total salesrevenue and change from prior year. As previously noted, the Company’s Grass segment has been classified as a discontinued operation and therefore not presented in the table or discussion below.

 

($ in thousands)  2014 2013   2017 2016 
  Net
Sales
   As a % of
Total Net Sales
 % Change
Over Prior Year
 Net
Sales
   As a % of
Total Net Sales
   Revenue   As a % of
Total Revenue
 % Change
Over Prior Year
 Revenue   As a % of
Total Revenue
 

Product Identification

  $69,862    71.0  4.1 $67,127    70.9

T&M

  $19,527     28.5  10.7 $17,636     28.8   28,586    29.0  3.8  27,531    29.1

QuickLabel

   49,065     71.5  12.6   43,588     71.2
  

 

   

 

��

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total

  $68,592     100.0  12.0 $61,224     100.0  $98,448    100.0  4.0 $94,658    100.0
  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Fiscal 2014 compared to Fiscal 2013

Astro-Med’s salesNet revenue in fiscal 2014 were $68,592,000,2017 was $98.4 million, a 12.0%4.0% increase as compared to prior year salesrevenue of $61,224,000. Domestic sales$94.7 million. Revenue through domestic channels of $48,679,000 increased 9.1% from the$69.9 million was a slight increase compared to prior year salesdomestic revenue of $44,613,000.$68.3 million. International salesrevenue of $19,913,000$28.6 million increased 8.3% over prior year international revenue of $26.4 million somewhat as a result of the earlier release of new QuickLabel products. The current year’s international revenue includes an favorableunfavorable foreign exchange rate impact of $227,000 due to foreign exchange rates and reflects a 19.9% increase as compared to the prior year.$0.5 million.

Hardware salesrevenue in fiscal 2014 were $28,301,000,2017 was $33.8 million, a 12.4% increase as2.9% decrease compared to prior year’s salesrevenue of $25,169,000. Both product segments achieved double-digit growth$34.8 million. Hardware revenue in the Product Identification segment decreased 8.8% compared to prior year due to the anticipation of the introduction of new products in the third quarter of the current year with QuickLabel’s hardware sales up 13.7% and T&M’s hardware sales up 11.7%. The primary drivers of this increase relate to increases in T&M’s Ruggedized and TMX product lines and increases in sales from QuickLabel’sdelayed traction for new Kiaro! product line. The increaseproducts introduced. Hardware revenue in the current year’s hardware sales was tempered by lower sales of QuickLabel’s Vivo! and Zeo! product linesT&M segment increased slightly to $22.5 million from $22.4 million in the prior year, as well as athe overall decline in sales of T&M’s Dash recorder and data acquisitionrecorders was offset by a 6.0% increase in sales of the Aerospace product lines.line due to fulfillment during fiscal 2017 of orders received in previous years.

Consumable sales

Revenue from consumables in fiscal 2014 were $36,317,000,2017 was $56.2 million, representing an 11.6%8.5% increase as compared to prior year revenue of $51.8 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in label and tag product sales, as well as digital color printer supplies in the Product Identification segment. The double-digit increase in sales of $32,540,000. The key driver ofT&M’s chart paper products also made a contribution to the overall increase in consumable salesrevenue for the current year.

Service and other revenue in fiscal 2017 was $8.4 million, a 5.1% increase compared to prior year revenue of $8.1 million as the increase in parts revenue during the year was offset by declines in revenue from repairs service and freight.

The Company achieved gross profit of $39.5 million for fiscal 2017, reflecting a 3.5% improvement compared to prior year’s gross profit of $38.2 million. The Company’s gross profit margin of 40.1% in the current year reflects a decrease from the prior year’s gross profit margin of 40.3%. The higher gross profit for the current year compared to the prior year is primarily traceableattributable to increased revenue; the current year’s decrease in gross margin is due to product mix and higher manufacturing and period costs.

Operating expenses for the current year were $33.2 million, representing a 3.1% increase from the prior year’s operating expenses of $32.2 million. Specifically, selling and marketing expenses of $19.0 million in fiscal 2017 increased 3.9% from prior year’s amount of $18.2 million. Selling and marketing expense for both fiscal 2017 and 2016 represent 19.3% of net revenue. Current year general and administrative (G&A) expenses increased by 12.9% from prior year to $7.9 million primarily attributable to an increase in professional and outside service fees in fiscal 2017 related to non-recurring costs associated with the TrojanLabel acquisition. The increases in selling, marketing and G&A expenses for the current year were somewhat offset by a decrease in research & development (R&D) costs in fiscal 2017. R&D costs in fiscal 2017 of $6.3 million decreased 9.1% from $6.9 million in fiscal 2016, primarily due to a decrease in outside service costs related to the development and integration of the RITEC products. The R&D spending level for fiscal 2017 represents 6.4% of net revenue, a decrease compared to prior year’s level of 7.3%.

Other income in fiscal 2017 was $0.3 million compared to $1.0 million in the prior year. In addition to interest income, other income in the current year includes a gain on sale of a property we owned in England of $0.4 million and $0.1 million related to an amount retained from the RITEC escrow, somewhat offset by $0.2 million of foreign exchange loss for the year. Other income in fiscal 2016 included $0.2 million of income recognized from a settlement in an escrow account related to our 2014 acquisition of the aerospace printer line from the Miltope Corporation.

During fiscal 2017 the Company recognized a $2.4 million income tax expense and had an effective tax rate of 36.0%. Current year income tax expense included a $0.2 million tax expense related to non-deductible transaction costs for the TrojanLabel acquisition and a $0.2 million tax expense related to the increase for unrecognized tax benefits. This compares to an income tax expense of $2.4 million in fiscal 2016 and related effective tax rate of 34.5%. Prior year’s income tax expense included a $0.1 million tax expense related to an increase in valuation allowance.

Net income for fiscal 2017 was $4.2 million, providing a return of 4.3% on revenue and EPS of $0.56 per diluted share. On a comparable basis, net income for fiscal 2016 was $4.5 million, a return on revenue of 4.8% and EPS of $0.61 per diluted share.

Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015

The following table presents the revenue of each of the Company’s segments, as well as the percentage of total revenue and change from prior year.

($ in thousands)  2016  2015 
   Revenue   As a % of
Total Revenue
  % Change
Over Prior Year
  Revenue   As a % of
Total Revenue
 

Product Identification

  $67,127    70.9  12.3 $59,779    67.7

T&M

   27,531    29.1  (3.6)%   28,568    32.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $94,658    100.0  7.1 $88,347    100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue in fiscal 2016 was $94.7 million, a 7.1% increase compared to the prior year’s revenue of $88.3 million. Domestic revenue in fiscal 2016 of $68.3 million increased 11.1% from the prior year revenue of $61.5 million. International revenue of $26.4 million in fiscal 2016 reflects a 1.9% decrease compared to the prior year revenue of $26.8 million. International revenue for fiscal 2016 included an unfavorable foreign exchange rate impact of $3.0 million.

Hardware revenue in fiscal 2016 was $34.8 million, a 10.0% decrease compared to the prior year’s revenue of $38.7 million. Hardware revenue in both the T&M and Product Identification segments contributed to the lower volume of hardware shipments. Fiscal 2016 T&M hardware revenue decreased 8.9% compared to the prior year attributable to the decline in revenue from aerospace printers, as some customers were deferring the shipments of orders to later periods, and the decline in data recorder revenue due to the Company’s delay in the release of a new product. Product Identification hardware revenue declined 11.9% in fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of lower OEM monochrome and other color printer revenue. These declines in hardware revenue were slightly offset by increases in revenue from T&M’s data acquisition product line, as well as an increase in revenue from the Kiaro! series printers in the Product Identification segment.

Revenue from consumables in fiscal 2016 was $51.8 million, representing an 18.8% increase compared to the prior year revenue of $43.5 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the double-digit increase in both digital color printer supplies and label and tag product salesrevenue in the QuickLabelProduct Identification segment. The increase in consumable product salesrevenue for Kiaro! related products also made a contribution to the overall increase in consumable revenue for the current year was tempered by a 5.6% decline in sales of QuickLabel’s thermal transfer ribbon products.year.

Service and other sales revenue in fiscal 2014 were $3,974,000,2016 was $8.1 million, a 13.1%32.4% increase compared to prior year salesrevenue of $3,515,000$6.1 million, primarily due to increases in servicerepairs and parts revenue.revenue related to the T&M suite of products.

The Company achieved $26,983,000 in gross profit of $38.2 million for fiscal 2014 and generated2016, reflecting a 3.2% improvement compared to the prior year’s gross profit of $37.0 million. The Company’s gross profit margin of 39.3%, an increase as compared to40.3% in fiscal 2016 reflected a decrease from the prior year’s gross profit margin of 38.8%41.9%. The increasehigher gross profit for fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year is primarily attributable to increased revenue, while the decrease in gross profit margin for the current year is due to favorable product mix.mix, higher manufacturing costs and lower factory absorption.

Operating expenses for the current yearfiscal 2016 were $25,450,000,$32.2 million, representing a 22.3%an 8.3% increase from prior year’s operating expenses of $20,802,000. Specifically, selling$29.7 million. Selling and marketing expenses in fiscal 2016 remained relatively flat from the prior year at $18.2 million, representing 19.3% of revenue, compared to $18.3 million or 20.7% of revenue in the prior year. G&A expenses in fiscal 2016 increased 19.0%by 24.3% from the prior year to $14,774,000 in fiscal 2014, representing 21.5% of sales,$7.0 million, primarily due to an increase as compared to the prior year’s 20.3% of sales. The increase in selling and marketing was primarily the result of increases in personnel cost and marketing expenditures,stock-based compensation expense, as well as professional fees related to both the Company’s name change and branding initiative as well as the costs associated with the acquisition of the RITEC business. R&D expenses in fiscal 2016 increased 19.7% to $6.9 million compared to fiscal 2015, primarily due to an increase in traveloutside service costs for the period. General and administrative (G&A) expenses increased 22.5% from prior year to $5,604,000 in fiscal 2014. The higher G&A expense in the current year as

comparedrelated to the prior year was primarily due to the cost related to a non-compete agreement entered into with the Company’s former CEO,development of new products as well as an increase in wages and benefits and an increase in professional fees spending including professional fees associated with the Miltope acquisition. Funding of research & development (R&D) in fiscal 2014 has increased 32.9% to $5,072,000. The increase inRITEC transitional R&D for fiscal 2014 is primarily due to increased costs related to outside R&D testing for the avionic printers for the current year and continued investments in the QuickLabel’s line of color printers.costs. The R&D spending level for fiscal 2014 represents 7.4%2016 represent 7.3% of net sales,revenue, an increase asof 6.6% compared to the prior year’s levelyear level.

Other income in fiscal 2016 was $1.0 million compared to other expense of 6.2%.$0.3 million in the prior year. In addition to interest income, the current year other income included $0.2 million of income recognized from a

settlement in an escrow account related to our 2014 acquisition of the aerospace printer line from Miltope Corporation. Other expense in fiscal 2014 was $121,000 as compared to $41,0002015 included $0.3 million write-down of inventory in fiscal 2013. This increase forconnection with the current year is primarily the result2013 sale of an increase in foreign exchange loss recognized in the current year.

Astro-Med’s fiscal 2014 pretax income was reduced by approximately $562,000 related to stock-based compensation expense as compared to fiscal 2013 pretax income, which was reduced by approximately $480,000 in stock-based compensation expense.our Grass Technologies Product Group.

During fiscal 2014,2016 the Company recognized $2.4 million income tax expense on income from continuing operations of $175,000 and had an effective tax rate of 12.4%34.5%. Fiscal 2016 income tax expense included $0.1 million tax expense related to an increase in the valuation allowance. This comparescompared to an income tax expense on income from continuing operations of $847,000$2.3 million in fiscal 20132015 and related effective tax rate of 29.4%32.7%. Included in the current year incomeThe effective tax expense is a benefit of $500,000 related to a ASC 740 adjustment as well as foreign and state rate adjustments.

Income from continuing operations for fiscal 20142015 was $1,237,000, providingprimarily impacted by the domestic production deduction, research and development credits and foreign tax credits.

Net income for fiscal 2016 was $4.5 million, indicating a return of 1.8%4.8% on salesrevenue and generating an EPS of $0.16$0.61 per diluted share and includes: (1)included (a) an after-tax expense of $359,000,$0.2 million, equal to $0.02 per diluted share, related to the Company’s rebranding initiatives; (b) an after-tax expense of $0.7 million, equal to $0.09 per diluted share, related to non-recurring costs associated with the RITEC acquisition and transition; and (c) an after-tax expense of $0.4 million, equal to $0.05 per diluted share, related to the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan Share Based Compensation. On a non-compete agreement entered into with the Company’s former CEOcomparable basis, net income for fiscal 2015 was $4.7 million, indicating a return of 5.3% on revenue and (2) a netEPS of $0.60 per diluted share and includes (a) an after-tax expense of $205,000,$0.1 million, equal to $0.03$0.02 per diluted share, related to product replacement costs recognized in the first quarter pertainingwrite-down to replacing components on certainmarket value of T&M’s ruggedized printers after the Company discovered that oneCompany’s former Rockland facility; (b) an after-tax expense of its suppliers was using a non-conforming part in certain models. On a comparative basis, fiscal 2013 income from continuing operations was $2,038,000, providing a return of 3.3% on sales and generating $0.27$0.1 million, equal to $0.01 per diluted share.

Discontinued Operation

On January 31, 2013,share, related to costs associated with the Company completedrepurchase of the Company’s common stock from the estate of the Company’s founder and former chief executive officer, and (c) an after-tax expense of $0.2 million, or $0.02 per diluted share related to a write down of inventory in connection with the sale of substantially all of the assets of itsour former Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass) for a purchase price of $18,600,000 of which $16,800,000 was recognized in fiscal 2013 and the remaining $1,800,000, which had been held in escrow at the closing date, has been recognized in fiscal 2014 as part of the gain on the sale of Grass. The Company has classified the results of operations of its Grass segment as discontinued operations for all periods presented.Group.

Results for discontinued operations are as follows:

($ in thousands)  2014   2013 

Net Sales

  $8,401    $19,195  

Gross Profit

  $1,048    $10,123  

Gain on Sale of Assets of Discontinued Operations

  $1,800    $10,162  

Income from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes

  $1,975    $8,729  

Segment Analysis($ in thousands)

Astro-Med reportsWe report two segments consistent with its salesour product revenue groups: Product Identification and Test & Measurement (T&M) and QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel). Segment performance is evaluated based on the operating segment’s profit before corporate and financial administration expenses.

The following table summarizes selected financial information by segment. As previously noted, the Company’s Grass segment has been classified as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

 

($ in thousands) Net Sales  Segment Operating Profit  Segment Operating Profit as
a % of Net Sales
 
      2014          2013          2014          2013          2014          2013     

T&M

 $19,527   $17,636   $2,655   $3,109    13.6  17.6

QuickLabel

  49,065    43,588    5,154    4,380    10.5  10.0
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $68,592   $61,224    7,809    7,489    11.4  12.2
 

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Product Replacement Related Costs

    672    —      

Corporate Expenses

    5,604    4,563    
   

 

 

  

 

 

   

Operating Income

    1,533    2,926    

Other Expense, Net

    121    41    
   

 

 

  

 

 

   

Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

    1,412    2,885    

Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations

    175    847    
   

 

 

  

 

 

   

Income from Continuing Operations

    1,237    2,038    

Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes

    1,975    8,729    
   

 

 

  

 

 

   

Net Income

   $3,212   $10,767    
   

 

 

  

 

 

   
($ in thousands) Revenue  Segment Operating Profit  Segment Operating Profit as
a % of Revenue
 
      2017          2016          2015          2017          2016          2015          2017          2016          2015     

Product Identification

 $69,862  $67,127  $59,779  $9,821  $9,300  $7,259   14.1%   13.9%   12.1% 

T&M

  28,586   27,531   28,568   4,399   3,664   5,627   15.4%   13.3%   19.7% 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $98,448  $94,658  $88,347   14,220   12,964   12,886   14.4%   13.7%   14.6% 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Corporate Expenses

     7,939   7,030   5,655    
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

Operating Income

     6,281   5,934   7,231    

Other Income (Expense), Net

     324   975   (299)    
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

Income Before Income Taxes

     6,605   6,909   6,932    

Income Tax Provision

     2,377   2,384   2,270    
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

Net Income

    $4,228  $4,525  $4,662    
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

Product Identification

Revenue from the Product Identification segment increased 4.1% in fiscal 2017 with revenue of $69.9 million compared to revenue of $67.1 million in the prior year. The current year’s revenue reflected the continued growth from the Product Identification consumables products line which posted a 7.1% growth rate over the prior year due to the strong demand for label and tag products as well as digital color printer ink supplies

products. Product Identification current year segment operating profit was $9.8 million, reflecting a profit margin of 14.1%, a 5.6% increase from prior year segment profit of $9.3 million and related profit margin of 13.9%. The increase in Product Identification current year segment operating profit and related margin is due to higher revenue and product mix.

Revenue from the Product Identification segment increased 12.3% in fiscal 2016 over fiscal 2015 with revenue of $67.1 million compared to revenue of $59.8 million in fiscal 2015. The fiscal 2016 revenue reflected the continued growth from Product Identification consumables products line which posted a 19.5% growth rate over the prior year due to the strong demand for label and tag products as well as digital color printer ink supplies products for the new Kiaro! printers. Product Identification fiscal 2016 segment operating profit was $9.3 million, reflecting a profit margin of 13.9%, a 28.1% increase from prior year segment profit of $7.3 million and related profit margin of 12.1%. The increase in Product Identification segment operating profit and related margin was due to higher revenue and product mix.

Test & Measurement

Revenue from the T&M’s sales increased 10.7% in&M product group was $28.6 million for fiscal 20142017, a 3.8% increase compared to $19,527,000 from $17,636,000revenue of $27.5 million in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to the 19.8% growth in the Ruggedized printer product line due to the continued increase in contract sales. Also contributingattributable to the increase in revenue of aerospace printer sales due to fulfilment of orders received in previous years. Revenue growth for fiscal 2017 was tempered by lower sales in the continued increase in demand for the TMXdata acquisition product line, as current year sales grew 19.3%well as compared todecreases in parts and repairs revenue during the prior year. The current year sales increase is tempered by declining sales in the legacy data acquisition and recorder product lines as compared to the prior year. T&M’s segment operating profit for the current fiscal year was $2,655,000$4.4 million which resulted in fiscal 2014, reflecting a 15.4% profit margin of 13.6%, a decline as compared to the prior year’s segment operating profit of $3,109,000$3.7 million and related profitoperating margin of 17.6%13.3%. The fiscal 2014 decrease inhigher segment operating profit and related margin iswere due to product mix.

Revenue from the T&M product group was $27.5 million for fiscal 2016, a 3.6% decrease compared to revenue of $28.6 million in fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to the decline in revenue from aerospace printers due to certain aerospace customers deferring shipments to later dates. Revenue growth in the data acquisition product line, as well as increases in parts and repairs revenue during the year tempered the lower revenue volume somewhat. T&M’s segment operating profit for the 2016 fiscal year was $3.7 million which resulted in a 13.3% profit margin as compared to the prior year segment operating profit of $5.6 million and related operating margin of 19.7%. The lower segment operating profit and related margin were due to product mix and higher R&D expenses.

QuickLabel Systems

QuickLabel Systems sales increased 12.5% in fiscal 2014manufacturing and operating costs associated with sales of $49,065,000 compared to sales of $43,588,000 in the prior year. The increase in sales is due to both the hardware and consumables product lines which increased 13.7% and 11.6%, respectively, from the prior year. The increases are attributable to the increased demand for digital color printer supplies, as well as for label and tag products. Also contributing to the current quarter increase was the new Kario! product line sales, which more than doubled compared to the prior year. These sales increases were slightly tempered by the decrease in sales of the Vivo! and Zeo! product lines. QuickLabel’s current year’s segment operating profit was $5,154,000, reflecting a profit margin of 10.5%, an increase from prior year’s segment profit of $4,380,000 and related profit margin of 10.0%. The increase in QuickLabel’s current year’s segment operating profit and related margin is primarily due to higher sales and favorable product mix.RITEC transaction.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company expectsBased upon our current working capital position, current operating plans and expected business conditions, we expect to finance its futurefund our short and long-term working capital needs, capital expenditures and acquisition requirements throughprimarily using internal funds, and believeswe believe that cash provided by operations will be sufficient to meet our operating and capital needs for at least the next twelve12 months. To the extent

We may also utilize amounts available under our secured credit facility, as described below, to fund a portion of our capital expenditures, contractual contingent consideration obligations, and liquidity requirements are not satisfied internally,future acquisitions.

On February 28, 2017, we may utilizeentered into a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., which provided for a secured credit facility consisting of a $9.2 million term loan and a $10.0 million revolving bank linecredit facility. No amount has been drawn under the revolving credit facility as of the date of this report. See Note 20, “Subsequent Event,” to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for additional information regarding our new secured credit all of which is currently available. Borrowings under this line of credit bearfacility.

The term loan bears interest at either a fluctuating rate per annum equal to 75 basis points below the baseLIBOR rate as definedplus a margin that varies within a range of 1.0% to 1.5% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. In connection with our entry into the credit agreement, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a hedging arrangement to manage the variable interest rate risk and currency risk associated with its payments in respect of the agreement, orterm loan. Under these arrangements, payments of principal and interest in respect of approximately $8.9 million of the principal of the

term loan will be made in Danish Krone, and interest on such principal amount will be payable at a fixed rate of 0.67% per annum for the entire term, subject only to potential increases of 0.25% or 0.50% per annum based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio.

Amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, 150 basis points above LIBOR.at the Company’s option, either (a) the LIBOR rate, plus a margin that varies within a range of 1.0% to 1.5% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, or (b) a fluctuating reference rate equal to the highest of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of America’s publicly-announced prime rate or (iii) the LIBOR rate plus 1.00%, plus a margin that varies within a range of 0.0% to 0.5% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. In addition to certain other fees and expenses that the Company is required to pay to the Lender, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility at the rate of 0.25% per annum.

Astro-Med’s StatementsThe statements of Cash Flowscash flows for the two years ended January 31, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015 are included on page 37.42 of this Form 10-K. Net cash flows usedprovided by operating activities was $3,567,000$7.0 million in the current yearfiscal 2017 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $3,863,000$7.7 million in the previous year. The decrease in net cash flow from operations for the current year is primarily due to increased net income adjusted for non-cash effects, offset by increased cash used for working capital. The combination of changes in accounts receivable, inventory, and accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased cash by $3.6 million in fiscal 2017, compared to a decrease of $0.5 million in fiscal 2016. The year-over-year decline was due to increased inventory and purchasing volume in fiscal 2017. The accounts receivable collection cycle decreased to 49 days of revenue at January 31, 2017 compared to 50 days of revenue at the prior year end. Inventory days on hand increased to 114 days at the end of the current fiscal year from 92 days at the prior year end.

Net cash provided by investing activities for fiscal 2017 was $3.1 million, which included $4.0 million of proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale and proceeds of $0.5 million related to the sale of the UK property. Cash used for investing activities for fiscal 2017 included capital expenditures of $1.2 million, consisting of $0.4 million for land and building improvements; $0.3 million for information technology; $0.3 million for machinery and equipment; $0.1 million for tools and dies; and $0.1 million for furniture, fixtures and other capital expenditures.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $7.7 million in fiscal 2016 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $1.5 million in fiscal 2015. The increase in net cash form operations for fiscal 2016 is primarily related to increased net income adjusted for non-cash effects and less cash used for working capital in fiscal 2016, and the fiscal 2015 tax payments made in connection with the gain on the 2013 sale of our Grass Technologies as well as increased working capital requirements, as both theProduct Group. The combination of accounts receivable, inventory and inventory balances increased during the current year.accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased cash by $0.5 million in fiscal 2016, compared to a decrease of $2.3 million in fiscal 2015. The accounts receivable collection cycle increaseddecreased to 5450 days salesrevenue outstanding at January 31, 20142016 compared to 5152 days outstanding at prior year end.January 31, 2015. Inventory days on hand increaseddecreased to 11392 days at the end of the current fiscal year2016 from 109106 days at prior year end.the end of fiscal 2015.

Net cash flow used by investing activities for fiscal 20142016 was $18,090,000,$3.5 million, which includes $10,230,000included $10.0 million of proceeds from the sales and maturities of securities available for sale, which was partially offset by $5.2 million of cash used to purchase securities available for sale, and $6,732,000$7.4 million of cash used forto purchase the acquisition of the ruggedizedRITEC aerospace printer product line from Miltope.business. Cash used for investing activities forin fiscal 20142016 also included cash used for capital expenditures of approximately $1,128,000, including $647,000 for information technology, $202,000 for machinery and equipment, $165,000$3.1 million, consisting of $0.9 million for land and building improvements, $99,000improvements; $0.7 million for information technology primarily related to the purchase and implementation of the Company’s new Enterprise Resource Planning system; $0.7 million for machinery and equipment; $0.6 million for tools and dies,dies; and $15,000$0.2 million for furniture, and fixtures and other capital expenditures.

IncludedNet cash used in net cash flow used by financing activities for fiscal 2014 wereincluded dividends paid of $2,103,000. Dividends paid$2.1 million in fiscal 2013 were $2,595,000.2017, $2.0 million in fiscal 2016 and $2.1 million in fiscal 2015. The Company’s annual dividend per share was $0.28 in fiscal 20142017,

2016 and $0.35 in fiscal 2013.2015. The Company hasdid not repurchasedrepurchase any shares of its common stock in fiscal 2014; however, since the inception of the common stock buy back program in2017 or fiscal 1997,2016. In fiscal 2015, the Company has repurchased a total of 1,530,000500,000 shares of its common stock.stock at a per share price of $12.50, for an aggregate repurchase price of $6.3 million. The purchase of these shares was from the estate of the former founder and chief executive officer of the Company and did not impact the shares available as part of the Company’s stock buyback program. At January 31, 2014,2016, there is an ongoing authorization by the Company’s Board of Directors has authorizedfor the purchase of an additional 390,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the future.stock.

Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies

Astro-MedAt January 31, 2017, the Company’s contractual obligations with initial remaining terms in excess of one year were as follows:

(In thousands)  Total   Less than
1  Year
   1-3
Years
   3-5
Years
   More than
5  Years
 

Purchase Commitments*

  $19,271   $17,848   $1,352   $—     $71

Operating Lease Obligations

   706    371    331    4    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $19,977   $18,219   $1,683   $4   $71
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

*Purchasecommitments consist primarily of inventory and equipment purchase orders made in the ordinary course of business.

The Company is also subject to contingencies, including legal proceedings and claims arising out of its businesses that cover a wide range of matters, such as: contract and employment claims; workers compensation claims; product liability claims; warranty claims; and claims related to modification, adjustment or replacement of component parts of units sold. While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including lawsuits, we believe that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts provided or covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. It is possible, however, that results of operations for any particular future period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or strategies related to these contingencies or changes out of the Company’s control.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Astro-Med’sOur discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements,consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Certain of our accounting policies require the application of judgment in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. We periodically evaluate the judgments and estimates used for our critical accounting policies to ensure that such judgments and estimates are reasonable for our

interim and year-end reporting requirements. These judgments and estimates are based on the Company’s historical experience, current trends and information available from other sources, as appropriate. If different conditions result from those assumptions used in our judgments, the results could be materially different from our estimates. We believe the following are our most critical accounting policies as they require significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

Revenue Recognition: Our product sales arerevenue is recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; delivery has occurred and legal title and risk of loss have passed to the customer; and collectability is reasonably assured. When other significant obligations remain after products are delivered, revenue is recognized only after such obligations are fulfilled. Returns and customer credits are infrequent and are recorded as a reduction to sales.revenue. Rights of return are not included in salesrevenue arrangements. Revenue associated with products that contain specific customer acceptance criteria is not recognized before the customer acceptance criteria are satisfied. When a sale arrangement involves training or installation, the deliverables in the arrangement are evaluated to determine

whether they represent multiple element arrangements. This evaluation occurs at inception of the arrangement and as each item in the arrangement is delivered. The total fee from the arrangement is allocated to each unit of accounting based on its relative fair value. Fair value for each element is established generally based on the salesrevenue price charged when the same or similar element is sold separately. We allocate revenue to each element in our multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. We determine the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on our vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) if available, third-party evidence (TPE) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (ESP) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element have been met. The amount of product revenue recognized is affected by our judgments as to whether an arrangement includes multiple elements.

Astro-Med recognizesWe recognize revenue for non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees, as necessary, for product modification orders upon completion of agreed-upon milestones. Revenue is deferred for any amounts received prior to completion of milestones. Certain of our NRE arrangements include formal customer acceptance provisions. In such cases, we determine whether we have obtained customer acceptance for the specific milestone before recognizing revenue.

Infrequently, the Company receives requests from customers to hold product being purchased from us for the customers’ convenience. We recognize revenue for such bill and hold arrangements provided the transaction meets the following criteria: a valid business purpose for the arrangement exists; risk of ownership of the purchased product has transferred to the buyer; there is a fixed delivery date that is reasonable and consistent with the buyer’s business purpose; the product is ready for shipment; the payment terms are customary; we have no continuing performance obligation in regards to the product; and the product has been segregated from our inventories.

The majority of our equipment contains embedded operating systems and data management software which are included in the purchase price of the equipment. The software is deemed incidental to the systems as a whole as it is not sold separately or marketed separately and its production costs are minor as compared to those of the hardware system. Therefore, the Company’s hardware appliances are considered non-software elements and are not subject to the industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance.

Warranty Claims and Bad Debts:Provisions for the estimated costs for future product warranty claims and bad debts are recorded in cost of salesrevenue and general and administrative expense, respectively, at the time a sale is recorded.respectively. 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. We also periodically evaluate the adequacy of our reserves for warranty and bad debts recorded in itsour consolidated balance sheet as a further test to ensure the adequacy of the recorded provisions. Warranty and bad debt analysis often involves subjective analysis of a particular customer’s ability to pay. As a result, significant judgment is required in determining the appropriate amounts to record, and such judgments may prove to be incorrect in the future. We believe that our 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.

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 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.revenue. We believe that our procedures for estimating such amounts are reasonable and historically have not resulted in material adjustments in subsequent periods when the estimates are adjusted to actual experience.

Income Taxes:A valuation allowance is 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 must be considered, including our performance, the market environment in which we operate, length of carryforward periods, existing salesrevenue backlog and future salesrevenue projections. If actual factors and conditions differ

materially from the estimates made by management, the actual realization of the net deferred tax assets or liabilities could vary materially from the amounts previously recorded. At January 31, 2014,2017, the Company has provided valuation allowances for future state tax benefits resulting from certain R&D tax credits which could expire unused.

The calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions. Although guidance on the accounting for uncertain income taxes prescribes the use of a recognition and measurement model, the determination of whether an uncertain tax position has met those thresholds will continue to require significant judgment by management. If the ultimate resolution of tax uncertainties is different from what we have estimated, our income tax expense could be materially impacted.

Intangible and Long-Lived Assets, Intangible AssetsAssets:Long-lived assets, such as definite-lived intangible assets and Goodwill: The impairment of long-lived assets to be heldproperty, plant and usedequipment, are reviewed for impairment 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 ofIf the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, then an impairment losscharge would be recorded for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based onthe excess of the carrying value over the fair value, which is determined by the discounting of the asset.future cash flows.

Goodwill:Management evaluates the recoverability of goodwill annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances, such as declines in sales,revenue, earnings or cash flows, or material adverse changes in the business climate, indicate that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Goodwill is first qualitatively assessed to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Factors that management considers in this assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance (both current and projected), changes in management and strategy and changes in the composition or carrying amount of net assets. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a two step process is then performed. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, step two is required to determine if there is an impairment of the goodwill. Step two compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to the carrying amount of the goodwill. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using the income approach based upon a discounted cash flow model. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit’s expected long–long term operating cash flow performance. In addition, we use the market approach, which compares the reporting unit to publicly-traded companies and transactions involving similar business,businesses, to support the conclusions based upon the income approach. The income approach requires the use of many assumptions and estimates including future revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, and working capital, as well as discount factors and income tax rates.

Share-Based Compensation:Share-based compensation expense is measured based on the estimated fair value of the share-based award when granted.granted and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant). We have estimated the fair value of each option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our estimate of share-based compensation requires a number of complex and subjective assumptions including our stock price volatility, employee exercise patterns (expected life of the options), the risk freerisk-free interest rate and the Company’s dividend yield. The stock price volatility assumption is based on the historical weekly price data of our common stock over a period equivalent to the weighted averageweighted-average expected life of our options. Management evaluated whether there were factors during that period which were unusual and would distort the volatility figure if used to estimate future volatility and concluded that there were no such factors. In determining the expected life of the option grants, the Company has observed the actual terms of prior grants with similar characteristics and the actual vesting schedule of the grantgrants and has assessed the

expected risk tolerance of different option groups. The risk-free interest rate used in the model is based on the actual U.S. Treasury zero coupon rates for bonds matching the expected term of the option as of the option grant date. The dividend assumption is based upon the prior year’s average dividend yield. No compensation expense is recognized for options that are forfeited for which the employee does not render the

requisite service. Our accounting for share-based compensation for restricted stock awards (“RSA”)(RSA) and restricted stock units (“RSU”)(RSU) is also based on the fair value method. The fair value of the RSUs and RSAs is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date of grant. Reductions in compensation expense associated with forfeited awards are estimated at the RSU or RSA.date of grant, and this estimated forfeiture rate is adjusted periodically based on actual forfeiture experience.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Reference is made to Note 1 of our Consolidated Financial Statementsaudited consolidated financial statements included herein.elsewhere in this report.

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We have exposure to financial market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

Financial Exchange Risk

The registrantfunctional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries and branches are the local currencies – the British Pound in the UK, the Canadian Dollar in Canada and the Euro in France and Germany. Accordingly, the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on the net assets of these foreign subsidiaries’ operations are accounted for as translation gains or losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. We do not believe that a change of 10% in such foreign currency exchange rates would have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Interest Rate Risk

At January 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $18.1 million, of which $3.0 million is held for working capital, $5.0 million is held in foreign bank accounts and $10.0 million is held in highly liquid money market funds with original maturities of 90 days or less. We also have $6.7 million of securities available for sale which include state and municipal securities with maturities ranging from one month to two years. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. We do not believe that we have material exposure to changes in fair value of these investments as a smaller reporting company and is not requiredresult of changes in interest rates due to provide this information.the short-term nature of these investments.

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).

Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

The response to this item is included in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 10, 2013 and is incorporated herein by this reference.None.

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures arewere effective at January 31, 20142017 to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of its financial reporting and the preparation of published financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of the inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance may deteriorate.

Management conducted its evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based onas of January 31, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the frameworkcriteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992)(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) as of January 31, 2014.. Based on this assessment, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer believe that as of January 31, 2014,2017, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on criteria set forth by COSO in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework.”

This annual report does not include anThe attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestationreporting appears in Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.reference.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.Other Information

Nothing to ReportNone.

PART III

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The response toinformation required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2014 annual meeting2017 Annual Meeting of shareholders.Shareholders.

The following sets forth certain information with respect to all executive officers of the Company. All officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.

 

Name

  Age   

Position

Gregory A. Woods

   5558     

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

JosephJohn P. O’ConnellJordan

   70  

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Gordon Bentley

6771     

Vice President—Information TechnologyPresident, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Michael M. Morawetz

   5457     

Vice President—International Branches

Stephen M. Petrarca

   5154     

Vice President—Instrument Manufacturing

Erik J. Mancyak

38  

Vice President and Corporate ControllerOperations

Eric E. Pizzuti

47  

Vice President and General Manager—QuickLabel Systems

Michael J. Natalizia

   50     

Vice President and General Manager—QuickLabel

Michael J. Natalizia

53  

Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

On December 2, 2013, the Board of Directors of Astro-Med appointed Mr. Woods has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective February 1, 2014 following the retirement of Mr. Everett Pizzuti. On January 27, 2014, the Board of Directors of Astro-Med also elected Mr. Woods as a director of the Company also effectivesince February 1, 2014. Mr. Woods was previouslyjoined the Company in September 2012 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from September 6, 2012 and was appointed President of the Companyand Chief Operating Officer on August 29, 2013. Prior to joining Astro-Med,the Company, Mr. Woods held the positions ofserved from January 2010 to August 2012 as Managing Director of Medfield Advisors, fromLLC, an advisory firm located in Medfield, Massachusetts focused on providing corporate development and strategy guidance to technology driven manufacturing firms. From 2008 to 2010, to 2012,Mr. Woods served as President of Performance Motion Devices, from 2007-2010a specialty semiconductor and Chief Executive Officer of Control Technology Corporation from 2001 to 2007.electronics manufacturer located in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

Mr. O’Connell joined the Company in 1996. He previously held senior financial management positions with Cherry Tree Products Inc., IBI Corporation and Avery Dennison Corporation. Mr. O’Connell is also Assistant Secretary of the Company. He was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President in 2007.

Mr. BentleyJordan was appointed Vice President, of Information Technology in 2007. He was previously Director of Information TechnologyChief Financial Officer and held other various operations positions since joiningTreasurer of the Company in 1980.on August 1, 2016. Since February 2015, Mr. Jordan has served as the president of FreshFoodsVI.com, an on-line grocery delivery service. From February 2011 to October 2014, Mr. Jordan served as chief financial officer, vice president and treasurer of Zygo Corporation, a company that manufactures and designs advanced optical metrology systems and optical components and assemblies. From March 2007 to February 2011, Mr. Jordan served as chief financial officer, vice president, and treasurer of Baldwin Technology Company, Inc., a supplier of process automation equipment and related consumables for the print media industry.

Mr. Morawetz was appointed Vice President International Branches in 2006. He was previously the General Manager of Branch Operations for the Company’s German Subsidiary,subsidiary, having joined the Company in 1989.

Mr. Petrarca was appointed Vice President of Instrument ManufacturingOperations in 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. Mancyak was appointed Vice President of the Company in 2011. He also holds the position of Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer to which he was appointed in 2009. He served as Assistant Corporate Controller of the Company from 2008 to 2009 and prior to that was an Accounting Manager of the Company beginning in 2005. Prior to 2005, Mr. Mancyak was Senior Treasury Analyst at American Power Conversion and an auditor at the international accounting firm of KPMG LLP.

Mr. Eric E. Pizzuti was appointed Vice President and General Manager of the Company’s QuickLabel SystemProduct Identification business segment on March 9, 2012. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Pizzuti held the position of Vice President and Worldwide Director of Sales for QuickLabel Systems from March 2010 and Worldwide Director of Sales from March 2006 through March 2010. Mr. Pizzuti has held various other positions since joining the Company in 1996.

Mr. Natalizia was appointed Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Astro-Med, Inc.the Company on March 9, 2012. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Natalizia held the position of Director of Product Development of the Company since 2005.

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of EthicsConduct which applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Corporate Controller, as supplemented by a Code of Ethical Conduct for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers,principal accounting officer which meets the requirements of a “code of ethics” as defined in Item 406 of Regulation S-K.

A copy of the Code of EthicsConduct will be provided to shareholders, without charge, upon request directed to Investor Relations or can be obtained on the Company’s website, (www.astro-medinc.com)(www.astronovainc.com), under the heading “Corporate“Investors—Corporate Governance—Charters.Governance Documents.” The Company willintends to disclose any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of the CodesCode of Conduct for the CEO, CFO, Corporate Controllerprincipal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions by posting such information on its website and filing a Form 8-K as required under the rules of the NASDAQ Global Market.website.

Item 11.Executive Compensation

The response toinformation required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 20142017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The information set forth under the heading “Compensation Committee Report” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement is furnished and shall not be deemed as filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and is not deemednor be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related StockholdersStockholder Matters

The response toinformation required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 20142017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information about the Company’s equity compensation plans as of January 31, 2014:2017:

 

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
   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 Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans
 

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders

   780,099(1)  $8.63(2)   359,475(3) 

Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders

   —     —     60,242(4)

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareholders

   841,250(1)  $11.96(2)   285,200(3) 

Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Shareholders

   —     —    —  
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

   780,099(1)  $8.63(2)   419,717     841,250(1)  $11.96(2)   285,200 
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Includes 167,65930,700 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options granted under the Company’s 1997 incentive stock option plans, 116,438plan; 26,500 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options granted under the Company’s 1998 non-qualified stock option plans under which options may be granted to officers and key employees, 4,125plan; 526,456 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options granted under the Astro-Med, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, 448,425Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan; and 101,800 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options granted and 61,452189,794 restricted stock units outstanding under the Company’s 20072015 Equity Incentive Plan (refer to Note 9 “Shareholders’ Equity” in the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion).Plan.

(2)Does not include restricted stock units.
(3)Represents 239,976 shares available for grant under the Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. 2007 and 2015 Equity Incentive Plans and 45,224 shares available for purchase under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Excludes 45,044This balance does not include 24,073 shares issued pursuant to outstanding unvested restricted stock awards which are subject to forfeiture.
(4)Represent shares available for purchase under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Additional information regarding these equity compensation plans is contained in Note 9 to11, “Share-Based Compensation,” in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15 hereto.

Item 13.Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence

The response toinformation required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 20142017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 20142017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

PART IV

Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule

(a)(1) Financial Statements:

The following documents are included as part of this Annual Report filed on Form 10-K:

 

   Page

ReportsReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmsFirm

  31-3237

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 20142017 and 20132016

  3338

Consolidated Statements of Income—Years Ended January 31, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015

  3439

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income—Years Ended January 31, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015

  3540

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—Years Ended January  31, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015

  3641

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years Ended January 31, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015

  3742

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  38-5743-65

(a)(2)Financial Statement Schedule:

  

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves—Years Ended January 31, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015

  5866

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore, have been omitted.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

Not Applicable.

(a)(3)Exhibits:

 

Exhibit

Number

  
(2.1) AssetShare Purchase Agreement, dated January 11, 2014 by and between Astro-Med, Inc. (the “Company”) and Miltope Corporation (d/b/a VT Miltope, a company of VT Systems), an Alabama corporation (the “Seller”),7, 2017, as amended, by that Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement dated January 22, 2014, by and betweenamong ANI ApS, Trojan Holding ApS, as a Seller and as the CompanySellers’ Representative, and the Seller (filed as Exhibit No. 2.1 to the Company’s report on Form 8-K dated January 22, 2014 and by this reference incorporated herein).Li Wei Chong.*
(2.2) Asset Purchase Agreement dated January 5, 2013June 18, 2015 by and among Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. (the “Company”), Grass Technologies Corporation (“Grass”) and Natus Medical Incorporated (“Natus”), as amended by First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of January 31, 2013, by and among the Company, Grass and Natus (filedRugged Information Technology Equipment Corp. filed as Exhibit No. 2.12.3 to the Company’s reportAnnual Report on Form 8-K dated February 4, 201310-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016 and incorporated by this reference incorporated herein).herein.*
(3A) Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company and all amendments thereto (filedfiled as Exhibit No. 3A to the Company’s reportQuarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 1992April 30, 2016 and incorporated by this reference incorporated herein).herein.
(3B) By-laws of the Company as amended to date (filedfiled as Exhibit No. 3B to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2008 (FileNo. 000-13200)and incorporated by this reference incorporated herein).herein.
(4) Specimen form of common stock certificate of the Company (filedfiled as Exhibit No. 4 to the Company’s reportQuarterly Report on Form 10-K10-Q for the yearquarter ended January 31, 1985April 30, 2016 and incorporated by this reference incorporated herein).herein.
(10.1) Astro-Med, Inc. 1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-24127, and incorporated by reference herein.*
(10.2)Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. Non-Employee Director Stock Plan filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Registration Statement onForm S-8 filed on March 28, 1997, Registration No. 333-24123, and incorporated by reference herein.**
(10.3)  (10.2) Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. 1997 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Registration Statements on Form S-8 filed on August 28, 1998, Registration Nos. 333-32315,No. 333-93565, and 333-44414, and incorporated by reference herein.**
(10.4)  (10.3) Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. 1998 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on August 28, 1998, Registration Nos.No. 333-62431 and 333-63526, and incorporated by reference herein.**
(10.5)  (10.4) Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan as filed as Appendix A to the Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 25, 2007 on Schedule 14A (FileNo. 000-13200) for the 2007 annual shareholders meeting and incorporated by reference herein.**
(10.6)  (10.5) Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. Management Bonus Plan (Group III) filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 8-K on April 9, 2013 and10-Q for the period ended May 3, 2014 incorporated by this reference incorporated herein.**
(10.7)  (10.6) Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. Management Bonus Plan—Vice President International Branches filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (FileNo. 000-13200)for the year ended January 31, 2009 and incorporated by this reference incorporated herein.**
(10.8)  (10.7) Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. Amended and Restated Non-Employee Directors Compensation Program filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s AnnualQuarterly Report on Form 10-K10-Q for the yearperiod ended January 31, 2012May 3, 2014 and incorporated by this reference incorporated herein.*

Exhibit

Number

*
(10.9)  (10.8) Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 28, 2012 and incorporated by this reference incorporated herein.**
(10.10)  (10.9) Transition ServicesThree-Year Revolving Line of Credit Agreement dated JanuarySeptember 5, 2013 by and between the Company and Natus, as amended by First Amendment to Transition Services Agreement dated as of January 31, 2013, by and between the Company and Natus (filed as Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Company’s report onForm 8-K dated February 4, 2013 and by this reference incorporated herein).
(10.11)Release and Non-Competition Agreement dated as of February 1, 2014 by and between the Company and Everett V. Pizzuti.Wells Fargo Bank filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 1, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.

Exhibit

Number

  (10.10)Equity Incentive Award Agreement dated as of November 24, 2014 by and between the Company and Gregory A. Woods filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.11)Change in Control Agreement dated as of November 24, 2014 by and between the Company and Gregory A. Woods filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.12)Stock Repurchase Agreement dated as of December 4, 2014 by and among AstroNova, Inc. and Albert W. Ondis III, Alexis Ondis and April Ondis, each in his or her capacity as a Co-Executor of the Estate of Albert W. Ondis filed on Form 8-K on December 4, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.
  (10.13)Senior Executive Short Term Incentive Plan adopted March 27, 2015 filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 2, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.14)General Manager Employment Contract dated November 18, 2014 by and among AstroNova, Inc. and Michael Morawetz filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 2, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.15)Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and officers filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 31, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.16)Credit Agreement dated February 28, 2017 among AstroNova, Inc., as the U.S. Borrower, ANI APS, as the Danish Borrower, Certain Subsidiaries of the U.S. Borrower, as the Guarantors and Bank of America, N.A.
  (10.18)Security and Pledge Agreement dated February 28, 2017 among AstroNova, Inc. as the U.S. Borrower and such other parties that become Grantors hereunder after the date hereof and Bank of America, N.A.
  (10.19)AstroNova, Inc. Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Annual Compensation Program filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.20)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement granted under the Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Annual Compensation Program filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.21)Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement granted under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.22)Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement granted under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.23)Form of Non-Employee Director Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement granted under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.24)Form of Restricted Stock Agreement granted under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.**

Exhibit

Number

  (10.25)Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Agreement granted under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.26)Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement granted under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.**
  (10.27)Form of Performance Restricted Stock Unit Agreement granted under the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.**
(21) List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
(23.1) Consent of Wolf & Company, P.C.
(23.2)Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
(31.1) Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(31.2) Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.1) Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.2) Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(101) The following materials from Registrant’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2014,2017, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Filed electronically herein.

 

*Schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in reliance on Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish copies of any such schedules to the SEC upon request.
**Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  

ASTRO-MED,ASTRONOVA, INC.

(Registrant)

Date: April 7, 20146, 2017  By: 

/S/    GREGORY A. WOODS        

   (Gregory A. Woods, Chief Executive Officer)

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Gregory A. Woods or Joseph P. O’Connell, or any of them, each acting alone, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resolution, for such person and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities in connection with the annual report on Form 10-K of Astro-Med, Inc. for the year ended January 31, 2014 to sign any and all amendments to the Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Name

  

Title

 

Date

/S/    GREGORY A. WOODS

Gregory A. Woods

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

 April 7, 20146, 2017

/S/    JOSEPHOHN P. O’CJONNELLORDAN

JosephJohn P. O’ConnellJordan

  

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

 April 7, 2014

/S/    ERIK J. MANCYAK

Erik J. Mancyak

Vice President and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

April 7, 20146, 2017

/S/    HERMANN VIETS

Hermann Viets

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director

 April 7, 20146, 2017

/S/    EVERETT V. PIZZUTI

Everett V. Pizzuti

  

Director

 April 7, 20146, 2017

/S/    GRAEME MACLETCHIE

Graeme MacLetchie

  

Director

 April 7, 20146, 2017

/S/    MITCHELL I. QUAIN

Mitchell I. Quain

  

Director

 April 7, 20146, 2017

/S/    HAROLD SCHOFIELD

Harold Schofield

  

Director

 April 7, 20146, 2017

/S/    APRIL ONDIS

April Ondis

Director

April 6, 2017

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. (the “Company”) as of January 31, 20142017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the year then ended. Our audit also includedthree years in the period ended January 31, 2017, and the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a)(2)(collectively, the financial statements). TheseWe also have audited AstroNova, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and schedule are the responsibilityfor maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the Company’s management.effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedulean opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.audits.

We conducted our auditaudits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the auditaudits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration ofmisstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriatewas maintained in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectivenessall material respects. Our audits of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includesstatements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. as of January 31, 20142017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows yearfor each of the years in the three-year period ended January 31, 2014,2017, in conformity with U.S.accounting principles generally accepted accounting principles. Also,in the United States of America, and in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presentspresent fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also in our opinion, AstroNova, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

/s/ Wolf & Company, P.C.

Boston, Massachusetts

April 7, 20146, 2017

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Astro-Med, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Astro-Med, Inc. (the “Company”) as of January 31, 2013 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 15(a)(2) as it relates to the year ended January 31, 2013. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Astro-Med, Inc. as of January 31, 2013 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Providence, Rhode Island

April 8, 2013

ASTRO-MED,ASTRONOVA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of January 31 2014 and 2013

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

 

  2014 2013   2017 2016 
ASSETS      

CURRENT ASSETS

      

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $8,341   $30,999    $18,098  $10,043 

Securities Available for Sale

   18,766    8,509     6,723   10,376 

Accounts Receivable, net of reserves of $370 in 2014 and $345 in 2013

   11,366    9,376  

Accounts Receivable, net of reserves of $266 in 2017 and $404 in 2016

   15,702   15,325 

Inventories

   15,178    11,179     19,506   14,890 

Deferred Tax Assets

   1,673    1,866  

Restricted Cash

   1,800    1,800  

Line of Credit Receivable

   240    300  

Note Receivable

   250    250  

Asset Held for Sale

   2,120    2,016  

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

   1,383    696     1,394   3,880 

Current Assets of Discontinued Operations

   3,917    3,131  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Current Assets

   65,034    70,122     61,423   54,514 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

      

Land and Improvements

   873    1,233     967   967 

Buildings and Improvements

   10,341    9,791     11,266   11,350 

Machinery and Equipment

   23,746    22,862     28,145   27,396 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
   34,960    33,886     40,378   39,713 

Less Accumulated Depreciation

   (27,368  (26,098   (31,098  (29,906
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Property, Plant and Equipment, net

   7,592    7,788     9,280   9,807 

OTHER ASSETS

      

Identifiable Intangibles, net

   5,264   5,980 

Goodwill

   991    795     4,521   4,521 

Note Receivable

   440    756  

Deferred Tax Asset

   313    356  

Identifiable Intangibles

   3,400    —    

Deferred Tax Assets

   2,811   3,049 

Other

   194    96     366   92 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Other Assets

   5,338    2,003     12,962   13,642 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

  $77,964   $79,913    $83,665  $77,963 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      

CURRENT LIABILITIES

      

Accounts Payable

  $2,374   $1,938    $4,957  $3,192 

Accrued Compensation

   3,130    3,176     2,936   3,436 

Other Accrued Expenses

   2,310    3,164     2,171   2,209 

Deferred Revenue

   454    271     472   529 

Income Taxes Payable

   788    4,169     1,449   182 

Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations

   836    807  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

   9,892    13,525     11,985   9,548 

Long Term Obligation

   250    —    

Deferred Tax Liabilities

   77    111     11   78 

Other Long Term Liabilities

   1,131    1,289     1,132   964 

Non-Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations

   —      1,151  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

   11,350    16,076     13,128   10,590 

Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 18)

   

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Preferred Stock, $10 Par Value, Authorized 100,000 shares, None Issued

   —     —      —    —  

Common Stock, $0.05 Par Value, Authorized 13,000,000 shares; Issued 9,291,225 shares in 2014 and 9,031,756 shares in 2013

   465    452  

Common Stock, $0.05 Par Value, Authorized 13,000,000 shares; Issued 9,834,906 shares in 2017 and 9,666,290 shares in 2016

   492   483 

Additional Paid-in Capital

   41,235    38,786     47,524   45,675 

Retained Earnings

   37,201    36,092     44,358   42,212 

Treasury Stock, at Cost, 1,730,042 shares in 2014 and 1,663,214 shares in 2013

   (12,463  (11,666

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

   176    173  

Treasury Stock, at Cost, 2,375,076 shares in 2017 and 2,323,545 shares in 2016

   (20,781  (20,022

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax

   (1,056  (975
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

   66,614    63,837  

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   70,537   67,373 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  $77,964   $79,913    $83,665  $77,963 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASTRO-MED,ASTRONOVA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the years ended January 31

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

  2014 2013   2017   2016   2015 

Net Sales

  $68,592   $61,224  

Cost of Sales

   41,609    37,496  

Revenue

  $98,448   $94,658   $88,347 

Cost of Revenue

   58,959    56,500    51,370 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Gross Profit

   26,983    23,728     39,489    38,158    36,977 

Costs and Expenses:

         

Selling and Marketing

   14,774    12,412     18,955    18,249    18,289 

Research and Development

   5,072    3,816     6,314    6,945    5,802 

General and Administrative

   5,604    4,574     7,939    7,030    5,655 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating Expenses

   25,450    20,802     33,208    32,224    29,746 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Operating Income

   1,533    2,926     6,281    5,934    7,231 

Other Income (Expense):

         

Investment Income

   72    55     78    72    81 

Other, Net

   (193  (96   246    903    (380
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   (121  (41   324    975    (299
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes

   1,412    2,885  

Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations

   175    847  
  

 

  

 

 

Income from Continuing Operations

   1,237    2,038  

Income from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes of $777 in 2014 and $5,351 in 2013

   1,975    8,729  

Income before Income Taxes

   6,605    6,909    6,932 

Income Tax Provision

   2,377    2,384    2,270 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net Income

  $3,212   $10,767    $4,228   $4,525   $4,662 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net Income per Common Share—Basic:

   

From Continuing Operations

  $0.17   $0.28  

From Discontinued Operations

   0.26    1.18  
  

 

  

 

 

Net Income Per Common Share—Basic

  $0.43   $1.46    $0.57   $0.62   $0.61 
  

 

  

 

 

Net Income per Common Share—Diluted:

   

From Continuing Operations

  $0.16   $0.27  

From Discontinued Operations

   0.26    1.17  
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net Income Per Common Share—Diluted

  $0.42   $1.44    $0.56   $0.61   $0.60 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding—Basic

   7,470    7,396     7,421    7,288    7,612 

Dilutive effect of options outstanding

   227    87  

Dilutive Effect of Common Stock Equivalents

   151    183    222 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding—Diluted

   7,697    7,483     7,572    7,471    7,834 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

  $0.28   $0.35    $0.28   $0.28   $0.28 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASTRO-MED,ASTRONOVA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the years ended January 31

(In Thousands)

 

   2014  2013 

Net Income

  $3,212   $10,767  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes and reclassification adjustments:

   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (14  60  

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale

   17    (8
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

   3    52  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

  $3,215   $10,819  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   2017  2016  2015 

Net Income

  $4,228  $4,525  $4,662 

Other Comprehensive Loss, net of taxes and reclassification adjustments:

    

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (65  (269  (866

Unrealized loss on securities available for sale

   (16  (7  (9
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Loss

   (81  (276  (875
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

  $4,147  $4,249  $3,787 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASTRO-MED,ASTRONOVA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the years ended January 31

($ In Thousands)

 

   2014  2013 

Common Stock:

   

Balance at beginning of year

  $452   $448  

Par value from the exercise of employee stock options

   7    2  

Employee option exercise and buyback

   4    2  

Restricted stock awards

   2    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

  $465   $452  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Additional Paid-In Capital:

   

Balance at beginning of year

  $38,786   $37,964  

Proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options

   1,116    233  

Share-based compensation

   562    480  

Tax benefit (expense) of employee stock options

   158    (68

Contribution of treasury shares to employee stock options plan

   —      29  

Employee option exercise and buyback

   674    148  

Restricted stock awards

   (61  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

  $41,235   $38,786  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Retained Earnings:

   

Balance at beginning of year

  $36,092   $27,920  

Net income

   3,212    10,767  

Dividends paid

   (2,103  (2,595
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

  $37,201   $36,092  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Treasury Stock:

   

Balance at beginning of year

  $(11,666 $(10,790

Shares issued to employee stock ownership plan

   —      70  

Purchase of treasury stock

   —      (770

Purchase of common stock from related parties

   (797  (176
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

  $(12,463 $(11,666
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:

   

Balance at beginning of year

  $173   $121  

Other comprehensive income

   3    52  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

  $176   $173  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

  $66,614   $63,837  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  

 

Common Stock

  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Treasury
Stock
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
  Shares  Amount      

Balance January 31, 2014

  9,291,225  $465  $41,235  $37,201  $(12,463 $176  $66,614 

Share-based compensation

  —     —     511   —     —     —     511 

Employee option exercises

  227,512   11   1,887   —     (889  —     1,009 

Tax benefit of employee stock options

  —     —     107   —     —     —     107 

Restricted stock awards vested, net

  26,127   1   (140  —     —     —     (139

Repurchases of common stock

  —     —     —     —     (6,250  —     (6,250

Dividends paid

  —     —     —     (2,128  —     —     (2,128

Net income

  —     —     —     4,662   —     —     4,662 

Other comprehensive loss

  —     —     —     —     —     (875  (875
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance January 31, 2015

  9,544,864  $477  $43,600  $39,735  $(19,602 $(699 $63,511 

Share-based compensation

  —     —     1,209   —     —     —     1,209 

Employee option exercises

  98,734   5   802   —     (371  —     436 

Tax benefit of employee stock options

  —     —     65   —     —     —     65 

Restricted stock awards vested, net

  22,692   1   (1  —     (49  —     (49

Dividends paid

  —     —     —     (2,048  —     —     (2,048

Net income

  —     —     —     4,525   —     —     4,525 

Other comprehensive loss

  —     —     —     —     —     (276  (276
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance January 31, 2016

  9,666,290  $483  $45,675  $42,212  $(20,022 $(975 $67,373 

Share-based compensation

  —     —     1,019   —     —     —     1,019 

Employee option exercises

  93,483   5   834   —     (451  —     388 

Restricted stock awards vested, net

  75,133   4   (4  —     (308  —     (308

Dividends paid

  —     —     —     (2,082  —     —     (2,082

Net income

  —     —     —     4,228   —     —     4,228 

Other comprehensive loss

  —     —     —     —     —     (81  (81
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance January 31, 2017

  9,834,906  $492  $47,524  $44,358  $(20,781 $(1,056 $70,537 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASTRO-MED,ASTRONOVA, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended January 31

(In Thousands)

 

  2014 2013   2017 2016 2015 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

       

Net Income

  $3,212   $10,767    $4,228  $4,525  $4,662 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided (Used) By Operating Activities:

   

Gain on Disposal of Discontinued Operations

   (1,800  (10,162

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities:

    

Depreciation and Amortization

   1,279    1,331     2,431   2,065   2,063 

Share-Based Compensation

   562    480     1,019   1,209   511 

Deferred Income Tax Benefit

   (636  (548

Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

   174   (292  (397

Excess Tax Benefit From Share-Based Compensation

   (158  —      —     (65  (107

Changes in Assets and Liabilities, Net of Impact of Acquisition and Divestiture:

   

Gain on Sale of UK Property

   (419  —     —   

Write-down of Asset Held for Sale

   —     —     220 

Changes in Assets and Liabilities, Net of Impact of Acquisitions:

    

Accounts Receivable

   (2,588  (1,256   (416  (1,285  (2,741

Inventories

   (1,283  (240   (4,659  600   (404

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

   1,469    (763   1,426   151   810 

Income Taxes Payable

   (3,515  4,307     2,187   412   (1,747

Other

   (109  (53   982   407   (1,379
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

   (3,567  3,863  

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

   6,953   7,727   1,491 
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

       

Proceeds from Sales/Maturities of Securities Available for Sale

   10,835    17,640  

Proceeds from Maturities of Securities Available for Sale

   4,029   9,978   12,885 

Purchases of Securities Available for Sale

   (21,065  (14,825   (400  (5,192  (9,306

Proceeds on the Sale of Grass

   —      16,800  

Line of Credit Issuance

   —      (300

Proceeds from Sale of UK Property

   474  —     —   

Acquisition of RITEC’s Aerospace Printer Business

   —     (7,360  —   

Net Proceeds Received for Sale of Asset Held for Sale

   —     1,698   —   

Release of Funds Held in Escrow From Sale of Grass

   —     —     1,800 

Proceeds Received on Disposition of Grass Inventory

   —     —     2,355 

Payments Received on Line of Credit and Note Receivable

   256   395   258 

Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment

   (1,128  (849   (1,238  (3,061  (2,247

Acquisition of Miltope Ruggedized Printer Business

   (6,732  —    
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities

   (18,090  18,466     3,121   (3,542  5,745 
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

       

Proceeds from Common Shares Issued Under Employee Benefit Plans and Employee Stock Option Plans, Net of Payment of Minimum Tax Withholdings

   944    232  

Purchases of Treasury Stock

   —      (770

Shares issued to ESOP

   —      99  

Net Proceeds from Common Shares Issued Under Employee Benefit Plans and Employee Stock Option Plans, Net of Payment of Minimum Tax Withholdings

   79   387   870 

Purchase of Treasury Stock

   —     —     (6,250

Excess Tax Benefit from Share-Based Compensation

   158   —      —     65   107 

Dividends Paid

   (2,103  (2,595   (2,082  (2,048  (2,128
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

   (1,001  (3,034   (2,003  (1,596  (7,401
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (16  (504  (218
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (22,658  19,295     8,055   2,085   (383

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

   30,999    11,704     10,043   7,958   8,341 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

  $8,341   $30,999    $18,098  $10,043  $7,958 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Supplemental Information:

       

Cash Paid During the Period for:

   

Cash Paid (Received) During the Period for:

    

Income Taxes, Net of Refunds

  $5,085   $2,461    $(84 $2,257  $4,566 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASTRO-MED,ASTRONOVA, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 20142017, 2016 and 20132015

Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying financial data hashave been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and isare presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”)(U.S. GAAP). Our fiscal year end is January 31. Unless otherwise stated, all years and dates refer to our fiscal year.

On January 31, 2013, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Grass Technologies Product Group. Consequently, we have classified the results of operations of the Grass Technologies Product Group as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Refer to Note 19, “Discontinued Operations,” for further discussion.

Principles of Consolidation:The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astro-Med,AstroNova, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassification:Certain amounts in prior year’syear financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of Estimates:The presentationpreparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect these financial statements and accompanying notes. Some of the more significant estimates relate to the allowances for doubtful accounts, and credits, inventory valuation, valuation and estimated lives of intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets, and goodwill, income taxes, share-based compensation and warranty reserves. Management’s estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made, past historical experience, risk of loss, general economic conditions and trends, and management’s assessments of the probable future outcome of these matters. Consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:Highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Similar investments with original maturities beyond three months are classified as securities available for sale. Cash of $2,544,000$5.1 million and $1,157,000$3.0 million was held in foreign bank accounts at January 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

Securities Available for Sale:Securities available for sale are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices, where available. The difference between cost and fair value, net of related tax effects, is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive incomeloss in shareholders’ equity.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and include material, labor and manufacturing overhead.

Property, Plant and Equipment:Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (land improvements—10 to 20 years; buildings and improvements—10 to 45 years; machinery and equipment—3 to 10 years). Depreciation expense was $1,279,000$1.7 million for fiscal 20142017; $1.6 million for fiscal 2016 and $1,331,000$1.4 million for 2013.2015.

Revenue Recognition: Astro-Med’s product sales areProduct revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; delivery has occurred and legal title and risk of loss have passed to the customer; and collectability is reasonably assured. Returns and customer credits are infrequent and are recorded as a reduction to sales.revenue. Rights of return are not included in salesrevenue arrangements. Revenue associated with products that contain specific customer acceptance criteria is not recognized before the customer acceptance criteria are satisfied. DiscountsRevenue is recorded net of any discounts from list prices are recorded as a reduction to sales.price. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling fees are included in salesrevenue, while related shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.revenue.

The majority of our equipment containshardware products contain embedded operating systems and data management software which is included in the purchase price of the equipment. The software is deemed incidental to the systems as a

whole as it is not sold separately or marketed separately and its production costs are minor as compared to those of the

hardware system. Therefore, the Company’s hardware appliances are considered non-software elements and are not subject to the industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance.

Our multiple-element arrangements are generally comprised of a combination of equipment, software, installation and/or training services. Hardware and software elements are typically delivered at the same time and revenue is recognized when all the revenue recognition criteria for each unit are met. Delivery of installation and training services will vary based on certain factors such as the complexity of the equipment, staffing availability in a geographic location and customer preferences, and can range from a few days to a few months. Service revenue is deferred and recognized over the contractual period or as services are rendered and accepted by the customer.

We have evaluated the deliverables in our multiple-element arrangements and concluded that they are separate units of accounting if the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. We allocate revenue to each element in our multiple-element arrangements based upon their relative selling prices. We determine the selling price for each deliverable based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”)(TPE) if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”)(ESP) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria for that element have been met.

Infrequently, Astro-Med recognizeswe recognize revenue for non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees for product modification orders upon completion of agreed-upon milestones. Revenue is deferred for any amounts received prior to completion of milestones. Certain of our NRE arrangements include formal customer acceptance provisions. In such cases, we determine whether we have obtained customer acceptance for the specific milestone before recognizing revenue. NRE fees have not been significant in the periods presented herein.

Infrequently, Astro-Med receivesWe also receive infrequent requests from customers to hold product purchased from us for the customer’s convenience. Revenue is recognized for such bill and hold arrangements in accordance with the requirements of SABSEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 which requires, among other things, the existence of a valid business purpose for the arrangement; the transfer of ownership of the purchased product; a fixed delivery date that is reasonable and consistent with the buyer’s business purpose; the readiness of the product for shipment; the use of customary payment terms; no continuing performance obligation by us; and segregation of the product from our inventories.

Research and Development Costs: The Company complies with the guidance provided in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) FASB 730, “Research and Development” by charging anyWe charge costs to expense when incurred, as well as by disclosing in the financial statementsperiod incurred, and these expenses are presented in the amountconsolidated statement of Research & Development charged to expense. These charges include:income. The following costs are included in research and development expense: salaries and benefits, external engineering service costs, engineering related information costs and supplies. The Company also complies with ASC 985-20, “Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Marketed” andASC 350-40, “Internal-Use Software” in accounting for the costs of software either developed or acquired.

Foreign Currency:Currency Translation:The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries and branches are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Foreign currency denominatedcurrency-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates with the translation adjustment recorded as a component of accumulated comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. Revenues and costsexpenses are translated at the monthly average exchange rates during the year.rates. We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on foreign currency translation adjustments associated with our German subsidiary since its undistributed earnings are considered to be permanently invested. Our net foreign exchange losses were $190,000$0.2 million; $0.3 million and $158,000$0.2 million for fiscal 20142017, 2016 and 2013,2015, respectively.

Advertising: Astro-MedThe Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs including advertising production, trade shows and other activities are designed to enhance demand for our products and amounted to approximately $1,236,000$1.3 million; $1.1 million and $750,000$1.7 million in fiscal 20142017, 2016 and 2013,2015, respectively.

Health Insurance Reimbursement Reserve: Astro-Med reimburses a portion of employee health insurance deductibles and co-payments. The total reimbursement amounted to approximately $201,000 and $313,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively. We accrued approximately $75,000 and $100,000 at January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for estimated outstanding reimbursements due to employees, including a reserve for incurred but not reported amounts.

Long-Lived Assets:Long-lived assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.”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 ofIf the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, then an impairment losscharge would be recorded for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based onthe excess of the carrying value over the fair value, as determined by the discounting of the asset.

In 2013, we recognized anfuture cash flows. For 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were no impairment of $779,000 related to the Grass Technologies Product Group‘s manufacturing facilities located in Rockland, Massachusetts. This impairment was included as part of the Income from Discontinued Operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of incomecharges for the period ended January 31, 2013. Refer to Note 19, “Discontinued Operations,” for further discussion.long-lived assets.

Intangible Assets:Intangible assets include the value of customer relationships and backlog rightsnon-competition agreements acquired in connection with business acquisitions and are recordedstated at faircost (fair value as determined by the Company.at acquisition) less accumulated amortization. These intangible assets have a definite life and are amortized over the assetsassets’ useful lifelives using a systematic and rational basis which is representative of the asset’sassets’ use. Intangible assets with a definite life are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. AnIf necessary, an impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows used in determining the fair value of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss recorded is calculated by the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. For both 20142017, 2016 and 2013,2015, there were no impairment charges for intangible assets.

Goodwill:Management evaluates the recoverability of goodwill annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances, such as declines in sales,revenue, earnings or cash flows, or material adverse changes in the business climate indicate that the carrying value of an asset might be impaired. Goodwill is first qualitatively assessed to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Factors that management considers in this assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance (both current and projected), changes in management and strategy and changes in the composition or carrying amount of net assets. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a two steptwo-step process is then performed. Step one compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, step two is required to determine if there is an impairment of the goodwill. Step two compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill to the carrying amount of the goodwill. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using the income approach based upon a discounted cash flow model. We believe that this approach is appropriate because it provides a fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit’s expected long–termlong-term operating cash flow performance. In addition, the Company uses the market approach, which compares the reporting unit to publicly-traded companies and transactions involving similar business, to support the conclusions based upon the income approach. The income approach requires the use of many assumptions and estimates including future revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, and working capital, as well as discount factors and income tax rates.

We performed a qualitative assessment for our 20142017 analysis of goodwill. Based on this assessment, management does not believe that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the reporting units exceed their fair values. Accordingly, no further testing was performed, as management believes that there are no impairment issues in regards to goodwill at this time.

Income Taxes: Astro-Med usesWe use the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of the assets and liabilities and are measured using enactedstatutory tax rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. An allowance against deferred tax assets is recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. At January 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, a valuation allowance was provided for deferred tax assets attributable to certain state R&D credit carryforwards.

Astro-MedAstroNova accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This guidance describes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and requires recognition of tax benefits that satisfy a more-likely-than-not threshold. ASC 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods disclosure and transition.disclosure.

In fiscal 2015, the Company adopted the guidance in ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)” and accordingly has presented the Company’s deferred taxes as non-current in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Net Income Per Common Share: Net income per common share has been computed and presented in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 260, “Earnings per Share.” Basic net income per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is based on the basic weighted average number of shares and potential common equivalent shares for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. In fiscal years 20142017, 2016 and 2013,2015, there were 126,800459,700, 425,200 and 583,512156,600, respectively, of common equivalent shares that were not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:In circumstances where we are aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, an allowance is established. The majority of accountsAccounts are individually evaluated on a regular basis and allowances are established to state such receivables at their net realizable value. The remainder of the allowance is based upon historical write-off experience and current market assessments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, accounts receivable, a note receivable, a line of credit receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amount reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. Investment securities, all of which are available for sale, are carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices, when available. The note receivable is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on the present value of the discounted cash flows over the life of the note.

Share-Based Compensation: We account for share based awards granted to employees and directors using the FASB guidance included in ASC 718, “Stock Compensation.” Effective as of February 1, 2006, we adopted the “modified prospective” transition method provided in ASC 718. Under this method, share-based compensation is recognized in the consolidated statement of operation for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of February 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with prior authoritative guidance and for share-based payment awards granted subsequent to February 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718.

In accordance with ASC 718, share-basedShare-based compensation expense is measured based on the estimated fair value of the share-based award when granted toand is recognized as an employee or director.expense over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant). We have estimated the fair value of each option on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our estimate of share-based compensation requires a number of complex and subjective assumptions including our stock price volatility, employee exercise patterns (expected life of the options), the risk-free interest rate and the Company’s dividend yield. The stock price volatility assumption is based on the historical weekly price data of our common stock over a period equivalent to the weighted average expected life of our options. Management evaluated whether there were factors during that period which were unusual and would distort the volatility figure if used to estimate future volatility and concluded that there were no such factors. In determining the expected life of the option grants, the Company has observed the actual terms of prior grants with similar characteristics and the actual vesting schedule of the grant and has assessed the expected risk tolerance of different option groups. The risk-free interest rate is based on the actual U.S. Treasury zero coupon rates for bonds matching the expected term of the option as of the option grant date. The dividend assumption is based upon the prior year’s average dividend yield. No compensation expense is recognized for options that are forfeited for which the employee does not render the requestedrequisite service. Our accounting for share-based compensation for restricted stock awards (“RSA”)(RSA) and restricted stock units (“RSU”)(RSU) is also based on the fair value method. The fair value of the RSUs and RSAs is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. Reductions in compensation expense associated with forfeited awards are estimated at the date of grant, and this estimated forfeiture rate is adjusted periodically based on actual forfeiture experience.

In the RSU or RSA.

Thefirst quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company prospectively adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-09, and, as such, the cash flow from the tax benefits that are a result of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) areis classified with other income tax cash flows as a cash inflow from financing activities and a

cash outflow froman operating activity in accordance withfor the guidance provided by ASC 718.year ended January 31, 2017. Tax deductions from certain stock option exercises are treated as being realized when they reduce tax expense and taxes payable in accordance with relevant tax law.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

Income TaxesStatement of Cash Flows

In July 2013,August 2016, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting StandardStandards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, “Income Taxes(ASU) 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 740)—Presentation230).” ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which requires an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presentedreducing the existing diversity in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax assetpractice for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability. This ASUcertain cash receipts and cash payments. The standard is effective for interim and annual and interimreporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013,2017 (Q1 fiscal 2019 for AstroNova), with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect thatbelieve the adoption of this guidance will have a material effectimpact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.statements.

Comprehensive IncomeRevenue Recognition

In February 2013,May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 220)—Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,606).which requires entities to provide information aboutASU 2014-09 completes the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, entities are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive incomejoint effort by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required underFASB and International Accounting Standards Board to improve financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2014-09 applies to all companies that enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB modified ASU 2014-09 to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, entities are required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail on these amounts. ASU 2013-02 is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We2017 (Q1 fiscal 2019 for AstroNova), including interim periods within that reporting period. As modified, the FASB permits the adoption of the new revenue standard early, but not before annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Entities have the choice to apply ASU 2014-09 either retrospectively to each reporting period presented or by recognizing the cumulative effect of applying ASU 2014-09 at the date of initial application and not adjusting comparative information.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Principal versus Agent Consideration.” In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.” In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-11, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of ASU 2014-09 and 2014-16” and ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients.” All of these ASUs do not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606 (as amended by ASU 2014-09), but rather provide further guidance to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance included in ASU 2014-09. The effective date for all of these ASUs is the same as the effective date of ASU 2014-09 as amended by ASU 2015-14, for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years (Q1 fiscal 2019 for AstroNova). The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Share-Based Compensation

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. For public entities, ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods (Q1 fiscal 2018 for AstroNova) and early adoption is allowed. As permitted by ASU 2016-09, the Company adopted this guidance prospectively in the first quarter ended May 4, 2013fiscal 2017 and have provided the disclosure required in Note 8. Since ASU 2013-02 only impacts presentation and disclosure requirements, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” ASU 2016-02 supersedes current guidance related to accounting for leases and is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities in the balance sheet for operating leases with

lease terms greater than twelve months. The update also requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years (Q1 fiscal 2020 for AstroNova), with early adoption permitted. At adoption, this update will be applied using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this new guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Inventory

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330).” ASU 2015-11 requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value instead of at lower of cost or market. This guidance does not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method but applies to all other inventory, including inventory measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or the average cost method. ASU 2015-11 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years (Q1 fiscal 2018 for AstroNova) and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company does not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.statements.

Note 2—Acquisition

On January 22, 2014, Astro-MedJune 19, 2015, we completed the acquisition of the Ruggedized Printer Productaerospace printer product line from Miltope Corporation (Miltope), a company of VT Systems, which is engaged in the design, development, manufacture and testing of ruggedized computers and computer peripheral equipment for military, industrycivil and commercial applications. Astro-Med’s ruggedizedaircraft from Rugged Information Technology Equipment Corporation (RITEC) under the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement dated June 18, 2015. The products of RITEC consist of aerospace printers for use in commercial aircraft sold primarily to aircraft manufacturers, tier one contractors and directly to airlines around the world. Our aerospace printer product line is part of the Test & Measurement (T&M) product group and is reported as part of the T&M segment. The resultsCompany began shipment of the Miltope’s ruggedized printer product line operations have been includedRITEC products in the consolidated financial statementsthird quarter of the Company since the acquisition date.fiscal 2016.

The purchase price of the acquisition was $6,732,000$7.4 million which was funded using existingavailable cash on hand. Ofand investment securities. The Company withheld $0.8 million of the $6,732,000 purchase price $500,000 will be held in escrow for twelve months following the acquisition date to provide an indemnity tosupport the Companysellers’ indemnifications in the event of any breach in the representation,representations, warranties andor covenants of Miltope. RITEC. The Company retained $0.1 million from the escrow, which was recorded as other income in the consolidated statement of income for the period ended January 31, 2017.

The assets acquired consist principally of all of the assets of the Miltope ruggedized printer product line excluding plantaccounts receivable and equipment and personnel.certain intangible assets. Acquisition related costs of approximately $90,000$0.1 million are included in the general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statementstatements of income for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014.2016. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with the guidance provided by FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations.”

As part of the acquisition, Miltope and Astro-Med haveThe Company also entered into a manufacturing services agreementTransition Services Agreement, under which Miltope will provideRITEC provided transition services and continuecontinued to manufacture printers for Astro-Med for up to six monthsproducts in the acquired product line until the Company transitionstransitioned the manufacturing to its West Warwick, Rhode Island facility. The TSA concluded in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 and AstroNova purchased the remaining inventory held by RITEC for $0.2 million.

Also as part of the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a License Agreement, which grants RITEC certain rights to use the intellectual property acquired by the Company in the design, development, marketing, manufacture, sale and servicing of aerospace printers for aircraft sold to the military end-user market and printers sold to other non-aircraft market segments. RITEC will pay royalties equal to 7.5% of the revenue price on all products sold into the military end-user aircraft market during the first five years of the License Agreement. No royalty revenue was accrued in fiscal 2017.

The purchase price of the acquisition has been allocated on the basis of the estimated fair value as follows:

 

(In thousands)        

Accounts Receivable

  $713    $50 

Inventories

   2,503  

Identifiable Intangible Assets

   3,400     3,780 

Goodwill

   196     3,530 

Warranty Reserve

   (80
  

 

   

 

 

Total Purchase Price

  $6,732    $7,360 
  

 

   

 

 

The fair value of the intangible assets acquired was estimated by applying the income approach. This fair value measurement is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and therefore, represent a Level 3 measurement as defined in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure.” Key assumptions include (1) a weighted average cost of capital of 15.5%; (2) a range of earnings projections from $0.1-$0.7 million and (3) a range of contract renewal probability from 30%-100%.

Goodwill of $196,000,$3.5 million, which is deductible for tax purposes, represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value assigned to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Miltope.RITEC. The carrying amount of the goodwill was allocated to the T&M segment of the Company.

The following table reflects the fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets and related estimated useful lives:

 

(In thousands)  Fair
Value
   Useful Life
(Years)
   Fair
Value
   Useful Life
(Years)
 

Customer Contract Relationships

  $3,100     10    $2,830    10 

Backlog

   300     1  

Non-Competition Agreement

   950    5 
  

 

     

 

   

Total

  $3,400      $3,780   
  

 

     

 

   

No amortization expense has been included in the income statement for fiscal 2014 in regards to the above acquired intangibles.

Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:

(In thousands)  2015   2016   2017   2018   2019 

Estimated amortization expenses

  $702    $357    $349    $331    $278  

The following unaudited pro forma information assumesAssuming the acquisition of MiltopeRITEC occurred on either February 1, 2013 or 2012. This information has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent2014, the results of operations that would have happened had the acquisition occurred as of the date indicated, nor of future results of operations.

   Years Ended
January 31
 
(In thousands)  2014   2013 

Net Revenue

  $75,362    $69,453  

The impact on net revenue, net income and earnings per share would not have been material to the Company in either year.for the years ended January 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Note 3—Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are as follows:

  January 31, 2017  January 31, 2016 
(In thousands) Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Carrying
Amount
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Carrying
Amount
 

Miltope:

      

Customer Contract Relationships

 $3,100  $(1,108 $1,992  $3,100  $(758 $2,342 

RITEC:

      

Customer Contract Relationships

  2,830   (207  2,623   2,830   (31  2,799 

Non-Competition Agreement

  950   (301  649   950   (111  839 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Intangible assets, net

 $6,880  $(1,616 $5,264  $6,880  $(900 $5,980 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

There were no impairments to intangible assets during the periods ended January 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Amortization expense of $0.7 million; $0.5 million and $0.7 million with regard to acquired intangibles has been included in the consolidated statements of income for years ended January 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:

(In thousands)  2018   2019   2020   2021   2022 

Estimated amortization expense

  $774   $769   $803   $706   $633 

Note 4—Securities Available for Sale

Pursuant to our investment policy, securities available for sale include state and municipal securities with various contractual or anticipated maturity dates ranging from one month to threetwo years. These securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes in shareholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available for sale securities, if any, are determined on a specific identification basis. A decline in the fair value of any available for sale security below cost that is determined to be other than temporary will result in a write-down of its carrying amount to fair value. No such impairment charges were recorded for any period presented. All short-term investment securities have original maturities greater than 90 days.

The fair value, amortized cost and gross unrealized gains and losses of the securities are as follows:

 

  Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value   Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
 
(In thousands)                                

January 31, 2014

        

January 31, 2017

        

State and Municipal Obligations

  $18,729    $37    $—     $18,766    $6,732   $—     $(9  $6,723 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value 

January 31, 2013

        

January 31, 2016

        

State and Municipal Obligations

  $8,499    $10    $—     $8,509    $10,363   $15   $(2  $10,376 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The contractual maturity dates of these securities are as follows:

 

  January 31,   January 31 
  2014   2013   2017   2016 
(In thousands)                

Less than one year

  $11,439    $5,986    $3,563   $3,833 

One to three years

   7,327     2,523  

One to two years

   3,160    6,543 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $18,766    $8,509    $6,723   $10,376 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Actual maturities are expected tomay differ from contractual dates as a result of salesrevenue or earlier issuer redemptions.

Note 4—5—Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. The components of inventories are as follows:

 

  January 31 
  2014 2013   2017   2016 
(In thousands)              

Materials and Supplies

  $10,722   $7,419    $11,865   $10,197 

Work-in-Progress

   852    590     1,216    1,025 

Finished Goods

   6,798    5,953     10,270    7,491 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 
   18,372    13,962     23,351    18,713 

Inventory Reserve

   (3,194  (2,783   (3,845   (3,823
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Balance at January 31

  $15,178   $11,179    $19,506   $14,890 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

The balance of inventory at January 31, 2014 includes $2,500,000 of inventory related to the acquisition of Miltope.

Included within finishedFinished goods inventory is $767,000includes $1.6 million and $812,000$1.4 million of demonstration equipment at January 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

Note 5—6—Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

 

   January 31, 
   2014   2013 
(In thousands)        

Product replacement cost reserve

  $480    $—    

Reserve for cash in escrow

   —       1,800  

Warranty

   355     350  

Professional fees

   269     174  

Executive retirement package

   250     —    

Health insurance reimbursement reserve

   75     100  

Dealer commissions

   55     91  

Other

   826     649  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $2,310    $3,164  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   January 31 
   2017   2016 
(In thousands)        

Professional Fees

  $584   $328 

Warranty

   515    400 

Product Replacement Cost Reserve

   174    278 

Dealer Commissions

   180    221 

Other

   718    982 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $2,171   $2,209 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 6—7—Line of Credit

OnAt January 15, 2014,31, 2017 the Company amended its agreement with Wells Fargo Bank to increase the existinghad a $10.0 million revolving line of credit from $5,000,000available to $10,000,000. Borrowingsbe used as needed for ongoing working capital requirements, business acquisitions or general corporate purposes. Any borrowings made under thisthe line of credit would bear interest at either a fluctuating 75 basis points belowvariable rate of either (i) the base rate,Prime Rate plus an agreed upon margin of between 0% and 0.50%, based upon the consolidated leverage ratio (funded debt: EBITDA, as defined indefined); or (ii) the Eurocurrency Rate (LIBOR) plus an agreed-upon margin of between 1.00% and 1.50%, based upon the consolidated leverage ratio. In addition, the agreement orprovides for two financial covenant requirements: Total Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (as defined) of not greater than 3 to 1 and a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined) of not less than 1.25 to 1, both measured at the end of each quarter on a fixed rate 150 basis points above LIBOR. Atrolling four quarter basis. As of January 31, 2014,2017, there werehad been no borrowings against this line of credit and the entireCompany was in compliance with its financial covenants. Under the terms, the line is currently available.

Note 7—Note Receivable and Revolving Line of Credit Issued

On Januarycredit would have expired on August 30, 2012, we completed the sale of our label manufacturing operations in Asheboro, North Carolina2017. Subsequent to Label Line Ltd. The net sales price of $1,000,000 was received in the form of a promissory note issued by Label Line Ltd. and is fully secured by a first lien on various collateral, including the Asheboro plant and plant assets. The note bears interest at the United States prime rate as of January 30, 2013 plus 50 basis points (3.75% at January 31, 2014) and is payable in sixteen quarterly installments of principal and interest commencing on January 30, 2013. The Note Receivable is disclosed at its present value on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of January 31, 2014, $690,000 remains outstanding onyear-end, this note.

The terms of the Asheboro sale also included an agreement for Astro-Med to provide Label Line Ltd. with additional financing in form of a$10.0 million revolving line of credit was terminated. As part of a new credit facility, the Company entered into a $10.0 million revolving credit facility with a different Lender. Refer to Note 20 for additional details.

Note 8—Sale of Property

In December of 2016, we sold our Slough UK real estate and related machinery, computers and equipment at that location. Proceeds from the sale amounted to $0.5 million (0.4 million in British Pounds) and a gain of $0.4 million was recognized in other income in the amountCompany’s consolidated statement of $600,000, which is fully secured by a first lien on various collateral, includingincome for the Asheboro plant and plant assets. This line of credit bears interest at a rate equal to the United States prime rate plus an additional margin of two percent of the outstanding credit balance (5.25% atperiod ended January 31, 2014). Although the initial term was2017. Our UK branch is currently leasing property for a period of one-year from the date of the sale, the agreement has been extended through January 31, 2015. As of January 31, 2014, $240,000 remains outstanding on this revolving line of credit.its operations in Maidenhead, UK.

Note 8—9—Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeLoss

The changes in the balance of accumulated other comprehensive incomeloss by component are as follows:

 

(In thousands)  Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments
  Unrealized Holding Gain
on Available for
Sale Securities
  Total 

Balance at January 31, 2012

  $106   $15   $121  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   60    (8  52  

Amounts reclassified to Net Income

          
  

 

 

 

Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   60    (8  52  
  

 

 

 

Balance at January 31, 2013

   166    7    173  

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   (14  17    3  

Amounts Reclassified to Net Income

   —     —     —   
  

 

 

 

Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   (14  17    3  
  

 

 

 

Balance at January 31, 2014

  $152   $24   $176  
  

 

 

 
(In thousands)  Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments
   Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)
on Available for
Sale Securities
   Total 

Balance at January 31, 2014

  $152   $24   $176 

Other Comprehensive Loss

   (866   (9   (875

Amounts Reclassified to Net Income

   —     —     —  
  

 

 

 

Net Other Comprehensive Loss

   (866   (9   (875) 
  

 

 

 

Balance at January 31, 2015

   (714   15    (699

Other Comprehensive Loss

   (269   (7   (276

Amounts Reclassified to Net Income

   —     —     —  
  

 

 

 

Net Other Comprehensive Loss

   (269   (7   (276
  

 

 

 

Balance at January 31, 2016

  $(983  $8   $(975

Other Comprehensive Loss

   (65   (16   (81

Amounts Reclassified to Net Income

   —     —     —  
  

 

 

 

Net Other Comprehensive Loss

   (65   (16   (81
  

 

 

 

Balance at January 31, 2017

  $(1,048  $(8  $(1,056
  

 

 

 

The amounts presented above in other comprehensive incomeloss are net of taxes.taxes except for translation adjustments associated with our German subsidiary.

Note 9—10—Shareholders’ Equity

The number of shares issued of common stock is summarized below:

   2014   2013 

Balance at beginning of year

   9,031,756     8,956,488  

Exercise of employee stock options

   210,790     66,313  

Restricted stock vesting

   42,325     —    

Shares issued to employee stock purchase plan

   3,989     5,976  

Share-based compensation

   2,365     2,979  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   9,291,225     9,031,756  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Stock: During fiscal 2014 the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock under the Company’s repurchase program. The Company purchased 110,000 shares of its common stock for $770,000 in fiscal 2013. As of January 31, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to an additional 390,000 shares Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.

During fiscal 20142017, 2016 and 2013,2015, certain of the Company’s employees delivered a total of 66,82851,531, 29,939 and 20,93862,797 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock to satisfy the exercise price and related taxes for stock options exercised and related taxes.restricted stock vesting. The shares delivered were valued at a total of $797,000$0.8 million, $0.4 million and $176,000,$0.9 million, respectively, and are included with thein treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets at January 31, 20142017, 2016 and 2013.2015. These transactions did not impact the number of shares authorized for repurchase under the Company’s current repurchase program.

Astro-MedDuring fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock from the Estate of Albert W. Ondis for an aggregate purchase price of $6.3 million. Prior to entering into the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company obtained an opinion from an independent investment banking firm as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the public shareholders of the Company other than the selling shareholders, of the consideration paid by the Company in the transaction. The purchase was funded using existing cash on hand. This transaction did not impact the number of shares authorized for repurchase under the Company’s current repurchase program.

As of January 31, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to an additional 390,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.

Note 11—Share-Based Compensation

The Company maintains the following benefit plans involving its common stock:share-based compensation plans:

Stock Plans:Astro-Med has one

We have two equity incentive planplans – the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”“2007 Plan”) under whichand the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). Under these plans, the Company may grant incentive stock options,

non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, time or performance-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”)(RSUs), restricted stock awards (“RSAs”)(RSAs), and other equity basedstock-based awards may be granted to officersexecutives, key employees, directors and certain employees. An aggregate of 1,000,000 shares were authorized for awards under the Plan.other eligible individuals. At January 31, 2014, 359,4752017, 87,989 shares were available for grant under the 2007 Plan, of which 50,000 are reserved for stock options that the Company is obligated to issue to its CEO in fiscal 2018 pursuant to an Equity Incentive Award Agreement dated as of November 24, 2014 (the “CEO Equity Incentive Agreement”). The 2007 Plan will expire in May 2017. The 2015 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 500,000 shares (subject to adjustment for stock dividends and stock splits), and at January 31, 2017, 151,987 shares were available for grant under the 2015 Plan. The 2015 Plan will expire in May 2025. Options granted to date to employees under both plans vest over four years and expire after ten years. The exercise price of each stock option will beis established at the discretion of the Compensation Committee; however, any incentive stock options granted under the 2007 Plan, and all options granted under the 2015 Plan, must be issued at an exercise price of not less than the fair market value atof the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

Under the plans, each non-employee director receives an automatic annual grant of ten-year options to purchase 5,000 shares of stock upon the adjournment of each annual shareholders meeting. Each such option is exercisable at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date, and vests immediately prior to the next succeeding annual shareholders’ meeting. Accordingly, on May 18, 2016, 30,000 options were issued to the non-employee directors.

In addition to the plans, the Company has a Non-Employee Director Annual Compensation Program (the “Program”). Prior to August 1, 2016, this program provided that each non-employee director was entitled to an annual cash retainer of $7,000 (the “Annual Cash Retainer”), plus $500 for each Board and committee meeting attended. In addition, the Chairman of the Board received an annual retainer of $6,000, and the Chairs of the Audit and Compensation Committees each received an annual retainer of $4,000 (“Chair Retainer”). The non-employee directors could elect, for any fiscal year, 2013,to receive all or a portion of the Company’s executive’s long-term incentive compensation was awardedAnnual Cash Retainer and/or Chair Retainer (collectively the “Cash Retainer”) in the form of RSUs. The 2013 RSUs are earned ifcommon stock of the Company, achieves specific thresholdswhich was issued under one of net salesthe Plans. If a non-employee director elected to receive all or a portion of the Cash Retainer in the form of common stock, such shares were issued in four quarterly installments on the first day of each fiscal quarter, and the number of shares of common stock issued was based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date such installment was payable. The common stock received in lieu of such Cash Retainer was fully vested upon issuance. However, a non-employee director who received common stock in lieu of all or a portion of the Cash Retainer could not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the common stock prior to the first anniversary of the date on which such shares were issued. In the event of the death or disability of a non-employee director, or a change in control of the Company, any shares of common stock issued in lieu of the Cash Retainer would no longer be subject to such restrictions on transfer. During fiscal 2017 and 2016, a total of 1,168 and 2,947 shares were awarded to non-employee directors in lieu of the Cash Retainer. In addition, under the Program, each non-employee director received RSAs with a value equal to $20,000 (the “Equity Retainer”) upon the adjournment of the annual operating incomeshareholders’ meeting. The Equity Retainer vests on the earlier of 12 months after the grant date or the date immediately prior to the next annual meeting of the shareholders following the meeting at which such RSAs were granted. However, a non-employee director could not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the vested common stock prior to the second anniversary of the vesting date. In the event of the death or disability of a non-employee director, or a change in control of the Company, the RSAs would immediately vest and would no longer be subject to such restrictions on transfer. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, 8,262 shares were awarded as established underthe Equity Retainer to the non-employee directors.

Effective August 1, 2016, the Non-Employee Director Annual Compensation Program was amended. Under the amended Program, and commencing on the first business day of the third fiscal quarter of fiscal 2017, each non-employee director receives an automatic grant of RSAs on the first business day of each fiscal quarter. The number of whole shares to be granted each quarter is equal to 25% of the number calculated by dividing the director compensation amount by the fair market value of the Company’s stock on such day. The director annual compensation amount is $55,000 for the remainder of fiscal year 2017, $65,000 for fiscal 2018, and $75,000 for fiscal 2019. In addition, the Chairman of the Board receives RSAs with an aggregate value of $6,000, and the

Chairs of the fiscal 2013 Domestic Management Bonus PlanAudit and vest fifty percentCompensation Committees each receive RSAs with an aggregate value of $4,000, also issued in quarterly installments and calculated in the same manner as the directors’ RSA grants. RSAs granted pursuant to the amended Program become fully vested on the first anniversary of the grant date and fifty percent onof grant. A total of 11,379 shares were awarded to the second anniversary ofnon-employee directors as compensation under the grant date provided that the grantee is employed on each vesting date by Astro-Med or an affiliate company. All such RSUs were earnedamended Program in fiscal 2013 and fifty percent vested in March 2013; the balance will vest in March 2014, subject to the grantee’s continued employment. 2017.

In April 2013 (fiscal year 2014), the Company granted options and RSUs to officers (“2014 RSUs”). EachThe 2014 RSU will be earned and vestRSUs vested as follows: twenty-five percent of the 2014 RSU vestsvested on the third anniversary of the grant date, fifty percent of the 2014 RSU vestsvested upon the Company achieving its cumulative budgeted net salesrevenue target for fiscal years 2014 through 2016 (the “Measurement Period”), and twenty-five percent of the total 2014 RSU vestsvested upon the Company’sCompany achieving a target average annual ORONA (operating income return on net assets as calculated under the Domestic Management Bonus Plan) for the Measurement Period. The grantee may not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of more than fifty percent of the common stock issued upon vesting of the RSU2014 RSUs until the first anniversary of the vesting date.

The Plan provides for an automatic annual grant of ten-year options to purchase 5,000 shares of stock to each non-employee director upon the adjournment of each shareholders’ meeting. Each such option is exercisable at the fair market value as In April 2016, 9,300 of the grant2014 RSUs vested, as the Company achieved the targeted average annual ORONA, as defined in the plan, for the Measurement Period and another 9,300 vested as a result of the third year anniversary date of the grant. Additionally, on February 1, 2014, the Company accelerated the vesting of 4,166 of the 2014 RSUs held by Everett Pizzuti in connection with his retirement.

In March 2015 (fiscal year 2016), the Company granted 50,000 options and vests immediately prior537 RSAs to the next succeeding shareholders’ meeting. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, 20,000 options, were awarded each year to non-employee directorsits CEO pursuant to the Plan. In additionCEO Equity Incentive Agreement, and 35,000 options to the automatic option grant under Plan, the Company has a Non-Employee Director Annual Compensation Program (the “Program”) which provides that each non-employee director is entitled to an annual cash retainer of $7,000 (the “Cash Retainer”), plus $500 for each Boardother key employees. The options and committee meeting attended. The non-employee director may elect for any fiscal year to receive all or a portion of the Cash Retainer in the form of common stock of the Company, which will be issued under the Plan. If a non-employee director elects to receive all or a portion of the Cash Retainer in the form of common stock, such shares shall be issuedRSAs vest in four quarterlyequal annual installments commencing on the first day of each fiscal quarter, and the number of shares of common stock to be issued shall be based on the fair market value of such common stock on the date such installment is payable. The common stock received in lieu of such Cash Retainer will be fully vested. However, a non-employee director who receives common stock in lieu of all or a portion of the Cash Retainer may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the common stock prior to the first anniversary of the date on which such shares were issuable. grant date.

In May 2015 (fiscal year 2016), the eventCompany granted an aggregate of 80,000 time-based and 155,000 performance-based RSUs (“2016 RSUs”) to certain officers of the death or disability of a nonemployee director, or a changeCompany. The time-based 2016 RSUs vest in control of the Company, any shares of common stock issued in lieu of such Cash Retainer, shall no longer be subject to such restrictions on transfer.

In addition, under the Program, each non-employee director receives RSAs with a valuefour equal to $20,000 (the “Equity Retainer”) upon adjournment of each annual shareholders meeting. If a non-employee director is first appointed or elected to the Board of Directors effective on a date other than at the annual shareholders meeting,installments commencing on the date of such appointment or election, the director shall receive a pro rata award of restricted common stock having a value based on the number of days remaining until the next annual meeting. The Equity Retainer will vest on the earlier of 12 months after the grant date or the date immediately prior to the next annual meeting of the shareholders following the meeting at which such RSAs were granted. However, a non-employee director may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the vested common stock prior to the secondfirst anniversary of the vestinggrant date. InThe performance-based 2016 RSUs vest over three years based upon the eventincrease in revenue, if any, achieved each fiscal year relative to a three-year revenue increase goal. Performance-based 2016 RSUs that are earned based on organic revenue growth are fully vested when earned, while those earned based on revenue growth via acquisitions vest annually over a three-year period following the fiscal year in which the revenue growth occurs. Any performance-based 2016 RSUs that have not been earned at the end of the death or disability of a non-employee director, or a changethree-year performance period will be forfeited. The expense for such shares is recognized in controlthe fiscal year in which the results are achieved, however, the shares are not fully earned until approved by the Compensation Committee in the first quarter of the following fiscal year. Based upon revenue in fiscal 2016, 15,810 of the performance based 2016 RSUs were earned in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 based on revenue in fiscal 2017, 9,025 of the performance based 2016 RSUs will be earned in the first quarter of 2018.

In March 2016 (fiscal year 2017), the Company granted 50,000 options and 4,030 RSAs to its CEO pursuant to the CEO Equity Incentive Agreement. The options and RSAs shall immediately vest and shall no longer be subjectin four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date.

In May 2016, the Company granted 37,000 options to such restrictionscertain key employees. On August 1, 2016 the Company granted 5,000 options to its Chief Financial Officer. The options vest in four equal installments commencing on transfer.the first anniversary of the grant date.

Share-Based Compensation:

Share-based compensation expense has been recognized as follows:

   Years Ended January 31 
           2017                   2016                   2015     
(In thousands)      

Stock Options

  $321   $286   $234 

Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units

   685    912    270 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

   13    11    7 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $1,019   $1,209   $511 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock Options:

Aggregated information regarding stock options granted under the Planplans is summarized below:

 

  Number
of Shares
 Option Price
Per Share
   Weighted Average
Option Price Per
Share
   Number
of Shares
 Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
 

Options Outstanding, January 31, 2013

   916,612   $2.40-11.90    $8.46  

Options Outstanding, January 31, 2014

   736,647  $8.63 

Options Granted

   56,800   $10.50-10.60    $10.54     158,600  $13.99 

Options Exercised

   (210,790 $2.40-11.90    $8.33     (224,275 $8.29 

Options Expired

   (25,975 $2.40-11.90    $9.42  

Options Forfeited

   (8,975 $11.84 

Options Cancelled

   (5,986 $8.70 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Options Outstanding, January 31, 2014

   736,647   $5.78-11.90    $8.63  

Options Outstanding, January 31, 2015

   656,011  $10.01 

Options Granted

   115,000  $13.95 

Options Exercised

   (93,344 $7.95 

Options Forfeited

   (5,550 $12.75 

Options Cancelled

   (14,181 $8.82 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

Options Exercisable, January 31, 2014

   570,324   $5.78-11.90    $8.57  

Options Outstanding, January 31, 2016

   657,936  $11.00 

Options Granted

   122,000  $14.82 

Options Exercised

   (87,107 $8.73 

Options Forfeited

   (4,250 $13.91 

Options Cancelled

   (3,123 $8.95 
  

 

  

 

 

Options Outstanding, January 31, 2017

   685,456  $11.96 
  

 

  

 

 

Set forth below is a summary of options outstanding at January 31, 2014:2017:

 

Outstanding

Outstanding

   Exercisable 

Outstanding

   Exercisable 

Range of

Exercise prices

  Options   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   Remaining
Contractual Life
   Options   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   Number of
Shares
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
   Number of
Shares
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 

$5.78-8.73

   500,422    $7.66     4.7     390,299    $7.57  

$8.74-11.90

   236,225    $10.68     4.7     180,025    $10.73  

$5.00-10.00

   190,706   $7.85    3.9    190,706   $7.85    3.9 

$10.01-15.00

   439,750   $13.36    6.6    241,950   $12.79    5.3 

$15.01-20.00

   55,000   $15.07    9.2    —     $—      —   
  

 

       

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
   736,647         570,324       685,456   $11.96    6.1    432,656   $10.61    4.7 
  

 

       

 

     

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The fair value of each stock option granted was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted averageweighted-average assumptions:

 

   Years Ended January 31,
   2014  2013

Risk-free interest rate

  0.81%-0.84%  0.62%-1.20%

Expected life (years)

  5  5

Expected volatility

  38.07%-38.46%  38.74%-39.46%

Expected dividend yield

  2.63%  3.41-3.46%
   Years Ended January 31
           2017                  2016                  2015        

Risk-Free Interest Rate

  1.4%  1.6%  1.6%

Expected Life (years)

  5  5  5

Expected Volatility

  28.3%  22.7%  26.5%

Expected Dividend Yield

  1.9%  2.0%  2.0%

The weighted averageweighted-average estimated fair value of options granted during fiscal 20142017, 2016 and 20132015 was $2.79$3.22; $2.43 and $2.02,$2.85, respectively. As of January 31, 2014,2017, there was $250,000$0.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested stock options granted under the plans. TheThis expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted averageweighted-average period of two2.3 years.

As of January 31, 2014,2017, the aggregate intrinsic value (the aggregate difference between the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock on January 31, 2014,2017, and the exercise price of the outstanding options) that would have been received by the option holders if all options had been exercised was $2,905,000$1.4 million for all exercisable options and $3,707,000 for all options outstanding. The weighted average remaining contractual terms for these options are 3.6 years for options that are exercisable and 4.7 years$1.5 million for all options outstanding. The total aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 20142017, 2016 and 20132015 was $706,000$0.6 million; $0.6 million and $241,000,$1.1 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs):

Aggregated information regarding RSUs and RSAs granted under the Plan is summarized below:

 

   RSAs & RSUs  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 

Outstanding at January 31, 2013

   96,900  $8.10 

Granted

   57,544    10.14  

Vested

   (46,798  8.27  

Expired or canceled

   (1,150  8.35  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 31, 2014

   106,496   $9.12  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   RSAs & RSUs   Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 

Outstanding at January 31, 2014

   106,496   $9.12 

Granted

   7,245    13.80 

Vested

   (35,662   8.75 

Forfeited

   (5,834   10.07 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 31, 2015

   72,245   $9.70 

Granted

   246,335    14.05 

Vested

   (22,692   14.02 

Forfeited

   (2,800   10.07 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 31, 2016

   293,088   $13.02 

Granted

   24,839    14.89 

Vested

   (75,133   12.05 

Forfeited

   (28,926   11.49 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Outstanding at January 31, 2017

   213,868   $13.78 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of January 31, 2014,2017, there was $375,000$0.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs and RSAs.

Share-based compensation This expense has beenis expected to be recognized as follows:over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.

   Years Ended January 31, 
           2014                   2013         
(In thousands)        

Stock Options

  $192    $163  

Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units

   370     317  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $562    $480  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): Astro-Med’s

AstroNova’s ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at a 15% discount from fair market value on the date of purchase. A total of 247,500 shares were initially reserved for issuance under this plan. Summarized plan activity is as follows:

 

   Years Ended January 31, 
           2014                  2013         

Shares reserved, beginning

   64,231    70,207  

Shares purchased

   (3,989  (5,976
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Shares reserved, ending

   60,242    64,231  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Years Ended January 31 
       2017           2016           2015     

Shares Reserved, Beginning

   51,600    57,005    60,242 

Shares Purchased

   (6,376   (5,405   (3,237
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares Reserved, Ending

   45,224    51,600    57,005 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan: Astro-Med has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) providing retirement benefits to all eligible employees. Annual contributions in amounts determined by the Company’s Board of Directors are invested by the ESOP’s Trustees in shares of common stock of Astro-Med. Contributions may be in cash or stock. Astro-Med’s contributions (paid or accrued) amounted to $100,000 in both fiscal 2014 and 2013 and were recorded as compensation expense. All shares owned by the ESOP have been allocated to participants.

Note 10—12—Income Taxes

The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows:

   Years Ended
January 31,
 
   2014   2013 
(In thousands)        

Domestic

  $537    $1,850  

Foreign

   875     1,035  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $1,412    $2,885  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   January 31 
   2017   2016   2015 
(In thousands)            

Domestic

  $4,026   $5,982   $5,401 

Foreign

   2,579    927    1,531 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $6,605   $6,909   $6,932 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations are as follows:

 

  Years Ended
January 31,
   January 31 
  2014 2013   2017 2016 2015 
(In thousands)              

Current:

       

Federal

  $930   $425    $1,269  $1,930  $1,666 

State

   179    (237   209   470   466 

Foreign

   297    366     725   276   535 
  

 

  

 

 
   1,406    554    

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

  

 

    2,203   2,676   2,667 
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Deferred:

       

Federal

   (1,044  253    $150  $(402 $(290

State

   (174  38     37   126   (107

Foreign

   (13  2     (13  (16  —  
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
   (1,231  293     174   (292  (397
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 
  $175   $847    $2,377  $2,384  $2,270 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

The Company’s effective tax rate for 2017 was 36.0% compared to 34.5% in 2016 and 32.7% in 2015. The increase from 2016 is primarily related to non-deductible transaction costs and increased unrecognized tax benefits. The increase in 2016 from 2015 is primarily related to the change in valuation allowance. The provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations differs from the amount computed by applying the United States federal statutory federal income tax rate of 34% in fiscal 2014 and 35% in fiscal 2013 to income before income taxestaxes. The reasons for this difference were due to the following:

 

   Years Ended
January 31,
 
   2014  2013 
(In thousands)       

Income tax provision at statutory rate

  $480   $1,010  

State taxes, net of federal tax effect

   (74  114  

Change in valuation allowance

   27    (49

Change in reserves related to ASC 740 liability

   (59  (197

Meals and entertainment

   38    55  

Domestic production deduction

   (30  (60

Share-based compensation

   36    26  

Tax-exempt income

   (22  (16

R&D credits

   (114  (106

Foreign rate differential

   (26  (22

Other permanent differences and miscellaneous, net

   (81  92  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $175   $847  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   January 31 
   2017  2016  2015 
(In thousands)          

Income Tax Provision at Statutory Rate

  $2,246  $2,349  $2,357 

Capitalized Transaction Costs

   179   —     —   

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

   165   (67  23 

State Taxes, Net of Federal Tax Effect

   162   277   233 

Domestic Production Deduction

   (103  (134  (164

R&D Credits

   (168  (176  (135

Other

   (104  135   (44
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $2,377  $2,384  $2,270 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The components of deferred income tax expense arise from various temporary differences and relate to items included in the statement of income. The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

  January 31,   

January 31

 
  2014 2013   2017 2016 
(In thousands)            

Deferred Tax Assets:

      

Inventory

  $1,792   $1,258    $2,151  $1,948 

Stock-Based Compensation

   535    403  

State R&D Credits

   258    231     679   583 

Share-Based Compensation

   546   830 

Foreign Tax Credit

   508   426 

Compensation Accrual

   493    349     281   346 

ASC 740 Liability Federal Benefit

   290    361  

Unrecognized State Tax Benefits

   241   237 

Warranty Reserve

   192   149 

Deferred Service Contract Revenue

   181    106     176   200 

Warranty Reserve

   137    135  

Reserve for Doubtful Accounts

   127    117  

Foreign Tax Credit

   213    —    

Other

   119    166     348   383 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
   4,145    3,126     5,122   5,102 

Deferred Tax Liabilities:

      

Accumulated Tax Depreciation in Excess of Book Depreciation

   830    532     1,380   1,355 

Deferred Gain on Asset Held for Sale

   897    —    

Currency Translation Adjustment

   173    189  

Other

   78    63     263   193 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
   1,978    784     1,643   1,548 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Subtotal

   2,167    2,342     3,479   3,554 

Valuation Allowance

   (258  (231   (679  (583
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Deferred Tax Assets

  $1,909   $2,111    $2,800  $2,971 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

In fiscal 2014, we reclassified $1,151,000 from non-current liabilitiesAs of discontinued operations to deferred taxes.

At January 31, 2014, we have state net operating loss2017 there are $0.5 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards of $392,000, which canare expected to be usedutilized prior to offset future tax liabilities andtheir expiration. Carryforwards will expire at various dates beginning induring fiscal 2014.years 2024 to 2027.

The valuation allowance of $0.7 million at January 31, 2014 relates2017 and $0.6 million at January 31, 2016 related to certain state research and development tax credit carryforwards which are expected to expire unused. The change in the valuation allowance increased $0.1 million in 2014 is an increase of approximately $27,0002017 and represents an increase$0.3 million in the reserve2016 due to the generation of research and development credits duringin excess of the current year,Company’s ability to currently utilize credits, and the decision to fully reserve for the state tax benefits of all R&D tax credit carryforwards, net of federal benefit. The changeCompany has reached this conclusion after considering the availability of taxable income in prior carryback years, tax planning strategies, and the likelihood of future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards in the valuation allowance in 2013 was a decrease of approximately $49,000 and represents a reduction in the reserve due to the expiration of research and development credit expensed during the year net of federal benefits.relevant state jurisdiction.

The Company reasonably believes that it is reasonably possible that some unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalties could decrease income tax expense in the next year due to either the review of previously filed tax returns or the expiration of certain statutes of limitation. A reconciliationThe changes in the balances of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties are as follows:

 

  2014 2013   2017 2016 2015 
(In thousands)              

Balance at February 1

  $941   $780    $591  $707  $715 

Increases in prior period tax positions

   31    16     75   —    —  

Increases in current period tax positions

   42    386     133   49   87 

Reductions related to lapse of statute of limitations

   (299  (241   (91  (165  (95
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at January 31

  $715   $941    $708  $591  $707 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

 

If the $715,000$0.7 million balance as of January 31, 2017 is recognized, $425,000$0.5 million would decrease the effective tax rate in the period in which each of the benefits is recognized and the remainder would be offset by a reversal of deferred tax assets.

During fiscal 20142017, 2016 and 20132015, the Company recognized $68,000an expense of $52,000, a benefit of $87,000 and an expense and $105,000 of benefit,$43,000, respectively, related to change in interest and penalties, which are included as a component of income tax expense in the accompanying statementstatements of income. At January 31, 2014 and 2013, theThe Company hadhas accrued potential interest and penalties of $416,000$0.4 million at the end of both January 31, 2017 and $348,000, respectively.2016.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in U.S. federal jurisdictions, various state jurisdictions, and various foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for fiscal years ended prior to 2010.January 2014.

On September 13, 2013, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service released final regulations thatU.S. income taxes have not been provided guidance on the application$4.7 million of IRC Section 263(a) for amounts paid to acquire, produce, or improve tangible property, as well as the rules for materials and supplies and proposed regulations addressing dispositions and general asset accounts. The final regulations are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. We are currently evaluating the impact of these new regulations and do not expect them to have a material impact to our financial statements.

At January 31, 2014, the Company has indefinitely reinvested $3,462,000 of the cumulative undistributed earnings of itsthe Company’s German subsidiary since it is the Company’s intention to permanently reinvest such earnings offshore or to repatriate them only when it is tax efficient to do so. It is impracticable to estimate a total tax liability or benefit, if any, created by the future distribution of all or portions of these earnings due to complexities related to taxation and foreign subsidiary in Germany,tax credit benefits. If circumstances change and it becomes apparent that some, or all of which would be subject to U.S. taxes if repatriated to the U.S. Throughthese undistributed earnings as of January 31, 2014, the Company has2017 will not provided deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of this subsidiary because such earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Non-U.S. income taxes are, however, provided on these undistributed earnings.reinvested, the provision for the tax consequence, if any, will be recorded in the period when circumstances change.

Note 11—Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations:

   Total   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019
and
Thereafter
 
(In thousands)                        

Purchase Commitments*

  $12,134    $11,027    $909    $198   $—     $—   

Operating Lease Obligations

   607     311     164     80     52     —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $12,741    $11,338    $1,073    $278    $52    $—   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

*Purchase commitments consists primarily of inventory and equipment purchase orders made in the ordinary course of business.

The Company incurred rent and lease expenses in the amount of $599,000 and $607,000 for the fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 12—13—Nature of Operations, Segment Reporting and Geographical Information

The Company’s operations consist of the design, development, manufacture and sale of specialty printers and data recorderacquisition and acquisitionanalysis systems, label printingincluding both hardware and applicator systemssoftware and related consumable supplies. The Company organizes and manages its business as a portfolio of products and services designed around a common theme of data acquisition and information output. The Company reportshas two reporting segments consistent with its salesrevenue product groups: Product Identification and Test & Measurement (T&M).

The Product Identification segment produces an array of tabletop, high-technology digital color and QuickLabel Systems (QuickLabel).

monochrome label printers, labeling software and consumables for a variety of commercial industries worldwide. T&M produces data recording equipment used worldwide for a variety of recording, monitoring and troubleshooting applications for themany industries including aerospace, automotive, metal mill, powerdefense, rail, energy, industrial and telecommunications industries. QuickLabel produces an array of high-technology digital color and monochrome label printers, labeling software and consumables for a variety of commercial industries worldwide.general manufacturing.

Business is conducted in the United States and through foreign affiliates in Canada, Europe, China Southeast Asia and Europe.Mexico. Manufacturing activities are primarily conducted in the United States. SalesRevenue and service activities outside the United States are conducted through wholly-owned entities and, to a lesser extent, through authorized distributors and agents. Transfer prices are intended to produce gross profit margins as would be associated with an arms-length transaction.

On January 31, 2013, the CompanyJune 19, 2015, AstroNova completed the sale of substantially allasset purchase of the assetsaerospace printer product line from RITEC. AstroNova’s aerospace printer product line is part of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass)the T&M product group and is reported as part of the T&M segment. The Company began shipment of the RITEC products in order to focus on its existing core businesses. Grass produced a rangethe third quarter of instrumentation equipment and supplies for clinical neurophysiology (EEG and epilepsy monitoring), polysomnography (PSG—Sleep Monitoring) and biomedical research applications used by universities, medical centers and companies engaged in a variety of clinical and research activities. Consequently, the Company has classified the results of operations of Grass as discontinued operations for all periods presented.fiscal 2016. Refer to Note 192, “Acquisition,” for further details.

The accounting policies of the reporting segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies herein. The Company evaluates segment performance based on the segment profit before corporate and financial administration expenses.

Summarized below are the Net SalesRevenue and Segment Operating Profit (both in dollars and as a percentage of Net Sales)Revenue) for each reporting segment:

 

($ in thousands)  Net Sales   Segment Operating Profit   Segment Operating Profit %
of Net Sales
  Revenue Segment Operating Profit Segment Operating Profit %
of Revenue
 
  2014   2013       2014           2013       2014 2013  2017 2016 2015     2017         2016         2015     2017 2016 2015 

Product Identification

 $69,862  $67,127  $59,779  $9,821  $9,300  $7,259   14.1%   13.9%   12.1% 

T&M

  $19,527    $17,636    $2,655    $3,109     13.6  17.6  28,586   27,531   28,568   4,399   3,664   5,627   15.4%   13.3%   19.7% 

QuickLabel

   49,065     43,588     5,154     4,380     10.5  10.0
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total

  $68,592    $61,224     7,809     7,489     11.4  12.2 $98,448  $94,658  $88,347   14,220   12,964   12,886   14.4%   13.7%   14.6% 
  

 

   

 

       

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

     

 

  

 

  

 

 

Product Replacement Costs

       672     —       

Corporate Expenses

       5,604     4,563          7,939   7,030   5,655    
      

 

   

 

        

 

  

 

  

 

    

Operating Income

       1,533     2,926          6,281   5,934   7,231    

Other Expense

       121     41     

Other Income (Expense)

     324   975   (299)    
      

 

   

 

        

 

  

 

  

 

    

Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

       1,412     2,885     

Income Tax Provision for Continuing Operations

       175     847     
      

 

   

 

    
       1,237     2,038     

Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes

       1,975     8,729     

Income before Income Taxes

     6,605   6,909   6,932    

Income Tax Provision

     2,377   2,384   2,270    
      

 

   

 

        

 

  

 

  

 

    

Net Income

      $3,212    $10,767         $4,228  $4,525  $4,662    
      

 

   

 

        

 

  

 

  

 

    

No customer accounted for greater than 10% of net salesrevenue in fiscal 20142017, 2016 and 2013.2015.

Other information by segment is presented below:

 

(In thousands)  Assets   Assets 
  2014   2013   2017   2016 

Product Identification

  $30,624   $27,143 

T&M

  $17,049    $10,493     28,129    28,570 

QuickLabel

   25,306     23,468  

Discontinued Operations

   3,917     3,131  

Corporate*

   31,692     42,821     24,912    22,250 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $77,964    $79,913    $83,665   $77,963 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

*Corporate assets consist principally of cash, and cash equivalents and securities available for sale, and building held for sale.

(In thousands)  Depreciation and
Amortization
   Capital Expenditures   Depreciation and
Amortization
   Capital Expenditures 
  2014   2013       2014           2013       2017   2016   2015   2017   2016   2015 

Product Identification

  $885   $690   $678   $767   $2,284   $1,408 

T&M

  $640    $435    $585    $383     1,546    1,375    1,385    471    777    839 

QuickLabel

   639     710     543     398  

Discontinued Operations

   —       186     —       68  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $1,279    $1,331    $1,128    $849    $2,431   $2,065   $2,063   $1,238   $3,061   $2,247 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Geographical Data

Presented below is selected financial information by geographic area:

 

(In thousands)  Net Sales   Long-Lived Assets   Revenue   Long-Lived Assets* 
  2014   2013   2014   2013   2017   2016   2015   2017   2016 

United States

  $48,679    $44,613    $10,115    $6,741    $69,850   $68,316   $61,494   $8,940   $9,310 

Europe

   14,909     12,324     538     609     18,848    16,830    18,181    168    290 

Canada

   2,569     2,136     339     438     5,008    4,487    3,934    172    207 

Central and South America

   3,053    2,436    1,919    0    —  

Asia

   1,167     910     —      —      1,664    1,741    1,408    0    —  

Central and South America

   908     752     —      —   

Other

   360     489     —      —      25    848    1,411    0    —  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $68,592    $61,224    $10,992    $7,788    $98,448   $94,658   $88,347   $9,280   $9,807 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

*Long-lived assets excludes goodwill assigned to the T&M segment of $4.5 million at both January 31, 2017 and 2016.

Note 14—Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP):

AstroNova has an ESOP providing retirement benefits to all eligible employees. Annual contributions in amounts determined by the Company’s Board of Directors are invested by the ESOP’s Trustees in shares of common stock of AstroNova. Contributions may be in cash or stock. The Company did not make a contribution to the T&M segmentESOP in fiscal 2017 or 2016. The Company’s contribution of $1.0 and $0.7$0.1 million at January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 13—Profit-Sharing Plan

Along within fiscal 2015 was recorded as compensation expense. All shares owned by the ESOP described in Note 9, Astro-Medhave been allocated to participants. On January 23, 2017, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has voted to terminate the ESOP.

Profit-Sharing Plan:

AstroNova sponsors a Profit-Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) which provides retirement benefits to all eligible domestic employees. The Plan allows participants to defer a portion of their cash compensation and contribute such deferral to the Plan through payroll deductions. The Company makes matching contributions up to specified levels. The deferrals are made within the limits prescribed by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.

All contributions are deposited into trust funds. It is the policy of the Company to fund any contributions accrued. The Company’s annual contribution amounts are determined by the Board of Directors. Contributions paid or accrued amounted to $251,000 and $261,000$0.5 million in fiscal 20142017 and 2013, respectively.$0.3 million in both 2016 and 2015.

Note 14—15—Product Warranty Liability

Astro-MedAstroNova offers a manufacturer’s warranty for the majority of its hardware products. The specific terms and conditions of warranty vary depending upon the productproducts sold and country in which the Company does business. For products sold in the United States, the Company provides a basic limited warranty, including parts and labor. The Company estimates the warranty costs based on historical claims experience and records a liability in the amount of such estimates at the time product revenue is recognized. The Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Activity in the product warranty liability, which is included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, is as follows:

 

   January 31, 
   2014  2013 
(In thousands)       

Balance, beginning of the year

  $350   $343  

Warranties issued

   447    783  

Settlements made

   (442  (776
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, end of the year

  $355   $350  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   January 31 
   2017  2016  2015 
(In thousands)          

Balance, beginning of the year

  $400  $375  $355 

Provision for Warranty Expense

   971   887   546 

Cost of Warranty Repairs

   (856  (862  (526
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, end of the year

  $515  $400  $375 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Note 15—16—Product Replacement Costs

In April 2013, tests conducted by the Company revealed that one of its suppliers had been using a non-conforming partmaterial in certain models of Astro-Med’sAstroNova’s Test & Measurement printers. No malfunctions have been reported by customers as a result of the non-conforming material.

Upon identifying this issue, Astro-Medwe immediately suspended production of the printers, notified all customers and contacted the supplier who confirmed the problem. Astro-Med is workingWe are continuing to work with itsour customers to replace the non-conforming material on existing printers with conforming material and will do this on a gradual basis over several months.material. The estimated costs associated with the replacement program were $672,000,$0.7 million, which was based upon the number of printers shipped during the period the non-conforming material was used. Those costs were recognized and recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2014

2014. As of January 31, 2017, the Company had expended $0.4 million in replacement costs which have been charged against this reserve and arehas adjusted the reserve amount to reflect the estimate of remaining cost associated with the replacement program. The remaining reserve amount of $0.2 million is included in cost of salesother accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014. The Company has settled $192,000 in recovery expensesbalance sheet as of January 31, 2014 and the related remaining reserve amount of $480,000 is included in Other Accrued Expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet dated January 31, 2014.

Astro-Med is currently receiving power supplies with compliant materials and has resumed printer production and shipments to customers.2017.

Since the supplier deviated from the agreed upon specifications for the power supply while providing certificates of conformance to the original specifications, in January 2014, Astro-MedAstroNova received a $450,000$0.5 million settlement from the supplier in January 2014 for recovery of the costs and expense associated with this issue. This settlement was recorded in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2014. In addition to this cash settlement, the Company will receivereceived lower product prices from the supplier for a periodthrough the first quarter of three years.fiscal 2017.

Note 16—17—Concentration of Risk

Credit is generally extended on an uncollateralized basis to almost all customers after review of credit worthiness. Concentration of credit and geographic risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the large number and general dispersion of accounts which constitute the Company’s customer base. The Company periodically performs on-going credit evaluations of its customers. The Company has not historically experienced significant credit losses on collection of its accounts receivable.

Excess cash is invested principally in investment grade government and state municipal securities. The Company has established guidelines relative to diversification and maturities that maintain safety of principal, liquidity and yield. These guidelines are periodically reviewed and modified to reflect changes in market conditions. The Company has not historically experienced any significant losses on its cash equivalents or investments.

During the years ended January 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, one vendor accounted for 33.2%, 23.7% and 21.9% of purchases, and 42.7%, 16.7% and 55.1% of accounts payable, respectively.

Note 17—18—Commitments and Contingencies

Astro-MedContractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations:

(In thousands)  Total   2018   2019   2020   2021   2022
and
Thereafter
 

Purchase Commitments*

  $19,271   $17,848   $—     $1,352   $—     $71

Operating Lease Obligations

   706    371    214    101    20    —  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $19,977   $18,219   $214   $1,453   $20   $71
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

*Purchasecommitments consist primarily of inventory and equipment purchase orders made in the ordinary course of business.

The Company is also subject to contingencies, including legal proceedings and claims arising in the normal course of business that cover a wide range of matters including, among others, contract and employment claims,claims; workers compensation claims,claims; product liability,liability; warranty and modification,modification; and adjustment or replacement of component parts of units sold.

Direct costs associated with the estimated resolution of contingencies are accrued at the earliest date at which it is deemed probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of such liability can be reasonably estimated. While it is impossible to ascertain the ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to contingent liabilities, including lawsuits, the Company believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts provided or covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular future period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or strategies related to these contingencies or changes out of the Company’s control.

Note 18—19—Fair Value Measurements

We measure our financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures,” which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, ASC 820 establishes a three-tiered hierarchy for inputs used in management’s determination of fair value of financial instruments that emphasizes the use of observable inputs over the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect management’s belief about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing a financial instrument based on the best information available in the circumstances.

The fair value hierarchy is summarized as follows:

 

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2—Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities

Cash and cash equivalents;equivalents, accounts receivables; line of credit receivable;receivable, accounts payable, note receivable, accrued compensation and other expenses;expenses and income tax payable are reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short term nature of the these instruments.

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

 

January 31, 2014

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
(In thousands)                

Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)

  $4,734    $—     $—     $4,734  

State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)

   —       18,766    —      18,766  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $4,734    $18,766   $—     $23,500  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

January 31, 2013

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
(In thousands)                

Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)

  $8,784    $—     $—     $8,784  

State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)

   8,509     —       —      8,509  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $17,293    $—     $—     $17,293  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At the beginning of fiscal 2014, we transferred our investments in state and municipal obligations from Level 1 to Level 2 to more accurately reflect the inputs used in valuation pursuant to ASC 820.

January 31, 2017

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
(In thousands)                

Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)

  $2   $–    $–    $2 

State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)

   –     6,723    –     6,723 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $2   $6,723   $–    $6,725 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

January 31, 2016

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
(In thousands)                

Money market funds (included in cash and cash equivalents)

  $4,340   $–    $–    $4,340 

State and municipal obligations (included in securities available for sale)

   –     10,376    –     10,376 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $4,340   $10,376   $–    $14,716 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For our money market funds and state and municipal obligations, we utilize the market approach to measure fair value. The market approach is based on using quoted market prices for identicalsimilar assets.

For our Note Receivable we utilized the income approachNon-financial assets such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment are required to measurebe measured at fair value by discountingonly when an impairment loss is recognized. The Company did not record an impairment loss related to these assets during the present value of the Note. The discount rate used is based on similar rates used for high credit ratings and highly collateralized lending.periods ended January 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015.

Note 19—Discontinued Operations20—Subsequent Event

On January 31, 2013, the CompanyFebruary 1, 2017, our wholly-owned Danish subsidiary, ANI ApS, completed the sale of substantially allacquisition of the assetsissued and outstanding equity interests of its Grass Technologies Product Group (Grass)TrojanLabel ApS, a Danish private limited liability company, pursuant to the terms of a Share Purchase Agreement, dated January 7, 2017, by and among the ANI ApS,

Holdingselskabet af 20. marts 2014 ApS (“Holding”), a Danish private limited liability company and Li Wei Chong, an individual (Holding, together with Li Wei Chong, the “Sellers”). Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, TrojanLabel ApS is a manufacturer of products including digital color label presses and specialty printing systems for a broad range of end markets. Upon the consummation of the acquisition, TrojanLabel ApS became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AstroNova.

The purchase price of this acquisition was DKK 62.9 million (approximately $9.1 million), of which manufactured polysomnography and electroencephalography systems and related accessories and propriety electrodes for useDKK 6.4 million (approximately $0.9 million) was placed in both research and clinical settings. The assets sold consisted primarily ofescrow to secure certain post-closing working capital (exclusiveadjustments and indemnification obligations of inventory and accounts payable relatedthe Sellers. The Sellers may be entitled to manufacturing),additional contingent consideration if 80% of specified earnings targets are achieved by Trojanlabel ApS during the engineering, sales and support workforce, intellectual property and certain other related assets. The proceeds from the sale consisted of $18.6 million in cash, of which $16.8 million was recognized in fiscal 2013 and the remaining $1.8 million, which was held in escrowseven years following the closing, datesubject to certain closing working capital adjustments and potential offsets to satisfy the Sellers’ indemnification obligations. The contingent consideration consists of potential earn-out payments to the Sellers of between DKK 32.5 million (approximately $5 million) if 80% of the transaction, was recognized in fiscal 2014.

As partspecified earnings targets are achieved, DKK 40.6 million (approximately $5.8 million) if 100% of the specified earnings targets are achieved, and a maximum of DKK 48.7 million (approximately $7 million) if 120% of the specified earnings targets are achieved. Transaction costs related to this transaction, Astro-Med entered into a Transition Service Agreement (TSA) with the purchaser in which the Company has provided transition services and continued to manufacture Grass products for the purchaser through January 31, 2014, at which time the purchaser was obligated to acquire the remaining inventory. The Company determined that cash flows from this activity were not and will not be material to its recurring operations. At January 31, 2014, the Company has completed its responsibility under the TSA, closed its Rockland facility which isacquisition of $0.6 million are included in the process of being sold (as described below)general and terminated substantially all employees related to Grass.

As a result of the above, the Company has classified the results of operations of the Grass Technologies Product Group as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

Results for discontinued operations are as follows:

   2014   2013 
(In thousands)        

Net Sales

  $8,401    $19,195  

Cost of Sales

  $7,353    $9,072  

Gross Profit

  $1,048    $10,123  

Operating Expenses

  $96    $6,205  

Income from Discontinued Operations

  $952    $3,918  

Gain on Sale of Assets of Discontinued Operations

  $1,800    $10,162  

Income Tax Expense

  $777    $5,351  

Income from Discontinued Operations

  $1,975    $8,729  

Includedadministrative expenses in the above calculationconsolidated statement of the Gain on Sale of Assets of Discontinued Operations for 2013 is a charge of $779,000 related to the impairment of the Grass Technologies Product Group facility located in Rockland, Massachusetts. The impairment charge was based on the fair value of the facility, less costs to sell, using market values for similar properties which is a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 18. In February 2014, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement to sell the property to an independent buyer and this transaction is expected to close in April 2014. As a result, the property is currently disclosed at its fair market value and is classified as an asset held for sale in the accompanying balance sheetincome for the period ended January 31, 2014.2017. The Company is currently in the process of completing the purchase accounting allocations and does not expect this transaction to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

On February 28, 2017, ANI ApS, entered into a Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Lender”), ANI ApS, and Trojanlabel ApS. The Company also entered into a related Security and Pledge Agreement with the Lender. The Credit Agreement provides for a term loan to AstroNova in the amount of $9.2 million. The Credit Agreement also provides for a $10.0 million revolving credit facility available to the Company for general corporate purposes. Revolving credit loans may be borrowed, at the Company’s option, in U.S. Dollars or, subject to certain conditions, Euros, British Pounds, Canadian Dollars or Danish Krone. No amount was drawn under the revolving credit facility as of the filing of this Annual Report on 10-K.

In connection with the Credit Agreement, AstroNova entered into certain hedging arrangements with the Lender to manage the variable interest rate risk and currency risk associated with its payments in respect of the term loan. Under these arrangements, payments of principal and interest in respect of approximately $8.9 million of the principal of the term loan will be made in Danish Krone, and interest on such principal amount will be payable at a fixed rate of 0.67% per annum for the entire term, subject only to potential increases of 0.25% or 0.50% per annum based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The obligations of ANI ApS under these arrangements are guaranteed by the Company.

In connection with the entry into the Credit Agreement on February 28, 2017, the Company’s existing Credit Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2014, among the Company, as borrower, and Wells Fargo Bank was terminated. No loans or other amounts were outstanding or owed under the existing Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank at the time of termination.

ASTRO-MED,SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

   2017     2016     
(In thousands, except per share data) Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4     Q1  Q2  Q3  Q4     

Revenue

 $24,110  $25,339  $23,342  $25,657    $22,206  $23,938  $24,753  $23,761  

Cost of Goods Sold

  14,637   15,034   13,701   15,586     13,176   14,092   14,601   14,631  

Gross Profit

  9,473   10,305   9,641   10,071     9,030   9,846   10,152   9,130  
  39.3  40.7  41.3  39.3    40.7  41.1  41.0  38.4 

Operating Expenses:

           

Selling & Marketing

 $4,831  $4,777  $4,578  $4,770    $4,329  $4,664  $4,563  $4,694  

Research & Development

  1,444   1,755   1,338   1,776     1,796   1,565   1,839   1,745  

General & Administrative

  1,651   2,025   1,891   2,373     1,457   1,783   1,891   1,898     

Total Operating Expenses

  7,926   8,557   7,807   8,919     7,582   8,012   8,293   8,337     

Operating Income

  1,547   1,748   1,834   1,152     1,448   1,834   1,859   793  
  6.4  6.9  7.9  4.5    6.5  7.7  7.5  3.3 

Other Income (Expense), Net

  (52  40   (60  396     234   21   333   387  

Income Before Taxes

  1,495   1,788   1,774   1,548     1,682   1,855   2,192   1,180  

Income Tax Provision

  476   496   623   782     471   687   873   352     

Net income

 $1,019  $1,292  $1,151  $766    $1,211  $1,168  $1,319  $828     

Net Income per Common Share—Basic

 $0.14  $0.17  $0.15  $0.10    $0.17  $0.16  $0.18  $0.11     

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares—Basic

  7,358   7,418   7,444   7,463     7,280   7,278   7,295   7,320     

Net Income per Common Share—Diluted

 $0.14  $0.17  $0.15  $0.10    $0.16  $0.16  $0.18  $0.11     

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares—Diluted

  7,524   7,587   7,594   7,586     7,454   7,569   7,466   7,494     

Annual totals may not agree to the summation of quarterly information due to insignificant rounding and the required calculation conventions.

ASTRONOVA, INC.

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

 

Description

  Balance at
Beginning
of Year
   Provision
Charged to
Operations
   Deductions(2) Balance
at End
of Year
   Balance at
Beginning
of Year
   Provision/
(Benefit)
Charged to
Operations
 Deductions(2) Balance
at End
of Year
 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts(1):

             
(In thousands)                          

Year Ended January 31,

             

2014

  $345    $119    $(94 $370  

2013

  $356    $70    $(81 $345  

2017

  $404   $(80 $(58 $266 

2016

  $343   $112  $(51 $404 

2015

  $370   $60  $(87 $343 

 

(1)The allowance for doubtful accounts has been netted against accounts receivable in the balance sheets as of the respective balance sheet dates.
(2)Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries, alsorecoveries. Also includes foreign exchange adjustment.

 

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