UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 29, 2008
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 0-11201
Merrimac Industries, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
DELAWARE | 22-1642321 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
Incorporation or Organization) | Identification No.) |
41 FAIRFIELD PLACE
WEST CALDWELL, NEW JERSEY 07006
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(973) 575-1300
(Registrant’s Telephone Number)
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: N/A
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "accelerated filer," "large accelerated filer" and a "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o |
| |
Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
As of May 9, 2008, there were 2,939,581 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
41 Fairfield Place
West Caldwell, NJ 07006
INDEX
| | Page |
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
| | |
Item 1. | Financial Statements | |
| | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |
| for the Quarters Ended March 29, 2008 | |
| and March 31, 2007 (Unaudited) | 1 |
| | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets-March 29, 2008 (Unaudited) and | |
| December 29, 2007 | 2 |
| | |
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the Quarter | |
| Ended March 29, 2008 (Unaudited) | 3 |
| | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Quarters | |
| Ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007 (Unaudited) | 4 |
| | |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 5 |
| | |
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition | |
| and Results of Operations | 14 |
| | |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 23 |
| | |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 23 |
| | |
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | |
| | |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 23 |
| | |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 23 |
| | |
Item 5. | Other Information | 24 |
| | |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 24 |
| | |
Signatures | 25 |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
| | Quarters Ended | |
| | March 29, | | March 31, | |
| | 2008 | | 2007 | |
| | | | | |
CONTINUING OPERATIONS | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 5,757,686 | | $ | 4,511,446 | |
Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales | | | 3,451,960 | | | 2,814,120 | |
Selling, general and administrative | | | 2,244,570 | | | 2,217,002 | |
Research and development | | | 372,818 | | | 484,245 | |
| | | 6,069,348 | | | 5,515,367 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating loss | | | (311,662 | ) | | (1,003,921 | ) |
Interest and other (expense) income, net | | | (60,573 | ) | | 20,632 | |
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | | | (372,235 | ) | | (983,289 | ) |
Provision for income taxes | | | - | | | - | |
Loss from continuing operations | | | (372,235 | ) | | (983,289 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss from discontinued operations | | | - | | | (280,513 | ) |
Net loss | | $ | (372,235 | ) | $ | (1,263,802 | ) |
Loss per common share from continuing operations-basic and diluted | | $ | (.13 | ) | $ | (.32 | ) |
Loss per common share from discontinued operations-basic and diluted | | $ | - | | $ | (.09 | ) |
Net loss per common share-basic and diluted | | $ | (.13 | ) | $ | (.41 | ) |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding-basic and diluted | | | 2,932,521 | | | 3,096,315 | |
| | | | | | | |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (372,235 | ) | $ | (1,263,802 | ) |
Other comprehensive income: | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | - | | | 61,383 | |
Comprehensive loss | | $ | (372,235 | ) | $ | (1,202,419 | ) |
See accompanying notes.
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| | March 29, | | December 29, | |
| | 2008 | | 2007 | |
| | (UNAUDITED) | | (Note 1) | |
ASSETS | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 626,882 | | $ | 2,004,471 | |
Accounts receivable, net | | | 5,796,735 | | | 5,299,753 | |
Inventories, net | | | 6,074,147 | | | 5,039,770 | |
Other current assets | | | 741,803 | | | 774,007 | |
Due from assets sale contract | | | - | | | 664,282 | |
Total current assets | | | 13,239,567 | | | 13,782,283 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | 37,863,621 | | | 37,556,672 | |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | 27,173,685 | | | 26,600,240 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | | | 10,689,936 | | | 10,956,432 | |
Restricted cash | | | - | | | 250,000 | |
Other assets | | | 539,117 | | | 531,633 | |
Deferred tax assets | | | 52,000 | | | 52,000 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 24,520,620 | | $ | 25,572,348 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Current portion of long-term debt | | $ | 550,000 | | $ | 550,000 | |
Accounts payable | | | 976,371 | | | 943,381 | |
Accrued liabilities | | | 1,461,746 | | | 1,965,403 | |
Customer deposits | | | 346,272 | | | 363,296 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 52,000 | | | 52,000 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 3,386,389 | | | 3,874,180 | |
Long-term debt, net of current portion | | | 3,375,000 | | | 3,762,500 | |
Deferred liabilities | | | 62,038 | | | 61,300 | |
Total liabilities | | | 6,823,427 | | | 7,697,980 | |
Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share: Authorized: 1,000,000 shares No shares issued | | | | | | | |
Common stock, par value $.01 per share: 20,000,000 shares authorized; 3,300,289 and 3,289,103 shares issued; and 2,937,384 and 2,926,198 shares outstanding, respectively | | | 33,003 | | | 32,891 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 19,984,665 | | | 19,789,717 | |
Retained earnings | | | 801,689 | | | 1,173,924 | |
| | | 20,819,357 | | | | |
Less treasury stock, at cost – 362,905 shares at March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007 | | | (3,122,164 | ) | | (3,122,164 | ) |
Total stockholders' equity | | | 17,697,193 | | | 17,874,368 | |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | | $ | 24,520,620 | | $ | 25,572,348 | |
See accompanying notes.
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
QUARTER ENDED MARCH 29, 2008
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | Additional | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stock | | Paid-in | | Retained | | Treasury Stock | | | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Capital(A) | | Earnings | | Shares | | Amount | | Total | |
Balance, December 29, 2007 | | | 3,289,103 | | $ | 32,891 | | $ | 19,789,717 | | $ | 1,173,924 | | | 362,905 | | $ | (3,122,164 | ) | $ | 17,874,368 | |
Net loss | | | | | | | | | | | | (372,235 | ) | | | | | | | | (372,235 | ) |
Share-based compensation | | | | | | | | | 120,346 | | | | | | | | | | | | 120,346 | |
Stock Purchase Plan sales | | | 7,104 | | | 71 | | | 46,312 | | | | | | | | | | | | 46,383 | |
Exercise of stock options | | | 4,082 | | | 41 | | | 28,290 | | | | | | | | | | | | 28,331 | |
Balance, March 29, 2008 | | | 3,300,289 | | $ | 33,003 | | $ | 19,984,665 | | $ | 801,689 | | | 362,905 | | $ | (3,122,164 | ) | $ | 17,697,193 | |
(A) Tax benefits associated with the exercise of employee stock options are recorded to additional paid-in capital when such benefits are realized.
See accompanying notes.
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
| | Quarters Ended | |
| | March 29, 2008 | | March 31, 2007 | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (372,235 | ) | $ | (1,263,802 | ) |
Less loss from discontinued operations | | | - | | | (280,513 | ) |
Loss from continuing operations | | | (372,235 | ) | | (983,289 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 618,341 | | | 571,361 | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | 8,040 | | | 7,196 | |
Share-based compensation | | | 120,346 | | | 51,461 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (496,982 | ) | | 1,023,611 | |
Inventories | | | (1,034,377 | ) | | (174,565 | ) |
Other current assets | | | 32,203 | | | 246,076 | |
Other assets | | | (15,524 | ) | | 17,297 | |
Accounts payable | | | 32,890 | | | (131,595 | ) |
Accrued liabilities | | | (503,656 | ) | | 47,631 | |
Customer deposits | | | (17,024 | ) | | (14,229 | ) |
Deferred liabilities | | | 738 | | | 5,865 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations | | | (1,627,240 | ) | | 666,820 | |
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations | | | - | | | (151,911 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | (1,627,240 | ) | | 514,909 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | |
Purchases of capital assets | | | (351,845 | ) | | (400,524 | ) |
Cash proceeds from sale of discontinued operations | | | 664,282 | | | - | |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations | | | 312,437 | | | (400,524 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations | | | - | | | (98,202 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | | 312,437 | | | (498,726 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | |
Repurchase of common stock for the treasury | | | - | | | (2,148,300 | ) |
Repayment of borrowings | | | (387,500 | ) | | (137,500 | ) |
Restricted cash returned | | | 250,000 | | | - | |
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options | | | 28,331 | | | 43,750 | |
Proceeds from Stock Purchase Plan sales | | | 46,383 | | | 7,495 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations | | | (62,786 | ) | | (2,234,555 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations | | | - | | | (43,010 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (62,786 | ) | | (2,277,565 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | | | - | | | 2,327 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (1,377,589 | ) | | (2,259,055 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period, including $0 and $562,205 reported under assets held for sale | | | 2,004,471 | | | 5,961,538 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period including $0 and $271,409 reported under assets held for sale | | $ | 626,882 | | $ | 3,702,483 | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the period for interest on credit facilities | | $ | 62,044 | | $ | 91,341 | |
See accompanying notes.
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and footnote disclosures otherwise required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for a full fiscal year. The financial statements do, however, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of Merrimac Industries, Inc. (“Merrimac” or the “Company”) as of March 29, 2008 and its results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Results of operations of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (SFAS No. 144), the results of operations related to Filtran Microcircuits Inc. (“FMI”) for the first quarter of 2007 have been reported as discontinued operations.
The consolidated balance sheet at December 29, 2007 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all the information required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2008 for the year ended December 29, 2007.
2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Company management determined, and the Board of Directors approved on August 9, 2007, that the Company should divest its FMI operations. The divestiture enables Merrimac to concentrate its resources on RF Microwave and Multi-Mix® Microtechnology product lines to generate sustainable, profitable growth. Beginning with the third quarter of 2007, the Company reflected FMI as a discontinued operation and the Company reclassified prior consolidated financial statements to reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of FMI as discontinued operations.
On December 28, 2007, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of its wholly-owned subsidiary, FMI, to Firan Technology Group Corporation (“FTG”), a manufacturer of high technology/high reliability printed circuit boards, that has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Chatsworth, California. The transaction was effected pursuant to an asset purchase agreement entered into between Merrimac, FMI and FTG. The total consideration payable by FTG was $1,482,000 (Canadian $1,450,000) plus the assumption of certain liabilities of approximately $368,000 (Canadian $360,000). FTG paid $818,000 (Canadian $800,000) of the purchase price at closing and the balance was paid on February 21, 2008 following the conclusion of a transitional period.
Operating results of FMI, which were formerly represented as Merrimac’s microwave micro-circuitry segment, are summarized as follows:
| | Quarter ended March 31, 2007 | |
| | | |
Net sales | | $ | 925,674 | |
Net loss | | $ | (280,513 | ) |
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
3. CONTRACT REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104. Contract revenue and related costs on fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contracts that require customization of products to customer specifications are recorded when title transfers to the customer, which is generally on the date of shipment, collection of the related receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Prior to shipment, accumulated manufacturing costs incurred on such contracts are recorded as work-in-process inventory. The Company currently has one contract for the engineering design, development and production of space electronics products. The Company accounts for this contract in accordance with AICPA Statement of Position No. 81-1, “Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts”. Sales and related contract costs for design and development services under this contract are recognized based on the cost-to-cost method. Sales and related contract costs for products delivered under this contract are recognized on a units-of-delivery basis. Revenue related to non-recurring engineering charges is generally recognized upon shipment of the related initial units produced or based upon contractually established stages of completion. Anticipated losses on contracts are charged to operations in the period when the loss becomes known. The reserve for cost overruns is shown as a reduction of the accumulated costs recorded as work-in-process inventory.
The cost rates utilized for cost-reimbursement contracts are subject to review by third parties and can be revised, which can result in additions to or reductions from revenue. Revisions which result in reductions to revenue are recognized in the period that the rates are reviewed and finalized; additions to revenue are recognized in the period that the rates are reviewed, finalized, accepted by the customer, and collectability from the customer is reasonably assured. The Company submits financial information regarding the cost rates on cost-reimbursement contracts for each fiscal year in which the Company performed work on cost-reimbursement contracts. The Company does not record any estimates on a regular basis for potential revenue adjustments, as there currently is no reasonable basis on which to estimate such adjustments given the Company’s very limited experience with these contracts. No revenue was recognized related to cost-reimbursement contracts during the first quarters of 2008 or 2007.
4. ACCOUNTING PERIOD
The Company's fiscal year is the 52-53 week period ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The Company has quarterly dates that correspond with the Saturday closest to the last day of each calendar quarter and each quarter consists of 13 weeks in a 52-week year. Periodically, the additional week to make a 53-week year (fiscal year 2008 will be the next) is added to the fourth quarter, making such quarter consist of 14 weeks.
5. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Accumulated other comprehensive income at March 31, 2007 was attributable solely to the effects of foreign currency translation. Following the sale of the Company’s discontinued operations, there is no foreign currency translation adjustment at March 29, 2008.
6. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies only to fair-value measurements that are already required or permitted by other accounting standards and is expected to increase the consistency of those measurements. It will also affect current practices by nullifying Emerging Issues Task Force guidance that prohibited recognition of gains or losses at the inception of derivative transactions whose fair value is estimated by applying a model and by eliminating the use of “blockage” factors by brokers, dealers and investment companies that have been applying AICPA Guides. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 On December 30, 2007. The Company has no financial assets or liabilities subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 157. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have an impact on its financial position or results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in net income. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on December 30, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have an impact on its financial position or results of operations.
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R established principles and requirements for how an acquiring company recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest of the acquired company and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also established disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SFAS 141R will have on its financial position and results of operations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160 “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards of ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SFAS 160 will have on its financial position and results of operations.
7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
On January 1, 2006, the start of the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS 123R") which requires that the costs resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements at their fair values. The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective application method under which the provisions of SFAS 123R apply to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after the adoption date. Additionally, compensation cost for the portion of the awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered that are outstanding as of the adoption date is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations over the remaining service period after the adoption date based on the award's original estimate of fair value.
Because of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards, no tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options have been recorded, thus there was no effect on cash flows from operating or financing activities.
For the quarters ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, share-based compensation expense related to the various stock option plans and the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan was allocated as follows:
| | Quarters Ended | |
| | March 29, 2008 | | March 31, 2007 | |
| | | | | |
Cost of sales | | $ | 45,000 | | $ | 8,000 | |
Selling, general and administrative | | | 75,000 | | | 43,000 | |
Total share-based compensation | | $ | 120,000 | | $ | 51,000 | |
The fair value of the options granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. There were no options granted in either of the quarters ended March 29, 2008 or March 31, 2007, respectively.
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility.
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Share-Based Compensation Plans:
On June 22, 2006, the Company’s stockholders approved three share-based compensation programs as follows: (i) 2006 Stock Option Plan; (ii) 2006 Key Employee Incentive Plan; and (iii) 2006 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan.
The 2006 Stock Option Plan authorizes the grant of an aggregate of 500,000 shares of common stock to employees, directors and consultants of the Company. Under the 2006 Stock Option Plan, the Company may grant to eligible individuals incentive stock options, as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), and/or non-qualified stock options. The purposes of the 2006 Stock Option Plan are to attract, retain and motivate employees, compensate consultants, and to enable employees, consultants and directors, including non-employee directors, to participate in the long-term growth of the Company by providing for or increasing the proprietary interests of such persons in the Company, thereby assisting the Company to achieve its long-range goals. The 2006 Stock Option Plan replaced the 2001 Stock Option Plan, and the remaining 19,700 unissued options under the 2001 Stock Option Plan are no longer available for grant.
At March 29, 2008, there were 315,900 options outstanding under the 2006 Stock Option Plan of which 25,167 were exercisable. Options are granted at the closing price of the Company’s shares on the American Stock Exchange on the date immediately prior to grant, pursuant to the 2006 Stock Option Plan. Options available for grant under the 2006 Stock Option Plan were 184,100 at March 29, 2008.
At March 29, 2008, the Company also maintains share-based compensation arrangements under the following plans: (i) 1993 Stock Option Plan; (ii) 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan; and (iii) 2001 Stock Option Plan.
At March 29, 2008, there were 192,480 options outstanding under the 1993 Stock Option Plan, the 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 2001 Stock Option Plan, of which all were exercisable. No options are available for future grant under the 1993 Stock Option Plan, the 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan or the 2001 Stock Option Plan.
A summary of all stock option activity and information related to all options outstanding for the quarter ended March 29, 2008 follows:
| | 2008 | |
| | Weighted | | | |
| | average | | Shares | |
| | exercise | | or price | |
| | price | | per share | |
| | | | | |
Outstanding at beginning of year | | $ | 9.30 | | | 594,747 | |
Granted | | | - | | | - | |
Exercised | | | 6.94 | | | (4,082 | ) |
Expired | | | 8.46 | | | (23,785 | ) |
Forfeited | | | 11.29 | | | (58,500 | ) |
Outstanding at end of period | | | 9.32 | | | 508,380 | |
Exercisable at end of period | | $ | 9.20 | | | 222,647 | |
Option price range at end of period | | | | |
Weighted average estimated fair value of options granted during the year | | | | | $ | - | |
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A summary of intrinsic and fair value stock option information follows:
Aggregate intrinsic value of all options at March 29, 2008 | | $ | 65,000 | |
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options at March 29, 2008 | | $ | 65,000 | |
Intrinsic value of options exercised during 2008 | | $ | 9,000 | |
The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on March 29, 2008.
As of March 29, 2008, the total future compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and the employee stock purchase plan not yet recognized in the statement of operations was $731,000. Of that total, $283,000, $332,000 and $116,000 are expected to be recognized in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
The 2006 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan is a plan that authorizes the grant of an aggregate of 100,000 shares of Common Stock to the non-employee directors of the Company. The plan authorizes each non-employee director to receive 1,500 shares of restricted stock beginning in 2006, and 1,500 shares or such other amount as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, decide for each year in the future following the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
On June 20, 2007, the Company issued a grant of 10,500 shares of restricted stock to its non-employee directors. The per share price of the grant was $9.78 (the closing price of the Company’s shares on the American Stock Exchange on the date immediately prior to the grant, pursuant to the terms of the plan). One third of such restricted stock vests on the anniversary of the grant date over a three-year period. Share-based compensation expense for the quarters ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007 related to the grants of restricted stock was approximately $16,000 and $7,000, which was based on a straight-line amortization. Restricted shares of common stock available for grant under the 2006 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan were 80,500 at March 29, 2008.
A summary of unvested restricted stock activity and information related to all restricted stock outstanding follows:
| | Weighted- | | | |
| | Average | | | |
| | Grant-Day | | | |
| | Fair Value | | Shares | |
Outstanding at December 29, 2007 | | $ | 9.69 | | | 16,500 | |
| | | | | | | |
Granted | | | - | | | - | |
Vested | | | - | | | - | |
Outstanding at March 29, 2008 | | $ | 9.69 | | | 16,500 | |
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
8. INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the average cost method. Cost includes materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead related to the purchase and production of inventories.
Inventories consist of the following:
| | March 29, 2008 | | December 29, 2007 | |
Finished goods | | $ | 278,096 | | $ | 239,503 | |
Work in process | | | 3,684,579 | | | 2,979,632 | |
Raw materials and purchased parts | | | 2,111,472 | | | 1,820,635 | |
Total | | $ | 6,074,147 | | $ | 5,039,770 | |
Total inventories are net of valuation allowances for obsolescence and cost overruns of $1,469,000 at March 29, 2008 and $1,623,000 at December 29, 2007 of which $127,000 and $202,000, respectively, represented cost overruns related to work-in-process inventory. The Company recorded provisions for obsolescence and cost overruns of $(75,000) and $23,000 for the quarters ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.
9. LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company accounts for long-lived assets under SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 144”). The Company’s fixed assets and intangible assets related to its Multi-Mix® product line have been tested for recoverability at least annually since 2002 following the guidance of SFAS No. 144. Based on the results of this testing the Company has concluded that the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of these assets exceeds its carrying amount, and therefore there is no impairment loss.
Management assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets, which consist primarily of fixed assets and intangible assets with finite useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances, as described in SFAS No. 144, indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment charges would be included with costs and expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of operations, and would result in reduced carrying amounts of the related assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
10. CURRENT AND LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company was obligated under the following debt instruments at March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007:
| | 2008 | | 2007 | |
Capital One, N.A.: | | | | | |
Revolving line of credit, 2.00% above LIBOR or 0.50% below prime | | $ | - | | $ | - | |
Term loan, due October 1, 2011, 2.25% above LIBOR or 0.50% below prime | | | 1,400,000 | | | 1,500,000 | |
Mortgage loan, due October 1, 2016, 2.25% above LIBOR or 0.50% below prime | | | 2,525,000 | | | 2,812,500 | |
| | | 3,925,000 | | | 4,312,500 | |
Less current portion | | | 550,000 | | | 550,000 | |
Long-term portion | | $ | 3,375,000 | | $ | 3,762,500 | |
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On October 18, 2006, the Company entered into a financing agreement with Capital One, N.A. (previously North Fork Bank) (“Capital One”) which consists of a two-year $5,000,000 revolving line of credit, a five-year $2,000,000 machinery and equipment term loan due October 1, 2011 (“Term Loan”) and a ten-year $3,000,000 real estate term loan due October 1, 2016 (“Mortgage Loan”). The revolving line of credit is subject to an availability limit under a borrowing base calculation (85% of eligible accounts receivable plus up to 50% of eligible raw materials inventory plus up to 25% of eligible electronic components, with an inventory advance sublimit not to exceed $1,500,000, as defined in the financing agreement). The revolving line of credit expires October 18, 2008. The Company anticipates the revolving credit facility will be renewed. At March 29, 2008, the Company had available borrowing capacity under its revolving line of credit of $3,660,000. The revolving line of credit bears interest at the prime rate less 0.50% (4.75% at March 29, 2008 and currently 4.50%) or LIBOR plus 2.00%. The principal amount of the Term Loan is payable in 59 equal monthly installments of $33,333 and one final payment of the remaining principal balance. The Term Loan bears interest at the prime rate less 0.50% (4.75% at March 29, 2008 and currently 4.50%) or LIBOR plus 2.25%. The principal amount of the Mortgage Loan is payable in 119 equal monthly installments of $12,500 and one final payment of the remaining principal balance. The Mortgage Loan bears interest at the prime rate less 0.50% (4.75% at March 29, 2008 and currently 4.50%) or LIBOR plus 2.25%. At March 29, 2008, the Company had no portion of its borrowings under LIBOR-based interest rates. The revolving line of credit, the Term Loan and the Mortgage Loan are secured by substantially all assets located within the United States and the pledge of 65% of the stock of the Company's subsidiaries located in Costa Rica and Canada.
Capital One and the Company amended the financing agreement, as of May 15, 2007, which (i) eliminated the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, (ii) added a covenant related to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the four quarters ended June 30, 2007 to require the Company to achieve a minimum level of EBITDA, and (iii) modified the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant for periods after the quarter ending September 29, 2007. The Company was in compliance with these amended covenants at March 29, 2008.
On August 9, 2007, Capital One and Merrimac entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement, under which Capital One consented to the guaranty by Merrimac of FMI's borrowings under the revolving credit agreement with The Bank of Nova Scotia in the amount of up to $250,000 (Canadian). In consideration for Capital One providing such consent, Merrimac deposited $250,000 into a controlled collateral account with Capital One and also agreed to prepay the mortgage loan portion of the credit facility with Capital One with fifty percent of the net proceeds from a sale of FMI, up to a maximum amount of $500,000. This agreement terminated in November 2007 when The Bank of Nova Scotia terminated FMI’s revolving credit agreement. Upon the termination of such agreement, the Company agreed to repay a portion of its Mortgage Loan with the funds in the controlled collateral account upon the expiration of the LIBOR contracts in January 2008. On January 18, 2008, Merrimac paid $250,000 of the Mortgage Loan using the funds previously deposited into the controlled collateral account.
At March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007, the fair value of the Company's debt approximates carrying value. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on current interest rates.
11. WARRANTIES
The Company's products sold under contracts have warranty obligations. Estimated warranty costs for each contract are determined based on the contract terms and technology-specific issues. The Company accrues estimated warranty costs at the time of sale and any additional amounts are recorded when such costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Warranty expense was approximately $50,000 and $51,000 for the quarters ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively. The warranty reserve at March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007 was $200,000.
12. INCOME TAXES
As of March 29, 2008, the Company has significant deferred tax assets resulting from net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, which should reduce taxable income in future periods. A valuation allowance is required when management assesses that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company's 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007 net losses have weighed heavily in the Company's overall assessments. The Company established a full valuation allowance for its remaining U.S. net deferred tax assets as a result of its assessment at December 28, 2002. This assessment continued unchanged from 2003 through the first quarter of 2008.
On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. As of that date the Company had no uncertain tax positions and did not record any additional benefits or liabilities. At March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007, the Company had no uncertain tax positions and did not record any additional benefits or liabilities. The Company will recognize any accrued interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes.
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Internal Revenue Service Code Section 382 places a limitation on the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards when an ownership change, as defined in the tax law, occurs. Generally, an ownership change occurs when there is a greater than 50 percent change in ownership. If such a change should occur, the actual utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, for tax purposes, would be limited annually to a percentage of the fair market value of the Company at the time of such change. The Company may become subject to these limitations in 2008 depending on the extent of the changes in its ownership.
13. BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
The Company's continuing operations are conducted primarily through one business segment, electronic components and subsystems. This segment involves the design, manufacture and sale of electronic component devices offering extremely broad frequency coverage and high performance characteristics for communications, defense and aerospace applications. Of the identifiable assets, 83% are located in the United States and 17% are located in Costa Rica.
14. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Basic net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
The calculation of diluted net income (loss) per common share is similar to that of basic net income (loss) per common share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares, principally those issuable under stock options, were issued during the reporting period to the extent they are not anti-dilutive, using the treasury stock method.
Because of the net loss for the quarters ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007 approximately 508,000 and 386,000 shares, respectively, underlying stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the first quarter of 2008, the Company's outside general counsel Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was paid $73,000 for providing legal services to the Company. During the first quarter of 2007, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was paid $88,000. A director of the Company is counsel to Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP but does not share in the fees that the Company pays to such law firm and his compensation is not based on such fees.
During 2008 and 2007, the Company retained Career Consultants, Inc. and SK Associates to perform executive searches and to provide other services to the Company. The Company paid an aggregate of $1,000 to these companies during the first quarter of 2008. The Company paid an aggregate of $16,000 to these companies during the first quarter of 2007. A director of the Company is the chairman and chief executive officer of these companies.
During each of the first quarters of 2008 and 2007, a director of the Company was paid $9,000 for providing technology-related consulting services to the Company.
The Company has an agreement with DuPont Electronic Technologies (“DuPont”), a stockholder and the employer of a director, for providing technological and marketing-related personnel and services on a cost-sharing basis to the Company under the Technology Agreement dated February 28, 2002. No payments were made to DuPont during the first quarters of 2008 and 2007. A director of the Company is an officer of DuPont, but does not share in any of these payments.
Each director who is not an employee of the Company receives a monthly director's fee of $1,500, plus an additional $500 for each meeting of the Board and of any Committees of the Board attended. In addition, the Chair of the Audit Committee receives an annual fee of $2,500 for his services in such capacity. The directors are also reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred in attending Board and Committee meetings. In addition, pursuant to the 2006 Stock Option Plan, each non-employee director is granted an option to purchase 2,500 shares of the Common Stock of the Company on the date of each Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Such options have a three-year vesting period. Each such grant has an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of such grant and will expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of the grant. Pursuant to the 2006 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan, each non-employee director is granted 1,500 shares of restricted Common Stock of the Company on the date of each Annual Meeting of Stockholders. One third of such restricted stock vests on the anniversary of the grant date over a three-year vesting period.
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On December 13, 2004, Infineon Technologies AG (“Infineon”), at such time the beneficial owner of approximately 15% of the Company’s common stock, sold 475,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to four purchasers in a privately-negotiated transaction. Two purchasers in such transaction, K Holdings, LLC and Hampshire Investments, Limited, each of which is affiliated with Ludwig G. Kuttner, who was President and Chief Executive Officer of Hampshire Group, Limited (“Hampshire”), purchased 300,000 shares representing an aggregate of approximately 9.6% of the Company’s common stock. Mr. Kuttner was elected to the Company’s Board of Directors at its 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. As a result of an ongoing investigation by Hampshire's audit committee, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Department of Justice of allegations of certain improprieties and possibly unlawful conduct involving Mr. Kuttner and other Hampshire executives, Mr. Kuttner's employment with Hampshire has been terminated and he remains as a director. Mr. Kuttner took a leave of absence from his position as a director of Merrimac. During his leave of absence, Mr. Kuttner was not entitled to any compensation from the Company. Mr. Kuttner rescinded his leave of absence from his position as a director of Merrimac as of June 20, 2007. Infineon also assigned to each purchaser certain registration rights to such shares under the existing registration rights agreements Infineon had with the Company. In connection with the transaction, the Company and Infineon terminated the Stock Purchase and Exclusivity Letter Agreement dated April 7, 2000, as amended, which provided that the Company would design, develop and produce exclusively for Infineon certain Multi-Mix® products that incorporate active RF power transistors for use in certain wireless base station applications, television transmitters and certain other applications that are intended for Bluetooth transceivers.
DuPont and two of the purchasers above hold registration rights, which currently give them the right in perpetuity to register an aggregate of 828,413 shares of Common Stock of the Company. There are no settlement alternatives and the registration of the shares of Common Stock would be on a “best efforts” basis.
15. REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK
On March 13, 2007, the Company repurchased in a private transaction 238,700 shares of its Common Stock for the treasury at $9.00 per share for an aggregate total of $2,148,300 from a group of investors.
16. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On February 22, 2008, a statement of claim in Ontario Superior Court of Justice was filed by a former FMI employee against FMI seeking damages for approximately $77,000 ($75,000 Canadian) for wrongful dismissal following the sale of FMI’s assets to FTG. The Company agreed to settle this claim in May 2008 for a minimal amount.
On March 10, 2008, a statement of claim in Ontario Superior Court of Justice was filed by nineteen (19) former FMI employees against Merrimac, FMI and FTG seeking damages for wrongful dismissal for approximately $1,000,000 (Canadian $977,000) following the sale of FMI’s assets to FTG. The former FMI employees are alleging that an employment contract existed between FMI and the plaintiffs and are seeking additional damages for termination of the alleged contract.
The Company believes it has been improperly named in this claim and is petitioning the Court to be removed as a defendant.
The Company has an Employment Practices Liability insurance policy that extends coverage to its subsidiaries. The insurance carrier agreed to provide a defense in this matter on April 24, 2008 and they retained Canadian counsel to defend this claim. The Company made provision for the deductible amount of the insurance policy which is $25,000. In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 5, after discussions with counsel, The Company cannot presently determine if the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable, reasonably possible or remote. In addition, The Company cannot reasonably estimate the amount of a probable loss, other than the minimal deductible amount under the insurance policy. The Company and its insurance carrier intend to defend these claims vigorously.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements relating to future results of Merrimac (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this report, the words “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Merrimac and its subsidiaries. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with demand for and market acceptance of existing and newly developed products as to which the Company has made significant investments, particularly its Multi-Mix® products; the possibilities of impairment charges to the carrying value of our Multi-Mix® assets, thereby resulting in charges to our earnings; risks associated with adequate capacity to obtain raw materials and reduced control over delivery schedules and costs due to reliance on sole source or limited suppliers; slower than anticipated penetration into the satellite communications, defense and wireless markets; failure of our Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, customers to successfully incorporate our products into their systems; changes in product mix resulting in unexpected engineering and research and development costs; delays and increased costs in product development, engineering and production; reliance on a small number of significant customers; the emergence of new or stronger competitors as a result of consolidation movements in the market; the timing and market acceptance of our or our OEM customers’ new or enhanced products; general economic and industry conditions; the ability to protect proprietary information and technology; competitive products and pricing pressures; our ability and the ability of our OEM customers to keep pace with the rapid technological changes and short product life cycles in our industry and gain market acceptance for new products and technologies; risks relating to governmental regulatory actions in communications and defense programs; and inventory risks due to technological innovation and product obsolescence, as well as other risks and uncertainties as are detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
OVERVIEW
Continuing operations.
Merrimac Industries, Inc. is involved in the design, manufacture and sale of electronic component devices offering extremely broad frequency coverage and high performance characteristics, and microstrip, bonded stripline and thick metal-backed Teflon® (PTFE) and mixed dielectric multilayer circuits for communications, defense and aerospace applications. The Company's operations are conducted primarily through one business segment, electronic components and subsystems.
Merrimac is a versatile technologically oriented company specializing in radio frequency Multi-Mix®, stripline, microstrip and discreet element technologies. Of special significance has been the combination of two or more of these technologies into single components and integrated multifunction subassemblies to achieve superior performance and reliability while minimizing package size and weight. Merrimac components and integrated assemblies are found in applications as diverse as satellites, military and commercial aircraft, radar, cellular radio systems, medical and dental diagnostic instruments, personal communications systems and wireless connectivity. Merrimac maintains ISO 9001:2000 and AS 9100 registered quality assurance programs. Merrimac's components range in price from $0.50 to more than $10,000 and its subsystems range from $500 to more than $1,500,000.
The Company continued to experience losses from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2008 despite increased orders and backlog as such increased orders and backlog required additional hiring resulting in increased personnel costs. Improved orders and the increased opening backlog from 2007 provided the increase in sales during the first quarter of 2008 compared to the first quarter of 2007, particularly sales of Multi-Mix® products to the defense industry. The increased gross profit from the higher sales level, along with lower research and development expenses resulted in a lower operating loss for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007. Backlog increased by $2,397,000 or 13.3% to $20,388,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2008 from the end of 2007. The March 29, 2008 backlog is the highest quarter-end backlog the Company has achieved.
The Company markets and sells its products domestically and internationally through a direct sales force and manufacturers’ representatives. Merrimac has traditionally developed and offered for sale products built to specific customer needs, as well as standard catalog items.
Cost of sales for the Company consists of materials, salaries and related expenses, and outside services for manufacturing and certain engineering personnel and manufacturing overhead. Our products are designed and manufactured in the Company’s facilities. The Company’s manufacturing and production facilities infrastructure overhead are relatively fixed and are based on its expectations of future net revenues. Should the Company experience a reduction in net revenues in a quarter, it could have difficulty adjusting short-term expenditures and absorbing any excess capacity expenses. If this were to occur, the Company’s operating results for that quarter would be negatively impacted. In order to remain competitive, the Company must continually reduce its manufacturing costs through design and engineering innovations and increases in manufacturing efficiencies. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to reduce its manufacturing costs.
The Company anticipates that depreciation and amortization expenses will exceed capital expenditures in fiscal year 2008 by approximately $900,000. The Company intends to issue commitments to purchase $1,300,000 of capital equipment from various vendors for the remainder of 2008. The Company anticipates that such equipment will be purchased and become operational during the remainder of 2008. The Company’s planned equipment purchases and other commitments are expected to be funded through cash resources and cash flows expected to be generated from operations, and supplemented by the Company’s $5,000,000 revolving credit facility, which expires October 18, 2008. The Company anticipates the revolving credit facility will be renewed.
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of personnel costs for administrative, selling and marketing groups, sales commissions to employees and manufacturing representatives, travel, product marketing and promotion costs, as well as legal, accounting, information technology and other administrative costs. As discussed below, the Company expects to continue to make significant and increasing expenditures for selling, general and administrative expenses, especially in connection with implementation of its strategic plan for generating and expanding sales of Multi-Mix® products.
Research and development expenses consist of materials, salaries and related expenses of certain engineering personnel, and outside services related to product development projects. The Company charges all research and development expenses to operations as incurred. The Company believes that continued investment in research and development is critical to the Company’s long-term business success. The Company intends to continue to invest in research and development programs in future periods, and expects that these costs will increase over time, in order to develop new products, enhance performance of existing products and reduce the cost of current or new products.
The Company anticipates 2008 orders from its defense and satellite customers will be comparable to fiscal year 2007 levels. Nevertheless, in times of armed conflict or war, military spending is concentrated on armaments build up, maintenance and troop support, and not on the research and development and specialty applications that are the Company’s core strengths and revenue generators.
Discontinued operations.
Filtran Microcircuits Inc. (“FMI”) was established in 1983, and was acquired by Merrimac in February 1999. FMI is a manufacturer of microwave micro-circuitry for the high frequency communications industry. FMI has been engaged in the production of microstrip, bonded stripline, and thick metal-backed Teflon® (PTFE) microcircuits for RF applications including satellite, aerospace, PCS, fiber optic telecommunications, automotive, navigational and defense applications worldwide. FMI has supplied mixed dielectric multilayer and high speed interconnect circuitry to meet customer demand for high performance and cost-effective packaging.
Merrimac management determined, and the Board of Directors approved on August 9, 2007, that the Company should divest its FMI operations with the view to enable Merrimac to concentrate its resources on RF Microwave and Multi-Mix® Microtechnology product lines to generate sustainable, profitable growth. Beginning with the third quarter of 2007, the Company reflected FMI as a discontinued operation and the Company reclassified prior financial statements to reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of FMI as discontinued operations.
Operating results of FMI, which were formerly represented as Merrimac’s microwave micro-circuitry segment, are summarized as follows:
| | March 31, 2007 | |
| | | |
Net sales | | $ | 926,000 | |
Net loss | | $ | (281,000 | ) |
On December 28, 2007, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of FMI to Firan Technology Group Corporation, a manufacturer of high technology/high reliability printed circuit boards, that has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Chatsworth, California. The transaction was effected pursuant to an asset purchase agreement entered into between Merrimac, FMI and FTG. The total consideration payable by FTG was $1,482,000 (Canadian $1,450,000) plus the assumption of certain liabilities of approximately $368,000 (Canadian $360,000). FTG paid $818,000 (Canadian $800,000) of the purchase price at the closing on December 28, 2007 and the balance was paid on February 21, 2008 following the conclusion of a transitional period.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES
The Company's management makes certain assumptions and estimates that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and stockholders' equity, and revenues and expenses. The management judgments that are currently the most critical are related to the accounting for the Company's investments in Multi-Mix® Microtechnology, contract revenue recognition, inventory valuation and valuation of deferred tax assets.
Impairment of long-lived assets
The following is a summary of the carrying amounts of the Multi-Mix® Microtechnology net assets included in the Company's consolidated financial statements at March 29, 2008 and the related future planned purchases and lease obligation commitments through January 2011.
Net assets: | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, at cost | | $ | 14,851,000 | |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | 9,706,000 | |
| | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | | | 5,145,000 | |
Inventories | | | 488,000 | |
Other assets, net | | | 144,000 | |
| | | | |
Total net assets at March 29, 2008 | | | 5,777,000 | |
| | | | |
Commitments: | | | | |
Planned equipment purchases for the remainder of 2008 | | | 625,000 | |
Lease obligations through January 2011 | | | 550,000 | |
| | | | |
Total commitments | | | 1,175,000 | |
| | | | |
Total net assets and commitments | | $ | 6,952,000 | |
Approximately 35% of the property, plant and equipment may be utilized in other areas of our electronic components and subsystems operations.
Any future demand for Multi-Mix® for the wireless market is dependent on various third-party programs and is directly related to the timing of our customers’ and potential customers’ phase-out of existing programs and their migration, which is not assured and has not yet commenced commercially, toward new programs to meet their customers’ new requirements. While these circumstances have resulted in the delay or cancellation of Multi-Mix® Microtechnology product purchases that had been anticipated from certain specific customers or programs, the Company has implemented a strategic plan utilizing product knowledge and customer focus to expand specific sales opportunities. However, continued extended delay or reduction from planned levels in new orders expected from customers for these products could require the Company to pursue alternatives related to the utilization or realization of these assets and commitments, the net result of which could be materially adverse to the financial results and position of the Company. In accordance with the Company’s evaluation of Multi-Mix® under SFAS No. 144 at December 29, 2007, the Company has determined no provision for impairment was required at that time. Management will continue to monitor the recoverability of the Multi-Mix® assets.
Contract Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104. Contract revenue and related costs on fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contracts that require customization of products to customer specifications are recorded when title transfers to the customer, which is generally on the date of shipment, collection of the related receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Prior to shipment, accumulated manufacturing costs incurred on such contracts are recorded as work-in-process inventory. The Company currently has one contract for the engineering design, development and production of space electronics products. The Company accounts for this contract in accordance with AICPA Statement of Position No. 81-1, “Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts”. Sales and related contract costs for design and development services under this contract are recognized based on the cost-to-cost method. Sales and related contract costs for products delivered under this contract are recognized on a units-of-delivery basis. Revenue related to non-recurring engineering charges is generally recognized upon shipment of the related initial units produced or based upon contractually established stages of completion. Anticipated losses on contracts are charged to operations in the period when the loss becomes known. The reserve for cost overruns is shown as a reduction of the accumulated costs recorded as work-in-process inventory.
The cost rates utilized for cost-reimbursement contracts are subject to review by third parties and can be revised, which can result in additions to or reductions from revenue. Revisions which result in reductions to revenue are recognized in the period that the rates are reviewed and finalized; additions to revenue are recognized in the period that the rates are reviewed, finalized, accepted by the customer, and collectability from the customer is reasonably assured. The Company submits financial information regarding the cost rates on cost-reimbursement contracts for each fiscal year in which the Company performed work on cost-reimbursement contracts. The Company does not record any estimates on a regular basis for potential revenue adjustments, as there currently is no reasonable basis on which to estimate such adjustments given the Company’s very limited experience with these contracts. No revenue was recognized related to cost-reimbursement contracts during the first quarters of 2008 or 2007.
Inventory Valuation
Inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market. Inventories are periodically reviewed for their projected manufacturing usage utilization and, when slow-moving or obsolete inventories are identified, a provision for a potential loss is made and charged to operations. Total inventories are net of valuation allowances for obsolescence and cost overruns of $1,469,000 at March 29, 2008 and $1,623,000 at December 29, 2007. The Company recorded provisions for obsolescence and cost overruns of $(75,000) and $23,000 for the quarters ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively.
Procurement of inventory is based on specific customer orders and forecasts. Customers have certain rights of modification with respect to these orders and forecasts. As a result, customer modifications to orders and forecasts affecting inventory previously procured by us and our purchases of inventory beyond customer needs may result in excess and obsolete inventory for the related customers. Although the Company may be able to use some of these excess components and raw materials in other products it manufactures, a portion of the cost of this excess inventory may not be recoverable from customers, nor may any excess quantities be returned to the vendors. The Company also may not be able to recover the cost of obsolete inventory from vendors or customers.
Write offs or write downs of inventory generally arise from:
· | declines in the market value of inventory; |
· | changes in customer demand for inventory, such as cancellation of orders; and |
· | our purchases of inventory beyond customer needs that result in excess quantities on hand that may not be returned to the vendor or charged back to the customer. |
Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets
As of March 29, 2008, the Company has significant deferred tax assets resulting from net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, which should reduce taxable income in future periods. A valuation allowance is required when management assesses that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company's 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007 net losses have weighed heavily in the Company's overall assessments. The Company established a full valuation allowance for its remaining U.S. net deferred tax assets as a result of its assessment at December 28, 2002. This assessment continued unchanged from 2003 through the first quarter of 2008.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS SUMMARY
(UNAUDITED)
The following table reflects the percentage relationships of items from the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of net sales.
| | Percentage of Net Sales | |
| | Quarters Ended | |
| | March 29, | | March 31, | |
Continuing operations | | 2008 | | 2007 | |
| | | | | |
Net sales | | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
Costs and expenses: | | | | | | | |
Cost of sales | | | 60.0 | | | 62.4 | |
Selling, general and administrative | | | 39.0 | | | 49.2 | |
Research and development | | | 6.4 | | | 10.7 | |
| | | 105.4 | | | 122.3 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating loss | | | (5.4 | ) | | (22.3 | ) |
Interest and other (expense) income, net | | | (1.1 | ) | | 0.5 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | | | (6.5 | ) | | (21.8 | ) |
Provision for income taxes | | | - | | | - | |
Loss from continuing operations | | | (6.5 | ) | | (21.8 | ) |
Loss from discontinued operations | | | - | | | (6.2 | ) |
Net loss | | | (6.5 | )% | | (28.0 | )% |
FIRST QUARTER OF 2008 COMPARED TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2007-CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Net sales.
Net sales from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2008 were $5,758,000, an increase of $1,247,000 or 27.6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2007 net sales of $4,511,000. Net sales from continuing operations increased due to the higher level of orders received during 2007 and the resultant higher backlog at the beginning of the 2008 fiscal year, including higher sales of Multi-Mix® products to defense industry related customers.
Backlog represents the amount of orders the Company has received that have not been shipped as of the end of a particular fiscal period. The orders in backlog are a measure of future sales and determine the Company’s upcoming material, labor and service requirements. The book-to-bill ratio for a particular period represents orders received for that period divided by net sales for the same period. The Company looks for this ratio to exceed 1.0, indicating the backlog is being replenished by new orders at a higher rate than the sales being removed from the backlog.
The following table presents key performance measures that we use to monitor our operating results for the quarters ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007:
| | 2008 | | 2007 | |
Beginning backlog | | $ | 17,991,000 | | $ | 11,490,000 | |
Plus orders | | | 8,155,000 | | | 5,969,000 | |
Less net sales | | | 5,758,000 | | | 4,511,000 | |
Ending backlog | | $ | 20,388,000 | | $ | 12,948,000 | |
Book-to-bill ratio | | | 1.42 | | | 1.32 | |
Orders of $8,155,000 were received during the first quarter of 2008, an increase of $2,186,000 or 36.6% compared to $5,969,000 in orders received during the first quarter of 2007. Backlog increased by $2,397,000 or 13.3% to $20,388,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2007 compared to $17,991,000 at year-end 2007, due to the increased orders received during the first three months from defense industry related customers that are scheduled for shipment later in 2008 and 2009. The book-to-bill ratio for the first quarter of 2008 was 1.42 to 1 and for the first quarter of 2007 was 1.32 to 1. The orders, backlog and book-to-bill data for the first quarter of 2007 exclude FMI information.
Cost of sales and Gross profit.
The following table provides comparative gross profit information between the quarters ended March 29, 2008 and March 31, 2007.
| | Quarter ended March 29, 2008 | | Quarter ended March 31, 2007 | |
| | $ | | Increase/ (Decrease) from prior period | | % of Net Sales | | $ | | Increase/ (Decrease) from prior period | | % of Net Sales | |
Consolidated gross profit | | $ | 2,306,000 | | $ | 609,000 | | | 40.0 | % | $ | 1,697,000 | | $ | (171,000 | ) | | 37.6 | % |
The increase in consolidated gross profit and consolidated gross profit percentage for the first quarter of 2008 was due to the impact of the higher level of sales allowing the Company to better absorb fixed manufacturing costs.
Depreciation expense included in consolidated cost of sales for the first quarter of 2008 was $572,000, an increase of $45,000 compared to the first quarter of 2007. For the first quarter of 2008, approximately $398,000 of depreciation expense was associated with Multi-Mix® Microtechnology capital assets. For the first quarter of 2007, approximately $375,000 of depreciation expense was associated with Multi-Mix® Microtechnology capital assets.
Selling, general and administrative expenses.
Selling, general and administrative expenses of $2,245,000 for the first quarter of 2008 increased by $28,000 or 1.2%, and when expressed as a percentage of net sales, decreased by 10.2 percentage points to 39.0% compared to the first quarter of 2007. The increase in such expenses for the first quarter of 2008 was due to higher commissions and selling costs related to additional sales personnel hired and higher professional fees.
Research and development expenses.
Research and development expenses for new products were $373,000 for the first quarter of 2008, a decrease of $111,000 or 23.0%, and when expressed as a percentage of net sales, decreased by 4.3 percentage points to 6.4% compared to the first quarter of 2007. Substantially all of the research and development expenses were related to Multi-Mix® Microtechnology products. The Company anticipates that these expenses will increase in future periods in connection with implementation of our strategic plan for Multi-Mix®.
Operating loss from continuing operations.
Operating loss from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2008 was $312,000, compared to an operating loss from continuing operations of $1,004,000 for the first quarter of 2007. The decrease in operating loss from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the first quarter of 2007 was due to the improved gross profit caused by the increase in sales and lower research and development costs as compared to the first quarter of 2007.
Interest and other (expense) income, net.
Interest and other (expense) income, net was $(61,000) for the first quarter of 2008 compared to interest and other (expense) income, net of $21,000 for the first quarter of 2007. Interest expense for the first quarter of 2008 and 2007 was principally incurred on borrowings under the term loans which the Company entered into during the fourth quarter of 2003 and refinanced in October 2006. Interest expense for the first quarter of 2008 was higher than the first quarter of 2007 due to the lower levels of investable cash that provided less interest income as compared to the first quarter of 2007.
Income taxes.
As of March 29, 2008, the Company has significant deferred tax assets resulting from net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, which should reduce taxable income in future periods. A valuation allowance is required when management assesses that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company's 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007 net losses have weighed heavily in the Company's overall assessments. The Company established a full valuation allowance for its remaining U.S. net deferred tax assets as a result of its assessment at December 28, 2002. This assessment continued unchanged from 2003 through the first three months of 2008.
On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. As of that date the Company had no uncertain tax positions and did not record any additional benefits or liabilities. At March 29, 2008 and December 29, 2007, the Company had no uncertain tax positions and did not record any additional benefits or liabilities. The Company will recognize any accrued interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes.
Internal Revenue Service Code Section 382 places a limitation on the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards when an ownership change, as defined in the tax law, occurs. Generally, an ownership change occurs when there is a greater than 50 percent change in ownership. If such a change should occur, the actual utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, for tax purposes, would be limited annually to a percentage of the fair market value of the Company at the time of such change. The Company may become subject to these limitations in 2008 depending on the extent of the changes in its ownership.
Loss from continuing operations.
For the reasons set forth above, loss from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2008 was $372,000 compared to a loss from continuing operations of $983,000 for the first quarter of 2007. Loss from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2008 was $.13 per share compared to a loss from continuing operations of $.32 per share for the first quarter of 2007.
Discontinued operations.
There was no loss from discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2008. Loss from discontinued operations for the first quarter of 2007 was $281,000. Loss from discontinued operations for the first quarter of 2007 was $.09 per share.
Net loss.
For the reasons set forth above, net loss for the first quarter of 2008 was $372,000 compared to a net loss of $1,264,000 for the first quarter of 2007. Net loss for the first quarter of 2008 was $.13 per share compared to a net loss of $.41 per share for the first quarter of 2007.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company had liquid resources comprised of cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $627,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2008 compared to approximately $2,000,000 at the end of 2007. The principal reasons for the reduction in cash at March 29, 2008 were capital expenditures of $352,000, operating cash used of $1,627,000 as described below, and repayments of borrowings of $388,000 offset, in part, by restricted cash returned of $250,000 and the proceeds of the sale of FMI’s assets of $664,000. The Company's working capital was approximately $9,800,000 and its current ratio was 3.9 to 1 at the end of the first quarter of 2008 compared to $9,900,000 and 3.5 to 1, respectively, at the end of 2007. At March 29, 2008, the Company had available borrowing capacity under its revolving line of credit of $3,660,000.
The Company's activities from continuing operations used operating cash flows of $1,627,000 during the first quarter of 2008 compared to generating $667,000 of operating cash flows during the first quarter of 2007. The primary uses of operating cash flows from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2008 were the quarterly loss from continuing operations of $372,000 which was reduced by depreciation and amortization of $618,000 and share-based compensation of $120,000, an increase in accounts receivable of $497,000 as a result of the higher first quarter sales level, an increase in inventories of $1,034,000 to meet the production associated with the increase in backlog and an aggregate decrease in accounts payable, customer deposits and accrued liabilities of $488,000. The primary sources of operating cash flows from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2007 were a decrease in accounts receivable of $1,024,000 and a decrease in other current assets of $246,000, offset by the loss from continuing operations of $983,000 which was reduced by depreciation and amortization of $571,000 and share-based compensation of $51,000, an increase in inventory of $175,000 and an aggregate decrease in accounts payable, customer deposits and accrued liabilities of $98,000.
The Company made net cash investments in property, plant and equipment of $352,000 during the first quarter of 2008 compared to net cash investments made in property, plant and equipment of $401,000 during the first quarter of 2007. These capital expenditures are related to new production and test equipment capabilities in connection with the introduction of new products and enhancements to existing products. The depreciated cost of capital equipment associated with Multi-Mix® Microtechnology was $5,145,000 at the end of the first quarter of 2008, a decrease of $336,000 compared to $5,481,000 at the end of fiscal year 2007.
The Company’s planned equipment purchases and other commitments are expected to be funded through cash resources and cash flows expected to be generated from operations, and supplemented by the Company’s $5,000,000 revolving credit facility, which expires October 18, 2008.
On October 18, 2006, the Company entered into a financing agreement with Capital One, N.A. (previously North Fork Bank) (“Capital One”) which consists of a two-year $5,000,000 revolving line of credit, a five-year $2,000,000 machinery and equipment term loan due October 1, 2011 (“Term Loan”) and a ten-year $3,000,000 real estate term loan due October 1, 2016 (“Mortgage Loan”). The revolving line of credit is subject to an availability limit under a borrowing base calculation (85% of eligible accounts receivable plus up to 50% of eligible raw materials inventory plus up to 25% of eligible electronic components, with an inventory advance sublimit not to exceed $1,500,000, as defined in the financing agreement). The revolving line of credit expires October 18, 2008. The Company anticipates the revolving credit facility will be renewed. At March 29, 2008, the Company had available borrowing capacity under its revolving line of credit of $3,660,000. The revolving line of credit bears interest at the prime rate less 0.50% (4.75% at March 29, 2008 and currently 4.50%) or LIBOR plus 2.00%. The principal amount of the Term Loan is payable in 59 equal monthly installments of $33,333 and one final payment of the remaining principal balance. The Term Loan bears interest at the prime rate less 0.50% (4.75% at March 29, 2008 and currently 4.50%) or LIBOR plus 2.25%. The principal amount of the Mortgage Loan is payable in 119 equal monthly installments of $12,500 and one final payment of the remaining principal balance. The Mortgage Loan bears interest at the prime rate less 0.50% (4.75% at March 29, 2008 and currently 4.50%) or LIBOR plus 2.25%. At March 29, 2008, the Company had no portion of its borrowings under LIBOR-based interest rates. The revolving line of credit, the Term Loan and the Mortgage Loan are secured by substantially all assets located within the United States and the pledge of 65% of the stock of the Company's subsidiaries located in Costa Rica and Canada.
Capital One and the Company amended the financing agreement, as of May 15, 2007, which (i) eliminated the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, (ii) added a covenant related to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the four quarters ended June 30, 2007 to require the Company to achieve a minimum level of EBITDA, and (iii) modified the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant for periods after the quarter ending September 29, 2007. The Company was in compliance with these amended covenants at March 29, 2008.
On August 9, 2007, Capital One and Merrimac entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement, under which Capital One consented to the guaranty by Merrimac of FMI's borrowings under the revolving credit agreement with The Bank of Nova Scotia in the amount of up to $250,000 (Canadian). In consideration for Capital One providing such consent, Merrimac deposited $250,000 into a controlled collateral account with Capital One and also agreed to prepay the mortgage loan portion of the credit facility with Capital One with fifty percent of the net proceeds from a sale of FMI, up to a maximum amount of $500,000. This agreement terminated in November 2007 when The Bank of Nova Scotia terminated FMI’s revolving credit agreement. Upon the termination of such agreement, the Company agreed to repay a portion of its Mortgage Loan with the funds in the controlled collateral account upon the expiration of the LIBOR contracts in January 2008. On January 18, 2008, Merrimac paid $250,000 of the Mortgage Loan using the funds previously deposited into the controlled collateral account.
Depreciation and amortization expenses exceeded capital expenditures for production equipment during the first three months of 2008 by approximately $266,000, and the Company anticipates that depreciation and amortization expenses will exceed capital expenditures in fiscal year 2008 by approximately $900,000. The Company intends to issue commitments to purchase $1,300,000 of capital equipment from various vendors for the remainder of 2008. The Company anticipates that such equipment will be purchased and become operational during 2008.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies only to fair-value measurements that are already required or permitted by other accounting standards and is expected to increase the consistency of those measurements. It will also affect current practices by nullifying Emerging Issues Task Force guidance that prohibited recognition of gains or losses at the inception of derivative transactions whose fair value is estimated by applying a model and by eliminating the use of “blockage” factors by brokers, dealers and investment companies that have been applying AICPA Guides. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 On December 30, 2007. The Company has no financial assets or liabilities subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 157. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have an impact on its financial position or results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in net income. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 On December 30, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have an impact on its financial position or results of operations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R established principles and requirements for how an acquiring company recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest of the acquired company and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also established disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SFAS 141R will have on its financial position and results of operations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160 “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards of ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SFAS 160 will have on its financial position and results of operations.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about the market risks affecting Merrimac, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Item 7A of Part II of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. Our exposure to market risk has not changed materially since December 29, 2007.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of March 29, 2008 (the end of the period covered by this report), the Company's management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 29, 2008, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
In designing and evaluating the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. We believe that our disclosure controls and procedures provide such reasonable assurance.
No change occurred in the Company's internal controls concerning financial reporting during the Company's first quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Merrimac is a party to lawsuits, arising in the normal course of business. It is the opinion of Merrimac's management that the disposition of these various lawsuits will not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or the results of operations of Merrimac.
On February 22, 2008, a statement of claim in Ontario Superior Court of Justice was filed by a former FMI employee against FMI seeking damages for approximately $77,000 ($75,000 Canadian) for wrongful dismissal following the sale of FMI’s assets to FTG. The Company agreed to settle this claim in May 2008 for a minimal amount.
On March 10, 2008, a statement of claim in Ontario Superior Court of Justice was filed by nineteen (19) former FMI employees against Merrimac, FMI and FTG seeking damages for wrongful dismissal for approximately $1,000,000 (Canadian $977,000) following the sale of FMI’s assets to FTG. The former FMI employees are alleging that an employment contract existed between FMI and the plaintiffs and are seeking additional damages for termination of the alleged contract.
The Company believes it has been improperly named in this claim and is petitioning the Court to be removed as a defendant.
The Company has an Employment Practices Liability insurance policy that extends coverage to its subsidiaries. The insurance carrier agreed to provide a defense in this matter on April 24, 2008 and they retained Canadian counsel to defend this claim. The Company made provision for the deductible amount of the insurance policy which is $25,000. In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 5, after discussions with counsel, The Company cannot presently determine if the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable, reasonably possible or remote. In addition, The Company cannot reasonably estimate the amount of a probable loss, other than the minimal deductible amount under the insurance policy. The Company and its insurance carrier intend to defend these claims vigorously.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
There have been no material changes to our Risk Factors from those presented in our Form 10-K for fiscal year 2007.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibits:
EXHIBIT NUMBER | | DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT |
31.1+ | | Chief Executive Officer's Certificate, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
31.2+ | | Chief Financial Officer's Certificate, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
32.1+ | | Chief Executive Officer's Certificate, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
32.2+ | | Chief Financial Officer's Certificate, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
+ Indicates that exhibit is filed as an exhibit hereto.
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
Date: May 13, 2008 | By: | /s/ Mason N. Carter |
| Mason N. Carter |
| Chairman, President and |
| Chief Executive Officer |
Date: May 13, 2008 | By: | /s/ Robert V. Condon |
| Robert V. Condon |
| Vice President, Finance and |
| Chief Financial Officer |