Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. 155 Northboro Road Southborough, MA 01772 Telephone (508) 281 5510 For Release: IMMEDIATE News For Further Information Contact Release Paul A. McPartlin TECH/OPS SEVCON REPORTS THIRD QUARTER RESULTS Southborough, Mass. August 4, 2004..... Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. (AMEX symbol TO) reported that net income for its third fiscal quarter was $103,000, or $.03 per diluted share, which was in line with last year's results for the same period when the Company had net income of $98,000, or $.03 per diluted share. Revenues for the third quarter were $7,486,000, an increase of $1,525,000, or 26%, compared to the prior year's $5,961,000. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for $435,000 or 7% of the increase in reported sales but had an insignificant impact on operating income. Volumes increased by 18% compared to the third quarter of last year mainly due to gains in the controls business. Engineering expense, mainly on advanced new products, was $296,000 higher than the third quarter of last year. Operating income for the third quarter was $121,000 compared to $161,000 in the same quarter last year. For the nine month period net income was $326,000, or $.10 per diluted share, compared to $315,000, also $.10 per diluted share, last year. Revenues in the first nine months of this year were $21,255,000, an increase of $3,481,000, or 20%, compared to last year. Foreign currency fluctuations accounted for $1,635,000 or 9% of the increase in reported sales. Volumes were 11% higher than the prior year period. The gross profit percentage increased to 40.3% of sales compared to 38.8% in the same period last year. Higher operating expenses, mainly related to new product engineering, sales and marketing and adverse foreign currency affects increased operating expenses by $1,569,000 compared to the same period last year. Operating income for the nine months was $574,000 compared to $478,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2003. The increase in operating income was mainly due to increased volumes and foreign currency fluctuations, partially offset by the higher operating expense mainly related to new products. Tech/Ops Sevcon, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of microprocessor based controls for electric vehicles. The controls are used to vary the speed and movement of vehicles, to integrate specialized functions, and to prolong the shift life of the vehicles' batteries. Sevcon supplies customers throughout the world from its operations in the United Kingdom, the USA, France, the Far East, and through an international dealer network. The Company's customers are manufacturers of fork lift trucks, aerial lifts, mining vehicles, airport tractors, sweepers, and other battery powered vehicles. Third Quarter 2004 Financial Highlights (unaudited) (in thousands except per share data) Three months ended Nine months ended July 3 June 30 July 3 June 30 2004 2003 2004 2003 Net sales $7,486 $5,961 $21,225 $17,744 Operating income 121 161 574 478 Income before income taxes 157 150 501 484 Net income $103 $98 $326 $315 Basic income per share $.03 $.03 $.10 $.10 Diluted income per share $.03 $.03 $.10 $.10 Cash dividend per share $.03 $.03 $.09 $.09 Average shares outstanding 3,125 3,125 3,125 3,125 Summarized Balance Sheet Data (in thousands of dollars) July 3, September 30 2004 2003 (unaudited) (derived from audited statements) Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $562 $524 Receivables 5,552 4,088 Inventories 4,102 3,999 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 879 762 ------ ----- Total current assets 11,095 9,373 Long-term assets 4,676 4,361 ------ ----- Total assets $15,771 $13,734 ------ ----- Current liabilities $5,330 $4,009 Deferred taxes 82 77 Stockholders' investment $10,359 $9,648 ------ ----- Total liabilities and stockholders' investment $15,771 $13,734 ------ -----