Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
($ In Thousands Except Share Amounts)
liquidity requirements vary based on the timing and volume of orders. Based on cash on hand, future cash expected to be generated from operations, and the Revolving Credit Facility, we expect to have sufficient cash to meet liquidity requirements for the next twelve months. The Revolving Credit Facility is discussed in Note 9 of the “Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Part I Item 1 of this report.
Our cash was $15,736 on December 31, 2014, compared with $6,021 on March 31, 2014, an increase of $9,715. The increase in our cash is primarily the net result of positive cash flows provided by operating activities of $9,392.
Cash flows provided by operating activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 was $9,392 and is the result of a decrease in accounts receivable of $8,897 and an increase in accrued income taxes of $1,900. This was partially offset by an increase in inventory of $5,542 as we prepare for anticipated shipments in the last quarter of the fiscal year, a $4,311 increase in deferred taxes due to the recording of the research & development tax credit, a decrease in accounts payable of $2,088 and a decrease in accrued compensation of $917.
Cash flows used in investing activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 was $339, and was used for capital expenditures of $295 mainly for production test, barcoding equipment, and information technology equipment. Spending for capitalized qualification units was $44 as we are nearing the completion of this testing.
Cash flows provided by financing activities during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 were $662, and reflects cash received from the exercise of stock options.
Net working capital at December 31, 2014 was $47,124 versus $39,708 at March 31, 2014, an increase of $7,416. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 4.1:1.0 at December 31, 2014 compared with 3.5:1.0 at the beginning of fiscal 2015.
Accounts receivable days outstanding were 63 days at December 31, 2014 and 71 days at December 31, 2013. The decrease in days is due to customer sales mix and related payment terms. Inventory turnover was 2.2 turns at December 31, 2014 versus 2.0 turns at December 31, 2013. These accounts receivables and inventory measures are predicated on the prior twelve month historical data for sales and cost of sales.
INFLATION
Neither inflation nor deflation has had, and we do not expect it to have, a material impact upon operating results. We cannot be certain that our business will not be affected by inflation or deflation in the future.
CONTINGENCIES AND LEGACY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS
Environmental matters - At December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, the aggregate environmental liability was $9,431 and $10,323, respectively. The liability is classified in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Separately, environmental cost-sharing with third parties of approximately $1,346 and $1,918 at December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, respectfully, is included in other current assets and other long term assets, net of fees to be paid to a third party relating to this arrangement. The Company’s environmental liability reserves are not reduced for any potential cost-sharing reimbursements.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, we spent $701 and $1,039, respectively, on environmental costs, and for the entire fiscal 2014, we spent $1,487. We have a detailed plan by property to manage our environmental exposure. Based on this plan, we anticipate spending approximately $1,326 on environmental matters in fiscal 2015. These costs will be charged against the environmental liability reserve and will not impact income. We perform quarterly reviews of our environmental sites and the related liabilities.
In May 2014, the PADEP approved the final remedial action report for the Fed Labs Saltsburg, Pennsylvania site subject to the 2001 Consent Order and as a result of this approval we believe that no further on-site work is required. The remaining technical fees from our technical advisors are not expected to exceed $10. Accordingly, we reduced the environmental reserve by $412 in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, as reflected in SG&A expense.
Environmental matters are discussed in Note 14 of the “Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Part 1, Item 1 of this report.
Litigation – Litigation is discussed in Note 14 of the “Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Part 1, Item 1 of this report.