SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10Q
(Mark one)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period ended January 31, 2004
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File No. 1-8061
FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 11-1986657
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
55 CHARLES LINDBERGH BLVD., MITCHEL FIELD, N.Y. 11553
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 516-794-4500
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No __
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12 b-2). Yes __ No X
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
The number of shares outstanding of Registrant's Common Stock, par value $1.00
as of March 9, 2004 - 8,389,864
Page 1 of 22
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
INDEX
Part I. Financial Information: Page No.
Item 1 - Financial Statements:
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
January 31, 2004 and April 30, 2003 3-4
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2004 and 2003 5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended January 31, 2004 and 2003 6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2004 and 2003 7
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8-12
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 12-16
Item 3- Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 16-17
Item 4- Disclosures Controls and Procedures 17
Part II. Other Information:
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings 17
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 17
Signatures 18
Exhibits 19-22
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
January 31, April 30,
2004 2003
(UNAUDITED) (NOTE A)
(In thousands)
ASSETS:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,774 $ 5,952
Marketable securities 27,747 27,829
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $140 at January 31,
2004 and $124 at April 30, 2003 14,023 9,565
Inventories 22,869 17,734
Deferred income taxes 3,795 4,435
Income taxes receivable 813 1,223
Prepaid expenses and other 1,924 1,198
------- -------
Total current assets 73,945 67,936
Property, plant and equipment, at cost,
less accumulated depreciation and
amortization 11,608 11,105
Deferred income taxes 361 436
Cash surrender value of life insurance 5,075 4,869
Intangible assets, net 558 -
Other assets 1,305 1,383
------- -------
Total assets $92,852 $85,729
======= =======
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Continued)
January 31, April 30,
2004 2003
(UNAUDITED) (NOTE A)
(In thousands)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Current liabilities:
Short-term credit obligations $ 3,487 $ 179
Accounts payable - trade 4,056 1,294
Dividend payable -0- 834
Accrued liabilities and other 4,216 3,615
------- -------
Total current liabilities 11,759 5,922
Deferred compensation 7,006 6,752
REIT liability and other liabilities 10,818 11,151
------- -------
Total liabilities 29,583 23,825
------- -------
Minority interest in subsidiary 62 195
------- -------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - $1.00 par value -0- -0-
Common stock - $1.00 par value 9,164 9,164
Additional paid-in capital 44,080 43,806
Retained earnings 8,932 10,415
------- -------
62,176 63,385
Common stock reacquired and held in treasury
-at cost, 777,375 shares at January 31, 2004
and 824,739 shares at April 30, 2003 (2,918) (3,062)
Other stockholders' equity (116) (116)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 4,065 1,502
------- -------
Total stockholders' equity 63,207 61,709
------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $92,852 $85,729
======= =======
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
Nine Months Ended January 31,
(Unaudited)
2004 2003
---- ----
(In thousands except
per share data)
Net Sales $32,831 $24,518
Cost of sales 22,171 16,769
------- -------
Gross margin 10,660 7,749
Selling and administrative expenses 8,134 6,041
Restructuring charge 431 -
Research and development expenses 4,309 2,941
------- -------
Operating loss (2,214) (1,233)
Other income (expense):
Investment income 1,778 1,341
Interest expense (206) (190)
Other income (expense), net (33) 55
------- -------
Loss before minority interest and
provision for income taxes (675) (27)
Minority Interest in loss of
consolidated subsidiary (132) (38)
------- -------
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes (543) 11
Provision for income taxes 100 10
------- -------
Net (loss) income $ (643) $ 1
======= =======
Net (loss) earnings per common share
Basic $ (0.08) $ 0.00
======== ========
Diluted $ (0.08) $ 0.00
======== ========
Average shares outstanding
Basic 8,364,837 8,330,367
========= =========
Diluted 8,364,837 8,393,651
========= =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended January 31,
(Unaudited)
2004 2003
---- ----
(In thousands except
per share data)
Net Sales $14,052 $ 9,390
Cost of sales 9,279 6,317
------- -------
Gross Margin 4,773 3,073
Selling and administrative expenses 2,945 2,099
Restructuring charge 305 -
Research and development expense 1,394 1,269
------- -------
Operating profit (loss) 129 (295)
Other income (expense):
Investment income 435 559
Interest expense (83) (74)
Other income (expense), net 5 140
------- -------
Income before minority interest and
provision for income taxes 486 330
Minority Interest in loss of
consolidated subsidiary (25) (16)
------- -------
Income before provision for income taxes 511 346
Provision for income taxes 178 107
------- -------
Net income $ 333 $ 239
======= =======
Net earnings per common share
Basic $ 0.04 $ 0.03
======== ========
Diluted $ 0.04 $ 0.03
======== ========
Average shares outstanding
Basic 8,379,375 8,318,481
========= =========
Diluted 8,589,893 8,390,162
========= =========
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended January 31,
(Unaudited)
2004 2003
---- ----
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income $ (643) $ 1
Non-cash charges to earnings 1,348 1,781
Net changes in other assets and liabilities (5,169) (1,403)
------- -------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (4,464) 379
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payment for acquisition (2,658) -
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities 7,897 8,067
Purchase of marketable securities (4,879) (6,484)
Other - net (864) (214)
------- -------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (504) 1,369
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term credit obligations 3,479 -
Payment of cash dividend (1,671) (1,664)
Payment on long-term obligations (440) (537)
Repurchase of stock for treasury - (501)
Other - net 57 30
------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,425 (2,672)
------- -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
before effect of exchange rate changes (3,543) (924)
Effect of exchange rate changes
on cash and cash equivalents 365 283
------- -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash (3,178) (641)
Cash at beginning of period 5,952 5,383
------- -------
Cash at end of period $ 2,774 $ 4,742
======= =======
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE A - CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In the opinion of management of the Company, the accompanying unaudited
condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments
(which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as
of January 31, 2004 and the results of its operations for the nine and three
months and cash flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003. The
April 30, 2003 condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited
financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these
condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's April 30, 2003
Annual Report to Stockholders. The results of operations for such interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full
year.
NOTE B - EARNINGS PER SHARE
Reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding for basic and
diluted Earnings Per Share are as follows:
Periods ended January 31,
Nine months Three months
----------- ------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
---- ---- ---- ----
Basic EPS Shares outstanding
(weighted average) 8,364,837 8,330,367 8,379,375 8,318,481
Effect of Dilutive Securities *** 63,284 210,518 71,681
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Diluted EPS Shares outstanding 8,364,837 8,393,651 8,589,893 8,390,162
========= ========= ========= =========
*** Dilutive securities are excluded for the nine month period ended
January 31, 2004 since the inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive
due to the net loss for the period then ended.
Options to purchase 475,250 shares of common stock were outstanding during
the three months ended January 31, 2004, and 777,387 and 665,437 shares of
common stock were outstanding during the nine and three-month periods ended
January 31, 2003, respectively, but were not included in the computation of
diluted earnings per share. Since the exercise price of these options was
greater than the average market price of the Company's common shares during the
periods, their inclusion in the computation would have been antidilutive.
Consequently, these options are excluded from the computation of earnings per
share.
NOTE C - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable at January 31, 2004 and April 30, 2003 include costs
and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts accounted
for on the percentage of completion basis of approximately $2,339,000 and
$3,023,000, respectively. Such amounts represent revenue recognized on long-term
contracts that had not been billed at the balance sheet dates. Such amounts are
billed pursuant to contract terms.
NOTE D - INVENTORIES
Inventories, which are reported net of reserves of $4,077,000 and
$3,598,000 at January 31, 2004 and April 30, 2003, respectively, consist of the
following:
January 31, 2004 April 30, 2003
---------------- --------------
(In thousands)
Raw materials and Component parts $10,703 $ 7,349
Work in progress and Finished goods 12,166 10,385
------- -------
$22,869 $17,734
======= =======
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE E - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003, total comprehensive
income was $1,920,000 and $1,827,000, respectively. Comprehensive income is
composed of net income or loss for the period plus the impact of foreign
currency translation adjustments and the change in the valuation allowance on
marketable securities.
NOTE F - SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company operates under four reportable segments:
1. Commercial communications - consists principally of time and frequency
control products used in commercial communication satellites and
terrestrial cellular telephone or other ground-based telecommunications.
2. U.S. Government - consists of time and frequency control products used in
terrestrial and space applications by the Department of Defense and other
U.S. government agencies.
3. Gillam-FEI - the products of the Company's Belgian subsidiary consist
primarily of wireline synchronization and network monitoring systems.
4. FEI-Zyfer - the products of the Company's newly acquired subsidiary
incorporate Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies into systems and
subsystems for secure communications, both government and commercial, and
other locator applications.
The table below presents information about reported segments with
reconciliation of segment amounts to consolidated amounts as reported in the
statement of operations or the balance sheet for each of the periods (in
thousands):
Nine months Three months
Periods ended January 31,
2004 2003 2004 2003
---- ---- ---- ----
Net sales:
Commercial Communications $18,985 $12,032 $ 7,983 $ 4,944
U.S. Government 5,344 6,857 1,686 2,572
Gillam-FEI 5,248 6,135 2,721 2,083
FEI-Zyfer 4,008 - 2,040 -
less intercompany sales (754) (506) (378) (209)
------- ------- ------- -------
Consolidated Sales $32,831 $24,518 $14,052 $ 9,390
======= ======= ======= =======
Operating profit (loss):
Commercial Communications $ 1,102 $(2,205) $ 827 $ (882)
U.S. Government 544 1,772 216 819
Gillam-FEI (2,359) (403) (772) (133)
FEI-Zyfer (907) - 102 -
less intercompany transactions (223) (32) (101) (15)
Corporate (371) (365) (143) (84)
------- ------- ------- -------
Consolidated Operating (Loss) Profit $(2,214) $(1,233) $ 129 $ (295)
======= ======= ======= =======
January 31, 2004 April 30, 2003
---------------- --------------
Identifiable assets:
Commercial Communications $21,286 $14,733
U.S. Government 4,793 6,147
Gillam-FEI 14,369 12,305
FEI-Zyfer 5,018 -
less intercompany balances (1,820) (964)
Corporate 49,206 53,508
------- -------
Consolidated Identifiable Assets $92,852 $85,729
======= =======
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
NOTE G - ACQUISITION OF FEI-ZYFER
On May 9, 2003, the Company acquired the business and net assets of Zyfer,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Odetics, Inc., in a cash transaction. The
business of the new subsidiary, FEI-Zyfer, Inc., is the design and manufacture
of products for precision time and frequency generation and synchronization,
primarily incorporating GPS technology.
The Company paid $2.3 million at closing, plus acquisition costs of
approximately $400,000. According to the terms of the purchase agreement, the
Company will make additional payments up to a maximum of $1 million in each of
fiscal years 2004 and 2005 if FEI-Zyfer achieves certain revenue levels in those
years. The contingent payments are based on a percentage of revenues in excess
of $6 million in fiscal year 2004 and as a percentage of revenues in excess of
$8 million in fiscal year 2005. The acquired business recorded revenue of $6.5
million for the year ended March 31, 2003 and $4.5 million in the prior fiscal
year.
The FEI-Zyfer acquisition is treated as a purchase acquisition. The
purchase price has been allocated to net assets acquired of approximately $1.8
million. The purchase price in excess of net assets acquired, approximately
$900,000, has been allocated to fixed assets ($300,000) and to intangible assets
($600,000) which will be amortized over the next 3 to 5 years.
The accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the
nine- and three-month periods ended January 31, 2004, includes the results of
operations of FEI-Zyfer from May 9, 2003 through January 31, 2004. The pro forma
financial information set forth below is based upon the Company's historical
consolidated statements of operations for the nine and three months ended
January 31, 2004 and 2003, adjusted to give effect to the acquisition of
FEI-Zyfer as of the beginning of each of the periods presented. The fiscal 2003
financial information includes the results of operations of FEI-Zyfer for the
periods April 1 to December 31, 2002 and October 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002.
The pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes
only and may not be indicative of what actual results of operations would have
been had the acquisition occurred on May 1, 2002, nor does it purport to
represent the results of operations for future periods.
Pro forma periods ended January 31
(unaudited)
Nine months Three months
2004 2003 2004 2003
---- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands except per share data)
Net Sales $32,923 $31,074 $14,052 $11,295
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating (Loss) Profit $(2,212) $(1,354) $ 129 $ (198)
------- ------- ----- ------
(Loss) income from
continuing operations $ (642) $ (113) $ 333 $ 280
====== ====== ===== =====
(Loss) Earnings per share- basic $(0.08) $(0.01) $ 0.04 $ 0.03
====== ====== ====== ======
(Loss) Earnings per share- diluted $(0.08) $(0.01) $ 0.04 $ 0.03
====== ====== ====== ======
NOTE H - EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company applies the disclosure-only provisions of FAS 123, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation," as amended by FAS 148, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure," and continues to measure
compensation cost in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Historically, this has not resulted
in compensation cost upon the grant of options under a qualified stock option
plan. However, in accordance with FAS 123, as amended by FAS 148, the Company
provides pro forma disclosures of net earnings (loss) and earnings (loss) per
share as if the fair value method had been applied beginning in fiscal 1996.
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
The following table illustrates the effect on the Company's consolidated
statements of operations had compensation cost for stock option awards under the
plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates consistent with
the provisions of FAS 123 as amended by FAS 148:
Periods ended January 31
Nine months Three months
2004 2003 2004 2003
---- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands except per share data)
Net (Loss) Income, as reported $ (643) $ 1 $ 333 $ 239
====== ====== ====== =====
Net (Loss) Income - pro forma $(1,228) $(607) $ 131 $ 46
======= ===== ====== =====
(Loss) Earnings per share, as reported:
Basic $ (0.08) $ 0.00 $ 0.04 $ 0.03
======= ======= ======= =======
Diluted $ (0.08) $ 0.00 $ 0.04 $ 0.03
======= ======= ======= =======
(Loss) Earnings per share- pro forma
Basic $ (0.15) $ (0.07) $ 0.02 $ 0.01
======= ======= ======= =======
Diluted $ (0.15) $ (0.07) $ 0.02 $ 0.01
======= ======= ======= =======
The weighted average fair value of each option has been estimated on the
date of grant using the Black-Scholes options pricing model with the following
weighted average assumptions used for grants in 2004 and 2003, respectively,
dividend yield of 1.83%; expected volatility of 63% and 65%; risk free interest
rate (ranging from 5.5% to 8.0%); and expected lives ranging from seven to ten
years.
NOTE I - RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
During fiscal year 2004, the Company's majority-owned subsidiary in France
substantially completed a restructuring of its operations. This resulted in a
charge to earnings of $431,000 for the nine months ended January 31, 2004, of
which $305,000 was incurred during the three-month period then ended. These
charges relate to severance and special compensation payments to discharged
employees. During the nine months ended January 31, 2004, the Company paid
$110,000 of these charges. At January 31, 2004, the Company has accrued $256,000
related to severance payments and $65,000 related to special compensation
payments, in accordance with FAS 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment
Activities" and FAS 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal
Activities," respectively. The accrual is expected to be paid by the end of
fiscal year 2004.
NOTE J - RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 149 "Amendment of Statement
133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("FAS 149"). FAS 149
amends FAS 133 for certain decisions made by the FASB as part of the Derivatives
Implementation Group process. FAS 149 also amends FAS 133 to incorporate
clarifications of the definition of a derivative. FAS 149 is effective for
contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, with certain exceptions,
and requires prospective application. The adoption of FAS 149 had no material
effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of
both Liabilities and Equity" ("FAS 150"). This statement establishes standards
for how an issuer classifies and measures in its statement of financial position
certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and
equity. In accordance with the standard, financial instruments that embody
obligations for the issuer are required to be classified as liabilities. FAS 150
is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31,
2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period
beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of FAS 150 had no material effect on
the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
In December 2003, the FASB published a revision to Statement No. 132
"Employers' Disclosure about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits an
amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88 and 106" ("FAS 132R"). FAS 132R requires
additional disclosures to those in the original FAS 132 about the assets,
obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit
pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. The provisions of
FAS 132 remain in effect until the provisions of FAS 132R are adopted. FAS 132R
is effective for financial statements with fiscal years ending after December
15, 2003. The interim-period disclosures required by FAS 132R are effective for
interim periods beginning after December 15, 2003. Adoption of FAS 132R is not
expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financing
position, results of operations or cash flows.
In December 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46R,
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities an Interpretation of ARB No. 51
("FIN 46R"). This Interpretation, which replaces FASB Interpretation No. 46
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, clarifies the application of
Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to
certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a
controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the
entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial
support. Application of FIN 46R is required in financial statements of public
entities that have interests in variable interest entities or potential variable
interest entities commonly referred to as special-purpose entities for periods
ending after December 15, 2003. Application by public entities (other than small
business issuers) for all other types of entities is required in financial
statements for periods ending after March 15, 2004. The Company is still
assessing the impact that FIN 46R will have on its financial position and
results of operations.
Item 2
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
The statements in this quarterly report on Form 10Q regarding future
earnings and operations and other statements relating to the future constitute
"forward-looking" statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements
inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause
or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, continued
acceptance of the Company's products in the marketplace, competitive factors,
new products and technological changes, product prices and raw material costs,
dependence upon third-party vendors, competitive developments, changes in
manufacturing and transportation costs, changes in contractual terms, the
availability of capital, and other risks detailed in the Company's periodic
report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these
forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these
statements for revisions or changes after the date of this report.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company's significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to
the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's April 30, 2003
Annual Report to Stockholders. The Company believes its most critical accounting
policies to be the recognition of revenue and costs on production contracts and
the valuation of inventory. Each of these areas requires the Company to make use
of reasoned estimates including estimating the cost to complete a contract, the
realizable value of its inventory or the market value of its products. Changes
in estimates can have a material impact on the Company's financial position and
results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
- -------------------
Revenues under larger, long-term contracts, generally defined as orders in
excess of $100,000, are reported in operating results using the percentage of
completion method. For U.S. Government and other fixed-price contracts that
require initial design and development of the product, revenue is recognized on
the cost-to-cost method. Under this method, revenue is recorded based upon the
ratio that incurred costs
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Continued)
bear to total estimated contract costs with related cost of sales recorded as
the costs are incurred. Each month management reviews estimated contract costs.
The effect of any change in the estimated gross margin percentage for a contract
is reflected in revenues in the period in which the change is known. Provisions
for anticipated losses on contracts are made in the period in which they become
determinable.
On production-type contracts, revenue is recorded as units are delivered
with the related cost of sales recognized on each shipment based upon a
percentage of estimated final contract costs. Changes in job performance may
result in revisions to costs and income and are recognized in the period in
which revisions are determined to be required. Provisions for anticipated losses
on contracts are made in the period in which they become determinable.
Contracts in the Company's Gillam-FEI and FEI-Zyfer segments, smaller
contracts or orders in the other business segments, and sales of products and
services to customers are reported in operating results based upon shipment of
the product or performance of the services pursuant to contractual terms. When
payment is contingent upon customer acceptance of the installed system, revenue
is deferred until such acceptance is received and installation completed.
Costs and Expenses
- ------------------
Contract costs include all direct material, direct labor costs,
manufacturing overhead and other direct costs related to contract performance.
Selling, general and administrative costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Inventory
- ---------
In accordance with industry practice, inventoried costs contain amounts
relating to contracts and programs with long production cycles, a portion of
which will not be realized within one year. Inventory reserves are established
for slow-moving and obsolete items and are based upon management's experience
and expectations for future business. Any changes in reserves arising from
revised expectations are reflected in cost of sales in the period the revision
is made.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The table below sets forth for the respective periods of fiscal years 2004
and 2003 the percentage of consolidated net sales represented by certain items
in the Company's consolidated statements of operations:
Nine months Three months
Periods ended January 31,
2004 2003 2004 2003
---- ---- ---- ----
Net Sales
Commercial Communications 57.8% 49.1% 56.8% 52.6%
U.S. Government 16.3 28.0 12.0 27.4
Gillam-FEI 16.0 25.0 19.4 22.2
FEI-Zyfer 12.2 - 14.5 -
less intercompany sales (2.3) (2.1) (2.7) (2.2)
----- ----- ----- -----
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of Sales 67.5 68.4 66.0 67.3
----- ----- ----- -----
Gross Margin 32.5 31.6 34.0 32.7
Selling and administrative expenses 24.8 24.6 21.0 22.3
Restructuring charge 1.3 - 2.2 -
Research and development expenses 13.1 12.0 9.9 13.5
----- ----- ----- -----
Operating (Loss) Profit (6.7) (5.0) 0.9 (3.1)
Other income (expense)- net 5.1 5.0 2.7 6.7
----- ----- ----- -----
Pretax (Loss) Income (1.6) 0.0 3.6 3.6
Provision for income taxes 0.3 0.0 1.3 1.0
----- ----- ----- -----
Net (Loss) Income (1.9)% 0.0% 2.3% 2.6%
===== ===== ===== =====
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Continued)
During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company acquired the business
and net assets of Zyfer, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Odetics, Inc., in a
cash transaction. The results of operations for the nine- and three-month
periods ended January 31, 2004, include the results of operations of FEI-Zyfer
from May 9, 2003 through January 31, 2004. The Company considers the operating
and net losses of FEI-Zyfer during the nine months ended January 31, 2004
($907,000 and $639,000, respectively) to be part of its investment in the
technologies and skills that were obtained with the FEI-Zyfer acquisition.
For the nine months ended January 31, 2004, the operating loss increased by
$981,000 (80%) to $2.2 million, from $1.2 million for the same period ended
January 31, 2003. The net loss of $643,000 for the nine months ended January 31,
2004 is compared to net income of $1,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year
2003. These results include the losses of FEI-Zyfer and also reflect the
continuing impact of the slowdown in the European telecommunications industry
over the past several quarters. Fiscal year 2004 third quarter operating income
of $129,000 increased by $424,000 from an operating loss of $295,000 in the
third quarter of fiscal year 2003. Net income of $333,000 during the third
quarter of fiscal year 2004 increased by $94,000 (39%) over net income of
$239,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2003. The improvement in fiscal
year 2004 third quarter results is attributable to increased revenues, as
detailed below, and FEI-Zyfer's operating profit and net income of $102,000 and
$72,000, respectively.
Revenues for the nine and three months ended January 31, 2004, increased by
$8.3 million (34%) and $4.7 million (50%), respectively, from the same periods
of fiscal year 2003. The fiscal 2004 periods include revenues for FEI-Zyfer of
$4.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Also, during the first quarter of
fiscal year 2004, the Company recorded a sale of approximately $900,000 for seed
stock units which, to accommodate certain wireless infrastructure customers, had
been provided to them during fiscal year 2003. Excluding revenues from the seed
stock units for the nine-month period and FEI-Zyfer revenues for both periods,
fiscal year 2004 revenues increased by $3.4 million (14%) and $2.6 million
(28%), respectively, over the nine- and three-month periods ended January 31,
2003. On a segment by segment basis, for the fiscal periods ended January 31,
2004, Commercial Communications revenues increased by 50% for the nine months
(excluding seed stock revenues) and 61% for the three-month period; Gillam-FEI
revenues decreased by 14% for the nine months and increased by 31% for the
three-month period, and US Government revenues decreased by 22% for the nine
months and 34% for the three-month period. The Commercial Communications
revenues reflect growth in capital spending in the wireless infrastructure
industry as well as increases in commercial communication satellite activity.
Gillam-FEI revenues continued to reflect the deferral or postponement of
telecommunications spending in Europe which now appears to be improving. US
Government segment revenues declined as the Company neared the end of certain
long-term contracts.
Gross margin rates for the nine and three months ended January 31, 2004,
improved to 32.5% and 34.0%, respectively, from 31.6% and 32.7% in the same
periods of fiscal year 2003. Gross margins for all segments are less than the
Company's target of 40% as sales volumes, particularly in fiscal year 2003 and
the first half of fiscal year 2004, did not fully absorb fixed costs. Margins on
initial and early stage development US Government contracts are generally lower
than production orders and this factor impacted overall margins in that segment
during fiscal year 2004. The delay in infrastructure spending by European
telecommunications companies drove down Gillam-FEI sales volume and thus margins
as well. With recent contract bookings, the Company expects to realize a greater
level of sales in the last quarter of the current fiscal year and during fiscal
year 2005, which should result in improved profit margins in these future
periods.
During fiscal year 2004, the Company's majority-owned subsidiary in France
substantially completed a restructuring of its operations. This resulted in a
charge to earnings of $431,000 for the nine months ended January 31, 2004, of
which $305,000 was incurred during the three-month period then ended. The
Company does not expect to incur significant costs in the future related to this
restructuring although it may recognize a one-time gain upon the sale of the
subsidiary's current manufacturing facility.
Excluding the restructuring charge discussed above, selling and
administrative costs for the nine and three months ended January 31, 2004,
increased by $2.1 million (35%) and $846,000 (40%), respectively, over the same
periods of fiscal year 2003. Excluding the fiscal year 2004 effect of FEI-Zyfer,
selling and administrative costs increased by $384,000 (6%) and $213,000 (10%),
respectively, from the nine and three month periods of fiscal year 2003. Most
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Continued)
of the nine-month increase is attributable to expenses at the Company's European
subsidiaries resulting from the significant year-over-year increase in the value
of the euro to the US dollar. Third quarter results were also impacted by
increased costs to support the Company's European sales office, continued
investment in the Company's China manufacturing facility and, in the United
States, by increased sales and marketing costs as well as accruals for incentive
compensation plans due to improving profitability. The Company targets selling
and administrative costs at 20% of revenues but has not achieved that result in
recent quarters due to reduced revenue levels. In prior periods, the Company
took steps to control and reduce its selling and administrative expenses such
that, on increased revenues in subsequent fiscal quarters, it expects to achieve
its targeted ratio of costs to sales.
Research and development costs in the nine and three months ended January
31, 2004 increased by $1.4 million (47%) and $125,000 (10%) over the comparable
periods ended January 31, 2003. The increases include $860,000 and $250,000,
respectively, in development spending on GPS systems by FEI-Zyfer. In addition,
Gillam-FEI is working aggressively to complete the development of its next
generation wireline signal synchronization unit (designated "US5G"), which it
expects to have ready for market before the end of fiscal year 2004. The Company
targets research and development spending at approximately 10% of sales, but the
rate of spending can increase or decrease from quarter to quarter as new
projects are identified and others are concluded. The Company will continue to
devote significant resources to develop new products, enhance existing products
and implement efficient manufacturing processes. During this fiscal year, in
addition to Gillam-FEI's US5G product and FEI-Zyfer's GPS systems, the Company
is developing a common platform for time and frequency generators for commercial
communications, low-g (gravity) sensitivity oscillators for defense and secure
applications and identifying new applications for its technologies. For certain
programs, the Company obtains development contracts from its customers. For
programs without such funding, internally generated cash and cash reserves are
adequate to fund this development effort.
Net nonoperating income and expense increased by $333,000 (28%) in the nine
month period ended January 31, 2004 and declined by $268,000 (43%) during the
three month period then ended, compared to the same periods of fiscal year 2003.
Investment income increased by $437,000 (33%) during the nine months of fiscal
year 2004 compared to the same period of fiscal year 2003 and included realized
gains of approximately $480,000 compared to net realized losses of $57,000 in
the prior year. For the three month period ended January 31, 2004, investment
income declined by $124,000 (22%) from the same period of fiscal year 2003 due
to the realized gains in the prior year versus no gains or losses in the current
fiscal year period. Interest expense in the nine- and three-month periods ended
January 31, 2004, increased by $16,000 (8%) and $9,000 (12%), respectively,
compared to the same periods of fiscal year 2003. This reflects increases in the
short-term borrowing requirements of the Company. Other expense, net, decreased
by $88,000 and $135,000, respectively, during the fiscal year 2004 periods
compared to the nine and three months ended January 31, 2003. In the third
quarter of fiscal year 2003, the Company realized a gain of $148,000 on the sale
of a portion of a building owned by its French subsidiary. Other income
(expense), net, consists principally of certain non-recurring transactions and
is generally not significant to net income.
The Company is subject to taxation in several countries. The statutory
federal rates vary from 34% in the United States to 35% in Europe. The Company's
effective rate is lower than the statutory rate primarily due to the
availability of Research and Development Tax Credits in the United States. Tax
losses originating at the Company's European and Asian subsidiaries are not
consolidated with U.S. source income. Consequently, for the nine months ended
January 31, 2004, the Company recorded a tax expense despite recording a
consolidated pretax loss. The Company's European subsidiaries have available net
operating loss carryforwards of approximately $2.0 million to offset future
taxable income.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's balance sheet continues to reflect a strong working capital
position of $62 million at January 31, 2004, which is comparable to working
capital at April 30, 2003. Included in working capital at January 31, 2004 is
$30.5 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, including
$12.4 million of REIT units which are convertible to Reckson Associates Realty
Corp. common stock.
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Continued)
Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended January 31,
2004, was $4.5 million compared to $379,000 provided by operations in the
comparable fiscal year 2003 period. Approximately $2.6 million was used to
support the operations of the Company's new subsidiary, FEI-Zyfer. The Company
considers the infusion of working capital into FEI-Zyfer as part of its
investment in this entity to enable it to achieve better results than the
predecessor company experienced in recent years. The other major components of
the use of cash during the fiscal year 2004 period are the growth in inventories
and accounts receivable. Both are reflective of the recent sales growth trend
and the need to acquire inventory to meet expected demand. The Company expects
that it will generate positive cash flow from operating activities during the
last quarter of fiscal year 2004; however, this inflow may not be sufficient to
exceed the investments made in the first nine months of the fiscal year.
Consequently, the Company may report a net use of cash from operating activities
for the full fiscal year. The Company anticipates improved operating results in
fiscal year 2005 and expects to generate positive cash flow from operations in
that year.
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended January 31,
2004, was $505,000. The principal use of cash was to acquire the net assets of
FEI-Zyfer for approximately $2.7 million. This acquisition and the subsequent
financial support, as discussed in the preceding paragraph, was partially funded
by the redemption or sale of certain marketable securities. Approximately $3.0
million was obtained from the sale or redemption of certain marketable
securities net of purchases of other marketable securities. These inflows were
offset by the acquisition of capital equipment for approximately $900,000. The
Company may continue to acquire or sell marketable securities as dictated by its
investment strategies as well as by the cash requirements for its development
activities.
The Company will continue to acquire more efficient equipment to automate
its production process and expand its capacity. The Company expects to spend
approximately $1 million on capital equipment during fiscal year 2004 and less
than $2 million in fiscal year 2005. Internally generated cash will be adequate
to acquire this capital equipment.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended January
31, 2004, was $1.4 million compared to the use of $2.7 million for the
comparable fiscal year 2003 period. Included in both fiscal periods is payment
of the Company's semiannual dividend in the aggregate amount of $1.7 million.
During fiscal year 2004, the Company took advantage of the low interest rate
environment and borrowed $2.8 million against a credit line which is secured by
a substantial portion of the Company's portfolio of marketable securities. In
addition, during fiscal year 2004 the Company made scheduled payments against
debt and other obligations of $387,000.
At January 31, 2004, the Company's backlog amounted to approximately $46
million compared to the approximately $31 million backlog at April 30, 2003. Of
this backlog, approximately 80% is realizable in the next twelve months.
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
------------------
The Company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates
and market values of securities, including participation units in the Reckson
Operating Partnership, L.P. The Company's investments in fixed income and equity
securities were $15.3 million and $12.4 million, respectively, at January 31,
2004. The investments are carried at fair value with changes in unrealized gains
and losses recorded as adjustments to stockholders' equity. The fair value of
investments in marketable securities is generally based on quoted market prices.
Typically, the fair market value of investments in fixed interest rate debt
securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates
rise. Based on the Company's overall interest rate exposure at January 31, 2004,
a 10% change in market interest rates would not have a material effect on the
fair value of the Company's fixed income securities or results of operations.
Frequency Electronics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(Continued)
Foreign Currency Risk
---------------------
The Company is subject to foreign currency translation risk. The Company
does not have any near-term intentions to repatriate invested cash in any of its
foreign-based subsidiaries. For this reason, the Company does not intend to
initiate any exchange rate hedging strategies which could be used to mitigate
the effects of foreign currency fluctuations. The effects of foreign currency
rate fluctuations will be recorded in the equity section of the balance sheet as
a component of other comprehensive income. As of January 31, 2004, the amount
related to foreign currency exchange rates is a $3,658,000 unrealized gain.
The results of operations of foreign subsidiaries, when translated into US
dollars, will reflect the average rates of exchange for the periods presented.
As a result, similar results of operations measured in local currencies can vary
significantly upon translation into US dollars if exchange rates fluctuate
significantly from one period to the next.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act"), the Company's management, including the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness
of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by
this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls
and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were
effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.
As required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company's
management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, has evaluated the Company's internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) to determine whether any
changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control
over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such
change during the quarter covered by this report.
PART II
ITEM 1 - Legal Proceedings
None
ITEM 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
31.1 - Certification by the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 - Certification by the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1 - Certification by the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350 Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 - Certification by the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350 Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K-
No filings on Form 8-K were made during the three-month period ended
January 31, 2004.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
FREQUENCY ELECTRONICS, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: March 16, 2004 BY /s/ Alan Miller
--------------------
Alan Miller
Chief Financial Officer
and Controller
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Certification of CEO
I, Martin B. Bloch, certify that
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Frequency
Electronics, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to
us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in
the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board
of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
Martin B. Bloch March 16, 2004
-----------------
Martin B. Bloch
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Certification of CFO
I, Alan L. Miller, certify that
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Frequency
Electronics, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to
us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
c) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in
the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board
of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
control over financial reporting.
Alan L. Miller March 16, 2004
------------------
Alan L. Miller
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Certification of CEO
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Frequency Electronics, Inc. (the
"Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 31, 2004 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Martin
B. Bloch, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section
18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2003, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Martin B. Bloch March 16, 2004
-----------------
Martin B. Bloch
Chief Executive Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906,
or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting
the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version
of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided
to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to
the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
This certification accompanies this Report on Form 10-Q pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to
the extent required by such Act, be deemed filed by the Company for
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"). Such certification will not be deemed to
be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that
the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Certification of CFO
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Frequency Electronics, Inc. (the
"Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 31, 2004 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Alan L.
Miller, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section 18
U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Alan L. Miller March 16, 2004
------------------
Alan L. Miller
Chief Financial Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906,
or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting
the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version
of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided
to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to
the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
This certification accompanies this Report on Form 10-Q pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to
the extent required by such Act, be deemed filed by the Company for
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"). Such certification will not be deemed to
be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that
the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.