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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS INC /CA/ex32_2.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS INC /CA/ex31_2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS INC /CA/ex32_1.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS INC /CA/ex31_1.htm
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS INC /CA/Financial_Report.xls

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2013
OR
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                      to                     
 
Commission file number 000-16438
 

NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

 
California
95-4134955
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

24007 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 200
Calabasas, California
91302
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(818) 591-0776
(Issuer’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No   ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
 
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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  ¨
Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer  ¨
Smaller reporting company  x
 
 
(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  ¨    No  x
 
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date:
 
Class
Outstanding at June 6, 2013
Common Stock, no par value
11,620,695 shares



 
NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
 
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED APRIL 30, 2013
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ii
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
2
 
  3
 
  4
 
 
 
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
10
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
18
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
18
 
 
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
19
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
19
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.
19
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
19
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
19
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
19
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
19
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
19
 
 
20
 
 
21  
 
-i-

 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
In this report, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “NTS,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to National Technical Systems, Inc., a California corporation, and our consolidated subsidiaries.
 
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements in this report, including information incorporated by reference, are “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements reflect current views about future events and financial performance based on certain assumptions. They include opinions, forecasts, intentions, plans, goals, projections, guidance, expectations, beliefs or other statements that are not statements of historical fact. Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expects,” “plans,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “approximates,” “predicts,” or “projects,” or the negative or other variation of such words, and similar expressions may identify a statement as a forward-looking statement. Any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, anticipated trends in our business, our goals, strategies, focus and plans, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including statements expressing general optimism about future operating results and the development of our business, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this report may include statements about:
 
anticipated results of operations including expected trends in our revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, adjusted EBITDA and net income;
the future actions of our competitors, including pricing decisions and new service offerings;
our ability to obtain future financing or capital when needed;
anticipated economic trends in the industries that we serve;
our ability to complete or achieve the anticipated benefits from acquisitions, business combinations, strategic partnerships, divestitures and other significant transactions.
 
The forward-looking statements in this report speak only as of the date of this report and caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may be outside of our control. When considering forward-looking statements, you should carefully review the risks, uncertainties and other cautionary statements in this report as they identify certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the risks described under Item 1A and elsewhere in this report and in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as in other reports and documents we file with the SEC.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets

 
 
At
   
At
 
 
 
April 30,
   
January 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2013
 
ASSETS
 
(unaudited)
   
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
7,971,000
   
$
8,875,000
 
Investments
   
3,441,000
     
3,410,000
 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,250,000 at April 30, 2013 and  $847,000 at January 31, 2013
   
36,082,000
     
33,573,000
 
Unbilled receivable
   
8,567,000
     
8,073,000
 
Income taxes receivable, net
   
-
     
639,000
 
Inventories, net
   
537,000
     
446,000
 
Deferred income taxes
   
4,959,000
     
4,959,000
 
Prepaid expenses
   
2,388,000
     
2,524,000
 
Total current assets
   
63,945,000
     
62,499,000
 
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, at cost
   
149,215,000
     
147,864,000
 
Less: accumulated depreciation
   
(87,619,000
)
   
(85,586,000
)
Net property, plant and equipment
   
61,596,000
     
62,278,000
 
 
               
Goodwill
   
21,799,000
     
21,799,000
 
Intangible assets, net
   
15,639,000
     
16,149,000
 
Other assets
   
1,866,000
     
1,904,000
 
 
               
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
164,845,000
   
$
164,629,000
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts payable
 
$
5,277,000
   
$
7,473,000
 
Accrued expenses
   
14,966,000
     
13,142,000
 
Income taxes payable
   
124,000
     
-
 
Deferred income
   
5,310,000
     
2,974,000
 
Current installments of long-term debt
   
5,804,000
     
5,572,000
 
Total current liabilities
   
31,481,000
     
29,161,000
 
 
               
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
   
44,483,000
     
48,379,000
 
Deferred income taxes
   
16,461,000
     
16,461,000
 
Deferred compensation
   
1,858,000
     
1,794,000
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
410,000
     
382,000
 
Commitments and contingencies
               
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock, no par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock, no par value.  Authorized, 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 11,494,000 as of April 30, 2013 and  11,475,000 as of January 31, 2013
   
29,177,000
     
29,053,000
 
Retained earnings
   
40,727,000
     
39,296,000
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(182,000
)
   
(142,000
)
Total shareholders' equity
   
69,722,000
     
68,207,000
 
Noncontrolling interests
   
430,000
     
245,000
 
Total equity
   
70,152,000
     
68,452,000
 
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
164,845,000
   
$
164,629,000
 

See accompanying notes.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the Three Months Ended April 30, 2013 and 2012
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
   
 
Net revenues
 
$
45,017,000
   
$
43,453,000
 
Cost of sales
   
31,487,000
     
32,132,000
 
Gross profit
   
13,530,000
     
11,321,000
 
 
               
Selling, general and administrative expense
   
10,039,000
     
8,412,000
 
Equity loss from non-consolidated subsidiary
   
32,000
     
13,000
 
Operating income
   
3,459,000
     
2,896,000
 
Other income (expense):
               
Interest expense, net
   
(791,000
)
   
(877,000
)
Other  income, net
   
14,000
     
28,000
 
Total other income (expense), net
   
(777,000
)
   
(849,000
)
 
               
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests
   
2,682,000
     
2,047,000
 
Income taxes
   
1,066,000
     
833,000
 
 
               
Net income from continuing operations
   
1,616,000
     
1,214,000
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
-
     
8,000
 
Net income
   
1,616,000
     
1,222,000
 
 
               
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
(185,000
)
   
(268,000
)
 
               
Net income attributable to NTS
 
$
1,431,000
   
$
954,000
 
 
               
Net income from continuing operations attributable to NTS
 
$
1,431,000
   
$
946,000
 
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to NTS
 
$
-
   
$
8,000
 
 
               
Basic earnings attributable to NTS per common share:
               
Net income from continuing operations
 
$
0.12
   
$
0.08
 
Net income from discontinued operations
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Net income attributable to NTS
 
$
0.12
   
$
0.08
 
 
               
Diluted earnings attributable to NTS per common share:
               
Net income from continuing operations
 
$
0.12
   
$
0.08
 
Net income from discontinued operations
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Net income attributable to NTS
 
$
0.12
   
$
0.08
 
 
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
11,490,000
     
11,320,000
 
Dilutive effect of stock options, nonvested shares and warrants
   
604,000
     
506,000
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution
   
12,094,000
     
11,826,000
 
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 
NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the Three Months Ended April 30, 2013 and 2012
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
   
 
Net income
 
$
1,616,000
   
$
1,222,000
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(40,000
)
   
121,000
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
1,576,000
   
$
1,343,000
 
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest
   
(185,000
)
   
(268,000
)
Comprehensive income attributable to NTS
 
$
1,391,000
   
$
1,075,000
 
 
See accompanying notes.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the Three Months Ended April 30, 2013 and 2012

 
 
2013
 
 
 
2012
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
    
Net income
 
$
1,616,000
 
 
 
$
1,222,000
 
 
 
       
 
       
     
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
       
 
       
    
Depreciation and amortization
   
2,598,000
 
 
   
2,434,000
 
 
Amortization of debt issuance cost and debt discount
   
157,000
 
 
   
175,000
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
403,000
 
 
   
87,000
 
 
Gain on investments
   
(41,000
)
 
   
(9,000
)
 
Deferred income taxes
   
-
 
 
   
(5,000
)
 
Share based compensation
   
588,000
 
 
   
152,000
 
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
       
 
       
    
Accounts receivable
   
(3,406,000
)
 
   
(4,852,000
)
 
Inventories
   
(91,000
)
 
   
688,000
 
 
Prepaid expenses
   
43,000
 
 
   
47,000
 
 
Other assets
   
47,000
 
 
   
65,000
 
 
Income taxes, net
   
763,000
 
 
   
723,000
 
 
Accounts payable
   
(2,196,000
)
 
   
(3,040,000
)
 
Accrued expenses
   
1,314,000
 
 
   
1,371,000
 
 
Deferred income
   
2,336,000
 
 
   
1,143,000
 
 
Deferred compensation
   
64,000
 
 
   
5,000
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
4,195,000
 
 
   
206,000
 
 
 
       
 
       
     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
       
 
       
    
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(1,406,000
)
 
   
(2,000,000
)
 
Investment in life insurance
   
-
 
 
   
(1,000
)
 
Cash surrender of insurance policy
   
-
 
 
   
476,000
 
 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
   
-
 
 
   
(3,116,000
)
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(1,406,000
)
 
   
(4,641,000
)
 
 
       
 
       
     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
       
 
       
    
Proceeds from current and long-term debt
   
1,595,000
 
 
   
7,111,000
 
 
Repayments of current and long-term debt
   
(5,323,000
)
 
   
(2,165,000
)
 
Proceeds from stock options exercised
   
75,000
 
 
   
34,000
 
 
Tax benefit from restricted stock issuance and stock options exercised
   
-
 
 
   
27,000
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(3,653,000
)
 
   
5,007,000
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(40,000
)
 
   
121,000
 
 
 
       
 
       
     
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(904,000
)
 
   
693,000
 
 
Beginning cash and cash equivalents balance
   
8,875,000
 
 (c)
   
4,335,000
 
 (a)
 
       
 
       
     
ENDING CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BALANCE
 
$
7,971,000
 
 (d)
 
$
5,028,000
 
 (b)
 
(a) Cash and cash equivalents at January 31, 2012 includes cash from discontinued operations of $15,000.
(b) Cash and cash equivalents at April 30, 2012 includes cash from discontinued operations of $18,000.
(c) Cash and cash equivalents at January 31, 2013 includes cash from discontinued operations of $5,000.
(d) Cash and cash equivalents at April 30, 2013 includes cash from discontinued operations of $5,000.
 
See accompanying notes.
NATIONAL TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Technical Systems, Inc. (“NTS” or the “Company”) and its majority-owned or otherwise controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in entities in which the Company can exercise significant influence, but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control, are accounted for using the equity method and are included as investments in equity interests on the consolidated balance sheets.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.

The statements presented as of April 30, 2013 and for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all normal recurring and other adjustments necessary for a fair presentation, and to make the financial statements not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2013.

Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire fiscal year or any other future periods.

2.
Income Taxes

Income taxes for the interim periods are computed using the effective tax rates estimated to be applicable for the full fiscal year, as adjusted for any discrete taxable events that occur during the period.

The Company files income tax returns in the United States (“U.S.”) on a federal basis and in many U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions. Certain tax years remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. The Company does not anticipate that its total unrecognized tax benefits or obligations will significantly change due to the settlement of examinations or the expiration of statutes of limitation during the next twelve months.

3.
Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended its guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. Under the amended guidance, an entity has the option to present comprehensive income in either one continuous statement or two consecutive financial statements. A single statement must present the components of net income and total net income, the components of other comprehensive income and total other comprehensive income, and a total for comprehensive income. In a two-statement approach, an entity must present the components of net income and total net income in the first statement. That statement must be immediately followed by a financial statement that presents the components of other comprehensive income, a total for other comprehensive income, and a total for comprehensive income. The option under the current guidance that permits the presentation of components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity has been eliminated. The amendment became effective for the Company on February 1, 2012. This guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as it is presentation and disclosure-only in nature.

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets consists of cumulative equity adjustments from foreign currency.  During the three months ended April 30, 2013, total comprehensive income was $1,576,000 which included a foreign currency translation loss of $40,000.

4.
Unbilled Receivables
 
Unbilled receivables consist of accumulated revenues, including amounts earned related to costs incurred, in excess of amounts billed to customers. Unbilled receivables for each contract are reviewed on a monthly basis over the life of the contract and write-downs of unbilled receivables are made such that unbilled receivables are not in excess of estimated net realizable value.

5

             
5. Inventories

Inventories consist of accumulated costs applicable to uncompleted contracts and are stated at actual cost which is not in excess of estimated net realizable value.

6. Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interest in the Company’s NQA, Inc. subsidiary is a result of 50% of the stock of NQA, Inc. being issued to Ascertiva Group Limited. Profits and losses are allocated 50.1% to NTS, and 49.9% to Ascertiva Group Limited.  The balance in noncontrolling interests as of January 31, 2013 was $245,000.  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended April 30, 2013 was $185,000, resulting in a noncontrolling interest balance of $430,000 as of April 30, 2013.

7.
Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share have been computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Basic earnings per share exclude any dilutive effects of options, warrants, non-vested restricted shares and convertible securities.

8.
Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes the Company’s intangible assets as at April 30, 2013 and January 31, 2013:

 
April 30, 2013
January 31, 2013
 
Gross
 
 
Net
 
Estimated
Gross
 
 
Net
 
Estimated
 
Carrying
 
Accum.
 
Carrying
 
Useful
Carrying
 
Accum.
 
Carrying
 
Useful
 
Amount
 
Amort.
 
Amount
 
Life
Amount
 
Amort.
 
Amount
 
Life
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Intangible assets subject to amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Covenants not to compete
 
$
990,000
   
$
767,000
   
$
223,000
 
 3-5 years
 
$
990,000
   
$
740,000
   
$
250,000
 
 3-5 years
Customer relationships
   
20,547,000
     
6,007,000
     
14,540,000
 
 3-15 years
   
20,547,000
     
5,552,000
     
14,995,000
 
 3-15 years
Accreditations and certifications
   
20,000
     
20,000
     
-
 
 5 years
   
20,000
     
18,000
     
2,000
 
 5 years
Trademarks and tradenames
   
258,000
     
91,000
     
167,000
 
 3-10 years
   
258,000
     
86,000
     
172,000
 
 3-10 years
GSA Schedule
   
800,000
     
191,000
     
609,000
 
 10 years
   
800,000
     
170,000
     
630,000
 
 10 years
Total
 
$
22,615,000
   
$
7,076,000
   
$
15,539,000
 
 
 
$
22,615,000
   
$
6,566,000
   
$
16,049,000
 
 
 
                       
 
                       
               
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
                       
 
                       
              
 
                       
 
                       
               
Goodwill
                 
$
21,799,000
 
 
                 
$
21,799,000
 
 
Trademarks and tradenames
                   
100,000
 
 
                   
100,000
 
 
Total
                 
$
21,899,000
 
 
                 
$
21,899,000
 
 

9.
Accrued Expenses

The following table provides a summary of accrued expenses at April 30, 2013 and January 31, 2013:

 
 
April 30, 2013
   
January 31, 2013
 
Compensation and employee benefits
 
$
8,137,000
   
$
6,484,000
 
Garwood note payable
   
1,175,000
     
1,175,000
 
Acquistion holdback payable
   
1,650,000
     
1,650,000
 
Long term incentive plan
   
1,534,000
     
1,036,000
 
Other
   
2,470,000
     
2,797,000
 
Total accrued expenses
 
$
14,966,000
   
$
13,142,000
 
 
10.
Equity

Equity Incentive Plans

The Company has two employee incentive stock option plans: the “2002 stock option plan” and the “2006 equity incentive plan.” The 2006 equity incentive plan replaced the 2002 stock option plan, which was terminated and no further options will be granted under the 2002 stock option plan.

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity under the 2002 stock option plan and 2006 equity incentive plan as of April 30, 2013 is as follows:

 
 
Shares
   
Weighted Avg. Exercise Price
   
Weighted Avg. Remaining Contract Life in years
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at January 31, 2013
   
368,550
   
$
4.66
     
1.42
   
$
1,229,000
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
                 
Exercised
   
(18,000
)
   
4.40
                 
Canceled, forfeited or expired
   
-
     
-
                 
Outstanding at April 30, 2013
   
350,550
   
$
4.68
     
1.21
   
$
1,753,000
 
Exercisable at April 30, 2013
   
350,550
   
$
4.68
     
1.21
   
$
1,753,000
 
 
There was no compensation expense related to stock options for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012. As of April 30, 2013, there was no unamortized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options, as the options are fully vested.

The Company’s restricted shares, which were issued under the 2006 equity incentive plan, vest at 25% per year commencing with the first anniversary of the grant date. Compensation expense, representing the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant, net of assumptions regarding estimated future forfeitures, is charged to earnings over the vesting period.  Compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations, relating to these grants was $49,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2013.  As of April 30, 2013, 64,000 non-vested restricted shares were outstanding at a weighted average grant date value of $5.33.  As of April 30, 2013, there was $215,000 of unamortized stock-based compensation cost related to these non-vested shares which is expected to be recognized over a remaining period of 29 months.

The Company adopted a Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") in 2006 and another in 2010. The 2010 LTIP replaced the 2006 LTIP and no further awards are being made under the 2006 LTIP. Awards under the 2010 LTIP consist of either phantom stock full-value awards and/or phantom appreciation-only awards. Expense related to the 2010 LTIP was $539,000 and $83,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was recorded to share-based compensation.

11.
Fair Value Measurement

The FASB’s authoritative guidance establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements by establishing a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1
Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
 
 
Level 2
Inputs reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or the liability; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
 
 
Level 3
Unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions incorporated in valuation techniques used to determine fair value. These assumptions are required to be consistent with market participant assumptions that are reasonably available.
 
Basis of Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
 
The following table summarizes the input levels that were used to determine the fair value of the Company’s investment securities, contingent consideration obligations and embedded derivative at April 30, 2013:

 
 
Total
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
SERP investment in mutual funds
 
$
3,441,000
   
$
3,441,000
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Liability on earn-out for LTI acquisition
   
(678,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
(678,000
)
Liability on earn-out for Garwood acquisition
   
(200,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
(200,000
)
Embedded derivatives in debt put option
   
(61,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
(61,000
)
 
The following inputs were used to determine the fair value of the Company’s investment securities and contingent consideration obligation at January 31, 2013:

 
 
Total
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
SERP investment in mutual funds
 
$
3,410,000
   
$
3,410,000
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Liability on earn-out for LTI acquisition
   
(650,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
(650,000
)
Liability on earn-out for Garwood acquisition
   
(200,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
(200,000
)
Embedded derivatives in debt put option
   
(61,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
(61,000
)
 
The fair value of the contingent earn-out consideration related to the LTI and Garwood acquisitions was estimated by applying the income approach.  That measure is based on significant inputs not observable in the market, which are considered to be Level 3 inputs.  Key assumptions in establishing the fair value of these liabilities include the discount rate and probability adjusted future revenues. After review of performance as of April 30, 2013, the earn-out related to LTI was increased by $28,000.
 
12. Acquisition of Garwood Laboratories

On April 17, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Garwood Laboratories, Inc. (Garwood), with testing facilities in Pico Rivera and San Clemente, CA. The acquisition expanded NTS’ customer relationships and market share in Southern California as well as the greater Western U.S. region. The aggregate purchase price was $5,092,000. Cash paid at closing was $3,165,000, and was funded by a draw down on the Company’s acquisition line of credit under its senior credit facility. The Company also issued a promissory note for $1,175,000 which was due to the seller on April 17, 2013, but is being held pending finalization of certain review procedures. The promissory note is included in accrued expenses at April 30, 2013. The Company has withheld $750,000 of the purchase price for 18 months after closing to secure Garwood’s indemnification obligations under the purchase agreement. In addition to the base purchase price, the Company agreed to pay an additional earn-out up to a maximum amount of $450,000 if Garwood meets certain targets related to customer retention and revenues for the 24 months following the purchase date.  A liability of $200,000 has been recorded as an estimated fair value of the earn-out liability at April 30, 2013. A working capital adjustment receivable of $198,000 has been recorded at April 30, 2013 and will be deducted from the payment of the promissory note.
The intangible assets acquired consist of customer relations of $1,000,000 which is being amortized over 10 years and a covenant not to compete of $200,000 which is being amortized over the 5-year life of the agreement. The valuation techniques that were used by the Company to determine the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were a combination of the market approach, the income approach and the cost approach and therefore the fair value is based on level 3 inputs. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value based on current market expectations about those future amounts, including present value techniques, option-pricing models and the excess earnings method. The cost approach is based on the amount that would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). The Company used significant assumptions in the valuation techniques used including the discount rate and forecasted profitability.

Amortization of the goodwill and other intangible assets on this transaction is not tax deductible. The Company’s consolidated statements of operations include Garwood’s results of operations for the period from April 17, 2012, the acquisition date, to April 30, 2012 and for the full three months ending April 30, 2013.

Fair value at the date of acquisition of the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Garwood were as follows:

Cash paid
 
$
3,165,000
 
Note payable
   
1,175,000
 
Purchase price held back
   
750,000
 
Working capital adjustment receivable
   
(198,000
)
Fair value of earn-out
   
200,000
 
Aggregate purchase price
 
$
5,092,000
 
 
       
 
       
Cash
   
49,000
 
Account Receivable, net
   
593,000
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
3,138,000
 
Other assets
   
23,000
 
Intangible assets
   
1,200,000
 
Accounts payable
   
(157,000
)
Accrued expenses
   
(131,000
)
Relocation expense
   
(300,000
)
Deferred taxes
   
(1,678,000
)
 
       
Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired
   
2,737,000
 
Goodwill
 
$
2,355,000
 

13. Subsequent Events

Early in this fiscal year’s second quarter, NTS completed the last stage of its company-wide restructuring and is centralizing many administrative functions to take full advantage of its integrated ERP (enterprise resource planning) system. One-time costs associated with this restructuring will be approximately $1.3 million, of which $300,000 was recognized in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 and the remaining $1.0 million will be recognized in this fiscal year’s second quarter results.

Subsequent events have been evaluated up to and including the date these financial statements were issued.
ITEM   2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters addressed in this Item 2 contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Security and Exchanges Commission April 30, 2013.  Actual results, events and performance may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  See the note at the beginning of this report.

General

National Technical Systems, Inc. (“NTS” or the “Company”) is the leading independent provider of testing, inspection and certification services (“TIC”) in the United States, serving numerous attractive and growing end markets.  During its more than 50 years in the business, the Company has built the dominant testing platform in the country, with no close second.  NTS’ expansive geographic presence, experienced sales force, deep client relationships, breadth of capabilities and continuous innovation are unmatched by any competitor,  making the Company a unique one-stop resource to meet its clients’ demanding and evolving requirements.  NTS is accredited by numerous national and international technical organizations which allow the Company to have its test data accepted in most countries.

NTS serves customers primarily in the civil aviation and space, defense, telecommunications, automotive, energy, consumer products, commercial and industrial products and medical markets. The Company operates facilities throughout the United States and in Japan, Vietnam and Germany.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2013 and the consolidated quarterly financial statements and notes thereto contained in this report.  All information in this report is based upon unaudited operating results of the Company for the three-month periods ended April 30, 2013 and 2012.

Markets

Civil Aviation and Space
NTS offers integrated life cycle product services to the civil aviation and space market.  These services include engineering, testing, certification, and supply chain management.  From concept development and design, through, certification, production and in-service life, NTS provides support throughout the full life cycle of the product.  These integrated services fill the capability gaps that have developed in the aerospace supply chains after years of large scale integration, outsourcing and globalization.

NTS designs, builds, and integrates custom test, measurement, automation and data acquisition and control systems for the aerospace industry. These systems integrate diverse hardware platforms, operating systems and instrumentation standards.

Testing services include providing a wide range of test capabilities for space and aircraft vehicles.   NTS has extensive capability and expertise in static and fatigue testing, sonic fatigue, vibration, modal, ground vibration, high pressure/high flow air and fluid compatibility.  Airborne equipment testing spans the full range of RTCA DO-160 requirements, including static and dynamic, electromagnetic effects (EME, EMI, EMC), electrostatic discharge (ESD), environmental, material and system compatibility, high intensity radiated field (HIRF), direct and indirect lightning effects and highly accelerated life testing/stress screening (HALT/HASS).

NTS’ engineering services consist of design and analysis of aerospace structures, systems, components and detailed parts as part of clients’ design teams or as a fixed-price work package.  Specific capabilities include engineering program management, managed engineering services (on-site management of client engineering teams), design engineering, analysis, test engineering, test system engineering, failure forensics and expert witnessing.

NTS also provides engineering services related to the design, development, testing and integration of pods and payloads for unmanned systems.  These services have expanded from airborne platforms into ground, sea (surface and subsurface), and robotic platforms. NTS has conducted test programs for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) components, systems, payloads and completely integrated air vehicles. NTS is actively engaged in a variety of unmanned system test programs, and has performed environmental, vibration and EMI testing on a number of UAS systems.

Certification and supply chain management services span a wide range of development, oversight, and registration activities including product inspection, production monitoring and expediting, test witnessing and support, corrective action follow-up, supplier surveillance, sub-tier supplier management, new supplier surveys, systems evaluations and audits (including special processes), development of quality assurance protocols, supplier development and improvement, quality management system audit, certification and registration.

Defense. 

NTS plays an active role in numerous U.S. defense-related programs, performing a wide variety of defense technology research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) services for the Department of Defense (DOD), military and governmental agencies. These services evaluate the weapons, ordnance, munitions, avionics, electronics, hydraulic and pneumatic controls, engines and communication systems that make up the elements of today’s modern warfare.  The Company’s testing platforms for the defense industry include fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, submarines, aircraft carriers and other naval ships, tanks and other tracked vehicles, trucks and road vehicles, command, control and communication systems and missiles and weapons systems.  Testing includes associated system and component level tests of structures, hardware, electronics, personal protective equipment, armor, weapons and ammunition.

NTS has facilities that are specially constructed to store, handle, and test ordnance, munitions and hazardous materials.  Routine testing includes live fire, function, environmental, dynamics, safety, MIL-STD-901 shipboard shock, insensitive munitions, hazard classification, transportation and packaging safety.  These tests are done for prototype, developmental, qualification and production/lot acceptance testing.  Multiple NTS facilities around the country provide 200 v/m up to 40 GHz EMI/EMC testing of electronic and communications equipment.  Custom designed NTS data acquisition systems are capable of collecting data at speeds of 2,000,000 data points per second and digital photography capability of over 160,000 color photos per second.

NTS’ defense group provides energetic and prototype engineering services, including 2D and 3D CAD modeling; technical data package  development and modification; finite element analysis, projectile design and analysis; interior and exterior ballistics analysis, and design and development of custom test hardware and fixtures.  Other services include support, procurement and delivery of precision metal parts and explosive loading of prototype hardware.  Additional defense services include design, development, fabrication, and fielding of specialized high speed instrumentation and diagnostics for energetics and hazardous materials and ordnance testing.  This includes custom sensor suite design, fabrication and deployment, often through specialized test facility design.

Telecommunications. 

NTS provides engineering design, test evaluation and certification services for manufacturers of a broad array of telecommunications networking and storage equipment intended for commercial data centers, central/telecom offices and client premise environments.  The Company’s services are performed in accordance with domestic and international regulatory standards, the network equipment building systems (NEBS) specifications, as required by the telecommunications industry. Globally, NTS represents the largest network of independent test laboratories (ITL) certified and recognized by most regional bell operating companies’ (RBOCs) carriers.  The Company is also certified and accredited to support formal witness testing on behalf of the RBOC carriers at approved manufacturer’s internal test facilities.  As the wireless telecom industry continues to see significant growth globally, the need for engineering design, testing evaluation and certification services for faster and more robust backhaul networking equipment will continue to increase. The Company is well positioned to support this accelerated growth currently providing accredited ITL services at laboratories in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas and Germany.

Automotive. 

NTS supports the commercial and military vehicle industries with testing, including dynamometer operations on power train components, vibration and shock on mechanical and electrical assemblies, thermal and corrosion exposures on control and monitoring systems, pressure pulsing and burst on fluid handling items and fatigue and ultimate strength on mechanical components.  NTS performs testing to support requirements in emerging markets of pure electric vehicles and electric hybrid vehicles. This includes electric motors, integrated motor/transmissions, specialized high speed transmissions, batteries and control/distribution modules.   It also performs highly accelerated life tests (HALT) and highly accelerated stress screen (HASS). These tests combine extremes of temperature, rapid temperature change, and multi-axis vibration to rapidly expose design weaknesses and process flaws. NTS is accredited to ISO 17025 through the American Accreditation of Laboratories Association (A2LA). This accreditation allows NTS automotive test reports to be accepted throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Energy. 

NTS offers multi-disciplinary expertise and capabilities to provide smart solutions to complex engineering, and scientific problems in the areas of nuclear energy, renewable energy, energy storage and smart grid. The services provided are:
 
 
·
Technical functional knowledge of engineering fundamentals: mechanical, structural, electrical, reliability, and high technology communication and security software system test and monitoring solutions.
 
·
Testing on a variety of smart energy/smart grid products with a focus on the communications functionality and network protocols of smart meters, smart outlets, thermostats/in-home displays and smart appliances.
 
·
Supply chain management focusing on assuring product integrity through quality process and product auditing, supplier improvement plans, and management of quality systems.
 
·
Multi-disciplinary expertise in global compliance and certification for components, devices, communication products, software/hardware interoperability, and system security vulnerability assessments and validation.
 
·
Seismic, environmental, EMI, radiation, equipment qualification, commercial grade dedication, mechanical aging, thermal aging, vacuum testing, leak detection, and high expansion line breaks.  Seismic and vibration simulation tests conducted on our single axis, dependent biaxial systems, or independent tri-axial and electro-mechanical shaker tables are used for a variety of client products.
 
·
Certification and evaluation services to nuclear utilities and suppliers worldwide.
 
·
A full range of products, engineering and testing services under our NUPIC and NIAC audited 10CFR50, Appendix B quality program.

Consumer Products.

NTS provides engineering design, test evaluation and domestic and international certification services to manufacturers of a broad array of consumer products normally procured for use in a residence, school or recreation environment.  This typically includes personal computing, PC peripheral, residential networking and personal wireless devices. These products are subjected to a wide range of electromagnetic compatibility, product safety, reliability, usability and interoperability tests and certifications to assure market compliance, reliability and effective use.   The Company has been approved as an exclusive independent test laboratory (ITL) to offer internet TV set-top box multimedia over coax (MoCA) certification. The Company is the exclusive certifications provider for the Sirius/XM radio ready program and holds a number of domestic and international test accreditations throughout its network of commercial laboratories.  NTS is an accredited telecommunication certification body (TCB) in North America and an appointed notified body for wireless devices in the European Union.  With the increased integration of wireless technology into traditional consumer products, the dramatic population growth, income gains, global macroeconomic shifts and the urbanization in regions throughout Asia, Central and South America and Africa, NTS is well positioned to support the growing market spaces to which manufacturers are seeking to sell.  The Company’s service offerings offer a ‘one-stop-shop’ to the consumer product market, ensuring a shorter time to market in the fierce ‘to market’ race manufacturers find themselves competing within.

Commercial & Industrial. 

NTS provides engineering design, test evaluation and domestic and international certification services to manufacturers of a broad array of commercial and industrial products normally procured for light and heavy industrial applications. This covers a wide range of industries from shipbuilding, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, automation, robotics, laboratory and materials handling devices. Various types of commercial grade electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic systems are subjected to electrical, environmental and safety testing to ensure regulatory compliance and safe and reliable use.  Special combined mechanical and environmental testing processes, such as highly accelerated life testing (HALT), are used to accelerate the effects of aging and wear to allow manufacturers to produce a more reliable product.  Once this has been accomplished, similar highly accelerated stress screening (HASS) testing can be used to ensure consistent quality on the production line.  Market trends are showing increased integration of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Wide Wireless Access Network (WWAN) communication technologies in such product lines.

Medical. 
NTS provides engineering design, testing evaluation and domestic and international certification services to manufacturers of a broad array of medical products typically including non-invasive devices.  Services are limited to include electromagnetic compatibility, electrical product safety and quality control/risk analysis consultation.  Through various industry partnerships, the Company has affiliations with consultants and notified bodies to support medical approval in North America and throughout the European Union.  With the increased integration of wireless communications into traditional medical device products, NTS is also well equipped to support domestic and international testing and approvals.

Growth Strategy

NTS’ growth strategy is to provide significant focus on corporate development activities within the mid-to longer-term time horizon, while continuing to drive efficiencies and market penetration within the shorter-term fiscal planning time horizon.

NTS’ strategies for continued growth include:
 
·
increasing market share through leveraging its geographic reach and providing superior service that distinguishes it from its competition;
 
·
investing in human and capital resources to strengthen existing capabilities;
 
·
enhancing utilization of resources;
 
·
adding new, innovative service offerings to the Company’s repertoire;
 
·
continuing to seek, evaluate and acquire companies that can add significant value upon integration with NTS; and
 
·
continuing to integrate companies recently acquired.
 
Recent Developments

            Consolidated revenues for the three months ended April 30, 2013, were $45,017,000, an increase of $1,564,000 or 3.6% over the same period last year. The majority of this increase came from organic growth particularly in the civil aviation and space and energy markets, partially offset by a decrease in defense.  The increased revenues combined with prudent cost controls resulted in net income for the period of $1,616,000.

Unaudited Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended April 30, 2013

Revenues
 
REVENUES
 
   
   
 
Three months ended April 30,
 
2013
   
2012
   
% Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
   
 
Total revenues
 
$
45,017
   
$
43,453
     
3.6
%
 
            For the three months ended April 30, 2013, consolidated revenues increased by $1,564,000 or 3.6% when compared to the same period in fiscal year 2013. Organic growth (revenues from businesses owned throughout both reporting periods) accounted for the majority of the increase and was primarily related to an increase in the civil aviation and space and energy markets, partially offset by a decrease in defense.

Gross Profit
 
GROSS PROFIT
 
   
   
 
Three months ended April 30,
 
2013
   
2012
   
% Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
Total
 
$
13,530
   
$
11,321
     
19.5
%
 
Gross profit for the three months ended April 30, 2013 increased by $2,209,000 or 19.5% when compared to the same period in fiscal 2013. This increase in gross profit was primarily due to the higher volume, price increases and project mix. Approximately $700,000 of support-related expenses were included in cost of sales in the first quarter of the prior year, which due to the centralization of administrative functions that began in the current quarter is recorded to SG&A in the current quarter. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue, or gross margin, increased from 26.1% to 30.1%.
Selling, General & Administrative
 
SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE
   
   
 
Three months ended April 30,
 
2013
   
2012
   
% Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
Total
 
$
10,039
   
$
8,412
     
19.3
%
% to total revenues
   
22.3
%
   
19.4
%
       
 
Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1,627,000 or 19.3% for the three months ended April 30, 2013 when compared to the same period in fiscal 2013. With the centralization of administrative functions which began in the current quarter almost complete, SG&A expense for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 has approximately $700,000 of support-related and other administrative expenses that were included in cost of sales in the earlier quarters. Additionally, the year-over-year increase in SG&A was also impacted by higher compensation and incentive-related expense, especially in the sales and marketing areas where the Company has expanded its resources to access growing market opportunities, and higher stock–based compensation expense.

Operating Income
 
OPERATING INCOME
 
   
   
 
Three months ended April 30,
 
2013
   
2012
   
% Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
Total
 
$
3,459
   
$
2,896
     
19.4
%
% to total revenues
   
7.7
%
   
6.7
%
       
 
Operating income for the three months ended April 30, 2013 increased by $563,000 or 19.4% when compared to the same period in fiscal 2013, primarily as a result of the increase in gross profit, partially offset by the increase in selling, general and administrative expense.

Interest Expense

Net interest expense decreased by $86,000 to $791,000 in the three months ended April 30, 2013 when compared to the same period in fiscal 2013. The decrease was due to lower debt balances in the current quarter.

Other Income

Other income was $14,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2013, consisting of various minor transactions.

Income Taxes

The income tax provision rate for the three months ended April 30, 2013 was 39.7% compared to 40.7% for the same period in the prior year.  Management has determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized on the basis of offsetting them against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities. The Company analyzes the value of the deferred income tax asset quarterly.

Net Income

 Net income for the three months ended April 30, 2013 was $1,616,000 compared to $1,222,000 for the same period in fiscal 2013. This increase was primarily due to higher operating income, partially offset by higher income taxes.

For the three months ended April 30, 2013, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $185,000 compared to $268,000 in the prior year, a decrease of $83,000 or 31.0%.   The decrease was due to the Company’s purchase of the 49.9% minority interest of Unitek Technical Services, a consolidated subsidiary, on November 8, 2012.  Income related to Unitek is no longer included in noncontrolling interests.

  Net income attributable to NTS for the three months ended April 30, 2013 was $1,431,000 compared to $954,000 for the same period in fiscal 2013. This increase was primarily due to higher net income and the decrease in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) as adjusted to remove the effect of share based compensation expense or "adjusted EBITDA", was $6,659,000 for the first three months of fiscal year 2014 compared to $5,518,000 in the same period for the prior year.

Management uses adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the Company's core operations without reference to the impact of interest and tax payments resulting from its capital structure and tax jurisdictions, or depreciation and amortization which can fluctuate based on acquisition activity.  The Company’s senior credit facility also includes covenants related to adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.  The Company calculates adjusted EBITDA by taking net income, and adding back the expenses related to interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, share based compensation expense and non-cash impairment loss, as each of those elements are calculated in accordance with GAAP.  A reconciliation of the Company's adjusted EBITDA to net income for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 is included in the table below.
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Three months ended April 30,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
 
 
   
 
Net Income
 
$
1,616
   
$
1,222
 
Add
               
Interest
   
791
     
877
 
Taxes
   
1,066
     
833
 
Depreciation
   
2,088
     
1,931
 
Amortization
   
510
     
503
 
EBITDA
   
6,071
     
5,366
 
Add
               
Share based compensation
   
588
     
152
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
6,659
   
$
5,518
 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity
A summary of key balance sheet items affecting liquidity at April 30, 2013 and January 31, 2013 is as follows:

 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
April 30, 2013
   
January 31, 2013
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
7,971
   
$
8,875
 
Investments
 
$
3,441
   
$
3,410
 
Accounts receivable
 
$
36,082
   
$
33,573
 
Unbilled receivable
 
$
8,567
   
$
8,073
 
Working capital
 
$
32,464
   
$
33,338
 
 
A summary of cash flows at April 30, 2013 and January 31, 2013 is as follows:
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
April 30, 2013
   
January 31, 2013
   
Change
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
4,195
   
$
206
   
$
3,989
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(1,406
)
   
(4,641
)
   
3,235
 
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
   
(3,653
)
   
5,007
     
(8,660
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(40
)
   
121
     
(161
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(904
)
 
$
693
   
$
(1,597
)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.2 million in the three months ended April 30, 2013 and primarily consisted of net income of $1.6 million, depreciation and amortization of $2.6 million, share-based compensation of $588,000 and allowance for doubtful accounts of $403,000, offset by changes in working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities in the three months ended April 30, 2013 was $1.4 million, which was related to capital expenditures.

Net cash used by financing activities in the three months ended April 30, 2013 was $3.7 million and consisted of net repayments of long-term debt.

Capital Resources

At April 30, 2013, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $8.0 million and working capital of $32.5 million.  In addition to its cash and cash generated from operations, the Company has a $65 million senior credit facility, including a $25 million revolving credit line, that is described in more detail under “Long-term Debt” below.

Under the revolving credit line the Company can borrow up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable.  At April 30, 2013, 85% of eligible accounts receivable was $23,419,000 and the amount of available credit under the revolving credit line on that date was $17,419,000.

The term loan and the acquisition line have been fully utilized as of April 30, 2013 and the Company is making periodic payments as required by the credit facility.

Long-term Debt

The Company has a senior credit facility of up to $65 million from a banking group led by Comerica Bank that includes Bank of the West and U.S. Bank. The credit facility includes a $20 million term loan, a $25 million revolving credit line and a $20 million acquisition line.  Interest rates under the credit agreement are at either LIBOR plus a range of 175 to 275 basis points, or at Comerica Bank's prime rate plus a range of 75 to 175 basis points.  Commitment fees on the revolving credit line and acquisition line are 25 basis points and 35 basis points, respectively.

On June 27, 2011, the Company completed a $14 million private placement of debt and equity with Mill Road Capital (MRC). Of the $14 million, $7 million was in the form of an interest-bearing, five-year subordinated note.

Long-term Debt as of April 30, 2013 and January 31, 2013 consisted of the following:

 
 
April 30, 2013
   
January 31, 2013
 
Revolving credit line (a)
 
$
6,000,000
   
$
8,500,000
 
Term loan (b)
   
13,800,000
     
14,300,000
 
Acquisition and equipment credit line (c)
   
18,062,000
     
18,447,000
 
Mill Road debt (d)
   
7,143,000
     
6,983,000
 
Secured and other notes payable (e)
   
5,282,000
     
5,721,000
 
Subtotal
   
50,287,000
     
53,951,000
 
Less current installments
   
5,804,000
     
5,572,000
 
Total
 
$
44,483,000
   
$
48,379,000
 

(a) The Company is required to repay the outstanding principal under the revolving credit line on November 10, 2015. Interest accrues at the Company’s option at either (i) the Base Rate plus a specified margin ranging between 75 and 150 basis points depending on the Company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate plus a specified margin ranging between 175 and 250 basis points depending on the Company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio.  When interest is incurred at the Base Rate, interest is payable monthly in arrears on the first day of each month.  When interest is incurred at the Eurodollar Rate, interest is payable at the end of each interest period, which is defined as one, two, three or six months after the applicable advance is disbursed to the Company (except that with respect to six month interest periods, interest is payable at three month intervals). The outstanding balance from revolving credit lines at April 30, 2013 was $6,000,000.  The revolving credit line is limited to 85% of eligible accounts receivable, which equates to $23,419,000 as of April 30, 2013.  The available amount on the revolving credit line was $17,419,000 as of April 30, 2013.

(b) The Company is required to repay the $20 million five-year term loan in equal quarterly principal installments of $500,000 commencing on February 1, 2011 until November 10, 2015, the maturity date, when all remaining outstanding principal plus accrued interest thereon is due and payable in full. Interest accrues at a specified margin plus either: (i) the greatest of (a) the prime rate announced by Comerica Bank, (b) the federal funds effective rate as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York plus 1.0%, and (c) a daily adjusting LIBOR rate plus 1.0%; or (ii) a rate based on LIBOR. The Company refers to the rates described in clauses (i) and (ii) in the preceding sentence, respectively, as the "Base Rate" and as the "Eurodollar Rate." The specific per annum interest rate will be, at the Company’s option, either the Base Rate plus a specified margin ranging between 100 and 175 basis points depending on the Company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio or the Eurodollar Rate plus a specified margin ranging between 200 and 275 basis points depending on the company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio. When interest is based on the Base Rate, interest is payable monthly in arrears on the first day of each month.  When interest is based on the Eurodollar Rate, interest is payable at the end of each interest period, which is defined as one, two, three or six months after the applicable loan is disbursed to the Company (except that with respect to six month interest periods, interest is payable at three month intervals). Excess cash flow payments as required under the credit agreement are applied to the term loan. The outstanding balance from term loans at April 30, 2013 was $13,800,000.

  (c) With respect to any credit advance under this line that is used to finance eligible acquisitions, the Company is required to make quarterly principal payments commencing one year after the date such credit advance is made, until November 10, 2015, the maturity date, when all remaining outstanding principal plus accrued interest thereon is due and payable in full. No principal payments are due during the first year following an advance. The amount of such quarterly principal payments is 1.25% of the aggregate original principal amount of such credit advance during the second year, increasing to 2.50% during the third year and increasing to 3.75% during the fourth and fifth years.

Interest on the acquisition credit line accrues at the Company’s option at either (i) the Base Rate plus a specified margin ranging between 100 and 175 basis points depending on the Company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate plus a specified margin ranging between 200 and 275 basis points depending on the Company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio. When interest is based on the Base Rate, interest is payable monthly in arrears on the first day of each month following the disbursement of an advance.  When interest is based on the Eurodollar Rate, interest is payable at the end of each interest period, which is defined as one, two, three or six months after the applicable advance is disbursed to us (except that with respect to six month interest periods, interest is payable at three month intervals). The outstanding balance from acquisitions at April 30, 2013 was $16,459,000.

With respect to any credit advance under this line that is used to finance the purchase of eligible machinery and equipment, the Company is required to make quarterly principal payments in an amount equal to 5% of the aggregate original principal amount of such credit advance. Such principal payments are due quarterly after the date such credit advance is made, until November 10, 2015, the maturity date, when all remaining outstanding principal plus accrued interest thereon is due and payable in full. The outstanding balance from equipment credit advances at April 30, 2013 was $1,603,000.

(d) The outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Mill Road subordinated note is due and payable on June 27, 2016.  Cash based interest accrues at a rate of 10.0% per annum and is payable quarterly.  Additional interest accrues at a rate of 5.0% per annum and is added automatically to the unpaid principal amount of the subordinated note on each date that cash interest is payable.  The outstanding balance at April 30, 2013 was $7,143,000 calculated based on the fair value of the debt.

(e) The Company has an additional $4,532,000 at April 30, 2013 in equipment line balances which were used to finance various test equipment with terms of 60 months for each equipment schedule at interest rates ranging from 0.00% to 5.24%.

The Company’s 50% owned subsidiary, NQA, Inc., has total borrowings of $750,000 at April 30, 2013. Advances under the business acquisitions line of credit bear interest, at the option of NQA, at a fluctuating rate equal to the lender’s corporate base rate plus 0.5% or at a fixed rate based on the Federal Home Loan Bank Advance Rate plus 3.0%.  Advances under the business acquisitions line of credit are due and payable, at the option of NQA, 3 or 5 years from the advance date and are subject to additional interest charges in the event of prepayment.

Substantially all the assets of the Company are pledged as collateral.

ITEM 3.
 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in the Company’s quantitative and qualitative market risk since the disclosure in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2013.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

            We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information is: (1) gathered and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officer, on a timely basis; and (2) recorded, processed, summarized, reported and filed with the SEC as required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of April 30, 2013, based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective for their intended purpose described above.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
 
In the current quarter, the Company commenced a company-wide centralization of many administrative functions to take full advantage of its integrated ERP (enterprise resource planning) system.  The ERP solution provides a unified platform for financial and accounting information, superseding a number of disparate legacy systems.  The centralization of administrative functions are designed to improve the Company’s internal control over financial reporting through reduction of “off-system” processes and increased consistency across the Company’s  operating facilities.
 
Limitations of the Effectiveness

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met.  Controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and any design may not succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations of any internal control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have been detected.
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. As of the date of this report, we are not a party to any litigation which we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business operations or financial condition.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Please see the risk factors set for in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on April 30, 2013 for a discussion of factors which could materially affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

See the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page of this report.
SIGNATURE
 
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.
 
 
National Technical Systems, Inc.
 
 
Date: June 11, 2013
/s/ Michael El-Hillow
 
Michael El-Hillow, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C, Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C, Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance.
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation.
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels.
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation.

* Furnished herewith.
 
 
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