Attached files

file filename
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - SL INDUSTRIES INCc92424exv32w1.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - SL INDUSTRIES INCc92424exv32w2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - SL INDUSTRIES INCc92424exv31w1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - SL INDUSTRIES INCc92424exv31w2.htm
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 1-4987
SL INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
New Jersey
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  21-0682685
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
520 Fellowship Road, Suite A114, Mt. Laurel, NJ   08054
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 856-727-1500
N/A
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o 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 “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “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 þ
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 4, 2009 was 6,014,877.
 
 

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page  
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
 
       
       
 
       
    1  
 
       
    2  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    21  
 
       
    38  
 
       
    38  
 
       
       
 
       
    39  
 
       
    39  
 
       
    40  
 
       
    40  
 
       
    41  
 
       
    41  
 
       
    41  
 
       
    42  
 
       
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

 

 


Table of Contents

Item 1. Financial Statements
SL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (Unaudited)          
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,867,000     $ 504,000  
Receivables, net
    22,021,000       25,496,000  
Inventories, net
    19,580,000       21,578,000  
Prepaid expenses
    973,000       1,059,000  
Deferred income taxes, net
    5,114,000       5,004,000  
 
           
Total current assets
    52,555,000       53,641,000  
 
           
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    9,722,000       10,648,000  
Deferred income taxes, net
    6,959,000       6,701,000  
Goodwill
    22,769,000       22,769,000  
Other intangible assets, net
    5,157,000       5,831,000  
Other assets and deferred charges
    1,467,000       1,696,000  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 98,629,000     $ 101,286,000  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 7,826,000     $ 9,942,000  
Accrued income taxes
    4,578,000       3,922,000  
Accrued liabilities:
               
Payroll and related costs
    3,801,000       5,259,000  
Other
    6,345,000       7,296,000  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    22,550,000       26,419,000  
 
           
Debt, less current portion
           
Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement benefits
    2,362,000       2,681,000  
Other liabilities
    7,043,000       7,326,000  
 
           
Total liabilities
    31,955,000       36,426,000  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
 
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized, 6,000,000 shares; none issued
  $     $  
Common stock, $0.20 par value; authorized, 25,000,000 shares; issued, 8,298,000 shares
    1,660,000       1,660,000  
Capital in excess of par value
    43,167,000       43,651,000  
Retained earnings
    40,469,000       39,135,000  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
    (113,000 )     (118,000 )
Treasury stock at cost, 2,287,000 and 2,391,000 shares, respectively
    (18,509,000 )     (19,468,000 )
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    66,674,000       64,860,000  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 98,629,000     $ 101,286,000  
 
           
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

SL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
                               
Net sales
  $ 36,379,000     $ 46,242,000     $ 107,568,000     $ 140,338,000  
Cost and expenses:
                               
Cost of products sold
    23,921,000       32,052,000       71,825,000       96,321,000  
Engineering and product development
    2,813,000       3,456,000       9,037,000       10,454,000  
Selling, general and administrative
    6,452,000       7,984,000       21,229,000       23,825,000  
Depreciation and amortization
    794,000       924,000       2,611,000       2,765,000  
Restructuring charges
    16,000       518,000       550,000       518,000  
 
                       
Total cost and expenses
    33,996,000       44,934,000       105,252,000       133,883,000  
 
                       
Income from operations
    2,383,000       1,308,000       2,316,000       6,455,000  
Other income (expense):
                               
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    (68,000 )           (163,000 )     (44,000 )
Interest income
    1,000       9,000       7,000       24,000  
Interest expense
    (18,000 )     (42,000 )     (64,000 )     (211,000 )
 
                       
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    2,298,000       1,275,000       2,096,000       6,224,000  
Income tax provision
    422,000       403,000       322,000       2,006,000  
 
                       
Income from continuing operations
    1,876,000       872,000       1,774,000       4,218,000  
(Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (157,000 )     (1,196,000 )     (440,000 )     (1,650,000 )
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,719,000     $ (324,000 )   $ 1,334,000     $ 2,568,000  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic net income (loss) per common share
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.31     $ 0.15     $ 0.30     $ 0.72  
(Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (0.03 )     (0.20 )     (0.07 )     (0.28 )
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 0.28     $ (0.06 )*   $ 0.22 *   $ 0.44  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted net income (loss) per common share
                               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.31     $ 0.15     $ 0.30     $ 0.71  
(Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (0.03 )     (0.20 )     (0.07 )     (0.28 )
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 0.28     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.22 *   $ 0.43  
 
                       
 
                               
Shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per common share
    6,036,000       5,871,000       5,991,000       5,862,000  
Shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per common share
    6,050,000       5,939,000       5,996,000       5,959,000  
SL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
       
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,719,000     $ (324,000 )   $ 1,334,000     $ 2,568,000  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                               
Foreign currency translation
    14,000       27,000       5,000       (235,000 )
 
                       
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 1,733,000     $ (297,000 )   $ 1,339,000     $ 2,333,000  
 
                       
     
*  
Earnings per share does not total due to rounding.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

SL INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(Unaudited)
                 
    2009     2008  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Net income
  $ 1,334,000     $ 2,568,000  
Adjustment for losses from discontinued operations
    440,000       1,650,000  
 
           
Income from continuing operations
    1,774,000       4,218,000  
 
           
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
    1,601,000       1,650,000  
Amortization
    1,010,000       1,115,000  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    163,000       44,000  
Non-cash restructuring
    5,000       155,000  
Non-cash compensation benefit
    (43,000 )     (482,000 )
Stock-based compensation
    187,000       254,000  
Provisions for losses (gains) on accounts receivable
    67,000       (2,000 )
Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement benefits
    300,000       294,000  
Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement benefit payments
    (614,000 )     (416,000 )
Deferred income taxes
    (242,000 )     245,000  
Loss on sale of equipment
    38,000       48,000  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effects of business acquisition:
               
Accounts receivable
    3,409,000       1,856,000  
Inventories
    1,997,000       (2,514,000 )
Prepaid expenses
    85,000       (277,000 )
Other assets
    47,000       70,000  
Accounts payable
    (2,116,000 )     (1,447,000 )
Accrued liabilities
    (1,966,000 )     (2,103,000 )
Accrued income taxes
    928,000       1,419,000  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations
    6,630,000       4,127,000  
Net cash (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations
    (1,529,000 )     (965,000 )
 
           
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    5,101,000       3,162,000  
 
           
 
               
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (720,000 )     (1,446,000 )
Purchases of other assets
    (68,000 )     (743,000 )
 
           
NET CASH (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (788,000 )     (2,189,000 )
 
           
 
               
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Payments of deferred financing costs
    (250,000 )      
Proceeds from Revolving Credit Facility
    100,000       17,828,000  
Payments of Revolving Credit Facility
    (100,000 )     (19,710,000 )
Proceeds from stock options exercised
          54,000  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
          7,000  
Treasury stock sales
    288,000       339,000  
 
           
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    38,000       (1,482,000 )
 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    12,000       (224,000 )
 
           
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    4,363,000       (733,000 )
 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    504,000       733,000  
 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 4,867,000     $  
 
           
 
               
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 64,000     $ 313,000  
Income taxes
  $ 174,000     $ 528,000  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

SL INDUSTRIES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. Basis Of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereon included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification 105-10, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles-Overall (“ASC 105-10”). ASC 105-10 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “ASC”) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-government entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied in the United States (“GAAP”). Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are also sources of GAAP for SEC registrants. All guidance contained in the ASC carries an equal level of authority. The ASC supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-SEC accounting literature not included in the ASC, which is not otherwise specifically grandfathered, is not authoritative. References made to FASB guidance throughout this Form 10-Q have been updated to comply with the ASC.
2. Receivables
Receivables consist of the following:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (in thousands)  
Trade receivables
  $ 22,445     $ 25,216  
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
    (698 )     (621 )
 
           
 
    21,747       24,595  
Recoverable income taxes
          16  
Other
    274       885  
 
           
 
  $ 22,021     $ 25,496  
 
           

 

4


Table of Contents

3. Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (in thousands)  
Raw materials
  $ 15,980     $ 16,197  
Work in process
    3,904       3,904  
Finished goods
    3,870       5,225  
 
           
 
    23,754       25,326  
Less: allowances
    (4,174 )     (3,748 )
 
           
 
  $ 19,580     $ 21,578  
 
           
4. Income Per Share
The Company has presented net income (loss) per common share pursuant to ASC 260, “Earnings per Share” (“ASC 260”), formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128. Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing reported net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period.
Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing reported net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average shares outstanding for the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, which consist of stock options, using the treasury stock method. The computation for the diluted effect of income from continuing operations and loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008, includes common stock equivalents because income from continuing operations was dilutive.
The table below sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2009     2008  
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)  
    Net             Per Share     Net             Per Share  
    Income     Shares     Amount     Loss     Shares     Amount  
Basic net income (loss) per common share
  $ 1,719       6,036     $ 0.28     $ (324 )     5,871     $ (0.06 )
Effect of dilutive securities
          14                   68       0.01  
 
                                   
Diluted net income (loss) per common share
  $ 1,719       6,050     $ 0.28     $ (324 )     5,939     $ (0.05 )
 
                                   

 

5


Table of Contents

                                                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2009     2008  
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)  
    Net             Per Share     Net             Per Share  
    Income     Shares     Amount     Income     Shares     Amount  
Basic net income per common share
  $ 1,334       5,991     $ 0.22     $ 2,568       5,862     $ 0.44  
Effect of dilutive securities
          5                   97       (0.01 )
 
                                   
Diluted net income per common share
  $ 1,334       5,996     $ 0.22     $ 2,568       5,959     $ 0.43  
 
                                   
For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, approximately 254,000 and zero stock options, respectively, were excluded from the dilutive computations because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company maintains two shareholder approved stock option plans that have expired: the Non-Employee Director Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (the “Director Plan”) and the Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1991 Incentive Plan”). Stock options issued under each plan remain outstanding.
The Director Plan provided for the granting of nonqualified options to purchase up to 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to non-employee directors of the Company in lieu of paying quarterly retainer fees and regular quarterly meeting attendance fees. Stock options granted under the Director Plan stipulated an exercise price per share of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Each option granted under the Director Plan is exercisable at any time and expires ten years from date of grant. The expiration date of the Director Plan was May 31, 2003.
The 1991 Incentive Plan enabled the Company to grant either nonqualified options, with an exercise price per share established by the Board’s Compensation Committee, or incentive stock options, with an exercise price per share not less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Each option granted under the 1991 Incentive Plan is exercisable at any time and expires ten years from date of grant. The 1991 Incentive Plan expired on September 25, 2001.
On May 14, 2008, the shareholders approved the 2008 Incentive Stock Plan (the “2008 Plan”). The 2008 Plan was proposed to create an additional incentive to retain directors, key employees and advisors of the Company. The 2008 Plan provides up to 315,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that may be subject to options and stock appreciation rights. Options granted under the 2008 Plan are required to stipulate an exercise price per share of not less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the business day immediately prior to the date of the grant. Options granted under the 2008 Plan are exercisable no later than ten years after the grant date.

 

6


Table of Contents

On September 29, 2008, the Company granted 155,000 incentive options to select executives and a key employee under the 2008 Plan. The options issued vest in three equal installments, with the first installment vesting on the date of the grant and the remaining two installments each vesting on the second and third anniversary of the grant. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the options. In recognition of such grants, the Company recorded $63,000 in compensation expense for the three-month period ended September 30, 2009 and $187,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009.
As of September 30, 2009, there was a total of $254,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested stock options. Such unrecognized cost will be recorded over the next twelve months. Also, with respect to certain stock-based compensation, the Company has recognized an expense of $35,000 and a benefit of $124,000 in the three-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively, and a benefit of $43,000 and a benefit of $482,000 in the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively.
The estimated fair value of the options granted was calculated using the Black-Scholes Merton option pricing model (“Black Scholes”). The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant with the following weighted average assumptions:
         
    Nine Months  
    Ended  
    September 30,  
    2009  
 
       
Risk-free interest rate
    3.12 %
Expected dividend yield
    0.0 %
Expected stock price volatility
    42.52 %
Expected life of stock option
  4.25 years
The risk-free rate of interest for periods within the estimated life of the options is based on U.S. Government Securities Treasury Constant Maturities over the contractual term of the options. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company used the simplified method described in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110 to determine the expected life assumptions.

 

7


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes stock option activity for all plans:
                                 
    Outstanding     Weighted Average     Weighted Average     Aggregate Intrinsic  
    Options     Exercise Price     Remaining Life     Value  
    (in thousands)                     (in thousands)  
Outstanding as of December 31, 2008
    405     $ 10.32       4.24          
Granted
                           
Exercised
                           
Forfeited
                           
Expired
    (23 )   $ 13.27                  
 
                       
 
                               
Outstanding as of September 30, 2009
    382     $ 10.14       3.72       N/M  
 
                       
 
                               
Exercisable as of September 30, 2009
    330     $ 9.72       3.36       N/M  
 
                       
During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, the total intrinsic value of options exercised was zero and $26,000, respectively, and the actual tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from these option exercises was zero and $7,000, respectively. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009, no options to purchase common stock were exercised by option holders. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, options to purchase approximately 4,000 shares of common stock, at an aggregate exercise price of $54,000, were exercised by option holders.
5. Income Tax
The Company calculates its interim tax provision in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-270, “Income Taxes — Interim Reporting” (formerly Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” and FASB Interpretation No. 18, “Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods”). For each interim period the Company estimates its annual effective income tax rate and applies the estimated rate to its year-to-date income or loss before income taxes. The Company also computes the tax provision or benefit related to items separately reported, such as discontinued operations, and recognizes the items net of their related tax effect in the interim periods in which they occur. The Company also recognizes the effect of changes in enacted tax laws or rates in the interim periods in which the changes occur.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the estimated income tax rate was 15% for continuing operations, which differs from the 34% statutory rate due to the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits (including interest) in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (formerly FASB Interpretation 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”).
The Company has recorded gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 of $2,615,000 and $2,845,000, respectively. Tax benefits are recorded pursuant to the provisions of ASC 740. If such unrecognized tax benefits are ultimately recorded in any period, the Company’s effective tax rate would be reduced accordingly for such period.

 

8


Table of Contents

The Company has been examined by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) for periods up to and including the calendar year 2004. In addition, a foreign tax authority is examining the Company’s transfer pricing policies. It is possible that this examination may be resolved within twelve months. In addition, it is reasonably possible that the balance of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits may change within the next twelve months by an amount ranging from zero to $422,000. The Company records such unrecognized tax benefits upon the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. The Company recorded a liability for unrecognized benefits of $912,000, $958,000 and $745,000 for federal, foreign and state taxes, respectively. Such benefits relate primarily to expenses incurred in those jurisdictions.
The Company classifies interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. At September 30, 2009, the Company has accrued approximately $509,000 for the payment of interest and penalties.
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded additional benefits from research and development tax credits of $580,000. As of September 30, 2009, the Company’s gross research and development tax credit carryforwards totaled approximately $1,798,000. Of these credits, approximately $1,273,000 can be carried forward for 15 years and will expire between 2013 and 2024, and approximately $525,000 can be carried forward indefinitely. As of September 30, 2009, the Company’s gross foreign tax credits totaled approximately $2,542,000. These credits can be carried forward for ten years and will expire between 2017 and 2019.
6. Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC 805 “Business Combinations” (formerly “SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007) “Business Combinations”). ASC 805 significantly changes the accounting for business combinations. Under ASC 805, an acquiring entity is required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition date fair value with limited exceptions. ASC 805 changes the accounting treatment for certain specific acquisition related items, as follows: (1) earn-outs and other forms of contingent consideration are recorded at fair value at the acquisition date, (2) acquisition costs are generally expensed as incurred, (3) restructuring costs are generally expensed as incurred, (4) in-process research and development costs are recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset at the acquisition date, and (5) deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties are allocated to income tax expense. ASC 805 also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. ASC 805 is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period after December 15, 2008 (January 1, 2009 for the Company). Early adoption of ASC 805 was prohibited. The Company expects that ASC 805 will have an impact on accounting for future business combinations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC 810 “Consolidations” (formerly SFAS No. 160 “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51”). ASC 810 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It mandates that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary be reported as an equity interest owned by the consolidated entity and recorded separately from the parent company’s equity. Among other requirements, this statement requires that consolidated net income (loss) be attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest and be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of operations. This statement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (January 1, 2009 for the Company). Earlier adoption was prohibited. The Company adopted ASC 810 and it did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

9


Table of Contents

In September 2006, the FASB issued ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements”). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement does not require new fair value measurements, but is applied to the extent that other accounting pronouncements require or permit fair value measurements. The statement emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Companies will be required to disclose the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain of the measurements on earnings (or changes in net assets) for the period. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) Nos. 157-1 and 157-2. FSP 157-1 amends ASC 820 to exclude accounting pronouncements that address fair value measurements for purposes of lease classifications or measurement under ASC 840 “Leases.” FSP 157-2 delayed the effective date of ASC 820 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). FSP 157-2 deferred the effective date of ASC 820 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years for items within its scope. Effective for the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company adopted ASC 820, except as it applies to those nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities noted in FSP 157-2. The adoption of ASC 820 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2008, the FASB issued ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment to SFAS No. 133”). This statement changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging instruments. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (1) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (2) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS 133 and its related interpretations, and (3) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial performance and cash flows. Also, among other disclosures, this statement requires cross-referencing within footnotes, which should help users of financial statements locate important information about derivative instruments. ASC 815 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early adoption encouraged. This statement encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. Based on the Company’s current operations, the adoption of ASC 815 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. However, ASC 815 may have such an impact in the future.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP 142-3 “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”). FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC 350 “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other” (formerly FASB 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”). The intent of FSP 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC 350 and the period of expected cash flows to measure the fair value of the assets under ASC 805 “Business Combinations” (formerly FASB 141R) and in accordance with GAAP. FSP 142-3 is effective for financial statements issued for years beginning after December 15, 2008 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was prohibited. Based on the Company’s current operations, the adoption of FSP 142-3 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

10


Table of Contents

In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855 “Subsequent Events” (formerly SFAS No. 165 “Subsequent Events”). ASC 855 incorporates guidance into accounting literature that was previously addressed only in auditing standards. The statement refers to subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the balance-sheet date as “recognized subsequent events.” Subsequent events that provide evidence about conditions arising after the balance-sheet date, but prior to the issuance of the financial statements, are referred to as “non-recognized subsequent events.” It also requires companies to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated and whether this date is the date the financial statements were issued or the date the financial statements were available to be issued. The Company adopted this new standard effective April 1, 2009. See Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 860 “Transfers and Servicing” (formerly SFAS No. 166 “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140”). ASC 860 terminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity from FASB Statement 140 and removes any exceptions from applying FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” to qualifying special-purpose entities. This statement must be applied as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within that first annual reporting period and interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The Company does not anticipate a material impact from the adoption of this standard.
In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 810-10 (formerly SFAS No. 167 “Amendments to FASB interpretation No. 46(R)”). ASC 810-10 amends FASB Interpretation 46(R) to require a reporting entity to perform an analysis of existing investments to determine whether such investments provide a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. This analysis defines the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has both (1) the power to direct the activities of significant impact on a variable interest entity, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the variable interest entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. ASC 810-10 also amends FASB Interpretation 46(R) to require ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. ASC 810-10 is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. Under its current operations, the adoption of ASC 810-10 will not have an impact on the Company.

 

11


Table of Contents

7. Goodwill And Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following:
                                                 
    September 30, 2009     December 31, 2008  
            Accumulated                     Accumulated        
    Gross Value     Amortization     Net Value     Gross Value     Amortization     Net Value  
    (in thousands)  
Goodwill
  $ 22,769     $     $ 22,769     $ 22,769     $     $ 22,769  
 
                                   
Other intangible assets:
                                               
Customer relationships
    3,700       1,443       2,257       3,700       1,062       2,638  
Patents
    1,264       1,040       224       1,259       998       261  
Trademarks
    1,672             1,672       1,672             1,672  
Developed technology
    1,700       864       836       1,700       636       1,064  
Licensing fees
    355       187       168       355       160       195  
Covenant-not-to-compete
    100       100             100       100        
Other
    51       51             51       50       1  
 
                                   
Total other intangible assets
    8,842       3,685       5,157       8,837       3,006       5,831  
 
                                   
 
  $ 31,611     $ 3,685     $ 27,926     $ 31,606     $ 3,006     $ 28,600  
 
                                   
In accordance with ASC 350 “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other” (formerly FASB 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”), goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment. Such impairment testing is undertaken annually, or more frequently upon the occurrence of some indication that an impairment has taken place. The Company conducted an annual impairment test as of December 31, 2008.
A two-step process is utilized to determine if goodwill has been impaired. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the net asset value recorded for such unit. If the fair value exceeds the net asset value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is not adjusted. However, if the recorded net asset value exceeds the fair value, the Company performs a second step to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared with the goodwill recorded for such unit. If the recorded amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in the amount of the excess.
As of the testing conducted as of December 31, 2008, the Company concluded that no impairment charge was warranted. However, there can be no assurance that the economic conditions currently affecting the world economy or other events may not have a negative material impact on the long-term business prospects of any of the Company’s reporting units. In such case, the Company may need to record an impairment loss, as stated above. The next annual impairment test will be conducted as of December 31, 2009.
Management has not identified any triggering events, as defined by ASC 350, during 2009. Accordingly, no interim impairment test has been performed.

 

12


Table of Contents

The other intangible assets that have definite lives are all amortizable and have original estimated useful lives as follows: customer relationships are amortized over approximately six years and eight years; patents are amortized over a range from five years to 20 years; developed technology is amortized over approximately five years and six years; and licensing fees are amortized over approximately 10 years. Covenants-not-to-compete were amortized over approximately one and two-thirds years, prior to their expiration. Trademarks are not amortized. Amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the three-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 was $225,000 and $233,000, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 was $679,000 and $719,000, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization in each of the next five fiscal years is estimated to be: $900,000 in 2010, $864,000 in 2011, $714,000 in 2012, $385,000 in 2013 and $346,000 in 2014. Intangible assets subject to amortization have a weighted average life of approximately seven years.
Changes in goodwill balances by segment (defined below) are as follows:
                         
    Balance             Balance  
    December 31,     Change in     September 30,  
    2008     Goodwill     2009  
    (in thousands)  
SL Power Electronics Corp.
  $ 4,276     $     $ 4,276  
High Power Group:
                       
MTE Corporation
    8,189             8,189  
Teal Electronics Corp.
    5,055             5,055  
RFL Electronics Inc.
    5,249             5,249  
 
                 
Total
  $ 22,769     $     $ 22,769  
 
                 
8. Debt
On October 23, 2008, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility (the “2008 Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association, individually, as agent, issuer and a lender thereunder, and the other financial institutions party thereto. The 2008 Credit Facility amends and restates the Company’s previous credit facility, dated August 3, 2005.
The 2008 Credit Facility provided for maximum borrowings of up to $60,000,000 and included a standby and commercial letter of credit sub-limit of $10,000,000. The 2008 Credit Facility is scheduled to expire on October 1, 2011, unless earlier terminated by the agent thereunder following an event of default. Borrowings under the 2008 Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at the British Bankers Association LIBOR rate plus 1.75% to 3.25%, on a base rate, which is the higher of (i) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5% or (ii) Bank of America, N.A.’s publicly announced prime rate, plus a margin rate ranging from 0% to 1.0%. The margin rates are based on certain leverage ratios, as provided in the facility documents. The Company is subject to compliance with certain financial covenants set forth in the 2008 Credit Facility, including a maximum ratio of total funded indebtedness to EBITDA (as defined), minimum levels of interest coverage and net worth and a limitation on capital expenditures, as defined. Availability under the 2008 Credit Facility is based upon the Company’s trailing twelve month EBITDA.

 

13


Table of Contents

As of the date hereof, September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had no outstanding balance under the 2008 Credit Facility. At September 30, 2009, the Company had a total availability thereunder of $20,100,000.
As a result of the Company’s diminished results during the current economic downturn, the Company was not in compliance with the interest coverage financial covenant in the second quarter 2009 and was not projected to be in compliance with such covenant in the third quarter 2009. In response, the lenders to the 2008 Credit Facility agreed to waive compliance with the covenant for the second quarter 2009 and to reset the covenant terms for the third quarter 2009. The parties also agreed to reduce the maximum credit limit under the 2008 Credit Facility to $40,000,000. In consideration for these waivers and amendments, the Company had agreed to pay the lenders $250,000, which was paid in the third quarter of 2009 and is being amortized over the remaining life of the Credit Facility.
The Company’s obligations under the 2008 Credit Facility are secured by the grant of security interests in substantially all of its assets.
9. Accrued Liabilities — Other
Accrued liabilities — other consist of the following:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (in thousands)  
Taxes (other than income) and insurance
  $ 513     $ 560  
Commissions
    516       839  
Litigation and legal fees
    116       270  
Other professional fees
    688       596  
Environmental
    445       1,057  
Warranty
    1,431       1,325  
Deferred revenue
    178       556  
Other
    2,458       2,093  
 
           
 
  $ 6,345     $ 7,296  
 
           
A summary of the Company’s warranty reserve is as follows:
         
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2009  
    (in thousands)  
Liability, beginning of year
  $ 1,325  
Expense for new warranties issued
    793  
Expense related to prior year warranties
    (123 )
Warranty claims
    (564 )
 
     
Liability, end of period
  $ 1,431  
 
     

 

14


Table of Contents

10. Restructuring Charges
In the quarter ended September 30, 2009 and the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $16,000 and $550,000, respectively. For the first nine months of 2009, restructuring charges of $535,000 were recorded at SL Power Electronics Corp. and $15,000 at MTE Corporation. These restructuring charges primarily related to workforce reductions to align cost structure to reduced business levels. During the quarter ended December 31, 2009, the Company expects to incur additional restructuring costs of approximately $50,000, primarily related to moving costs. In the third and fourth quarters of 2008, the Company reviewed its business levels and cost structure and initiated cost optimization initiatives. As a result of these initiatives, in 2008 the Company recorded restructuring charges of $677,000, all but $170,000 of which was paid prior to December 31, 2008. The liability for the restructuring charges is included in Accrued Liabilities — Other. Details of the restructuring charges are as follows:
                                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2009  
    (in thousands)  
            Temporary              
    Severance     Labor     Other Costs     Total  
Beginning balance
  $ 88     $     $ 82     $ 170  
Restructuring charges
    526             24       550  
Cash payments
    (614 )           (101 )     (715 )
 
                       
Ending balance
  $     $     $ 5     $ 5  
 
                       
11. Commitments And Contingencies
In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is subject to loss contingencies pursuant to foreign and domestic federal, state and local governmental laws and regulations and is also party to certain legal actions, which may occur in the normal operations of the Company’s business.
On June 12, 2002, the Company and SL Surface Technology, Inc. (“SurfTech”), were served with a class action complaint by twelve individual plaintiffs (the “Complaint”) filed in Superior Court of New Jersey for Camden County (the “Private Action”). SurfTech is a wholly-owned subsidiary, the operating assets of which were sold in November 2003. The Company and SurfTech are currently two of approximately 28 defendants named in the Private Action. The Complaint alleges, among other things, that the plaintiffs are subject to an increased risk of disease as a result of consuming water distributed from the Puchack Wellfield located in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey (which was one of several water sources that supplied Camden, New Jersey). Medical monitoring of the plaintiff class was sought in the litigation.
The Private Action arises from similar factual circumstances as a current federal administrative action involving the Puchack Wellfield, with respect to which the Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party (a “PRP”). This action and the Private Action both allege that SurfTech and other defendants contaminated ground water through the disposal of hazardous substances at facilities in the area. SurfTech once operated a chrome-plating facility in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey (the “Pennsauken Site”). The federal administrative action is discussed under Environmental Matters below.
With respect to the Private Action, the Superior Court denied class certification in June 2006. In 2007, the Superior Court dismissed the claims of all plaintiffs on statute of limitations grounds. The plaintiffs’ appeal of the Superior Court rulings was denied in May 2009. The plaintiffs are now petitioning the New Jersey Supreme Court to review this decision.

 

15


Table of Contents

It is management’s opinion that the impact of legal actions brought against the Company and its operations will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, the ultimate outcome of these matters, as with litigation generally, is inherently uncertain, and it is possible that some of these matters may be resolved adversely to the Company. The adverse resolution of any one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the business, operating results, financial condition or cash flows of the Company.
Environmental Matters: Loss contingencies include potential obligations to investigate and eliminate or mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal or release of certain chemical substances at various sites, such as Superfund sites and other facilities, whether or not they are currently in operation. The Company is currently participating in environmental assessments and cleanups at a number of sites under these laws and may in the future be involved in additional environmental assessments and cleanups. Based upon investigations completed to date by the Company and its independent engineering-consulting firms, management has provided an estimated accrual for all known costs believed to be probable in the amount of $6,315,000, of which $5,869,000 is included as other long-term liabilities as of September 30, 2009. However, it is the nature of environmental contingencies that other circumstances might arise, the costs of which are indeterminable at this time due to such factors as changing government regulations and stricter standards, the unknown magnitude of defense and cleanup costs, the unknown timing and extent of the remedial actions that may be required, the determination of the Company’s liability in proportion to other responsible parties, and the extent, if any, to which such costs are recoverable from other parties or from insurance. These contingencies could result in additional expenses or judgments, or offsets thereto. At the present time such expenses or judgments are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations, beyond the amount already reserved. Most of the Company’s environmental costs relate to discontinued operations and such costs have been recorded in discontinued operations.
There are two sites on which the Company may incur material environmental costs in the future as a result of past activities of SurfTech. These properties are the Pennsauken Site and the Company’s property in Camden, New Jersey (the “Camden Site”).
In addition to the lawsuit previously discussed, in 2006 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) named the Company as a PRP in connection with the remediation of the Puchack Wellfield, which it designated a Superfund Site. As a PRP, the Company is potentially liable, jointly and severally, for the investigation and remediation of the Puchack Wellfield Superfund Site under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”). Thereafter, in September 2006, the EPA issued a Record of Decision for the national priority listed Puchack Wellfield Superfund Site and selected a remedy to address the first phase of groundwater contamination that the EPA contemplates being conducted in two phases (known as operable units). The estimated cost of the EPA selected remedy for the first groundwater operable unit, to be conducted over a five to ten year timeframe, is approximately $17,600,000 (excludes past costs of $11,500,000 mentioned below). Prior to the issuance of the EPA’s Record of Decision, the Company had retained an experienced environmental consulting firm to prepare technical comments on the EPA’s proposed remediation of the Puchack Wellfield Superfund Site. In those comments, the Company’s consultant, among other things, identified flaws in the EPA’s conclusions and the factual predicates for certain of the EPA’s decisions and for the proposed selected remedy.

 

16


Table of Contents

Following the issuance of its Record of Decision, in November 2006, the EPA sent another letter to the Company encouraging the Company to either perform or finance the remedial actions for operable unit one identified in the EPA’s Record of Decision. In February 2007, the EPA sent another letter to the Company demanding reimbursement for past costs of approximately $11,500,000, which has been contested by the Company. The Company responded to the EPA that it is willing to investigate the existence of other PRPs and to undertake the activities necessary to design a final remediation for the Superfund Site. In July 2007, the EPA refused the Company’s offer to perform the work necessary to design the remediation plan without first agreeing to assume responsibility for the full remediation of the Superfund Site. The EPA did encourage the Company to investigate the existence of other PRPs and to submit evidence thereof, if appropriate. In January 2008, the Company submitted to the EPA evidence demonstrating the existence of several other PRPs. Recently, the Company was informed that this matter had been referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for its consideration. The Company has contacted the Department of Justice to request a meeting to discuss the issues in this matter, as well as its participation in any remediation of the Superfund Site.
Notwithstanding the assertions of the EPA, based on discussions with its attorneys and consultants, the Company believes the EPA’s analytical effort is far from complete. Further, technical data has not established that offsite migration of hazardous substances from the Pennsauken Site caused the contamination of the Puchack Wellfield Superfund Site. In any event, the evidence establishes that hazardous substances from the Pennsauken Site could have, at most, constituted only a portion of the total contamination delineated in the vicinity of the Puchack Wellfield Superfund Site. There are other technical factors and defenses that indicate that the remediation proposed by the EPA is technically flawed. Based on the foregoing, the Company believes that it has significant defenses against all or part of the EPA’s claim and that other PRPs should be identified to support the ultimate cost of remediation. Nevertheless, the Company’s attorneys have advised that it is likely that it will incur some liability in this matter. Based on the information so far, the Company has estimated remediation liability for this matter of $4,000,000 ($2,480,000, net of tax), which was reserved and recorded as part of discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2006. This amount is included in the total environmental accrual, stated below. In addition, the Company’s attorneys have advised it that based on recent statutory and regulatory changes, the Pennsauken Site may have to undergo additional remediation. The Company is in the process of retaining environmental consultants to determine what, if any, measures must be undertaken to achieve full compliance with the new standards. There can be no assurance as to what will be the ultimate resolution or exposure to the Company for this matter.
With respect to the Camden Site, the Company has reported soil contamination and a ground water contamination plume emanating from the site. The Company has been conducting tests and taking other actions to identify and quantify the contamination and to confirm areas of concern. In the third quarter 2009, pursuant to an Interim Response Action (“IRA”) Workplan approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Company completed building demolition and removal and excavation of underlying contaminated soil. It is currently undertaking treatability studies and installing new monitoring wells. The Company reserved $2,250,000 during the last two quarters of 2008 to meet the anticipated expenses of implementing the IRA Workplan and field pilot studies and conducting routine groundwater monitoring. At September 30, 2009, the Company has an accrual of $1,789,000 to remediate the Camden Site.

 

17


Table of Contents

The Company has reported soil and ground water contamination at the facility of SL Montevideo Technology, Inc. located on its property in Montevideo, Minnesota. An analysis of the contamination has been completed and remediation is now being conducted at the site pursuant to a remedial action workplan approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Implementation of remediation technologies is on track and is expected to be fully implemented by December 31, 2009. Based on the current information, the Company believes it will incur remediation costs at this site of approximately $127,000, which had been accrued for in prior years. These costs are recorded as a component of continuing operations.
As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had recorded environmental accruals of $6,315,000 and $6,926,000, respectively.
12. Segment Information
The Company currently operates under four business segments: SL Power Electronics Corp. (“SLPE”), the High Power Group, SL Montevideo Technology, Inc. (“SL-MTI”) and RFL Electronics Inc. (“RFL”). Teal Electronics Corp. (“Teal”) and MTE Corporation (“MTE”) are combined into one business segment, which is reported as the High Power Group. Management has combined SLPE and the High Power Group into one business unit classified as the Power Electronics Group. The Company aggregates operating business subsidiaries into a single segment for financial reporting purposes if aggregation is consistent with the objectives of ASC 280 “Segment Reporting” (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”). Business units are also combined if they have similar characteristics in each of the following areas:
   
nature of products and services
 
   
nature of production process
 
   
type or class of customer
 
   
methods of distribution
SLPE produces a wide range of custom and standard internal and external AC/DC and DC/DC power supply products to be used in customers’ end products. The Company’s power supplies closely regulate and monitor power outputs, resulting in stable and highly reliable power. SLPE, which sells products under three brand names (SL Power Electronics, Condor and Ault), is a major supplier to the original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) of medical, wireless and wire line communications infrastructure, computer peripherals, military, handheld devices and industrial equipment. The High Power Group sells products under two brand names (Teal and MTE). Teal designs and manufactures custom power conditioning and distribution units. Products are developed and manufactured for custom electrical subsystems for OEMs of semiconductor, medical imaging, military and telecommunication systems. MTE designs and manufactures power quality electromagnetic products used to protect equipment from power surges, bring harmonics into compliance and improve the efficiency of variable speed motor drives. SL-MTI designs and manufactures high power density precision motors. New motor and motion controls are used in numerous applications, including military and commercial aerospace equipment, medical devices and industrial products. RFL designs and manufactures communication and power protection products/systems that are used to protect utility transmission lines and apparatus by isolating faulty transmission lines from a transmission grid. The Other segment includes corporate related items, financing activities and other costs not allocated to reportable segments, which includes but is not limited to certain legal, litigation and public reporting charges and the results of insignificant operations. The accounting policies for the business units are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. For additional information, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part IV of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

18


Table of Contents

Business segment operations are conducted through domestic subsidiaries. For all periods presented, sales between business segments were not material. Each of the segments has certain major customers, the loss of any of which would have a material adverse effect on such segment.
The unaudited comparative results for the three-month periods and the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 are as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (in thousands)  
Net sales
                               
Power Electronics Group:
                               
SLPE
  $ 13,214     $ 18,168     $ 39,529     $ 57,194  
High Power Group
    11,190       15,274       33,127       44,499  
 
                       
Total
    24,404       33,442       72,656       101,693  
 
                       
SL-MTI
    7,184       6,146       20,542       21,231  
RFL
    4,791       6,654       14,370       17,414  
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 36,379     $ 46,242     $ 107,568     $ 140,338  
 
                       
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    (in thousands)  
Income (loss) from operations
                               
Power Electronics Group:
                               
SLPE
  $ 639     $ (589 )   $ 62     $ 998  
High Power Group
    1,217       1,704       2,450       4,678  
 
                       
Total
    1,856       1,115       2,512       5,676  
 
                       
SL-MTI
    1,293       681       3,071       2,734  
RFL
    351       782       990       1,547  
Other
    (1,117 )     (1,270 )     (4,257 )     (3,502 )
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 2,383     $ 1,308     $ 2,316     $ 6,455  
 
                       

 

19


Table of Contents

                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (in thousands)  
Total assets
               
Power Electronics Group:
               
SLPE
  $ 28,966     $ 33,253  
High Power Group
    27,227       30,985  
 
           
Total
    56,193       64,238  
 
           
SL-MTI
    12,149       12,479  
RFL
    14,893       15,480  
Other
    15,394       9,089  
 
           
Consolidated
  $ 98,629     $ 101,286  
 
           
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (in thousands)  
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
               
Power Electronics Group:
               
SLPE
  $ 5,521     $ 5,785  
High Power Group
    16,987       17,370  
 
           
Total
    22,508       23,155  
 
           
SL-MTI
          1  
RFL
    5,418       5,444  
 
           
Consolidated
  $ 27,926     $ 28,600  
 
           
13. Retirement Plans And Deferred Compensation
During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company maintained a defined contribution pension plan covering all full-time, U.S. employees of SLPE, Teal, SL-MTI, RFL, MTE and the corporate office. The Company’s contributions to this plan are based on a percentage of employee contributions and/or plan year gross wages, as defined.
Costs incurred under these plans amounted to $552,000 during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009 and $936,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008.
The Company has agreements with certain active and retired directors, officers and key employees providing for supplemental retirement benefits. The liability for supplemental retirement benefits is based on the most recent mortality tables available and discount rates ranging from 6% to 12%. The amount charged to income in connection with these agreements amounted to $280,000 and $232,000 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively.

 

20


Table of Contents

14. Related Party Transactions
RFL has an investment of $15,000 in RFL Communications PLC, (“RFL Communications”), representing 4.5% of the outstanding equity thereof. RFL Communications is a distributor of teleprotection and communication equipment located in the United Kingdom. It is authorized to sell RFL products in accordance with an international sales agreement. Sales to RFL Communications for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 were $547,000 and $954,000, respectively. Accounts receivable due from RFL Communications at September 30, 2009 were $237,000.
As a result of certain services being provided to the Company by Steel Partners, II, L.P. (“SPII”), a company controlled by Warren Lichtenstein, the former Chairman of the Board of the Company (as previously announced, Mr. Lichtenstein had declined to stand for re-election at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders held May 14, 2008), the Compensation Committee has approved fees for services provided by SPII. These fees are the only consideration for the services of Mr. Lichtenstein and the Company’s current Chairman, Glen Kassan, and other assistance from SPII. The services provided include management and advisory services with respect to operations, strategic planning, finance and accounting, merger, sale and acquisition activities and other aspects of the businesses of the Company. Fees of $356,000 were expensed by the Company for SPII’s services for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 pursuant to a Management Agreement dated as of January 23, 2002 by and between the Company and SPII. Approximately $40,000 was payable at September 30, 2009.
Note 15. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through November 12, 2009, which represents the filing date of this Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to ensure that this Form 10-Q includes appropriate disclosure of events both recognized in the financial statements as of September 30, 2009, and events which occurred subsequent to September 30, 2009, but were not recognized in the financial statements. As of November 12, 2009, there were no subsequent events which required recognition or disclosure.
ITEM 2.  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company, through its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures and markets power electronics, motion control, power protection, power quality electromagnetic and specialized communication equipment that is used in a variety of commercial and military aerospace, computer, datacom, industrial, medical, telecom, transportation and utility equipment applications. The Company is comprised of four domestic business segments, three of which have significant manufacturing operations in Mexico. SLPE has manufacturing, engineering and sales capability in the People’s Republic of China. Most of the Company’s sales are made to customers who are based in the United States. However, over the years the Company has increased its presence in international markets. The Company places an emphasis on highly engineered, well-built, high quality, dependable products and continues its dedication to product enhancement and innovations.
The Company’s business strategy has been to enhance the growth and profitability of each of its businesses through the penetration of attractive new market niches, further improvement of operations through the implementation of lean manufacturing principles and expansion of global capabilities. The Company expects to achieve these goals through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The Company also continues to pursue strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. Some of these alternatives have included, and will continue to include, selective acquisitions, divestitures and sales of certain assets. The Company has provided, and may from time to time in the future provide, information to interested parties.

 

21


Table of Contents

Business Trends
The Company has experienced continued pressure on sales and income due to the current global economic downturn. Given the nature of the global economic weakness and its effects on the Company’s end markets, the Company has taken actions to reduce its cost structure and align its capacity with lower business levels and has postponed planned capital investment. It is difficult to predict when economic growth will resume.
In the sections that follow, statements with respect to the quarter ended 2009 or nine months ended 2009 refer to the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009. Statements with respect to the quarter ended 2008 or nine months ended 2008 refer to the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of reported and contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the amounts of reported net sales and expenses during the reporting period.
In December 2001, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) issued disclosure guidance for “critical accounting policies.” The SEC defines “critical accounting policies” as those that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.
The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part IV of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Not all of these significant accounting policies require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments or estimates. However, the following policies are deemed to be critical within the SEC definition. The Company’s senior management has reviewed these critical accounting policies and estimates and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the purchase price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenue is recorded in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104 and in certain circumstances in accordance with the guidance provided by ASC 605-25 “Revenue Recognition — Multiple-Element Arrangements” (formerly the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 00-21 “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables”). The major portion of the Company’s revenue is derived from equipment sales. However, RFL has customer service revenue, which accounted for less than one percent of consolidated net revenue for each of the quarters ended 2009 and 2008. The Company recognizes equipment revenue upon shipment and transfer of title. Provisions are established for product warranties, principally based on historical experience. At times the Company establishes reserves for specific warranty issues known by management. Service and installation revenue is recognized when completed. At SL-MTI, revenue from one particular contract is considered a multiple element arrangement and, in that case, is allocated among the separate accounting units based on relative fair value. In this case the total arrangement consideration is fixed and there is objective and reliable evidence of fair value.

 

22


Table of Contents

SLPE has two sales programs with distributors, pursuant to which credits are issued to distributors: (1) a scrap program and (2) a competitive discount program. The distributor scrap program allows distributors to scrap and/or rotate up to a pre-determined percentage of their purchases over the previous six month period. SLPE provides for this allowance as a decrease to revenue based upon the amount of sales to each distributor and other historical factors. The competitive discount program allows a distributor to sell a product out of its inventory at less than list price in order to meet certain competitive situations. SLPE records this discount as a reduction to revenue based on the distributor’s eligible inventory. The eligible distributor inventory is reviewed at least quarterly. No cash is paid under either distributor program. These programs affected consolidated gross revenue for each of the nine-month periods ended 2009 and 2008 by approximately 0.5% and 1.1%, respectively.
Certain judgments affect the application of the Company’s revenue policy, as mentioned above. Revenue recognition is significant because net revenue is a key component of results of operations. In addition, revenue recognition determines the timing of certain expenses, such as commissions, royalties and certain incentive programs. Revenue results are difficult to predict. Any shortfall in revenue or delay in recognizing revenue could cause operating results to vary significantly from year to year and quarter to quarter.
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts
The Company’s estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts related to trade receivables is based on two methods. The amounts calculated from each of these methods are combined to determine the total amount reserved. First, the Company evaluates specific accounts where it has information that the customer may have an inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy or insolvency). In these cases, the Company uses its judgment, based on the best available facts and circumstances, and records a specific reserve for that customer against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount that is expected to be collected. These specific reserves are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received that impacts the amount reserved. Second, a general reserve is established for all customers based on several factors, including historical write-offs as a percentage of sales. If circumstances change (e.g., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligation), the Company’s estimates of the recoverability of amounts due could be reduced by a material amount. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 represented 3.1% and 2.5% of gross trade receivables, respectively.
Inventories
The Company values inventory at the lower of cost or market, and continually reviews the book value of discontinued product lines to determine if these items are properly valued. The Company identifies these items and assesses the ability to dispose of them at a price greater than cost. If it is determined that cost is less than market value, then cost is used for inventory valuation. If market value is less than cost, then related inventory is adjusted to market value.

 

23


Table of Contents

If a write down to the current market value is necessary, the market value cannot be greater than the net realizable value, which is defined as selling price less costs to complete and dispose, and cannot be lower than the net realizable value less a normal profit margin. The Company also continually evaluates the composition of its inventory and identifies slow-moving and excess inventories. Inventory items identified as slow-moving or excess are evaluated to determine if reserves are required. If the Company were not able to achieve its expectations of the net realizable value of the inventory at current market value, it would have to adjust its reserves accordingly. The Company attempts to accurately estimate future product demand to properly adjust inventory levels. However, significant unanticipated changes in demand could have a significant impact on the value of inventory and of operating results.
Accounting For Income Taxes
The Company has reported gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, of $2,615,000 and $2,845,000 as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. These amounts represent unrecognized tax benefits, which, if ultimately recognized, will reduce the Company’s effective tax rate. As of September 30, 2009, the Company reported accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $509,000. For additional disclosures related to ASC 740 (formerly FIN 48), see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part IV of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, the deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. The net deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were $12,073,000 and $11,705,000, respectively, net of valuation allowances of $421,000 and $2,018,000, respectively. The net deferred tax assets and valuation allowances as of September 30, 2009 were reduced by $356,000 due to expiring state net operating losses. The carrying value of the Company’s net deferred tax assets assumes that the Company will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions. Valuation allowances are attributable to uncertainties related to the Company’s ability to utilize certain deferred tax assets prior to expiration. These deferred tax assets primarily consist of loss carryforwards. The valuation allowance is based on estimates of taxable income, expenses and credits by the jurisdictions in which the Company operates and the period over which deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or these estimates are adjusted in future periods, the Company may need to establish an additional valuation allowance that could materially impact its consolidated financial position and results of operations. Each quarter, management evaluates the ability to realize the deferred tax assets and assesses the need for additional valuation allowances.
Legal Contingencies
The Company is currently involved in certain legal proceedings. As discussed in Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company has accrued an estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. This estimate has been developed after investigation and is based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. Management does not believe these proceedings will have a further material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by changes in these assumptions, or the effectiveness of these strategies, related to these proceedings.

 

24


Table of Contents

Goodwill
The Company has allocated its adjusted goodwill balance to its reporting units. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually at fiscal year-end and in interim periods if certain events occur indicating that the carrying value of goodwill may be impaired, such as a significant adverse change in business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator or the decision to sell a business, that would make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step of the impairment analysis compares the fair value to the net book value. In determining fair value, the accounting guidance allows for the use of several valuation methodologies, although it indicates that quoted market prices are the best evidence of fair value. The Company uses a combination of expected present values of future cash flows and comparative market multiples. It has also performed a review of market capitalization with estimated control premiums at December 31, 2008. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its net book value, the Company performs a second step in its analysis, which compares the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the Company recognizes an impairment loss equal to that excess amount. Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. Significant judgments required to estimate the fair value of reporting units include estimating future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates, selecting comparable companies within each reporting unit and market and determining control premiums. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit. There were no impairment charges for the quarters ended 2009 and 2008. As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, goodwill totaled $22,769,000 (representing 23% and 22% of total assets, respectively).
As of the testing conducted as of December 31, 2008, the Company concluded that no impairment charge was warranted. However, there can be no assurance that the economic conditions currently affecting the world economy or other events may not have a negative material impact on the long-term business prospects of any of the Company’s reporting units. In such case, the Company may need to record an impairment loss, as stated above. The next annual impairment test will be conducted as of December 31, 2009.
Management has not identified any triggering events, as defined by ASC 350 “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other” (formerly FASB 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”), during 2009. Accordingly, no interim impairment test has been performed.
Impairment Of Long-Lived And Intangible Assets
The Company’s long-lived and intangible assets primarily consist of fixed assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets held and used, other than goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives, and assets to be disposed of whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of the asset by estimated cash flows and at times by independent appraisals. It compares estimated cash flows expected to be generated from the related assets, or the appraised value of the asset, to the carrying amounts to determine whether impairment has occurred. If the estimate of cash flows expected to be generated changes in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges that were not previously recorded for these assets. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. Asset impairment evaluations are by nature highly subjective. The Company recorded asset impairment charges of approximately $77,000, net of tax, related to properties it owns in Camden, New Jersey and Pennsauken, New Jersey. These charges were recorded as part of discontinued operations in the second quarter of 2008.

 

25


Table of Contents

Environmental Expenditures
The Company is subject to United States, Mexican, Chinese and United Kingdom environmental laws and regulations concerning emissions to the air, discharges to surface and subsurface waters, and generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials. The Company is also subject to other federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those that require it to remediate or mitigate the effects of the disposal or release of certain chemical substances at various sites, including some where the Company has ceased operations. It is impossible to predict precisely what effect these laws and regulations will have in the future.
Expenditures that relate to current operations are charged to expense or capitalized, as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by formerly owned operations are expensed and recorded as part of discontinued operations. Expenditures include costs of remediation and legal fees to defend against claims for environmental liability. Liabilities are recorded when remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The liability for remediation expenditures includes, as appropriate, elements of costs such as site investigations, consultants’ fees, feasibility studies, outside contractor expenses and monitoring expenses. Estimates are not discounted and they are not reduced by potential claims for recovery from insurance carriers. The liability is periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect current remediation progress, prospective estimates of required activity and other relevant factors, including changes in technology or regulations. For additional information related to environmental matters, see Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part IV of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of the Company’s accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP with no need for management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternatives would not produce a materially different result. For a discussion of accounting policies and other disclosures required by GAAP, see the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Part IV of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

26


Table of Contents

Liquidity And Capital Resources
                                 
    September 30,     December 31,              
    2009     2008     $ Variance     % Variance  
    (in thousands)  
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,867     $ 504     $ 4,363       866 %
Bank debt
  $     $     $        
Working capital
  $ 30,005     $ 27,222     $ 2,783       10 %
Shareholders’ equity
  $ 66,674     $ 64,860     $ 1,814       3 %
The net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009 was $6,630,000, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 of $4,127,000. The sources of cash from operating activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009 were a decrease in accounts receivable of $3,409,000 and a decrease in inventories of $1,997,000. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily related to reduced sales at most entities. The reduced accounts receivable were $575,000 at SLPE, $658,000 at Teal, $866,000 at MTE, $496,000 at SL-MTI and $799,000 at RFL. Days sales outstanding (defined as current accounts receivable divided by the average of the last three months sales) were 54.5 days at September 30, 2009, compared to 50.3 days at December 31, 2008. These sources of cash were primarily offset by a decrease in accounts payable of $2,116,000 and a decrease in accrued liabilities of $1,966,000. Of the decreased accounts payable $1,566,000 was attributable to SLPE and $192,000 was attributable to Teal. Legal and consulting payables of $370,000 related to environmental matters were charged to discontinued operations. The increase in prepaid expenses was primarily related to the renewal of certain insurance policies in the first quarter. The sources of cash from operating activities for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 were income from continuing operations of $4,218,000, decreased accounts receivable of $1,856,000 and increased accrued income taxes of $1,419,000. These sources of cash were primarily offset by a decrease in accrued liabilities of $2,103,000, an increase in inventory of $2,514,000 and a decrease in accounts payable of $1,447,000.
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009, net cash used in investing activities was $788,000. This use of cash is primarily related to a building expansion in Matamoros, Mexico for SL-MTI, as well as the purchase of machinery, computer hardware, software and demonstration equipment. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, net cash used in investing activities was $2,189,000. The use of cash in investing activities during that period was primarily related to the purchase of machinery, computer hardware, software and demonstration equipment.
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009, net cash provided by financing activities was $38,000, which is related to treasury stock activity, offset by the payment of deferred financing costs. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, net cash used in financing activities was $1,482,000, which was primarily related to borrowings under the Company’s previous credit facility in the amount of $17,828,000, offset by payments thereunder of $19,710,000.
On October 23, 2008, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility, or the 2008 Credit Facility, with Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association, individually, as agent, issuer and a lender thereunder, and the other financial institutions party thereto. The 2008 Credit Facility amends and restates the Company’s 2005 Credit Facility. It provides for an increase in the amount of maximum borrowings and certain other changes. Additional information with respect to the 2008 Credit Facility is found in Note 8 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

27


Table of Contents

The Company’s current ratio was 2.33 to 1 at September 30, 2009 and 2.03 to 1 at December 31, 2008. Current assets decreased by $1,086,000 from December 31, 2008, while current liabilities decreased by $3,869,000 during the same period.
The Company had no outstanding bank debt at September 30, 2009 and at December 31, 2008.
Capital expenditures were $720,000 in the first nine months of 2009, which represents a decrease of $726,000, or 50%, from the capital expenditure levels of the comparable period in 2008. Capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2009 were attributable to a plant expansion, as mentioned above, machinery, computer hardware and software purchases. Capital expenditures of $1,446,000 were made during the first nine months of 2008. These expenditures primarily related to machinery, computer hardware and software purchases.
The Company has been able to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet its operating needs and expects to do so in the future.
With the exception of the segment reported as “Other” (which consists primarily of corporate office expenses, financing activities, public reporting costs and costs not specifically allocated to the reportable business segments), all of the Company’s operating segments recorded income from operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009.
Contractual Obligations
The following is a summary of the Company’s contractual obligations at September 30, 2009 for the periods indicated:
                                         
    Less Than     1 to 3     4 to 5     After        
    1 Year     Years     Years     5 Years     Total  
    (in thousands)  
Operating Leases
  $ 1,151     $ 1,312     $ 131     $     $ 2,594  
Debt
                             
Capital Leases
    6                         6  
 
                             
 
  $ 1,157     $ 1,312     $ 131     $     $ 2,600  
 
                             
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
It is not the Company’s usual business practice to enter into off-balance sheet arrangements such as guarantees on loans and financial commitments, indemnification arrangements and retained interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity for securitization purposes. Consequently, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements, except for operating lease commitments disclosed in the table above, which have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on its financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

28


Table of Contents

Results of Operations
Three months ended September 30, 2009, compared with three months ended September 30, 2008
The Company has experienced continued pressure on sales and income due to the current global economic downturn. Given the nature of the global economic weakness and its effects on the Company’s end markets, the Company has taken action to reduce its cost structure and align its capacity with lower business levels and has postponed all non-essential capital investment. During the three months ended September 30, 2009, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $1,000 at SLPE and $15,000 at MTE. Year to date charges of $535,000 were incurred at SLPE and $15,000 were incurred at MTE. For additional information on the restructuring charges, see “Restructuring Charges” in the Results of Operations — Three and Nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared with the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 in the detail that follows.
The tables below show the comparisons of net sales and income (loss) from operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 (“2009”) and the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (“2008”).
                                 
    Net Sales  
    Three Months     Three Months     $ Variance     % Variance  
    Ended     Ended     From     From  
    September 30,     September 30,     Same Quarter     Same Quarter  
    2009     2008     Last Year     Last Year  
    (in thousands)  
Power Electronics Group:
                               
SLPE
  $ 13,214     $ 18,168     $ (4,954 )     (27 %)
High Power Group
    11,190       15,274       (4,084 )     (27 %)
 
                       
Total
    24,404       33,442       (9,038 )     (27 %)
 
                       
SL-MTI
    7,184       6,146       1,038       17 %
RFL
    4,791       6,654       (1,863 )     (28 %)
 
                       
Total
  $ 36,379     $ 46,242     $ (9,863 )     (21 %)
 
                       
                                 
    Income (Loss) from Operations  
    Three Months     Three Months     $ Variance     % Variance  
    Ended     Ended     From     From  
    September 30,     September 30,     Same Quarter     Same Quarter  
    2009     2008     Last Year     Last Year  
    (in thousands)  
Power Electronics Group:
                               
SLPE
  $ 639     $ (589 )   $ 1,228       208 %
High Power Group
    1,217       1,704       (487 )     (29 %)
 
                       
Total
    1,856       1,115       741       66 %
 
                       
SL-MTI
    1,293       681       612       90 %
RFL
    351       782       (431 )     (55 %)
Other
    (1,117 )     (1,270 )     153       12 %
 
                       
Total
  $ 2,383     $ 1,308     $ 1,075       82 %
 
                       

 

29


Table of Contents

Consolidated net sales for 2009 decreased by $9,863,000, or 21%, when compared to the same period in 2008. When compared to 2008, net sales of the Power Electronics Group decreased by $9,038,000, or 27%; net sales of SL-MTI increased by $1,038,000, or 17%; and net sales of RFL decreased by $1,863,000, or 28%. All of the operating entities reported income from operations in 2009.
The Company recorded income from operations of $2,383,000 for 2009, compared to income from operations of $1,308,000 for 2008, representing an increase of $1,075,000, or 82%. Income from operations was 7% of net sales in 2009, compared to income from operations of 3% in 2008.
Income from continuing operations was $1,876,000 (includes other income and expense cost and the tax provision), or $0.31 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2009, compared to income from continuing operations of $872,000, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the same period in 2008. Income from continuing operations was approximately 5% of net sales in 2009, compared to income from continuing operations of 2% of net sales in 2008. The Company’s business segments and the components of operating expenses are discussed more fully in the following sections.
The Power Electronics Group, which is comprised of SLPE and the High Power Group (a combination of Teal and MTE), recorded a sales decrease of 27%, when comparing the third quarter of 2009 to the third quarter of 2008. Income from operations increased by $741,000, or 66%, which was attributable to an increase of $1,228,000, or 208%, at SLPE, partially offset by a decrease of $487,000, or 29%, at the High Power Group.
SLPE recorded income from operations of $639,000, representing 5% of its net sales, in 2009. In 2008, SLPE reported a loss from operations of $589,000, representing 3% of its net sales. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, SLPE represented 36% of consolidated net sales in 2009, compared to 39% of consolidated net sales in 2008. At SLPE, sales of its medical product line decreased by $2,886,000, sales of its data communications product line decreased by $1,064,000 and sales of its industrial equipment product line decreased by $887,000. The decrease in the medical equipment product line and the data communications product line was due to weak market demand in these segments. The decrease in sales of the industrial product line was caused by decreased orders from distributors, as a result of lower economic activity. Having a positive effect on net sales in 2009 compared to 2008 was the amount of returns and distributor credits, which decreased to approximately 1% of gross sales in 2009, compared to 4% in 2008. Domestic sales decreased by 41% and international sales increased by 28%. Despite the reduction in sales, SLPE’s cost of products sold percentage decreased by approximately 6% due primarily to cost containment programs put in place, favorable product mix, lower commodity cost and favorable currency rates. Also, SLPE reduced its operating costs by $1,726,000 in 2009, when compared to 2008, which includes a decrease of $349,000 in restructuring costs. Components of these costs are discussed more fully below.

 

30


Table of Contents

For the three-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, the High Power Group recorded income from operations, as a percentage of its net sales, of 11%. MTE reported an income from operations, as a percentage of sales, of 6% in 2009, and 2008. MTE’s sales declined by $1,370,000, or 24%. MTE’s sales decrease was driven by the overall global economic downturn. Sales to both OEMs and distributors have decreased sharply from last year. Domestic sales decreased 23%, while international sales decreased 30%. Despite the sharp sales decline, cost of products sold percentage decreased by 1%, as MTE reduced its operating cost by $338,000 in 2009, compared to 2008. This decrease includes a $153,000 reduction in restructuring costs. Teal reported income from operations, as a percentage of sales, of 14% in 2009, compared to 15% in 2008. Teal reported a sales decrease of $2,714,000, or 28%, while the cost of products sold percentage decreased 2%, compared to 2008. Teal’s sales to medical imaging equipment manufacturers decreased by $2,112,000, sales to military and aerospace customers decreased by $507,000, and sales to semiconductor manufacturers decreased by $31,000. Teal reduced its operating costs by $198,000 in 2009, compared to 2008.
SL-MTI’s net sales increased by $1,038,000, or 17%, while income from operations increased by $612,000, or 90%. The sales increase was primarily due to a $1,260,000 increase in the sales of defense and commercial aerospace industries. SL-MTI’s other product lines recorded a net sales decrease of $222,000. SL-MTI’s cost of products sold percentage decreased by 6% in 2009, compared to 2008. This improvement is primarily related to greater productivity at its Mexico and Minnesota manufacturing facilities, lower overhead expenses at the Mexico plant and improvements made in the amount of scrap and rework costs incurred at both facilities.
Comparing the three-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, RFL’s net sales decreased by $1,863,000, or 28%. Sales of RFL’s communications product line decreased by $492,000, or 17%, and sales of its protection products decreased by $1,383,000, or 39%. Customer service sales increased by $12,000. The decrease in sales in the communications product line was primarily due to decreased sales of multiplexer products and lower volume of system maintenance orders compared to 2008. The decrease in protection products is primarily related to delays in customer projects. The domestic utility companies appear to be delaying larger orders until they obtain greater clarity regarding the provisions of stimulus legislation that may affect infrastructure project spending. International sales decreased by $1,327,000, or 65%. The prior year included a large order from one customer. Domestic sales decreased by $536,000, or 12%. Income from operations decreased by $431,000, or 55%. The decrease in income from operations is primarily related to the 28% reduction in sales, partially offset by a decrease in operating costs of $517,000 primarily related to reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Cost of Products Sold
As a percentage of net sales, cost of products sold was approximately 66% for the third quarter of 2009, compared to approximately 69% for the third quarter of 2008. Although sales declined by 21%, the cost of products sold percentage improved by 3%. The cost of products sold percentage for SLPE decreased by approximately 6%. SL-MTI’s cost of products sold, as a percentage of sales, also decreased by approximately 6%. Overall, all of the operating entities improved their cost of products sold percentage relative to sales or were able to hold the cost of products sold percentage relatively constant in 2009, despite an overall sales decrease of 21%. Some of the contributing factors were (1) cost containment programs initiated in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2008 and again in the second quarter of 2009, which included direct and indirect labor reductions, (2) progress made on the Company’s lean manufacturing initiatives, (3) favorable product mix, in particular at SLPE and MTE, (4) reduced commodity prices in 2009, compared to 2008, (5) favorable currency rates, particularly in Mexico, (6) accelerated production transfers to Mexico from the United States, (7) reduced overhead expenses and scrap levels, and (8) reduced sales discounts and returns.

 

31


Table of Contents

Engineering and Product Development Expenses
Engineering and product development expenses were approximately 8% of net sales in 2009 and 2008. Engineering and product development expenses in 2009 decreased by $643,000, or 19%. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease at SLPE of $572,000, or 30%, due primarily to reduced facility costs, agency fees, consulting fees and an increase in funded non-recurring engineering costs. The High Power Group also reported a decrease of $141,000, or 19%, due primarily to reduced costs at MTE. RFL experienced a $78,000 decrease in engineering and product development expenses; while SL-MTI recorded an increase of $148,000, due primarily to a greater number of customer engineering orders and a lower amount of customer funding.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, for 2009 were approximately 18% of sales, compared to 17% of sales in 2008. These expenses decreased by $1,532,000, or 19%, primarily due to the reduction of net sales of $9,863,000, or 21%. SLPE’s expenses decreased by $719,000, compared to 2008, due to the restructuring initiatives instituted in the latter part of fiscal 2008 and, to a lesser extent, in the second quarter of 2009. SLPE also incurred less commissions, bonus expense, professional and recruiting fees and travel expenses. The High Power Group recorded a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $221,000. RFL recorded a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $429,000, on lower sales levels primarily related to lower commissions, bonuses and profit sharing costs. SL-MTI experienced a relatively minor increase in selling, general and administrative costs, on a 17% increase in sales. Corporate and Other expenses decreased by $153,000, or 12%, primarily due to a decrease in stock-based compensation expense and bonus expense.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expenses were approximately 2% of net sales for each of 2009 and 2008.
Restructuring Charges
In the third quarter of 2009, the Company incurred a restructuring charge of $16,000, which was recorded at SLPE and MTE. These charges are a continuation of actions originally taken in the third quarter 2008 and continued in 2009. They primarily relate to costs associated to reduce workforce levels. In 2008 the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $518,000, of which $350,000 was recorded at SLPE, primarily related to costs associated to reduce workforce levels. These costs represent actions taken to align SLPE’s cost structure in response to reduced business levels. Of the $350,000 in charges, $203,000 relates to administrative costs and $147,000 relates to direct labor severance costs. The workforce reductions affected SLPE’s operations at all locations. Also, MTE recorded a restructuring charge of $168,000, related to costs of consolidating facilities.
Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs
In connection with entering into the 2008 Credit Facility, the Company incurred costs of approximately $558,000. These costs have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the 2008 Credit Facility. During the third quarter of 2009, the 2008 Credit Facility was reset and amended. The Company paid $250,000 in consideration for these waivers and amendments. This cost is being amortized over the remaining life of the 2008 Credit Facility.

 

32


Table of Contents

Interest (Expense)
Interest expense was $18,000 for the third quarter of 2009, compared to $42,000 for the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in interest expense for 2009 is primarily related to the negligible debt levels incurred during 2009, compared to the same period in 2008.
Taxes (Continuing Operations)
The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the third quarter of 2009 was approximately 18%. For the third quarter of 2008, the effective tax rate was approximately 32%. The effective tax rate reflects the statutory rate after adjustments for state and international tax provisions and the recording of benefits primarily related to research and development tax credits. The effective tax rate in 2009 was positively impacted by the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits on research and development tax credits due to a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.
Discontinued Operations
For 2009 the Company recorded from discontinued operations a loss of $157,000, net of tax, compared to a loss of $1,196,000, net of tax, in 2008. These amounts represent legal and environmental charges related to discontinued operations. In 2008, the Company recorded an additional loss of approximately $919,000, net of tax, pertaining to estimated environmental remediation costs related to the Camden Site.
Results of Operations
Nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared with nine months ended September 30, 2008
The tables below show the comparisons of net sales and income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (“2009”) and the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (“2008”).
                                 
    Net Sales  
    Nine Months     Nine Months     $ Variance     % Variance  
    Ended     Ended     From     From  
    September 30,     September 30,     Same Period     Same Period  
    2009     2008     Last Year     Last Year  
    (in thousands)  
Power Electronics Group:
                               
SLPE
  $ 39,529     $ 57,194     $ (17,665 )     (31 %)
High Power Group
    33,127       44,499       (11,372 )     (26 %)
 
                       
Total
    72,656       101,693       (29,037 )     (29 %)
 
                       
SL-MTI
    20,542       21,231       (689 )     (3 %)
RFL
    14,370       17,414       (3,044 )     (17 %)
 
                       
Total
  $ 107,568     $ 140,338     $ (32,770 )     (23 %)
 
                       

 

33


Table of Contents

                                 
    Income from Operations  
    Nine Months     Nine Months     $ Variance     % Variance  
    Ended     Ended     From     From  
    September 30,     September 30,     Same Period     Same Period  
    2009     2008     Last Year     Last Year  
    (in thousands)  
Power Electronics Group:
                               
SLPE
  $ 62     $ 998     $ (936 )     (94 %)
High Power Group
    2,450       4,678       (2,228 )     (48 %)
 
                       
Total
    2,512       5,676       (3,164 )     (56 %)
 
                       
SL-MTI
    3,071       2,734       337       12 %
RFL
    990       1,547       (557 )     (36 %)
Other
    (4,257 )     (3,502 )     (755 )     (22 %)
 
                       
Total
  $ 2,316     $ 6,455     $ (4,139 )     (64 %)
 
                       
Consolidated net sales for 2009 decreased by $32,770,000, or 23%, when compared to the same period in 2008. When compared to 2008, net sales of the Power Electronics Group decreased by $29,037,000, or 29%; net sales of SL-MTI decreased by $689,000, or 3%; and net sales of RFL decreased by $3,044,000, or 17%. All of the operating entities reported income from operations in both 2009 and 2008.
The Company recorded income from operations of $2,316,000 for 2009, compared to income from operations of $6,455,000 for 2008, representing a decrease of $4,139,000, or 64%. Income from operations was 2% of net sales in 2009, compared to income from operations of 5% in 2008.
Income from continuing operations was $1,774,000 (includes other income and expense cost and the tax provision), or $0.30 per diluted share, in 2009, compared to income from continuing operations of $4,218,000, or $0.71 per diluted share, in 2008. Income from continuing operations was approximately 2% of net sales in 2009, compared to income from continuing operations of 3% of net sales in 2008. The Company’s business segments and the components of operating expenses are discussed more fully in the following sections.
The Power Electronics Group, which is comprised of SLPE and the High Power Group (a combination of Teal and MTE), recorded a sales decrease of 29%, when comparing the first nine months of 2009 to the first nine months of 2008. Income from operations decreased by $3,164,000, or 56%, which was attributable to a decrease of $936,000, or 94%, at SLPE and a decrease of $2,228,000, or 48%, at the High Power Group.
SLPE recorded income from operations of $62,000, representing less than 1% of its net sales, in 2009. A loss of $577,000 was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2009. In 2008, SLPE reported income from operations of $998,000, representing 2% of its net sales. As a percentage of consolidated net sales, SLPE represented 37% of consolidated net sales in 2009, compared to 41% in 2008. At SLPE, sales of its medical product line decreased by $9,528,000, sales of its data communications product line decreased by $4,743,000 and sales of its industrial equipment product line decreased by $3,255,000. The decrease in sales of the medical equipment product line and the data communications product line was due to weak market demand in these segments. The decrease in sales of the industrial product line was caused by decreased orders from distributors, as a result of lower economic activity. Returns and distributor credits improved, representing approximately 2% and 3% of gross sales in 2009 and 2008, respectively. Domestic sales decreased by 35% and international sales decreased by 11%.

 

34


Table of Contents

The High Power Group recorded income from operations, as a percentage of its net sales, of 7% in 2009, compared to 11% in 2008. MTE reported income from operations, as a percentage of sales, of 1% in 2009, compared to income from operations, as a percentage of sales, of 8% in 2008. This decline was primarily due to a sales decline of $4,444,000, or 26%. Sales to both OEMs and distributors have decreased sharply from last year as a result of the global economic downturn. Domestic sales decreased 24%, while international sales decreased 35%. As a result, the cost of products sold percentage increased by 4%; however, there was a significant improvement in the third quarter of 2009. Teal reported income from operations, as a percentage of sales, of 12% in 2009 and 2008. Teal reported a sales decrease of $6,928,000, or 25%, while the cost of products sold decreased by 3%. Teal’s sales to military and aerospace customers increased by $1,254,000, while sales to medical imaging equipment manufacturers decreased by $6,460,000, and sales to semiconductor manufacturers decreased by $1,585,000.
SL-MTI’s net sales decreased $689,000, or 3%, while income from operations increased by $337,000, or 12%. Sales to customers in the defense and commercial aerospace industries increased by $172,000. Sales of medical products and commercial products decreased by $464,000 and $397,000, respectively. SL-MTI’s cost of products sold percentage decreased by 4% in 2009, compared to 2008. This improvement is due to greater productivity at its Mexico and Minnesota facilities and lower scrap and rework costs at both facilities, as previously discussed.
RFL’s net sales decreased by $3,044,000 in 2009, or 17%, compared to 2008. Sales of RFL’s communications product line decreased by $94,000, or 1%, while sales of its protection products decreased by $2,848,000, or 29%. Customer service sales decreased by $102,000. The decrease in sales in the communications product line was primarily due to decreased sales related to multiplexer products and less maintenance orders. The decrease in protection products is primarily related to delays in customer projects, as previously discussed. International sales decreased by $1,640,000, or 36%, while domestic sales decreased by $1,404,000, or 11%. Income from operations decreased by $557,000, or 36%. The decrease in income from operations is primarily related to lower sales volume, partially offset by reduced operating costs of $977,000.
Cost of Products Sold
As a percentage of net sales, cost of products sold was approximately 67% for the first nine months of 2009, compared to 69% for the first nine months of 2008. The cost of products sold percentage improved despite a sales decline of 23%. The cost of products sold percentage for SLPE decreased by approximately 3%. Cost of products sold for SL-MTI, as a percentage of sales, decreased by approximately 4%. Some of the contributing factors to the improved cost of products sold percentage were (1) cost containment programs initiated in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2008 and again in the second quarter of 2009, which included direct and indirect labor reductions, (2) progress made on the Company’s lean manufacturing initiatives, (3) reduced commodity prices in 2009, compared to 2008, (4) favorable currency rates, particularly in Mexico, (5) accelerated production transfers to Mexico from the United States, (6) reduced overhead expenses and scrap expenses, and (7) reduction in returns and discounts.

 

35


Table of Contents

Engineering and Product Development Expenses
Engineering and product development expenses were approximately 8% of net sales in 2009, compared to 7% in 2008. Engineering and product development expenses in 2009 decreased by $1,417,000, or 14%. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease at SLPE of $1,152,000, or 21%, which decreased staff in the process of consolidating two design centers in the fourth quarter of 2008, incurred lower consulting expenses and received greater non-recurring engineering fees for new programs with original equipment manufacturers. The High Power Group reported a decrease of $309,000, or 13%, due primarily to reductions at MTE. The other operating entities experienced relatively minor changes in engineering and product development expenses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were approximately 20% of sales in 2009, compared to 17% of sales in 2008. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $2,596,000, or 11%, on lower volume. SLPE’s expenses decreased by $1,886,000, compared to 2008, due to the restructuring initiatives instituted in the latter part of fiscal 2008 and in 2009, which reduced administrative staffing levels, commissions and bonus expense, professional and consulting fees and recruiting fees. The High Power Group recorded a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $533,000, primarily related to lower sales and reduced administrative personnel and recruiting expenses. SL-MTI’s selling, general and administrative expenses remained relatively constant. RFL’s expenses decreased by $707,000, or 14%, on lower sales levels. Corporate and Other expenses increased by $755,000, or 22%, primarily due to increases in non-cash stock-based compensation expense, internal control compliance costs and an unfavorable insurance premium adjustment recorded in 2009, compared to a favorable adjustment recorded in 2008. The premium adjustment resulted in a net increase in expense of $435,000. These increases were partially offset by reduced bonus and consulting expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expenses were approximately 2% of net sales for each of 2009 and 2008.
Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs
In connection with entering into the 2008 Credit Facility, the Company incurred costs of approximately $558,000. Additionally during the third quarter of 2009, the 2008 Credit Facility was reset and amended. In consideration for these waivers and amendments, the Company agreed to pay its lenders a one-time fee of $250,000. These costs have been deferred and are being amortized over the remaining term of the 2008 Credit Facility. For the first nine months of 2009, amortization of deferred financing costs was $163,000. The amortization costs in 2008 relate to the Company’s previous credit facility, of which approximately $258,000 was amortized over three years. For the first nine months of 2008, amortization of deferred financing costs was $44,000.
Interest (Expense)
Interest expense was $64,000 for the first nine months of 2009, compared to $211,000 for the first nine months of 2008. The decrease in interest expense for 2009 is primarily related to the negligible debt levels incurred during 2009, compared to the same period in 2008.

 

36


Table of Contents

Taxes (Continuing Operations)
The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the first nine months of 2009 was approximately 15%. For the first nine months of 2008, the effective tax rate was approximately 32%. The effective tax rate reflects the statutory rate after adjustments for state and international tax provisions and after recording benefits primarily related to research and development tax credits. The effective tax rate in 2009 was positively impacted by the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits on research and development tax credits due to a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.
Discontinued Operations
For 2009, the Company recorded a loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $440,000, compared to $1,650,000, net of tax, in 2008. These amounts represent legal and environmental charges related to discontinued operations. In 2008, the Company recorded additional costs of $919,000, net of tax, related to estimated environmental remediation costs related to the Company’s Camden Site. Also, during the period ended September 30, 2008, the Company recorded a gain in the amount of $59,000, net of tax, for a settlement related to a discontinued operation. During the period ended September 30, 2008, the Company wrote-off the net book value of its properties in Camden, New Jersey and Pennsauken, New Jersey in the amount of $77,000, net of tax.
Forward-Looking Information
From time to time, information provided by the Company, including written or oral statements made by representatives, may contain forward-looking information as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contain forward-looking information, particularly statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, such as expansion and growth of the Company’s business, future capital expenditures and the Company’s prospects and strategy. These statements are identified by the use of such terms as “may,” “would,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “anticipate,” “likely,” “continue” or other comparable terms. In reviewing such information, it should be kept in mind that actual results may differ materially from those projected or suggested in such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on various factors and was derived utilizing numerous assumptions. Many of these factors previously have been identified in filings or statements made by or on behalf of the Company.
Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking information include changes in the general economy, changes in capital investment and/or consumer spending, competitive factors and other factors affecting the Company’s business in or beyond the Company’s control. These factors include a change in the rate of inflation, a change in state or federal legislation or regulations, an adverse determination with respect to a claim in litigation or other claims (including environmental matters), the ability to recruit and develop employees, the ability to successfully implement new technology and the stability of product costs. These factors also include the timing and degree of any business recovery in certain of the Company’s markets that are currently experiencing a cyclical economic downturn.
Other factors and assumptions not identified above could also cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking information contained herein or elsewhere to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking information.

 

37


Table of Contents

Future factors include the effectiveness of cost reduction actions undertaken by the Company; the timing and degree of any business recovery in certain of the Company’s markets that are currently experiencing economic uncertainty; increasing prices, products and services offered by U.S. and non-U.S. competitors, including new entrants; rapid technological developments and changes and the Company’s ability to continue to introduce and develop competitive new products and services on a timely, cost-effective basis; availability of manufacturing capacity, components and materials; credit concerns and the potential for deterioration of the credit quality of customers; customer demand for the Company’s products and services; U.S. and non-U.S. governmental and public policy changes that may affect the level of new investments and purchases made by customers; changes in environmental and other U.S. and non-U.S. governmental regulations; protection and validity of patent and other intellectual property rights; compliance with the covenants and restrictions of bank credit facilities; and outcome of pending and future litigation and governmental proceedings. These are representative of the future factors that could affect the outcome of the forward-looking statements. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, general U.S. and non-U.S. economic conditions, including economic instability in the event of a future terrorist attack or sharp increases in the cost of energy and interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations and other future factors.
For a further description of future factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, see Item 1A — Risk Factors, included in Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
ITEM 3.  
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes in quantitative and qualitative market risk from the disclosure contained in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 4T.  
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15e and 15d-15e promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

38


Table of Contents

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Remediation Actions
As previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company began the remediation of internal control deficiencies identified in the fourth quarter of 2008. These deficiencies, which constituted a material weakness in the Company’s internal controls, were related to the tracking and recording of inventory at MTE. These remediation efforts have included the following:
   
the completion of a full cycle count program carried out by trained, competent individuals at all five locations;
   
the use of only system generated source documents to balance control accounts;
   
the review of all journal entries by either the Controller or Chief Financial Officer of the High Power Group;
   
the hiring of a full-time accounting manager, who has a CPA certificate and experience in a manufacturing environment;
   
the completion of an on-site inspection by the corporate staff to conduct an internal control review. Other site visits are being scheduled throughout the year; and
   
the hiring of a full-time Director of Operations with appropriate materials and manufacturing experience.
These remediation efforts have been successfully completed. The corporate staff has scheduled visits to other facilities to conduct further on-site inspections. The Company’s management will continue to closely monitor the effectiveness of MTE’s processes, procedures and controls, and will make further changes as management determines appropriate.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Also, see Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A.  
RISK FACTORS
The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 contains a detailed discussion of its risk factors. The information below updates and should be read in conjunction with the risk factors and other information disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Company is subject to inherent risks attributed to operating in a global economy. Its international sales and operations in foreign countries, principally China and Mexico, render the Company subject to risks associated with fluctuating currency values and exchange rates. Because sales of the Company’s products have been denominated to date primarily in United States dollars, increases in the value of the United States dollar could increase the price of its products so that they become relatively more expensive to customers in the local currency of a particular country. In such event this could lead to a reduction in sales and profitability in that country. As a result of its foreign operations, the Company records revenues, costs, assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies. Therefore, decreases in the value of the United States dollar could result in significant increases in the Company’s manufacturing costs that could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. At present, the Company does not purchase financial instruments to hedge foreign exchange risk, but may do so as circumstances warrant.

 

39


Table of Contents

ITEM 2.  
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
On December 30, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s stock. Previously, the Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to 560,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Any repurchases pursuant to the Company’s stock repurchase program would be made in the open market or in negotiated transactions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company did not repurchase any shares pursuant to its existing stock repurchase program. The Company did purchase shares through its deferred compensation plans during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, in the amount of 138,900 and 20,470 shares, respectively.
                                 
                    Total Number     Maximum Number  
                    of Shares     of Shares That May  
    Total             Purchased as Part     Yet Be Purchased  
    Number of     Average     of Publicly     under Publicly  
    Shares     Price Paid     Announced Plans     Announced Plans or  
Period   Purchased     per Share     or Programs     Programs  
January 2009
    1,800 (1)   $ 7.96             500,000  
February 2009
                      500,000  
March 2009
    1,700 (1)   $ 2.60             500,000  
April 2009
                      500,000  
May 2009
    58,800 (1)   $ 6.87             500,000  
June 2009
    11,200 (1)   $ 8.21             500,000  
July 2009
    2,500 (1)   $ 7.50             500,000  
August 2009
    3,200 (1)   $ 7.50             500,000  
September 2009
    59,700 (1)   $ 7.61             500,000  
 
                 
Total
    138,900     $ 7.28                
 
                 
     
(1)  
The Company purchased these shares other than through a publicly announced plan or program.
ITEM 3.  
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.

 

40


Table of Contents

ITEM 4.  
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 5.  
OTHER INFORMATION
Pursuant to Section 10A(i)(2) of the Exchange Act, the Company is responsible for listing the non-audit services performed by Grant Thornton, the Company’s external auditor, in the first nine months of 2009, as approved by its Audit Committee. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009, there were no non-audit services performed by Grant Thornton.
ITEM 6.  
EXHIBITS
         
  31.1    
Certification by Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (transmitted herewith).
       
 
  31.2    
Certification by Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (transmitted herewith).
       
 
  32.1    
Certification by Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (transmitted herewith).
       
 
  32.2    
Certification by Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (transmitted herewith).

 

41


Table of Contents

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.
         
Date: November 12, 2009  SL INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Registrant)
 
 
  By:   /s/ James C. Taylor    
    James C. Taylor   
    Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
     
  By:   /s/ David R. Nuzzo    
    David R. Nuzzo
Chief Financial Officer 
 
    (Principal Accounting Officer)   

 

42